Show us your truck bed sleeping platform/drawer/storage systems

I carpeted mine - with bulk from BedRug. Not the least expensive option, but a really good one. This stuff is impervious to anything, and can be pressure washed (out of the truck.) Much nicer to lie/sleep on, as well.

Like the previous poster, I have only taken my platform out once. It's too heavy to move in and out easily. I also have a trailer to haul stuff. My truck is primarily a camping/adventure truck - the 'work' part goes in the trailer.

 

I agree on the bed rug, great product for everyday use, hauling gear and materials.

What is everyone using for a mattress for camping back there? Looking to make it more comfortable for my wife

 

I didn't build my platform for sleeping, but for the storage drawers. The 1 time I did sleep back there beer is what worked for me.....the plywood platform, with a outdoor rug covering. Then just drunk me. I haven't done it again, but haven't needed to pass out like that since.

 

Ever go backpacking? Therm-O-Rest makes good self-inflating pads. You could also go with a mattress, but those are bulkier and don't pack away.

 

I need a garage set up like that...that is a "man-annex"....could put my bikes, truck, and drums all in a place like that <---build a little stage area for band practice....

 

Any chance you have the dimensions for those drawers? Love the setup

 

Finally got my canopy installed so was able to finish off the platform / drawer setup. Really happy with how it turned out. Pretty standard setup, but I was able to pick up tons of hints from this thread so thanks to all who post.Love the photos.

 

argh, I’ve been seeing 990s pop up everywhere lately. Really making me miss my old one.

 

It’s a sign.

 

My first-ever platform build complete. I'm no carpenter but I'm thankful for friends who are more meticulous than I am, and that have an array of tools available.
Price: $220
Materials: 2x 3/4" Hardwood Plywood Sheets
2x 8' Treated 2"x8" (Lowes had nothing shorter)
2x 8' Treated 2"x10" (")
1x 6'x8' Outdoor Rug
Misc. Screws, staples, etc
Time: 7 1/2hrs (roughly)

Use: Weekend camping, climbing, hiking, and road trips
Versatility: Nothing is screwed into the bed itself, everything is easily removable and the platform can be broken down into half the size, while still maintaining its structural integrity.
(Obviously love a versatile construction *cough cough* "SOFTOPPER")

So this build just evolved as we got closer to finishing it. Having the horizontal supports break down into 4 pieces instead of two (width of the bed) was impromptu and is actually still very sturdy (thanks to the 2"x's). We notched out the edges of these for the sake of headroom. I know most wouldn't go through such trouble for half an inch of extra space, however, my wife and I like our comfort, so with our mattress toppers+sleeping pads+blankets, I figured we would rather have that extra bit of space overhead, rather than underneath. (considering extracurriculars as well)
(Don't have a headroom measurement yet). That being said, the storage underneath is only about 7 3/4" tall. We've already got two 39" storage bins (one for each side) and still have 33" of length for storage (thanks to the 6' bed). So what we lack in height, we gain in length. (not always applicable).
I spent the extra money on the hardwood plywood because I wanted the sturdiness without excessive hardware. Same with the 2"x's. Ridiculously sturdy for our use. My wife and I together are just over 300lbs so we have no worries of stressing out the structure. Is this excessive? Perhaps. But the quality of these is much greater than the other options Lowes had to offer. We have a weekend trip planned, leading into Valentine's day, so we'll actually have a test run in some National Forest areas in Northern Georgia.

Always up for critiques, so please, "Roast My Build"

 

Nice attention to detail - notching, dados, etc.

The center divider probably didn't need to be 2 pieces of 2x - a little heavy, but will last forever.

Good job!

 

Thank you! The 2x's are a bit excessive but I wanted it to be dead center, rather than off set in the groove of the bed. This way it straddles the center groove.
Probably could have been done with 1x's or with a different modification. I'm not super concerned with weight right now, but maybe down the road I'll find I am. I appreciate your feedback!

 

My riser is offset(drawer on the right and saw stand on the left and is 1/2” plywood sandwiching 3/4” x 2-1/2” pieces that provide storage for 3’, 4’, 6’ levels plus clamp & guide. I suppose it could also be a place for fishing rods or maybe long and narrow water storage.

 

Nice drawers. What do they slide on? I built a platform but need to make a drawer. My opening only goes back about 2/3 of the way.

 

got some strips of 3/8” UHMW Plastic. Each drawer has 2 - 2” strips at the bottom and then I added 2 at the top.(the ones on top aren’t attached to the drawers but to the main platform, if that makes sense) I looked at the drawer sliders but they were too expensive for me right now and they slide really well, although I haven’t loaded them up. Probably going to apply some snowboard wax to get it even smoother.

description of UHMW from the interwebs:
UHMW (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) is an extremely tough, abrasion-resistant, low-cost plastic, used for a wide range of wear applications. UHMW is a popular plastic for countless industrial applications that require durability, low friction, and chemical resistance.

 

Nice build...I considered that...where did you find it? BTW sliders Are really expensive! Haha. Unfortunately I had already purchased mine. I am considering the UMHW as a slider for my whole box so I can access the rear storage compartment easier. This is before I installed the drawers but you can see my forward cargo area in this pic.

 

You could safely add some "speed holes" in the center boards to reduce the overall weight without messing up the vertical strength.

 

got it from Redwood Plastics just outside of Vancouver. They were super great to deal with and will cut it to spec. You could search “industrial plastic” or even just “UHMW” for your town and probably find something. The full sheets of it or pretty pricey but I bought the “recycled” stuff. The salesman said basically the only difference was the colour. Keep costs down a bit further.

it is a wear item as well, so depending on how much action it’ll see, maybe get a little thicker so you don’t have to replace. Stuff seems pretty damn bomber though

 

Skateboard bearings are an inexpensive option that some folks use instead of sliders. Pretty sure there are several examples in this thread.

 

I built wheels into the drawer bottom that ride in the bed grooves. The drawer isn’t full length so I have it on a pully to haul it up against the cab wall. It holds heavy stuff forward of the rear axle and lightweight folding sawhorses go in after.