Sleeping and/or Storage setup in truck bed

[FreakofSnow]

I'm looking for some ideas on what peeps are doing for a sleeping platform and/or storage area in their trucks. I want to build something that is somewhat easily removed, has an elevated platform to sleep on and has storage space underneath.

I haven't been real successful in finding stuff on the innerwebby. Bud I did find this. This guy has a pretty good setup but it looks like it might be more than what I need.

Any more ideas?

[acostiga]

a friend of mine did this stuff to the back of his toyota pickup and lived out of the thing for a few months. insulation was added around the cap and truck bed, plus a similar diy shelf system to sleep on top of and store gear under. he also mentioned that ventilation is important. his platform was more simple, covering only about 2/3 of the truck bed, to one side, without any sort of hinge system. besides a sleeping bad/bag, evidently having a decent-sized doggy can be a good source of heat during cold overnights, safer than a gas heater or whatever else. a system of curtains or whatever over the cap's windows was also something he mentioned as being a clutch feature, helping to create a decent sleeping environment. all second hand info, but i hope at least a start to get the ball rolling.

[Spats]

Do you already have a shell? Bed liner? Which?

[gonzo]

would you...perhaps...want to heat this truck bed?

[lemon boy]

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ht=truck+shell

pics of my setup (scroll down). Ask Sam about it, he's seen it and knows its pimpitude.

[Snow Dog]

No pictures, but I built a 40" wide platform that just clears the wheel well. That gives 12" of clearance underneath for skis and stuff plus room on the side for taller stuff like coolers. I also use some big plastic containers to hold camp gear etc.. Just pull them out in camp and everything is easy to get at.

The platform is in 3 pieces -- two supports and a top. It takes 10 minutes to add or remove.

[splat]

Just remember to cut the lids on the cabinets and/or bed platform in small pieces if you end up doing something like the pic above. You tend to have a small space with stuff laying around and pulling up a large lid or door can be a hassle. Compartmentalize.

[EstoBum]

would you...perhaps...want to heat this truck bed?

I'm guessing FOS hasn't been around for a long time. Cause I'm getting a really hazy deja-vu feeling. . .

[FreakofSnow]

I'm guessing FOS hasn't been around for a long time. Cause I'm getting a really hazy deja-vu feeling. . .

Yeah, you certainly have seniority on me, you JONG. Please, I go way back. Better luck next time.



Thanks to the rest of ya for ideas. Lemon - Your set up looks pretty pimping. Does yours just slide out? You got any drawn up plans for that sucka? Maybe a quick sketch?

I also found this, Shirks thread on truck campers - http://tetongravity.com/forums/showt...=heating+truck

For those that have made these contraptions, do you have to attach the structure to the bed/liner or are they just build snug in there to avoid sliding around?

Edit - added LB's pic for information preservation.

[Snow Dog]

For those that have made these contraptions, do you have to attach the structure to the bed/liner or are they just build snug in there to avoid sliding around?

I added a strip (0.25" x 1.25") to the bottom that lines up with the corregations on the deck. No sliding but all paved driving so far.

[72Twenty]

Too bad you couldn't mount one of these in the back of your truck...

[dude_le_skibum]

hey check this

http://www.biglines.com/photos/blpic17090.jpg

http://www.biglines.com/photos/blpic17089.jpg


this was my base. i put a regular canopy on the top of that. i spend a 2 months living out of it.

stuff you should get
1)extension cords
2)electric ceramic heater
3) mini-hibachi bar-b-q propane
4) -20 sleeping bag


dude your hollyday inn isn't slopeside accomodation everywhere.
too bad my heating truckbed 2.0 thread off powdermag

[FreakofSnow]

After thinking about this for a long while, I finally put together what I think is a pretty sweet design. Lots of storage space and plenty of head room for sleeping. It even has 2 trap doors to access stuff underneath, namely the cooler.

Road trip anyone?

[FreakofSnow]

It is 3 seperate sections. The middle one being just a piece of 1/2 plywood with a 1x2 frame, then on the back there is the 2x4 screwed in to the ply.

The 2 side sections were build out of 2x4 and I used some L and Straight braces on the corners to get it solid.

[FreakofSnow]

Right side being built

[lemon boy]

pretty sorry excuse for a workshop FoS.

Otherwise, looks pretty sweet. You need color coded pull ropes tied onto stuff that will slide to the front so you don't have to make the journey to the back all the time Not that I do that and instead have to go diggin for stuff that slides around in the middle section. To date the worst offender is my hard side gun case, touch the brakes and it is up front.

[splat]

Gotta love the seismic strapping.

[Pinner]

pretty sorry excuse for a workshop FoS.

Yeah, but that view can't be beat!

Nice carpentry, FOS. Beware off-road driving... lofts tend to displace themselves if you bounce around too much and if you happen to have a dog back ther ewhen the lumber shifts, he could end up hurt if you're not careful.