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

About as far as I'll get for a couple weeks, but slow progress is still progress. Remembered I had a couple of boxes of laminate flooring in my garage so I used that anywhere I could since it was free. The rear cabinet the doors hinge down with a shelf inside.

 

Added a drawer to my sleeping/camping setup! Super happy with how it turned out!

 

Are those 55 inch heavy duty drawer slides?

 

yes 60inch heavy duty Vadania slides!

 

both sides & all edges i'm hoping.

 

that'sastuff

 

Tell me about the storage units on the RH side please. I live for weeks in my truck and really need to get the bed better organized as storage for multiple pairs of hiking boots, sneakers, Chacos.... is killing me. I thought about making a plywood shelf system for one side of the bed, and I still may do that, but my woodworking equipment is minimal. Basically, I need a two shelf system on one side, primarily for shoe storage.

 

I built them out of this stuff from 80/20.

80/20 Inc, 9270, Quick Frame 4...

$20 80/20 Inc., 9270, Quick Frame 4 Way Corner Connector, Black Nylon (5 Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J4PNH5C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

i bought a couple 80/20 12' aluminum sticks from grainger to avoid shipping but ordered the fittings through Amazon.
Super easy to build with minimal tools needed. Really just a hacksaw, a Mallet, and a tape measure at minimum. You can make them as elaborate or basic as you want.

 

i believe if ordered through 80/20, they will cut all the pieces as well as give a list of needed hardware if supplied with dimensions and a picture. might be worth going that route if time, tools, and experience are in short supply.

 

One step closer.... Hopefully finish this weekend. With the added weight I may need to throw on my Add a leaf to the dakars I have on.

 

wow. now THAT"S a drawer!

 

I've been thinking of doing something like that, I can't source Marine grade plywood near me, which would be ideal, but I've been considering just treating it like you would a kayak, glass fiber and resin. The problem with Poly is it isn't going to last forever (Although enough coats will probably outlast the truck lol) My warped oak planters are a testament to Poly's shortcomings.

What made you decide to go with your approach? Not bashing it at all, just weighing my options. I tend to over-plan and then under deliver once crunch time hits lol.

 

there won't be abrasion in the excess so the sealer is basically reducing infiltration of atmospheric moisture.

skip the fiber cloth & just use resin if you're that concerned. West System has several additives to assuage your anxiety, but you would most likely want the first coat(s) thin for penetration.

other than minimal patches, the glue between plies is pretty much what makes marine ply "marine." the tree, while it's growing, doesn't know its final destiny.

for small pieces, it might be worth labor & ancillary expenses to order either quarter sheets or cut to size panels and bite the bullet for shipping/ handling costs.

i've had good luck with these folks: https://www.boulterplywood.com/ but i'm two hours away and driving is okay for the once in a while shopping trip for me.

if you are a consummate planner, and intend to use 80/ 20, there are supplied panels which 80/ 20 will cut for your project. at that point, i think you're entering CAD country, but that may end up as a pleasant endeavor, too.

 

Do you have a shell? If so, the plywood won't get that wet - marine plywood is way overkill. As is coating with epoxy resin.

I've had my platform in since the truck was new - 8 years now. I varnished the top (several coats) and used Velcro to attach carpet. Pull up the carpet, it looks as good it did the day I installed it.

Of course, if you do not have a shell, and the plywood will be outside, disregard my statement.

 

First, I went with high quality Baltic Birch for the platform and drawer since it has less voids for expansion and degradation, and is naturally water repellent. I coated the wood with urethane for water protection, and may hit it with a coat of flexseal. The camper shell is already mostly water tight but you never can be too safe. The frames of the cabinets are aluminum and the doors are made from vinyl floor planks so they are also waterproof.

 

And......she's done......ish.
Also made an insert that sits on the open drawer that, with my tailgate down, makes the sleeping platform in my 5' bed 7'.

 

What tools are needed for this wood building, at minimum?

My current bed platform, I had Home Depot do the major cuts (a few) then did the fine details after with a handsaw. It turned out good enough and works.

However, I'm looking at trying to make a rear seat delete, and don't know about well, possibly misusing the lumber dept to do those cuts. IDK how numerous they might be, let alone their policy. Such as x number of cuts, only large cuts, not precise, etc.

As such, is there like a one do it all tool setup that works fine, in a garage?
If I had to guess what that might be, I'd say:
-tape measure
-at least 1 saw-horse
-Ryobi jigsaw, corded or cordless

to draw lines where the cuts need to be, then cut it with a jigsaw. Which can also be used for finer details
Maybe there's pros and cons to doing that way trying to keep tooling under $100

-sawzall may be rough and inaccurate
-circular saw might be more smooth and straight, but that's additional tools

Not trying to become an entire woodworker carpenter especially given my current platform I basically made in a parking lot, with a handsaw

 

if you're doing most cuts straight, i would buy a circular saw. a 7 1/4" saw (blade diameter) will cut a 2" x 4" piece of stock at a 45 degree angle. get a fine tooth blade so your cuts don't look like crap with tearout. get 2 spring clamps and a straight piece of 1" x 4" poplar 8' long and clamp it to your plywood as a cutting guide. wouldn't hurt to buy a framing square, either.

$40 Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Red

https://www.amazon.com/5280-01-15-A...8&s=power-hand-tools&sr=1-4&ts_id=552922&th=1

$22 PONY 6" Heavy Duty Spring Clamps Set, 2" Jaw Opening, Nickel-plated Steel Spring Clips Clamps with Protected Rubber Handles and Tips, 6-Pack

https://www.amazon.com/PONY-Spring-...p_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM

$15 Irwin Tools 1794448 16" X 24" Aluminum Framing Square

https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Framin...&s=hi&sprefix=framing+square,tools,222&sr=1-4

$14 SKIL 7-1/4" 40-Tooth Carbide Tipped Circular Saw Blade for SKIL Circular Saws 5280-01/5180-01/5080-01-75740W

https://www.amazon.com/Skil-75740W-...i&sprefix=40+t+carbide+blade,tools,214&sr=1-9

you didn't mention how you'll be assembling things, but a drill & some twist bits/ screwdriver bits will be helpful. and some carpenters glue (aliphatic resin) Not elmer's spooge!

$15 Titebond II Premium Wood Glue 5004, Ideal for Woodworking, Furniture Repair/Assembly, Construction, Home Repair or Modeling, 16 oz

https://www.amazon.com/Titebond-500...0&s=hi&sprefix=tite+bond+ii,tools,213&sr=1-12

 

https://youtu.be/H8DBgLONEe4