Camping/storage platform for my 05 tacoma

Hi, I finished my camper mod to the back of my truck yesterday and wanted to share some pics. I am a climber and spend a lot of time living out of my truck in remote places. months at a time. I wanted to create something that I could live in yet not sacrifice the offroad capabilities of my truck (like a slide in camper). I figured the topper with a platform was my best option. This is a pretty classic dirtbag set up, and there are writeup's all over with different peoples versions, so I wont get in to it too deeply. Here is how she started.
I didn't really draw up a plan or anything I just knew what I wanted the finished product to look like. Something that could sleep two, be very sturdy, be relatively light, removable and sleek. I used 2 sheets of 3/4'' plywood and three pine 1x10's to frame the boxes underneath. A box of wood screws and some hinges and the project cost about 150 bucks. I plan to carpet the entire thing but I live in Jackson Hole Wy and there is not too much available for cheap shopping like a lowes or homedepot. The lady at the only carpet store wanted 120 bucks for a piece of scrap 7x7 carpet!
so here is how it looks all finished
The main deck is separate from the two side compartment units. There are four hinged doors that access the space in the front and back of both wheel wells. The central 1x10 that runs under the deck for support acts as a divider for bins and packs. I cut it short in the front so I can throw gear in horizontally as well. Like a day pack.

here is a pic of all the storage doors open. For the handles I just used old 8mm climbing cord and drilled holes to fit.

you can see the central deck can be lifted right up to access the under storage areas. In my design I put about a 3'' gap between that back board and the front of the bed. This gives the deck space to hinge into when lifted. It also slides in and out on the track. Oh yeah the track is made from 1'' right angle molding. This way in the winter I can take out the central deck all together and toss skis back there. The entire bed still drains.

In the front I added open storage units on both sides of the bed. This gives each person a place for things like headlamps, guidebooks, toothbrush. They are also in a nice location for cooking utensils and spices. I cook on the tailgate with a 2burner colman propane stove. If you notice the platform is exactly below the two factory cubbies that are in all second gen beds. this gives additional access to quick grab items.

And that's it! all closed up into a rugged Tacoma package, capable of all those hard to reach moab climbing areas.

 

oh yeah, the front right cubby gives access to my 12volt plug

 

Nice job! Now grab another one of those fine PBR's and enjoy!
Very cool.

 

120?!?!?! thats outragous, have lowes cut you a peice of carpet

 

You're going to want to put some insulation on the bed (wood). It's going to get mighty cold sleeping on that in cold weather. I used owens corning insulation the stuff that comes in sheets.

Nice job.

 

Nice job also.
Do have one suggestion.

I would seal the wood with poly or something.
the reason


SPLINTERS

Been there and rolling over and sliding your arm ( or another tender part) on the wood and having that happen isn't fun.
I know it might be covered but just thought i would warn you.

"On Belay"

 

Nice work. I'm picking up my shell tomorrow. I'm going to do something very similar so I can live in the ski resort parking lots this winter

 

Awesome