1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Sleeping in truck bed

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by 3rdgntaco, Apr 14, 2020.

  1. Apr 15, 2020 at 9:21 PM
    #41
    cactushead

    cactushead Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2015
    Member:
    #164087
    Messages:
    288
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DCSB 4x4 TRDOR
    Front hitch, 5100's, 885's, Snugtop XV, Slimline II, Sumos, bed platform, AAL, interior LED lights in cab and bed, exterior camp/backup LED's, Rigid DOT Fogs and D2 Pro Spots, Mega Ultra +130 bulbs, heavy-duty fog light, spot light, and low beam wiring harness, Weathertech mats, Re-routed dif breather and A/C drip line, dash cam, front and side cameras, anytime rear camera and nav, Blue Seas fused bus bars to cab and bed, heavy-duty bus bar w/Anderson quick disconnects under the hood for powering winch, solar, air compressor, and other accessories.
    I actually use a 1x1.5" steel tube and a 1x2"x1/8" aluminum tube. Those just happened to be the remnants sizes that were available when I was at the metals store.

    I also carry with me some 4x4 blocks the height of the platform. I'll strategically place these under the platform to take the load off of the cross members.
     
    plurpimpin[QUOTED] likes this.
  2. Apr 16, 2020 at 12:15 AM
    #42
    Wise Wolf

    Wise Wolf Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2020
    Member:
    #324452
    Messages:
    263
    Gender:
    Male
    Miami, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 DCLB 4x4 OR V6 AT Barcelona Red
    RCI 5 degree Rock Sliders, Clazzio Leather Seat Covers, Tacoma Door Sills, Tacoma Rubber Bed Mat, WeatherTech Floor Liners, WeatherTech Mud Flaps, WeatherTech SunShade.
    Why not just put an inflatable bed in the truck bed? it might be easier than splitting the top half with a platform, more headroom too. Platforms around the little notches on the truck bed make me worried about the notches bending due to excessive weight or causing damage to the truck bed.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2020
  3. Apr 16, 2020 at 5:22 AM
    #43
    crackils

    crackils Sith Lord Jar Jar

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2017
    Member:
    #225460
    Messages:
    1,777
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Shane
    FL
    Vehicle:
    2012 TRD DCSB Off-Road - KINGS/5125s AF
    Thanks, I will give that a try! Great idea with the Reflectix
     
  4. Apr 16, 2020 at 7:11 AM
    #44
    Nomad26

    Nomad26 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Member:
    #304117
    Messages:
    834
    Gender:
    Female
    Escondido, CA
    Vehicle:
    '16 MGM OR Access Cab, ‘16 MGM RAV4 Hybrid
    Navigator1[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Apr 16, 2020 at 7:42 AM
    #45
    tacotoospicy

    tacotoospicy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2019
    Member:
    #282605
    Messages:
    367
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Luke
    P'cola, FL
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD OR
    sirius xm
    Is anyone making extensions for us reg bed guys :anonymous:
     
  6. Apr 16, 2020 at 12:53 PM
    #46
    Wise Wolf

    Wise Wolf Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2020
    Member:
    #324452
    Messages:
    263
    Gender:
    Male
    Miami, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 DCLB 4x4 OR V6 AT Barcelona Red
    RCI 5 degree Rock Sliders, Clazzio Leather Seat Covers, Tacoma Door Sills, Tacoma Rubber Bed Mat, WeatherTech Floor Liners, WeatherTech Mud Flaps, WeatherTech SunShade.
    I know that this isnt a truck (its a 4Runner SUV) but that just means that you have even more possibilities with a truck since the bed should be longer:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HptHGn38KLQ

    In the video the guy says that he tried the 50/50 platform method but there wasnt much headroom so he tried this other method.
     
    jwctaco likes this.
  7. Apr 16, 2020 at 2:06 PM
    #47
    Wise Wolf

    Wise Wolf Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2020
    Member:
    #324452
    Messages:
    263
    Gender:
    Male
    Miami, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 DCLB 4x4 OR V6 AT Barcelona Red
    RCI 5 degree Rock Sliders, Clazzio Leather Seat Covers, Tacoma Door Sills, Tacoma Rubber Bed Mat, WeatherTech Floor Liners, WeatherTech Mud Flaps, WeatherTech SunShade.
    banditcamp and 9mmMike like this.
  8. Apr 21, 2020 at 5:52 PM
    #48
    TacoSauceHB

