Easy sleeping platform

Tested out my new sleeping platform this weekend and was really pleased with it. Thought I'd share my approach because I've seen some very elaborate, heavy-looking (gas-guzzling) and what I assume expensive sleeping platforms out there. This method is simple, cheap and functional.

I went with 3/4" ply, cut in two pieces with the seam spanning the width of the bed instead of running down the length. The panels sit along the lip in the bed liner. This allows you to push both sides towards the front of the bed and give you full height of the bed in back, for coolers, tall shit, etc. To my surprise, the 3/4" ply hardly bowed with maybe 320 lbs on it, so no cross support necessary. This gives an extra inch of space underneath to all the low profile Rubbermaid bins to fit underneath.

An important note is that if you cut the ply width wise, you're going to need windoors to get the plywood in there. Sliding in the ply from the back and trying to turn it around to set on the bed grooves will not work if the shell is on. Adding to that, I had to notch out the ply so it could slip over the shell clasps bulging out from the rail (see pic). I also notch out the tail section that tapers and cuts in towards the gate. Pretty straightforward.

I then covered with indoor/outdoor carpet from home Depot.

Total cost: $70

Very comfy.

 

Nice job, this is why I want a cap.... So expensive :|

 

pics of bedmate plz

 

What topper do you have? Would you be able to measure the distance from the platform to the ceiling of the topper?

Debating if I want to get a hi top or cab hi topper for a sleeping setup.

 

if I could do it again, id go hightop. if youre sleeping in it, the lower roof is manageable but still a pain. I cant fully sit up in mine (with the same platform height) and crawling in and out isn't the hardest thing in the world, but still inch-wormy.

 

If you actually plan on sleeping back there more than once or twice a year, definitely get the hi-top cap. It makes spending time back there so much more bearable and not nearly as coffin like. But if you only plan on sleeping back there very rarely, the maybe you are will to sacrifice the right and get a normal topper. Cab height toppers look much better IMO, but some time function beats fashion.

 

I had a similar setup and found that at my 6'0 height, sleeping in the back (in my long bed) was not practical. Way too cramped, even when sleeping somewhat diagonally. Wouldn't recommend it if you're over 5'8 or so.

 

Wow long time later I'm now checking back in on this post. If useful to you or future viewers, I have the SnugTop Hi-Liner. You definitely want a higher shell for head room. My wife (5'6") can sit straight up and I (5'10" with longer torso than legs) only need to duck my head a little bit if sitting up.

And some say hi top shells are grandpa-style, but I think they look pretty cool FWIW.

 

I'm 5'10 and it works well for me sleeping back there. It's the extended bed for 4 door models (regular size for standard cab) that is about 6'1" in length.....so yeah 6'+ and you're not stretching out.

 

True, I got a Sunigtop with all the bells and whistles (racks- for surfboard, windoors- cuz they're awesome and totally worth it, remote locking ability- cuz I'm in this deep what's another $75?) and it was like 3 grand. But THAT SAID, I did a 16 day road trip from California up to Jasper Canada and slept in the back all but 1 night. This included sleeping back there in Portland, Seattle and Vancouver....saving tons of money on hotels. I've also slept back there up in the snowy sierras after snowboarding, and camped locally tons of times....that I like to think it's paid for itself. So, if you plan to use it as a shelter...DO IT. no regrets.

 

This is exactly what I've been looking for. The most simple setup for a platform. Mainly to use so my dogs can have a comfy area for the top to walk on while being able to store items underneath. What are the measurements if you don't mind me asking?

 

problems with the wife? seriously nice and simple setup. My only concern would be sagging in middle without some kind of vertical support

 

Just one sheet of 3/4 inch plywood. Trim side and bottom to get a rectangle the size of the bed (like 60.5"×52.5"....but measure yourself first! And include the inside rail/lip depth in your width). Then cut that in half width-wise. You'll need to hand cut the details near the tailgate to make it fit just right. See my pics.

Also carpeting adds a little to the size, so err on cutting a hair short instead of long.

 

Going almost 3 years strong and no noticeable sag! Wife and I (and now 45 pound dog) have slept back there 40+ times. Ive even transported a heavy popcorn machine and cotton candy machine back there for an event once. Suckers took a lot of muscle to lift with 2 guys,so i was concerned about such concentrated weight on there, but no damage done. 3/4" ply is really strong.

Its a cheap enough solution to try out compared to the alternatives you see. And so light and functional.

Another tip for cheap storage and perhaps some vertical support: a lot of the 24pack beer case boxes from costco fit perfectly underneath.