6string's Storage/Sleeping
Since first happening across BajaTaco's site, I have always admired the security, convenience, efficiency, and common-sense approach to having a sleep/storage platform in a pickup bed. I started with thoughts inspired by his design, then built upon those with ideas from many of you on this site. (I really like how FlyingWil had his fridge mounted on a slider next to a drawer, making a great kitchen area at the tailgate, for example.)
My pre-requisites:
--It had to be large enough to securely hide (carry) my day-in/day-out basic load.
--Be able to come out fully within 10 minutes, and go back in within the same.
--Be low enough to offer decent headroom; I don't want to be claustrophobic.
--Look good, not cheap and thrown-together.
Everything was made out of standard 1x10, 1x6, 1x3, 2x2, and 19/32 OSB. Everything was covered in standard indoor/outdoor carpet. I bought it all at my local Lowe's. (10% military discount, every single day!)
This is my final product:
Started with a BedRug for noise/cold insulation. Plus, I think it gives a nice fit/finish.
The little boxes in each corner are there to support the corners of the platform. They also offer storage.
This is the center unit; all one piece which slides in between the aforementioned corner boxes.
(I gave everything a coat of black for appearance's sake.)
Here you can see the support/storage foundation fully-installed. Now it's a simple as slipping in the drawers and installing the lids, which together create the platform.
Here you can see how my drawers were constructed. The floors are 5/8" laminated ply for strength.
Drawers in.
Test Fit: Here you can see how each panel (lid) simply locks into place like a puzzle, while easily lifting out for access to storage areas underneath.
Also, this pic shows where the fridge rests while moving. (More on that in a moment.)
Originally, I was going to go with hinges, but decided against it due to convenience of access, and removal and storage of the entire platform. Great decision, and glad I did it like this. (Hinged lids would require the platform come out all at once. OUCH. My way, they simply pop out individually and takes much less room when stored in the garage.) I've had zero issues with this configuration.
Finished product. Here you can see the cooking/sleeping configuration with the fridge in the 'out' position. Now what of the 'hole' in the platform where the fridge was when it was 'in'? I have a single lid which simply drops into place over the fridge cavity, that way I have a full 4'x6' flat sleeping area. (Yes, this means that the tailgate must remain open during the sleep cycle. I have had no problem with this. If it's raining, I simply put out my tarp awning over the back end of the truck.)
Finally, I put up three of the same Osram Co-Pilots that BajaTaco used. There are two 8" in each far corner, plus a 20" at the rear for lighting the fridge/tailgate area. The lights are fantastic, and highly recommended. Pricey, yes, but I found them on eBay for a reasonable amount; they are totally worth the dime.
You can see that I also put up an elastic cargo net so my Overland Journal, a jacket, or other lightweight whatnots are quick to grab while I'm chillin' in the sleeping bag.
Anyway, I hope y'all in the planning stages can take something from this. See you on the trail!
wc
