Somewhat fold-up sleeping platform with locking hinges

In case anyone's interested here's my sleeping / storage platform build. My priorities were 1) keeping gear out of sight while I'm parked at trailheads / etc. and 2) having a place to sleep. I'll be leaving the platform in place most of the time, but wanted something relatively easy to remove.

Originally I tried to "keep it simple" with 2x4s in the notches and 3/4" plywood on top. After building that, I discovered that installation / removal was kind of cumbersome... too many parts. I got an idea in my head for a center support member setup, then started to look into attaching it to one side with locking hinges designed for table legs.

Lock Extension Table Bed Leg Feet Steel Folding Foldable Support Bracket Screw B (4 Pcs, GunBlack)

These are the locking hinges I used. Here's the finished result:



The edges sit on the ledge inside the bed. The drivers' side has the center support and locking hinges, letting it stand independently so I can use the other side for taller cargo, maybe a mountain bike...



Attached to the support is a piece of square steel tubing bolted in to support the passenger side panel. Here's what it looks like from the bottom, when the hinges are folded up for storage:



And then extended:



Another shot from the bottom, after paint and carpet:



Overall there was way too much trial-and-error on my part. First I cut my panels too short by 3" (failed to account for the narrow part down by the gate) and ended up bolting some scrap ply cut to size at the other end. Then my ATH bedside reinforcements arrived and I had to re-cut my corners to fit... but overall it worked out great. Did an overnight road trip with my band and was able to throw a couple guitars down below, and put heavy amplifiers up top on the platform.

 

What you have created is the simplest version that I have seen so far on this site, thats awesome
You should make a 3d model with all of the dimensions

 

Very functional...very nice.