BamBeds Tacoma Solo Platform Available Now

@BattleKat I'm starting off with a rocker since two points of contact will work better than four in uneven terrain i.e. camping. (4 points make for tippy chairs if not on flat ground)
@OldGregg That is the best fitting mattress I've seen! Great find!

 

it was a gamble based on the listed dimensions, but it fits!

 

Good point. I was actually thinking more about use as a seating area INSIDE the cab. But then I realized the bed boards span the width and that would be the limiting factor, unless you put it lengthwise and then you also have the wheel well to contend with. Probably some creative way to do it but I see your point.

 

I would 100% recommend these ben does an incredible job fit is fantastic they snap in place. I had to trim the ends to clear my bed stiffeners as expected. I also stained them black and took about 1/8 off each side by the bed lights so i can raise the platforms without them hitting the lights. When its not being used as a camping platform, i will be putting a 2x6 on either side to raise them up to keep my tools/gear crap underneath to hopefully keep thieves from lurking around.

 

These are pretty neat. Not useful for me but I like what you've done. I work with Birch ply a lot. I saw the jumping video on the website, are you using 13 ply to get that strength to jump on or a domestic 7 ply?

 

Ya, I'm using a 13-ply Birch which seems to strike the best balance between strength, weight, and cost. If anyone has any recommendations on material I'm always open to ideas so please let me know!

 

I've got to say...this is one of the coolest purchases I've made for my Tacoma. And - the process was frankly delightful. Here's my review:

After building out the back of my truck with a semi-permanent sleeping platform intended to have cubbies for storage, and camping on that for hundreds of nights (literally) over the last 4 years I was ready to do version 2.0. I really wanted the ability to easily access stuff under the platform but also the ability to use the truck as a truck and haul stuff (brush, debris, trash, lumber, etc) without damaging my sleeping platform. I live and play in very dusty desert so I didn't really want to do sliding drawers as I think that the dust would be, over time, detrimental to any sliding system. My old system consisted of 1/2" plywood that I added carpet to, on top of 2x12s with some cross bracing. The plywood was in three pieces - thinking that I could lift those up to access the "cubby" below. Yeah...that didn't work due to the shell, and the fact that the fitment was a bit too tight. That said - it was terribly sturdy and has withstood many miles of bad roads and heavy loads. And - it provided a nice place to securely store recovery gear.

So...in searching for what to do about version 2.0, I kept looking at TacomaWorld...then came across this thread. I read up on the BamBeds and then contacted Ben because I'll also be getting a Topper EZ Lift and had concerns about modifying the boards to fit around the actuators. He was prompt, thorough, and kind in responding - even provided a link to an inexpensive router with the right bit to modify the boards! After those messages, I promptly purchased the BamBeds (birch version) - given the time it would take me to create something like this myself, and the material costs, this purchase made economic sense to me.

The shipping was fast (Ordered Thursday, arrived the Wednesday after Memorial Day Weekend) and the boards arrived yesterday in great shape. They are beautifully constructed - the cuts are so precise. You can tell that Ben knows what the heck he is doing with carpentry. The mineral oil finish is lovely, too!

I promptly took apart my old platform (which took far longer than I wanted after a long day at work and made me so glad to get the new platform!) and installed the BamBeds. They are awesome! I can't wait to take them out in the wild and test for real - not just lying on them bouncing around trying to get them to move - which they didn't. They are truly modular and it won't matter which board goes where as they all fit perfectly inside the bed. My biggest question is how to mount the shovel, axe, handyman jack, traction boards, tow strap, recovery rope, fire extinguisher so they don't slide around. I really am not keen on attaching the jack, axe, and shovel to the outside of the truck but that's another thread!

TLDR - if you are surfing TW and thinking about building or getting a platform, and your needs are somewhat similar to mine - don't hesitate, get the BamBeds.


Thank you Ben!

 

My sincerest thanks to @DurtGrrl for such a thoughtful and thorough review!

 

Tuesday Bump! The discount code is active and all Birch short bed and long bed orders placed tonight will ship tomorrow.

 

Got my DCSB set w/ extension a couple days ago. Really nice quality. Very solid value given the labor involved, the cost of the materials (not cheap), and shipping (which is free). Will post a better review this weekend

 

Thanks, I really appreciate your support and would love to see some pics of your setup!

 

Just a fyi I put a 2x4 under each side to raise up the platform. Wanted that to have sort of a false floor for people peaking in. Just drilled a rivnut into the bed on either side of the wood with thumb screws. When I’m ready to go camping and use it for a sleeping platform pull the 1/4x20 thumb studs and wood out drop the platforms and good to go. The extra space underneath for me is important for everyday stuff. I still need to stain the 2x4’s black to match the boards. The 2x4 height is just enough so all 3 can still stack on each other.

 

Bamboo tailgate board insert...just sayin'

 

I've got the couch design all dialed in and ready to ship!
Running a mega sale for the first 10 customers.
If you have a BamBed this will work with your existing Boards.

Check it out here: https://bambeds.com/products/rockingcouch

Thank you to everyone on TacomaWorld who has helped support the creation of this product, it's been a pleasure working with all of you.

Best,
Ben

 

Got the bed boards a few weeks ago. So much more room to lay down. And way better than the air mattress we were using.

Just ordered the rocker set. Will have a ton more room in the bed without the lawn chairs going for the ride. Wife will like the fact she can slide up close for the sunset! Can't wait!

 

I'm super excited to be getting you the rocker set, have you had the chance to test them out on a trip?

 

UPS is saying Friday delivery. Fingers crossed.

We are looking to go camp this Sunday, and watch some fireworks. Hopefully these pieces will be in use. I will let you know how it goes. I am thinking that they may just fit down in the grooves in the tailgate. This way we will be up off the ground.

 

Ben what are the rockin' boards made out of? They look like Bamboo? I don't see an option of Birch or Bamboo on the site.

 

Ya, they're made out of the extra Bamboo left over from cutting the regular boards.
The Birch doesn't have much extra left over so the bench idea really came out of a need to repurpose material that would otherwise be thrown away.
(Thus the heavy 80% rocker discount for any bamboo platform order)

 

That looks good under the soft topper. Any issues with headroom?