    TacoSauceHB Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2015
    Member:
    #163484
    Messages:
    1,020
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Rathdrum, ID
    Vehicle:
    2017 _TRD Off-Road DCLB 4X4 Tech Package
    King 2.5 ext travel, Camburg uniball UCA, SCS Ray10 wheels, 285/75/16 Cooper STT Pro's, CMC , MBRP exhaust, K&N cai , OVTune 1.05 , T-rex billet grill, Rigid DS Pro ditch lights, SDHQ ditch light brackets, Leer 100XQ Shell, ShmellFab Sliders, Victory 4x4 Roof rack, LED headlights. SOS Concepts bumper, Smittybilt X20 Winch, Nitro 5,29 gears, ECGS clamshell bushing.
  9. Mar 13, 2021 at 6:34 AM
    #49
    Hercanstein

    Hercanstein Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2020
    Member:
    #314990
    Messages:
    1,083
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    State of Jefferson
    Vehicle:
    1999 2.7 SR5 4x4 5MT XC, 2020 3.5 TRD Sport 4x4 6MT AC
    ('99) Offset Aluminium Wheels, 31" BFG All-Terrains, Bushwacker Fender Flares, Window and Hood Wind Deflectors ('20) Stock
    I don't use a topper. I built a simple frame out of 2"x8"s 27"x72". I slide the frame into the bed of the truck, load whatever gear I am bringing inside and around the frame and throw a piece of plywood over the top. I then place a queen size futon mattress on the plywood, cover it with a down comforter and pillows. I the put 3 10' pieces of 3/4" O.D. PVC pipe on top of the comforter, bending them into bows so that they fit into the bed sideways. I then cover it all with a good sized tarp and strap it all down securely so the tarp won't flutter in the wind on the road.

    It fits nicely in the bed of the truck and does not stick up above the bed rails so I have complete visibility out of the truck.

    When we get to the camp spot, I take the tarp off, lift up the piece of plywood and unload the gear, drop the platform with the bedding back down on the frame and stand the PVC bows up kind of like an old covered wagon. Then I cover the bows with the tarp and pull it tight and secure it well up by the cab of truck and at the wheels, leaving it loose at the back and tuck in any excess between the platform and the tailgate.

    It works very well! We sleep dry, comfy and bug free!

    I will post some pics of the setup next time we go camping if any of you are interested in seeing it.

    Super cheap. Super easy. Super comfortable.

    Happy trails!

    : )B
     
  10. Mar 13, 2021 at 6:39 AM
    #50
    9mmMike

    9mmMike Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2020
    Member:
    #338406
    Messages:
    1,316
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    SE PA
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD OR 4x4 DCLB - Cement
    This needs some pics!
     
    CCATT-RN likes this.
  11. Mar 13, 2021 at 6:43 AM
    #51
    Hercanstein

    Hercanstein Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2020
    Member:
    #314990
    Messages:
    1,083
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    State of Jefferson
    Vehicle:
    1999 2.7 SR5 4x4 5MT XC, 2020 3.5 TRD Sport 4x4 6MT AC
    ('99) Offset Aluminium Wheels, 31" BFG All-Terrains, Bushwacker Fender Flares, Window and Hood Wind Deflectors ('20) Stock
    The setup is for my 99, so some dimensions may change for 3rd gens.

    I will definitely get some pics posted soon!
     
