Sleep/Cargo Platform Options

[TexJJ]

Greetings everyone. This is my first post, but I have been on yotatech for sometime. Anyway here I go.

I have a HUGELY OVERPOWERED '91 4Runner with stock (rebuilt) 3.0 V6. (You can now laugh as overpowered and 3.0 should never be used in the same sentence.) I am VERY interested in a cargo/sleep platform similar to the numerous posts we have seen, BUT I have no interest in adding another 100+ lbs to an already slow vehicle in wood.

Does anyone have any ideas for a similar set up that is lighter? I have toyed with idea of creating in essence a large cot out of aluminum and awning material. I have also played with commercially available rubbermaid shelving units that support 500# and 5 shelves only weight about 20 lbs. This was kinda slick but only come in 36 in widths that fit in the wheel wells but kinda eat up a bit of space. My other idea was just to sleep on 3-4 contigo storage trucks when closed.

So any ideas. I use the truck mainly for climbing and caving trips so I have quite a bit of gear. I currently use a Marmot 1 person ultralight tent weighing in at a little over 2lbs, but I like the idea of just crawling in back.

No hurries for awhile, but I sure like playing with my truck design. So designers out there, let me hear what you got.

Thanks,

JJ

 

[dnellans]

Most people seem to be building their beds out of solid 2x stock, 3/4 ply, or particle board. All these options can lead to a very heavy sum total (as you said). A better solution is to essentially create i-beams from much lighter lighter stock, using 1/4 inch plywood with 1x1 or 2x runners on the long dimension (if not all axis). Engineered joists like these are amazingly strong and can weigh 1/4 of the equiv. dimensional lumber or less (especially if you were considering particle board).

Don't discount lumber quite yet, its by far the most cost effective way to get 'er done, and with some creative engineering it can be far lighter than most people's setups.

 

[KMR]

Don't discount lumber quite yet, its by far the most cost effective way to get 'er done, and with some creative engineering it can be far lighter than most people's setups.

:iagree:
You are right, most people use 3/4" or 2x stock to build rear storage/sleeping platforms and they are very heavy. Most people also use 2x stock to hold up entire houses, which happen to be very heavy as well.
Do not rule out lumber, 1/2"ply can be incredibly strong if engineered properly, and very lightweight. You can also make very nice drawers without drawer slides to save a bit of weight as well.


Here is a thread that shows some old pics of my 1/2" solution (scroll down, same avatar): http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=97847

And this one is a bit more recent & shows the seats in (not a thread on storage, but pics are there, post#14):http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=98524&highlight=ArB+fridge+lid

Those drawers probably have close to 40k of hard miles on them, and are still holding strong.

 

[TexJJ]

Wow great ride there!

 

[kcowyo]

How about no cargo deck inside but mounting a roof rack to carry your gear and set up a sleeping arrangement like Darren has done in his 3rd gen 4Runner?

 

[Grim Reaper]

The start of mine is in my build thread in my sig. The drawer and first part of the platform is maybe 50-60lb. the main supports are 1/8 inch aluminum with a 1/2 inch plywood deck. A couple 1/2 inch aluminum angle cross braces. All assembled with 9/32 pop rivets.

Still need to make the extension but got side tracked on my trailer build. My 22RE doesn't seem to mind it all that bad but I am regeared to 4.88's

 

[j_nigrelli]

http://www.americanvan.com/catalog/standard_vert_large_3.cfm?FamilyID=132

 

[whitethaiger]

My setup is not as fancy as what others are showing, priority was for a nice sleeping surface. The setup is about 5lb lighter than the seats were. There are pics on this site. If you do end up sleeping in the truck than the rear window switch mod might be of interest.

 

[94-RUNNER]

Well, if you ever plan on sleeping more than one on the platform you will need almost atleast 3/4 plywood. Mind you this is my own personal preference. Me, I am 180 lbs and 5' 10'' and my wife 125 lbs and 5' 4'' it move's very little when we move around.(no extra comments about what type of movement). I would rather have it be solid & stable than be a few pounds lighter. I also have a very POWERFUL 3.0 so I know what you mean. If you are just sleeping one the best way to go is the way that kcowyo has his rig set up. Very practical, easy in & out and NO excess weight (great set up for one).
I have never actually weighed my setup so I am not so sure how it fits into you requirements for specs. I am running a Costco storage compartment under my platform. I would venture to guess that with the wood and the box it would be right around your 100 lb mark. I did remove the back seats completely so as to loose as much weight as possible, and to gain as much extra storage space as possible under the platform for equipment. There are some basic pics on my webshot file if this helps at all. if it does and you need more pics let me know and I can easily provide.
Hope some of this helps ! And welcome to Expo !


.....Tucker

 

[Ryanmb21]

great ideas and links.......keep these coming.

 

[SOAZ]

I don't consider this really heavy, but I have .4 more liters than you! :sport_box