LATEST PROJECT - Truck Drawers/Sleeping Platform

[roadtripcrazed]

Any issues getting in and out, or with not being able to fully sit up when sleeping?
I know for my wife the problem would be clothes changing and night time pee runs. If you had a rear awning with walls then you would have a perfect setup in my mind...then again that is in my mind, a really scary place

I won't lie - the drawers definitely effect how much room we have in there! The platform is just over 10" high. This leaves us with enough room to crawl in easily and sit up enough to change clothes, etc. It's "cozy"! We've spent many nights in much smaller tents, so we're fine with this set-up.

We do have a large awning that we can set up behind the truck when/if needed. We use an MSR Vistawing for this purpose. It's not as easy as some of the bolted-on awnings that we see on EXPO, but we also use it paddling, etc. so we already have it on hand.

-=Doug

[roadtripcrazed]

an outstanding job!
i am to the point with my own platform/storage unit where im ready to wrap the top platform with carpet. my question is, what kind did you use for yours? , and, did you treat the wood in any way before you wrapped it?
tia!
-jason

The carpet was ordered from LEER at the same time we ordered our canopy. We chose this because it is un-backed and stretches easily into tight corners and around small contours like the access hatches. You can sometimes source similar carpets at car stereo shops too. Here's a quick link to a company who you can order from if necessary - LINK.

All of the wood was treated with 3-4 coats of marine varnish before being installed and/or covered by carpet. Remember to sand/roughen ALL surfaces that are going to be carpeted. Adhesives have a tough time adhering to smooth varnish finishes.

-=Doug

[gprsdlyt]

The carpet was ordered from LEER at the same time we ordered our canopy. We chose this because it is un-backed and stretches easily into tight corners and around small contours like the access hatches. You can sometimes source similar carpets at car stereo shops too. Here's a quick link to a company who you can order from if necessary - LINK.

All of the wood was treated with 3-4 coats of marine varnish before being installed and/or covered by carpet. Remember to sand/roughen ALL surfaces that are going to be carpeted. Adhesives have a tough time adhering to smooth varnish finishes.

-=Doug

sounds great! i cant wait to get off work at 5 and get working! thanks for the help and info!

[R_Lefebvre]

Damn!

[Hazzard]

Wow, that looks great. I am really impressed with your work. I am trying to put the finishing touches on mine right now.

How do you like the thermarest dreamtime pads? Also, what type of pillows are those? They look great!

[southpier]

is soldered hard fittings a standard application for the waterlines? i would think just vibration from the truck being driven, independent of any movement in the box set up, would be enough to crack joints after a bit



also, any chance of a side view of a drawer showing the slide?

nice set up; thanks

[NM-Frontier]

Boy that is a sweet set up! Super nice detail of every thing. It makes me want to re-do mine. Thanks for sharing.

[roadtripcrazed]

How do you like the thermarest dreamtime pads? Also, what type of pillows are those? They look great!

The DreamTime pads are amazing. How can you beat 3.5 inches of comfort with a removable, machine washable cover? The support of a traditional Thermarest with the extra comfort of a memory foam topper ... no complaints here! The pillows are also made by Thermarest. As mentioned, we've been backpacking for years, so most of our gear carries over from there. This whole "truck camping" concept is new but VERY exciting.

[roadtripcrazed]

is soldered hard fittings a standard application for the waterlines? i would think just vibration from the truck being driven, independent of any movement in the box set up, would be enough to crack joints after a bit.

also, any chance of a side view of a drawer showing the slide?

nice set up; thanks

I consulted with a few people about the copper fittings before proceeding. The general consensus was that the copper would actually be MORE reliable than hoses because it is simply a more secure joint. Obviously, the copper fitting have only been used where I am confident they will not sustain significant stress. The union from heater hose to copper fitting is made outside of the box, and it is very well secured. I suppose that only time will tell ...

I should add that I also built a copper manifold/bypass valve assembly in the engine bay. This allows me to simply turn a few valves up front if an issue ever presents itself in the box. Peace of mind more than anything.

I can grab a side shot of the drawers for sure. Not much to see really - just a drawer with a length of 1" square tubing alongside it. Photos later tonight or tomorrow.

-=Doug

[Raw7s]

WOW

I'm actually in the process of building one myself. Drew up the plans and made a cardboard concept today, and will be cutting the pieces tomorrow. Mine will be going in a Hummer H3, with only 64" of overall flattop length in the back, 31" of available drawer space length.

I was planning on posting some pictures of mine once I'm done, but after seeing yours... mine will look like a blind kid built it

Edited:

had a stupid question about how the beds slide, but figured it out. Where'd you find rollers that small?