Need ideas for sleeping platform with fridge

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Hi there,

What if you found some sort of way to mount the fridge on a swing away arm? Something like a swing away tire carrier. I would imagine you could make some sort of bracket/metal straps that could go over it with a lock that would secure it. You'd probably need to come up with some way to weather proof the fridge, then again, I have no idea how weather proof these fridges are.

My thought is that if you made sure the power cord was long enough, the fridge could stay in place while traveling, and swing away from the tailgate for access. Then you have the interior free.

Another idea would be some sort of movable arm that inserts into or mounts onto a tow hitch.

Probably a little more involved than you're thinking, but maybe these spark some thoughts for you.

T.J.

Thanks TJ. Actually I really like the swingarm idea. If one could be fabbed up so the fridge could still mount in the cab with the door shut and then swing out that would probably work really well.

Another idea is sticking with the Sabercat method of the platform and then get one of those fridge mount thingies that swings down to a level you can actually reach in. I can't remember what they are called...I do remember them being pricey though.

 

[SSBAJ]

This set up is about how I have my 94 pick up. Minus the fridge. I am looking for some ideas on a sleeping platforrm. anybody got any ideas on something simple.

 

[roamingaz]

Have you considered a tentcot and sleep outside?
I was at cabelas last weekend and tried out a display model, very comfy and the single size one has plenty of room so I would guess the double to be sufficant.
And there are currently 2 on the Phx. CL for $150

 

[Rexsname]

I'm pretty sure she used to have a Tent-Cot. Keep in mind tho......they are freakishly huge when folded up and pretty tiny when open. I have one and it will do for as often as I get to use it but.....it would not be my first choice.


REX

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Yep, as Rex said we tried the Tent Cot thing...great for a single person, not so much for two. With the bar going down the middle you are forced to stay in your own little space unless you bring an additional pad or mattress of some sort. And folded up its quite large...about the same size as my massage table, but I don't want to bring that camping either. :elkgrin:

 

[cmgraves]

One idea that might work quite well is building a collasable shelf that the fridge sits on in the back. During the ride its in the down position, and at night, you would rasie it up to the roof. This create a 12"-15" gab. This would be more then adequate enough room to place your feet under and still have your head room and your bed length.

Some ideas of the lifting mechanism could be similair to the fwc pop up top.

 

[pELYgroso]

How much does an expedition type fridge weigh? I haven't gotten to that point yet, but as time and money(the two limiting factors in life) allow, I will probably get one in the future.

I have posted a few times on here about how much we liked or sportz tent SUV tent that we attached to the campershell.

We didn't have a system the first time out, but by the end of the first trip, we kept our gear in bins and the tent, partially configured at the back of the truck. When we stopped, we deployed the tent, connected the "sock" part and unloaded the bins into the corners of the tent to keep it down.
We slept in the truck, off the ground and the dogs slept in the middle of the tent area.

I know this isn't what the Original poster is looking for, but for anyone following the thread I wanted to throw this out there.

I think this may be your best bet, and It's the same setup that I have. The tent goes up, all the stuff goes into the "living room/garage" and you sleep in the back of the rig. I think it's perfect! We can still close the back of our 4runner and be warm and locked in at night, and the cooler/fridge/table/bags/chairs all stay out of the weather in the connected tent. Our tent also has an awning that we extend out further with a tarp! check out my first trip with it at http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49193

The oz tent is SWEET but, A: Sleeping off the ground is WAY better IMO, B: having the "living room" connected to the off the ground sleeping spot is really convenient, C: the dogs can sleep "with you" but not on/under/between you and your hubby. (in the connected tent)

 

[toy_tek]

Another idea is sticking with the Sabercat method of the platform and then get one of those fridge mount thingies that swings down to a level you can actually reach in. I can't remember what they are called...I do remember them being pricey though.

You don't need no stinking swing down! That thing was nice but not $300 nice, wayyyyyy past the point of diminishing returns. Besides, you're tall enough to reach in. I'm still happy with the setup, but make sure to get 3" foam for the bed.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Jon I'm happy with your set up too! Talk to Mr. High Maintenance!! eepwall:

And when are we going camping!

 

[suntinez]

Hey stranger, if you go with a setup that needs foam - don't buy it! Toni got a new mattress today, and there's the extra flippac mattress too.

I'm getting foamed out around here :snorkel:

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Hey stranger, if you go with a setup that needs foam - don't buy it! Toni got a new mattress today, and there's the extra flippac mattress too.

I'm getting foamed out around here :snorkel:

Haha! Thanks for the offer Linda!

 

[grahamfitter]

I've never seen the inside of a 98 4runner close up but my mind is wandering while I'm waiting for the second fuel pump to be installed in my Jeep in a week...

Will the fridge fit in the floorspace behind one of the front seats? If so it would probably be about the same height as the cot and you could sleep on it.

If not, could you put the fridge behind a front seat and slide both forwards to make space when you sleep?

Would a smaller fridge make a difference?

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I've never seen the inside of a 98 4runner close up but my mind is wandering while I'm waiting for the second fuel pump to be installed in my Jeep in a week...

Will the fridge fit in the floorspace behind one of the front seats? If so it would probably be about the same height as the cot and you could sleep on it.

If not, could you put the fridge behind a front seat and slide both forwards to make space when you sleep?

Would a smaller fridge make a difference?

This is the initial problem. You cannot fit the fridge on the floor behind the front seat unless you A) mount it high on the bump and build your platform on top of that leaving you with very little space between the platform and the roof (I'd imagine similar to sleeping in a coffin ) or, B) cut away parts of the floor to make a space large enough for it to fit down there which is what Tim has done.

Again I'm not interested in cutting away parts of the truck. I'll unbolt and remove things if I need to but I just don't want to do any permanent damage. I'm hoping maybe the shorter ARB fridge that is coming out in December might be the answer. I've not done any measuring yet. I hate to go to a smaller fridge but it would still be larger than the trucker fridge drawer we were looking into.

http://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas/USA/Marine/Refrigerators/Refrigeration/?productdataid=74580

 

[Mr. Leary]

Have you examined suspending the fridge slide from the ceiling of the truck?

It would have some drawbacks, but you could sleep at floor level and slide your feet in underneath... there are two cross members that go across over the top of the back seat and forward of the rear hatch that would make ideal mounting locations if the slide out is long enough.

Food for thought...

 

[ttora4runner]

Have you examined suspending the fridge slide from the ceiling of the truck?

It would have some drawbacks, but you could sleep at floor level and slide your feet in underneath... there are two cross members that go across over the top of the back seat and forward of the rear hatch that would make ideal mounting locations if the slide out is long enough.

Food for thought...

Wouldn't that cause the roof to bow in due to the weight of fridge or while on rough trails??


Mr. Leary your idea gave me an idea. Couldn't you install a 1st gen rollbar (something similar, bolt in of course) and attach some sort of track system to that, which would allow the fridge to be suspended and then slide back and forth (or slide out of the vehicle?