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

The brace fits somewhat into the bed liner ridges since I sanded the edges down, but not perfectly flush since Toyota thought nobody would ever want a 2x4 to slot into it nicely the upside is, I was able to cut up some weird carpet squares I "acquired" from work and super glue them to the top of the brace to dampen any noise of getting in/out of the bed

The pockets over the wheel well are pretty nice, they are just above the boards and kinda hidden by the mattress but still usable to store frequently used items. Absolutely no idea why they would remove something so handy from the 3rd gens.

 

When I had my full-sized platform, I used rectangular metal tubes for the front and back cross members; a 1” x 1.5“ steel tube and a 1” x 2” aluminum tube. Do you live in SoCal? If so, I know of a metal supply company where you can pick up steel, aluminum, and stainless steel cutoff stock for cheap (by the lb.).

I’m sure these were plenty strong, but since I didn’t know the bending weight, I took a 4 x 4 and cut 3 posts that fit under the platform. When needed, these could be moved around under the platform to provide additional support (or used as emergency wheel chocks!).

 

Looks nice! Curious, with it being a short bed and you have the GFC SuperLite, are you using this platform mainly for above and below storage, or are you sleeping on it?

 

The BamBed doesn't use any support underneath it but it looks like you made some support braces. Do you feel like they are needed?

 

Thanks! Strictly storage. I used to have a full size platform that I slept on. I’m 6’, so I had to sleep diagonally. Same thing with the SuperLite, since there’s limited toe space when sleeping on your back.

The platform is 30” wide, so a hinged extension could be added if you wanted to sleep on it.

 

Absolutely required, imo, and there's really no reason not to put in a brace. Spending $20 on two 2x4s (including screws) to protect $160 worth of plywood is insignificant and worth the peace of mind knowing you can't possibly break a board

The biggest factor for deciding to make it was when I sat on 2 stacked boards with my legs on the 3rd with no brace underneath and the top board I was sitting on was flush with the 3rd board (basically flexing 3/4inches in the center). 2 adults would probably cause a full inch or more of sag,

Of course, my boards are made from maple and the bam boards are birch or bamboo, plus I didn't have any 10gal tubs underneath at the time, so if you plan on filling the bed with 10gal Rubbermaids, you could get away with not using the brace.

 

@cactushead I'm in Maine and went a different route for the bed camping set up

 

Do share!

 

Industrial Metal Supply. The San Diego location is in Kearny Mesa. To find the remnants, go straight back to the warehouse area of the store. The pictures are old, but it gives you a sampling of what you can find. Are you searching for something in particular?

For those not in SD, they also have locations in LA, Irvine, Inland Empire, Tucson, and Phoenix.

 

Is the center sections removable so that you can use the driver side as a bench?

 

@cactushead it is. Can cook on the counter as well of need be.

 

There was one thing that I did not like about the full bed platform. You had to remove everything before you can utilize the other functions (i.e., bed or kitchen/living room). Then the next day, load everything back up. Hence, the SuperLite RTT!

 

Was thinking I'd rather do some metal supports versus wood and if I ever get off my ass and learn to weld...

 

Better yet, get to know someone who welds. It's a lot cheaper!

At IMS, you should have no problem finding 1 x 2’s in steel or aluminum. However, if you’re looking for a readymade, basic platform, I’m going to be selling mine. It’s in excellent shape (used 3 times), carpeted, and comes with metal supports w/end caps. It is not fancy, just 2-pieces, cut lengthwise (about 75% - 25%).

I made it out of 1/2”, 9-ply Baltic birch plywood. This is carpenter-grade plywood that is free of voids and stronger than most plywoods. Anyways, $100.00, obo. I need to take some pictures before I list it.

btw, due to the platform, I got the DMV to change my registration from PK to PM (permanently modified). No more annual surcharge of $80 for commercial plates!

 

But a cheap welder and fly me out


I’ll weld it up for you AND teach you for free.

It’ll still be cheaper than paying for classes (not cheaper than YouTube though, but faster haha).

 

After I get settled, if I can't find someone out here I'll see how serious you are on that offer.

 

Send me some pics... can barely get the wood, carpet and screws for that price.

As for the DMV, I've heard they do that with caps. Did you just have the platform and they switched you?

 

You’re right, only with a cap. I assumed everyone with platforms had one.

Btw, I noticed in your profile that you have a access cab. I have a short bed, so my platform won’t fit your long bed.

 

As long as it fits my schedule I’m down love to teach!

 

Darn... $100 was a steal. GLWS