Sleeping in truck bed

I actually use a 1x1.5" steel tube and a 1x2"x1/8" aluminum tube. Those just happened to be the remnants sizes that were available when I was at the metals store.

I also carry with me some 4x4 blocks the height of the platform. I'll strategically place these under the platform to take the load off of the cross members.

 

Why not just put an inflatable bed in the truck bed? it might be easier than splitting the top half with a platform, more headroom too. Platforms around the little notches on the truck bed make me worried about the notches bending due to excessive weight or causing damage to the truck bed.

 

Thanks, I will give that a try! Great idea with the Reflectix

 

Thanks! Got the idea here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/long-bed-sleeping-platform.505589/

 

Is anyone making extensions for us reg bed guys

 

I know that this isnt a truck (its a 4Runner SUV) but that just means that you have even more possibilities with a truck since the bed should be longer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HptHGn38KLQ

In the video the guy says that he tried the 50/50 platform method but there wasnt much headroom so he tried this other method.

 

This other guy put the shelves on the top of the camper shell instead of on the sides:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YeoyGvuFxo

 

I don't use a topper. I built a simple frame out of 2"x8"s 27"x72". I slide the frame into the bed of the truck, load whatever gear I am bringing inside and around the frame and throw a piece of plywood over the top. I then place a queen size futon mattress on the plywood, cover it with a down comforter and pillows. I the put 3 10' pieces of 3/4" O.D. PVC pipe on top of the comforter, bending them into bows so that they fit into the bed sideways. I then cover it all with a good sized tarp and strap it all down securely so the tarp won't flutter in the wind on the road.

It fits nicely in the bed of the truck and does not stick up above the bed rails so I have complete visibility out of the truck.

When we get to the camp spot, I take the tarp off, lift up the piece of plywood and unload the gear, drop the platform with the bedding back down on the frame and stand the PVC bows up kind of like an old covered wagon. Then I cover the bows with the tarp and pull it tight and secure it well up by the cab of truck and at the wheels, leaving it loose at the back and tuck in any excess between the platform and the tailgate.

It works very well! We sleep dry, comfy and bug free!

I will post some pics of the setup next time we go camping if any of you are interested in seeing it.

Super cheap. Super easy. Super comfortable.

Happy trails!

: )B

 

This needs some pics!

 

The setup is for my 99, so some dimensions may change for 3rd gens.

I will definitely get some pics posted soon!

 

I have basically the same setup as the OP. I use a 4" tri-fold full mattress that fits just about perfectly on the platform in a 6 foot bed.

$185 Milliard Full Tri Folding Mattress with Washable Cover, Full Size (75"es x 52"es x 4"es)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W67PAPK/

 

I have used a company called “foam by mail,” for some custom cut acoustic foam before. Their tolerances are relatively sloppy so I wouldn’t use them for a high end client but for saving a ton of cash, they beat auralex by a large margin. I’d only avoid using them for the pickiest of high end customers. Everyone else would either not notice the issues or the savings would justify overlooking them.

They also offer other foam and custom cuts, which is why I mention them.

They have futon mattresses with removable covers for around 200.

https://www.foambymail.com/

 

I found this out when i had some Yakima/Thule Square bar fall into the notch and realized it's perfect. I'm thinking and drawing up various iterations using1" extruded aluminum profile "T-slot" / "80/20". The challenge is I'm trying to also use those cross members as tie-downs, and also have plywood flush where the t-slot voids are. SO something similar to GFC's Deck they had but using the existing notches and plywood rim support on the perimeter of the inside of the bed, rather than relying soley on the rail system.

 

Great platform - I'm thinking of doing the same thing. What thickness of plywood did you use?

 

I have one , they work ... but its nice to store things under the platform, air bed needs to have a 100% empty bed which of course which is not ideal when you bring lots of camping gear. Also for me personally sleeping on a foam type mattress and platform is much more comfortable then an inflatable air mattress.

Beyond that , worrying about popping the thing when your out on a 2-3 day camp trip with no backup kind of sucks (Its happened)

 

I used 3/4” plywood.

 

I built some folding legs for the back so I can run 1/2 platform or full if my kiddo is coming. Also have some extenders that go onto the tailgate that allow for a little less cramped sleeping environment. When your sleeping and storage are combined pack smart and think of how much stuff you may need to unpack to be able to sleep at night. Organization is key to bed camping and I don’t do well in this area. I always overpack and it becomes cumbersome.

 

I really like these guys solution, particularly because they have addressed the short bed issue. https://bambeds.com/products/bambed-shorty-short-bed-toyota-tacoma-05-present?variant=42548383842518

 

I like these too but it seems a bit expensive for 3/4" bitch plywood cut to the dimensions of the bed.