2nd Gen Tacoma sleeping platform questions

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OttawaXJ

Observer
So I've found lots of threads on sleeping platforms with underside storage and its something I'd like to explore because currently I just hurl all the crap into the bed and watch as it flys around in the bed as I drive down the trail. At one point I came around a corner and went up over a hill a little too fast and caught air. I watched as all my gear flew up smashed into the roof of my cap then back down. :/

So what I'm looking to build a sleeping platform out of 3/4 inch plywood across the bed with a support down the middle as two adults will be sleeping back there. however how do I keep it pinned to the bed and not fly up with all the gear under it if I hit a jump by accident again. I'd like to keep the flying gear to the minimum lol
 
U

Use_the_2nd

Observer
I'd look into using the existing mounting hardware that's supplied, maybe adding D-rings to the forward bed bolts and using binders to a eye bolt installed on your sleeping platform?
 
Adventurous

Adventurous

Explorer
Granted I haven't hit any sweet jumps in my truck, but the platform does a pretty good job at staying put by itself. If you want some extra security, you could run some turnbuckles to the d-rings at the tailgate side. The cab side is a bit trickier as they didn't include any tie downs, but you can easily enough add a few d-rings using the existing bolts and run the same setup there too.
 
W

Wasatch

Observer
OttawaXJ said:
So I've found lots of threads on sleeping platforms with underside storage and its something I'd like to explore because currently I just hurl all the crap into the bed and watch as it flys around in the bed as I drive down the trail. At one point I came around a corner and went up over a hill a little too fast and caught air. I watched as all my gear flew up smashed into the roof of my cap then back down. :/

So what I'm looking to build a sleeping platform out of 3/4 inch plywood across the bed with a support down the middle as two adults will be sleeping back there. however how do I keep it pinned to the bed and not fly up with all the gear under it if I hit a jump by accident again. I'd like to keep the flying gear to the minimum lol
Click to expand...

I've built two 2nd gen Tacoma platforms. No need for middle support as 3/4 plywood is very stout (and the bed isn't that big). Instead, I support the plywood with 2 2x4's in the indentations in the front of the bed and back (6ft bed).

If you have a short bed, just one 2x4 is needed. This way, there is no division underneath your platform, allowing you to store much more stuff down there.

The design I use is simple, easy to take in and out (less than 1 minute), doesn't weight much and costs about $90 in materials to build.

PM me if you'd like more details.
 
O

OttawaXJ

Observer
I actually WANT the division because I'll be setting up drawers so I need mounting points for the rails. Also its me and my buddy who usually camp together and hes 280, and im 220. I figure at 500lbs we would want the extra strength in the middle anyway.

Also I've got an idea for having a fold up section at the back of the truck for cooler, food and fuel to sit at the back easily accessible for stops.

I like the idea of the tie downs too, I'll try that.
 
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O

OttawaXJ

Observer
djtc said:
Where about are you in Ottawa? Im also about to build a platform for my 4runner.
Click to expand...

I'm in Osgoode. You're welcome to pop by to see what I built. Are you on the facebook group Ottawa Valley Overland?

Update for Westranger29, it piss poured 20mm of rain yesterday so I couldn't finish it off but I got alot done on saturday. Unfortunately it takes me quite a long time to do things anymore since I need to take frequent breaks. Should be done today if weather cooperates and I have the screws I need. When I was at home depot I thought I had some at home but now that I'm thinking about it I think the screws I have are too long for the hinges part.
 
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