wi_taco 2nd Gen Short Bed Drawer Platform v1

Thanks! Glad I could help give back in any way, that’s what makes this community so great! 18 gauge for me seems plenty strong but all depends on your loadout. I think the 1/2” plywood would fail first in most all scenarios but honestly I can’t see either being a failure point for what I carry. No chance I’m going to stand inside my drawers though because I’m fat and the point load would certainly kill it hahaha.

 

Catching up on photos for my main truck build thread and found some newer shots of the sleeping setup. Here's a look at the upholstery foam as the base layer. You can see it's three sections pieced together. The gaps between are imperceptible once laying on top. They are a bit discolored from the sunlight coming through my attic where I store them but I don't care - it's just camping gear that gets covered up.



Target was clearancing less desirable colors of their Threshold 400 thread count full size sheet sets for like $18 bucks and I couldn't pass it up. Super soft and durable. Previously I had grey sheets which hide dirt well, however this time I picked up white with brown stripes. I don't really care if they get dirty but the lighter color helps see bugs (mainly ticks) better. I always take two pillows so I can prop myself up in the corner if I don't park perfectly level where the ground is too sloped.



And finally topped off with the Walmart comforter and Coleman sleeping bag underneath it. The black comforter is key - once everything is closed up, it's very hard to tell anything is inside through the tinted windows. Cheap, effective, and theft-deterring. I've slept down into the teens without being cold. Once I improve the condensation challenges of sleeping in the shell I can probably go even colder. I now also have a house 12V battery system and once I get power wired to the bed I plan to add a heated blanket for winter camping.

 

Love it man, thanks for the advice on the KAMP drawer page. Your build is really helpful with those bearings.

What do you think of using a whitewood sanded plywood over a hardwood plywood for the frame/drawers if it's been sealed with a truck bed liner? Would that be enough protection for it, or do you think it'd be giving up some stability?

 

Thanks glad I could be helpful. I think it would be fine, but I’m no master woodworker so don’t take my word for it. But if I understand how plywood is made then I believe only the outer veneer would be whitewood so it probably wouldn’t be any different than mine other than the grain pattern. Bedliner should be fine but it’s still wood so I wouldn’t directly expose it to the elements.

 

Picked up some new organizer bags/pods and added a section for gear organization on post #12. Overall drawers are still working great and one of the best projects I've done to date, just continuing to optimize as I go along.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-bed-drawer-platform-v1.716914/#post-27046892

 

Daaang!

I just got serious about doing a drawer build and this was the 1st thread I've read. I don't think I need to look further. I appreciate the time and efforts to write this up.

 

Thanks glad to be of help! Don’t stop reading here though - definitely check out the mega-thread I linked in the first posts for many more ideas too!

 

Bumping this because I'm planning my build...

1 - did you have any issues with the top being 1/2" and cracking under weight when climbing in?

2 - Whats your thoughts now after having it a while about sleeping fully enclosed in a short bed? My plan is to build a fold out extension platform, leaving the back open and getting a topper tent to close off the back.

 

I haven't had any issues with the 1/2" plywood cracking under my body weight. Surprising even to me because my ass has grown a few sizes over this time period to about 250lbs and the plywood is really a champ. I think having the center brace between the drawers along with using both glue & screws really help. But I think any single person weighing the same or less than me would never have a problem.

My thoughts sleeping fully enclosed:

• It's not for everyone, that's for sure. Frankly it's like sleeping in a tiny coffin LOL. But I'm only 5'6" and I made lots of blanket forts as a kid so somehow it feels right for me?
• Anyone taller than 5'6" it would probably be not do-able. I sleep diagonal and even then I wish I had a little more room to stretch out sometimes.
• I absolutely LOVE being able to roll out of bed and not pack up anything from camp. Close the doors and drive away. I should mention that I am quite lazy sometimes so this really fits my lifestyle.
• Since you are in Minnesote I'm sure you can understand how nice it is being enclosed and staying away from mosquitoes. So yeah, that's a win too.
• Having an extension for more room would be ideal for more comfort and better sleep. I chose not to due to the potential for exposure to the elements, bugs, and animals. But yeah that would be more luxurious for sure.

Hope this helps and good luck with your build!