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

why do you want to switch?

 

not all the way. i have to be leaning back on my elbow a bit to sit up. 4 more inches would be nice

 

did you just buy the one unit? it comes with 12 squares right? did you need more?

 

Additional head space and additional access.

 

I got 2 boxes just in case I messed up, but one box should suffice if you’re careful.

 

Having the windoors on the side is a game changer. The commercial topper is nice for me since I sometimes park the truck on the street in SF and it provides that extra security that is necessary. Also lighter and stronger for roof loads than a fiberglass shell. Sometimes they pop up on CL and FB marketplace, just keep your eyes out!

 

Commercial toppers are def good for those reasons. they just don't look good as a topper made for your truck though with matching contours

 

I'm considering selling my insulated 23" commercial shell because it makes my truck a bit too tall for my liking with my lift and tires (can't park under the carport at home without a spotter, or in the garages at either of the local hospitals, for example), and also because I don't sleep in the bed anymore, so the extra headspace isn't necessary. It's on my 2nd gen longbed, but I'm 99% sure it's actually for a first gen based on the fitment. Hit me up if you want to take a look and take some measurements.

 

It’s white or black?

 

Rattlecanned black by the previous owner. Underlying OEM paint is white.

 

The side access is really the best.

 

How tall is that cap?

 

Tall enough to look kinda silly. I think it's 36" but I'd have to go remeasure, if you really want to know I can in the morning.

 

Sorry to get back to you so late on this. I used 1/2” sanded plywood cut into 3 sections with outdoor carpet glued with contact adhesive and stapled took some pointers from different builds/setups

 

I used contact adhesive just read instructions carefully before using

 

Finally have some photos of the build, and was able to sleep in it a couple of weeks ago so here we go.

After researching some simple platform builds, I decided I wanted it to be a modular design where I can have more storage space for gear available if I was camping solo, and more sleeping space if I was with my family. First task of the day was a Home Depot run:



My friend's dad was helping me with build since he does quite a bit of wood working. Here is our high fidelity schematic:


First part was building the cross frame. You can see the 4 separate compartments. The two front sections would hold gear such as sleeping bags, pillows, clothing, air compressor and tools, etc. The two longer one would hold two long under bed storage bins. Or I could remove one of the longer platform pieces and have a bike in there, quite a few ways to go which I liked.


Smaller upper toppers done, and finger holes drilled:


Longer toppers cut and trimmed:


Wood adhesive applied under the carpet, then stapled (I still need to do a sealer on the exposed wood):


Done and done! We managed to start at 8am and be done at 6pm. I was hoping it would be a one day job and it was a sprint to the finish!


Finally camped in Utah a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing. So much more comfortable than sleeping in the bare bed. You can see I used one of the top quadrants for a small cooler, which fit perfectly in there. Easy beer access through the windoors.


Can't wait for more camping this summer and fall.

 

Wow that is a great setup! I Like the center backbone takes the stress off the center while giving you hidden storage I shoulda done something similar mine has no storage yet. You should have sealed the wood before carpeting it, an additional layer of water/ mold protection! But very nice setup

 

Thanks! Luckily I live in Southern California which is relatively dry most parts of the year, but I am going to seal the exposed plywood once we are out of this June gloom weather. If it doesn't hold up, well, I am out $150 and can likely do it twice as fast next time. ha

 

Yeah that’s kinda where I’m at kinda test and tune

 

Another small step forward. Today I put a couple coats of Polyurethane on a new base for the next evolution of my set up. I'm gonna cover it with outdoor carpet so it was purely for moisture protection. My last platform grew mold from this past rainy winter.
Next up will be finishing up the cabinets. I've got upcoming work travels but when I get back it'll be time for a sleeping platform with pullout.