  12. Mar 13, 2021 at 7:22 AM
    #52
    HoldTheSprinkles

    HoldTheSprinkles Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2020
    Member:
    #344657
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Curtis
    Vehicle:
    2021 Cement Off-Road Access Cab
  13. Aug 1, 2021 at 6:54 AM
    #53
    InlandMan

    InlandMan Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2013
    Member:
    #108608
    Messages:
    31
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Paul
    Fort Wayne
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tacoma PreRunner
    K&N 57-9015-1, FABTECH Coilover
    I have used a company called “foam by mail,” for some custom cut acoustic foam before. Their tolerances are relatively sloppy so I wouldn’t use them for a high end client but for saving a ton of cash, they beat auralex by a large margin. I’d only avoid using them for the pickiest of high end customers. Everyone else would either not notice the issues or the savings would justify overlooking them.

    They also offer other foam and custom cuts, which is why I mention them.

    They have futon mattresses with removable covers for around 200.

    https://www.foambymail.com/
     
  14. Nov 1, 2022 at 12:59 PM
    #54
    TacO1O

    TacO1O Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2011
    Member:
    #67473
    Messages:
    19
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    SW Balto Co.
    Vehicle:
    10 V6 Access
    UWS Low profile alumnium cross truck box. WeatherTech digital fit floormats Black
    I found this out when i had some Yakima/Thule Square bar fall into the notch and realized it's perfect. I'm thinking and drawing up various iterations using1" extruded aluminum profile "T-slot" / "80/20". The challenge is I'm trying to also use those cross members as tie-downs, and also have plywood flush where the t-slot voids are. SO something similar to GFC's Deck they had but using the existing notches and plywood rim support on the perimeter of the inside of the bed, rather than relying soley on the rail system.
     
    dirtnsmores likes this.
  15. Feb 8, 2023 at 7:10 AM
    #55
    barTACOmew

    barTACOmew Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2023
    Member:
    #416454
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    '23 DCSB TRD Sport
    Great platform - I'm thinking of doing the same thing. What thickness of plywood did you use?
     
  16. Feb 8, 2023 at 8:25 AM
    #56
    CurtisF

    CurtisF Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2019
    Member:
    #300714
    Messages:
    107
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Curtis
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tacoma Off-Road
    None
    I have one , they work ... but its nice to store things under the platform, air bed needs to have a 100% empty bed which of course which is not ideal when you bring lots of camping gear. Also for me personally sleeping on a foam type mattress and platform is much more comfortable then an inflatable air mattress.

    Beyond that , worrying about popping the thing when your out on a 2-3 day camp trip with no backup kind of sucks (Its happened)

    IMG-0839.jpg
    IMG-0840.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2023
  17. Feb 8, 2023 at 8:57 AM
    #57
    Nomad26

    Nomad26 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Member:
    #304117
    Messages:
    834
    Gender:
    Female
    Escondido, CA
    Vehicle:
    '16 MGM OR Access Cab, ‘16 MGM RAV4 Hybrid
    I used 3/4” plywood.
     
  18. Feb 8, 2023 at 9:52 AM
    #58
    a2lowvw

    a2lowvw Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2021
    Member:
    #352533
    Messages:
    1,965
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    Bothell, Wa
    Vehicle:
    2019 DCSB Limited
    Stuff and things
    I built some folding legs for the back so I can run 1/2 platform or full if my kiddo is coming. Also have some extenders that go onto the tailgate that allow for a little less cramped sleeping environment. When your sleeping and storage are combined pack smart and think of how much stuff you may need to unpack to be able to sleep at night. Organization is key to bed camping and I don’t do well in this area. I always overpack and it becomes cumbersome.
    0602DC30-BD50-432F-96EC-063EB624F868.jpg 8C1839EF-E622-42AB-9337-5121372C4E08.jpg 136415F5-E31E-4985-B591-A4FBC1C3107A.jpg
     
    CCATT-RN likes this.
  19. Feb 8, 2023 at 9:59 AM
    #59
    NewWheeler

    NewWheeler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2017
    Member:
    #219682
    Messages:
    122
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gus
    Fort Worth, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 Quicksand DCSB TRDOR 6MT
    CCATT-RN, Malvolio and blackZEBRA like this.
  20. Feb 8, 2023 at 10:04 AM
    #60
    blackZEBRA

    blackZEBRA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2011
    Member:
    #50194
    Messages:
    696
    Gender:
    Male
    California
    Vehicle:
    '23 TRD OR DCLB
To Top