Drawer system for DCSB. Platform w/ long drawers on bearings.

Major upgrade to the Tacoma bed system designed and built over the last couple days. Now it's even sturdier for sleeping or cargo, and we have better access to and fuller use of the area below the platform.

With tomorrow morning's final addition of a removable foot board to cover the drawers opened 12 inches, I'll be able to fit comfortably inside the short-bed, given the tailgate and shell glass are open into the SUV tent or open air.

 

nice work

 

that looks awesome! i need that, but my woodworking skills leave a bit to be desired. I made a boot scraper in grade nine tech that my mom thought was for removing the oven rack and used it as such for years....I didn't have the heart to tell her.
By the way...need my address for shipping that?

 

We got to put it through the paces this weekend. Filled up and took it camping up to Bass Lake. With the attached Napier SUV tent, it was amazing. Pretty much a traveling hotel room on wheels. Nice to be up above the ground for sleeping and still have a full 9x9 room for changing, a couple of chairs, or a place to hide in comfort in the rain.

I'll be cutting off some of the unnecessary edges around the front... finishing up the way to secure and stow the drawer tops. A few of the nuts / washers and supports are sticking and rubbing in spots.. so I'll be tweaking some of the spacing and nut/washers to smooth it out. Tried a few options for padding underneath us, and will be trying some more next time. Thinking think inflatable air mattresses will work better than a few layers of foam. Any other members use these tents or camp in a similar setup?

 

That's awesome! What type / thickness wood did you use? How tall do the sides stand?

 

Yes !
Thanks for posting this, I've been looking to do something very similar and it would seem you have done a great job.
Any more details you could share would be helpful as I would really like to get started on one of these ASAP.
Parts list, Lumber list and details, approximate cost etc.
Thanks, 'cause that is what I'm looking to do.

 

That's awesome! What type / thickness wood did you use? How tall do the sides stand? Other Measurements/Dimensions?

 

This is my next big project. great job on yours! I'm lucky in that I have an access cab and I'm 6 foot tall so I have exactly enough room that i can sleep with the tailgate and shell closed.

 

We're taking it out again this weekend to try a few more tweaks. I pulled most of the brass supports from the cross-braces (they were rubbing into the drawers at certain angles) and a few more upgrades.

I designed the project concept in SketchUp Make and the direct OneDrive Link is here: Feel free to download and tweak for your own usage. http://1drv.ms/1Tbd1o9

I used 3/4in thick Multi-Ply Plywood - Maple Specifically
Ended up using the existing split 2x4s as cross-braces instead of the planned 1x8.

I'll add the pics that include my "packs" used of bolts, nuts, washers, bearings, etc. tomorrow when I get back out to the workshop.

 

Something I'm thinking of selling a few more of... It's a sweet setup, really. May be difficult to ship, but probably worth a few hundred dollars to many. Curious what the market would be, if I was to make and sell, say 10 more for TW members. Hit me up if you're interested in buying one from me.

 

Subd

 

More complete buildout and drawer pics in my Build Thread HERE https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bigskybobs-dcsb-off-road-build-camping-off-road-and-dd.421944/

 

Bigskybob, you did an amazing job on your build!! My wife and I are looking for something like that for our '05 dbsc taco. Thank you for your pics and sharing your build...again..amazing job!!

 

If you want a locking drawer slide that's made for vehicles, look up accuride 9308-24. The last two digits are the length.

 

Bigskybob, did you have to make many modifications to get the Napier SUV tent to match up to your truck bed?

 

kydreamers - No modifications required at all. It's a perfect fit. I needed a place to attach the long straps that were supposed to attach to the hood struts (didn't make a ton of sense to me) so I loop them through the "oh shit" handles and just shut the doors over them. There are side straps that I hook onto the rear wheel wells and a couple hooks that attach nicely to the bumper/trailer hitch. The sleeve holds well and is elastic around the top and bottom of shell and bed.