DYI - Poor Mans Decked

Wanted something like a decked system, but didn't like the amount of weight it added or the fact it's not easy to remove. This build uses milk crates as support/organized storage under a 4x6 plywood board with brackets underneath to keep it all in place. It's not going to support 500lbs, but you can throw a mattress on top and sleep no problem. I can remove the whole thing in under 5 mins and it only weights about 40lbs all together.

8 double sized milk crates, 3/4 inch plywood 4'x6', 2x4 cut up to create brackets, 3 hinges 4", bunch of 2" wood screws, speaker felt to cover the plywood, spray adhesive 90, staple gun, 8 corner braces. All in spent around $150. Could be much less if you can get the milk crates for cheaper or free. Additionally, I'm using workout mats instead of the tacoma bed mat, only cost me $16.

Edit: I spelled DIY wrong...

 

That's very creative; nice work!

I might copy you a bit. Does it lift up well with the softopper in place?

 

The half side by the cab will flip all the way, but not the half towards the tailgate. You can still lift the half on the tailgate end enough to easily access the two corner milk crates, but you need to fold the softopper to open it all the way. 4 milk crates are bolted together make the center drawer, you can slide that in and out without lifting up the plywood at all.

 

LOL very nice, this is actually what I think about when I see a decked system that it's a lot of organized plastic. Again nice little build.

 

Very nice

 

Just an update after a couple trips and daily use. I've found those two crates towards the cab end don't get accessed much so I went ahead and migrated stuff that doesn't get used as often like tow straps, backup boots, vegetables, etc.

Sleeping in it is definitely a little tight too once you toss in a blow up mattress. Luckily I'm usually too drunk to care so just crawl in and pass out, but getting out to take pisses in the middle of the night sucks so make sure to have a piss bottle.

All in all, the thing is working like a charm, no more crap rolling around back there and the middle drawer is really handy.

 

I wouldn't call it poor man's, I would call it SMART MAN'S!!! Great job!

 

About 3 months ago I grabbed a jet sled I was storing by my parents prior to hunting season. It hasn’t left my bed since- under my diamondback I can load it up, and pull it out like a drawer to be able to reach toward the front of the bed. I’ve filled it with yard waste, etc. It may become permanent.

 

Nice! I'm a little confused, what are the 2x4 brackets for?

 

Mama always said if it works it works and that's all i gotta day about. Nice job!