Sleeping in truck bed

If it was just bitch plywood I might agree with you, but they are actually using birch plywood.

 

hahah my bad.

 

I thought they were expensive at first too, but when you factor in cutting, making the handles, routering all edges, sanding, and shipping (which is free) it didn't seem so bad.
That being said, I plan on building these myself instead of ordering them.

 

No I thought about it, but it’s another time vs money problem. The time to go get the birch, measure, cut, round the edges, cut the hand holds, sand the whole thing plus the cost of the birch… It almost makes sense to just buy it in my position right now.

 

I posted this elsewhere recently, but it looks appropriate for this thread. It’s my 5’ bed extension for my feet. Plywood plus leftover paint and four cheap door hinges+bolts and locking nuts. Cost about $50-60.

I always have so much gear in the back that I don’t want to spend time moving lots of bins around under the bed when I camp; I often haul kayaks or paddle boards in the back too, so I can’t have a permanent solution.

 

This is an awesome thread and I’m looking at doing this. I’m 5’11”, how’s the headroom for sitting up? I’m looking at buying a Tacoma soon, I’m debating between doing this vs a roof top tent.
Thank you

 

I'm 5'10" and sitting up w/ a cab hi camper and on a 3" exped mattress, i have about 2-3 inches. You'll probably be close to touching if not touching the roof. I think if you get a mid-rise camper, you'll be fine.

 

I like this set up basically a DIY bam bed. Did you use 3/4" plywood?
Thanks!

 

Yes I did! And years later it’s still solid and doesn’t sag.

 

Went with 2/3 BamBed style platform and simple pull out plywood box for storage. 4’ is plenty for the long flat items (camp chairs etc…) while the platform makes room for the dogs. 2’ near the tailgate allows for tubs and ice chest. It’s quick and easy to remove while being relatively light and easy to store. We have an OVRLND camper and sleep in the pop-up bed but another section could be added for a full BamBed style platform to sleep a couple more people comfortably.

 

ordering this camper soon. I'm thinking of doing a platform like this towards the rear. Do you still like it?

 

How do you like your Soft topper? Everyone I’ve talked to say they are the best of both worlds

 

The CA DMV topper requirements are : topper must be "livable" and they require the "over cab height" toppers to fit into the PM category. i tried to get around CA DMV rules, but the topper height is the restricting factor for that registration. If the PoPo catches you without the topper installed, theyll gladly impound the truck for "fee evasion" or "illegal registration(only "illegal" as the PM paperwork has you sign stating" topper will stay permanently mounted to truck".

 

@BamBeds makes some killer CNC bed platform kits, to include a extension for us 5ft bed folks. I dont personally have one, but my buddies is beautiful(he purchased Bamboo).

 

I’ve got 3 2x8s run front to back, connected with plywood slats on the bottom and a couple pieces of aluminum drilled for the bed tie down pattern. Then a sheet of 1/2 plywood on top. Wrapped it all in carpet. Works great with a trifold foam mattress on top. Can sleep under a normal height camper shell.

 

Softopper is a great utilitarian solution. I loved mine. But eventually switched over to a camper for more interior space and comfort for camping with my wife.

 

I just spent $100 on some sanded 3/4" pine and a half an afternoon to rip off Bam Boards. Works great. Did the 5' and then extension for the tailgate. Below the RSI smart cap.
.

 

Where did you find the “over cab height” requirement? As you can see, my “cab high” canopy passed the inspection.

Accordingly to the DMV registration manual, “A “camper” is a structure designed to be mounted upon a motor vehicle and to provide facilities for human habitation or camping purposes (CVC §243). A canopy or similar structure mounted upon a motor vehicle for purposes of human habitation or camping purposes is considered a camper.”

 

I tried with my topper and the DMV said no dice. Probably depends on who you get. I think you got lucky because I tried twice and was told no.

 

You guys that are DIY'ing Bambeds, are you spanning the bed Left to Right with no center support? One looks like maybe the bins underneath are supporting it, another it's hard to tell. What 3/4" plywood besides Baltic Birch will support the ~57" span without sagging noticeably for two people (300 lbs.) to sleep on?