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

Almost done. Need to install battery, finish wiring the redarc dc to dc charger, fridge slide and panels to cover plumbing and water tank...
Someone convince me not to buy a lithium battery. They're expensive..
Also, I need to tie a wire from the DCtoDC charger into an ignition wire or something that only turns on with the vehicle on. Any recommendations for the rear of the vehicle?

 

Still a work in progress, and no where near as fancy as some of these sweet build outs, but mine works for my needs. Super light weight and modular. I can use all 3 panels to make a full bed platform, or just sections depending on how much I am packing. LED strip lights wired to the battery so I can use them with the engine off. Switch in the bed. Now I need to find the right containers for under platform storage, and am gonna get a few lounge chair pads i can store under the back portion. Not loading 1000lbs on there like some of you, but strong enough for my ass.

 

This is such a sweet set up. Well done. How much weight you think this added?

 

Without gear or water I would guess 100-120. Each piece is modular and easy to lift out when removing

 

What cover is that on the water weenie?

 

What's a water weenie lol

 

The flex you have squirting over the bedwall. Water weenie used to refer to an out of control hose squirting water everywhere(famous scene from “Backdraft”). It looks like you have some kind removable cover for it.

 

It's a quick connect spray port with a cover

$37 RecPro RV Exterior Spray Port Hook-Up Connector | Optional Hose with Sprayer or Quick Connector | RV Exterior Shower Port (Black, Flexspout)

https://www.amazon.com/RecPro-Exter...s=spray+port&qid=1601698745&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1

 

Just did this today. For when I don’t want to use rtt. Thanks @overlandunderbudget

 

I like to think it’s about as simple as it gets. Different storage spots for climbing, mtn biking, cooking, and clothes so you can get your fix all in one trip. 6’ of man in 5’ of bed so a little squish diagonally it is

 

I took a lot of inspiration and advice from this thread to build our set up. Totally happy with it and glad I went with the hi rise canopy so we can sit up proper. We slide the last panel on top of the rear and fold the memory foam in half to store the cooler and wood if we have to pack it, otherwise our gear slides under the platform.

Canopy: high rise bulldog canopy from Cap-It with headliner, sliding full length side windows with screen and sliding rear window with no screen. Headliner included. Curtains were made by a friend and attach with Velcro.

Platform: 2 sheets of 3/4” marine board cut into 3 width pieces 1 length of 2x10”, and 2 1x6” cedar planks. Marine board was overkill but works great and will be moisture resistant. Since the lumber isn’t true measurements the 2x10 fit perfect as it ended up being ~9 1/4”. It’s notched for the 1x6 planks to fit in, that also carry to the notches in the side of the bed.

There was some leakage in the rear corners of the box, which we spray foamed to seal it. For the most part it stays pretty dry. Will eventually add weather stripping to the tail gate to cut down on dust.

 

Great setup and welcome to TW!

 

Awesome first post!
Welcome aboard!!

 

Okay I'll bite! I'm on about page 80 of this thread now so I thought I'd give a first draft a whirl.

The keys for my build,
Keep it low
I have 2 huskies and my lady has 1 shepard mut, so I frequently roll around with 175lbs of dog in the bed. I basically give them the whole 5ft bed so they all have enough room to stand and lay down. I want

Large underspace for skimboards/short boards/snowboards.
My main hobbies are skimboarding, biking, snowboarding and camping/hiking. The girlfriend is more a surfer than any of those 3. All of these objects are long, semi wide but thin. I wanted a compartment that could fit my 72" snowboard, 50"x26"ish skimboard or a short surfboard in a pinch.

Recoup some of the dog space.
The third is more general as to why we all do it. Add additional functional space, with storage space.

So here's what a morning trip to home depot and 3 hours this afternoon produced.


I used
3 "common boards"
QTY2
1x6x6ft
QTY1
1x10"x6ft
1 sheet 3/4" ply
1 2x10x8ft




Notching the 2x10 was the biggest PITA. everything else when fairly smooth. I don't have much woodworking experience but I do have some tools.

I used a circular saw for the plywood and lumber cuts. A dremel and sawzaw for the weirder ones.

6ft long metal ruler was also clutch for making long straight cuts




The plywood is 2 sections, 36x48 and 24x48 with the "common wood" finishing off the section over the passenger wheel well. It kept the whole thing fairly cheap and easily removed.

 

Think its worth doing a platform with a 5 foot bed?

 

I think that depends on how tall you are and if you will be able to fit and sleep comfortably

 

Platforms don’t have to be just for sleeping, it helps a lot with organizing you things. Another added benefit that I like is you can put things under it and you get that “out of sight out of mind” thing if you get people looking in the back with bad intentions

 

If it is for sleeping there are some options to extend the length of the platform. I would build mine again even if I had a short bed. I love the way I can store everything I need out of sight and organized, and still have room to carry other gear. Tailgate down and a slide extension would give you ample room. Here is a thought for consideration...