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

i was disappointed with mine, leaked like a sieve and pooled water...

 

I got these from Lowes. Home Depot did not have anything even close.
I put them in my vice and drilled the holes to 1/4 inch with a step drill.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-4-Pack-D-Ring-Large-Picture-Hangers/3029190

When I picked the bolts to use, I used the ones next to the end on all 4 corners. The net is snug, but I should have gone all the way to the end.
My cap is ARE and my rails/racks are Yakima. As is, it is not going to hold much weight. I can snug up the shockcord, or move the d-ring hangers, but for now it is ok.

 

I really like the Decked setup. I've been thinking about this for a while. I keep an open bed and I'm worried about the water getting underneath. Have you had issues with this? Also reading that the setup weighs up to 200lbs, how does the rear end feel? I'm still on stock suspension so I'm worried about it weighing everything down too much.

 

ran the 2'6s across the bed and plywood covering the bed. Thanks for all the posts and ideas photos to come. Now what's the best method to haul more than one bike?

 

Finished product. Materials ~$100 at Lowes. More about how and thoughts after photos


1. Cut 2x6 and place across bed resting in slots on both sides


2. Cut equal size platform pieces. Taper outer tailgate corners w/ jigsaw


3. Carpet with staple gun & 1/4" staples


4. Quick clearance check (~8.25") Bed to bottom of 2x6

5. Construct extension bench for feets


Here is my sleeping platform I built and tested out in my 2nd gen, short bed, double cab this past weekend. I needed/wanted one that could easily break down and be stowed in the bed or taken out of the truck, could be used for one person (on a diagonal) or 2 people (with an extension). Sorry I didn't get any detailed shots of the bench extension (its very simple). I got tunnel vision of the finish line and forgot to take some pictures.

Supplies:
2x3x8 (2) -Used to construct bench extension
2x6x10 (1)
22/32 thick (~.68 inch) 4x8 Plywood (2 sheets)
6x8 roll indoor/outdoor carpet (1)

Sleep: Worked as intended. Used a semi inflatable 1 inch thick sleeping pad. My wife and I fit on it just fine and it wasn't difficult to get into and out of. Some minor adjustments for comfort can be made as far as unbuttoning the sides of the softtopper for airflow, placing a drape over the end to cover feet if desired etc. Very Sturdy. Absolutely no need for additional support beams.

Storage: Before we left for the beach I broke down the platform and placed the components in the bed before loading in our stuff. We also had another couple driving with us with their own stuff so essentially we had 2 coolers 45L and 60L, 4 beach chairs, multiple bags of food. Our friends tent and air mattress, various beach games, a pop up tent, my sleeping pad, pillows, collapsible fire pit, and a tub of firewood etc etc. I made it all fit under the softtopper, tailgate closed, fairly neat and could have probably packed more efficiently if our guests weren't late (I said fuck it and put my shit in. I don't deal with late). On the way home from the beach I left the platform up and put the bench extension on the top with the coolers and larger items. It made a HUGE difference. everything fit so much more neatly, just about everything that wasn't a cooler or fat back pack fit underneath. Everything was nice and neat and had room to spare. I was glad I tested out packed w/ vs. w/o the platform up.

Hindsight is 20/20: I should have used adhesive spray on the platform boards before stapling the carpet down. My RTIC cooler rubber feet really gripped the carpet and made it hard to maneuver. Pulled at the carpet in a way that if it happens to much it will start to come loose from stretching. Ill just have to load it on the back end by the tailgate when its full and heavy and avoid sliding it across the carpet.

Future: I'm going to nix the bench extension and fab up a fold down extension. After searching the forum for platform ideas, I became aware of the need for

TACOMA REAR CHANNEL BED STIFFENERS (2005-2015)

bed stiffeners for any 2nd and 3rd gens that do offroading with some added weight to the bed sides. I drive on trails and the beach and camp on both so the stiffeners are happening and actually give me a high point that I can use as a connection point for a suspension flap. Almost like a draw bridge. What ill do is cut a piece of plywood roughly the same length and width as the bench extension, cut it in half to make 2 pieces (one for each section of the platform) use hinges to attach to the platform edges, and use the high point of the stiffeners to attach a cable that will run and attach to the extension flap. we will see.

If you'd like actual dimensions I can add them later. They're at home on my workbench and I cant recall all of them off the top of my head. Hope this helps someone out!​

 

So all of your pictures are unavailable...?

 

Are the pictures not showing up? On my screen I see 6 pictures. If you're only referring to the bench extension then no I didn't take pictures of that.

 

None of the images are showing up. You're trying to link them from somewhere that you can access but the photos aren't setup for others to access, so we can't see them. Your best bet is to edit your post and upload them to TW from your computer using the upload file button. Then insert them into the post.

 

alright should be good to go. Sorry about that and thanks for the direction to get it fixed.

 

Finally got this project going and have it about 99% complete. Design was complicated by wanting to keep the swingbox installed and I outsmarted myself trying to maximize storage space. I still need to fabricate the "filler" deck piece to make a full width platform when needed.

The box on the driver side folds out to a 40" square table (legs bolt into T-nuts) and provides syorage for cooking gear, the pass side drawer stores tools and recovery gear but is also wheeled to be a utility cart when necessary and has a lockable closure using a padlock on a hasp.

 

This reminds me of my original platform. Worked well with pads but wasn't the solution to my goal at the time.

 

that's a good way to get some extra space now all you need is this.

 

Just a heads up on the DAC camper-top tent - campmor.com has a 20% coupon - which makes the tent cheaper than Amazon.

$200 DAC Mid - Size Truck Tent by Dac Inc.-Vehicle Tents

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BYA10F4

In addition to the added space - the screen opening allows for extra ventilation.

 

sweet. thank you

 

And I got the filler deck panel done in time for the 4th. Here's the final setup rigged for sleeping and rigged for driving with the filler stowed next to the swingbox.

 

This is great. I plan on doing this as soon as my topper comes in. I have had this exact idea in my head after searching the forums, but this is a nice clear concise example. I will probably do an extension as well as I have a short bed. Much appreciated!

 

How are you guys mounting the skateboard bearings?

 

I've heard of a few that had problems with leaking, but it was always an issue with incorrect installation. Where is yours leaking at? and what do you mean "pooled water"?

I have no issues with water anywhere with the system. The whole thing sits on top of the bed ridges so if water does get under it, it will just move to the drain holes. As for the weight concern, I have modified my rear suspension prior to the installation of the DECKED system so I would not be able to comment on that.

I was also concerned with the amount of storage that I would obtain with this setup but as you can see in my video, there is quite a bit of room in there. If you choose not to use the D-Box, you could gain a few extra cubic ft if needed. This system provides something that a regular toolbox can't, organization. With the added ability of loading an additional 2000lb capacity on the top of the platform you can always add more storage to the top.