Ideas for maximizing bed space for summer truck camping?

Looking for some good ideas for setting up the bed (e.g: shelves) of the truck to maximize space for camping trips. Are there any good kits to purchase which you can have shelves and a bed space? Any insight will help...

 

This should keep you busy for a few minutes...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...eping-platform-drawer-storage-systems.424709/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-camping-photo-thread.166072/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/overland-expedition-pics-specs-with-bs-thread.220278/

 

Tons of great ideas here and out on the internets. There seems to be a generally accepted set-up comprising a platform and storage underneath.

 

I would first determine what gear you bring when you go out, then from there see how you can consolidate.

I'm actually in the middle of doing this now for items in my bed. Instead of a 7 gal tote for water, I'll have a road shower which mounts on the roof rack or bed rack. And instead of my action packer which has all my camp kitchen gear, I'll have a rolling tool box which has a smaller footprint, but stacks vertically (and just overall better for organization) which will actually create more room for gear.

 

Here are some silly ideas and shitty carpentry.



Shelves:













Do you have a camper shell?

 

Hey Phil where you get the step stool from in the first picture. I have one at home, but dont know where my in-laws got it from.

 

I think camping world, but they might sell it locally at most hardware stores.

 

One word. TETRIS.

 

One thing to keep in mind is keep it as light as possible. I just turned my 122 pound 3/4" plywood platform into a campfire and built one out of 1" aluminum tubing and rivets. It's 70 pounds lighter and probably stronger.

Also check this out -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWf6UcsIZ5E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_nLMS28iZE