Lets see your Short Bed truck bed sleeping platform/drawer/storage systems

Recently inspired by a YouTube channel ( MAV ) to build a Sleeping platform in the bed of my short bed Tacoma. Maybe even with a Drawer system underneath. With Lumber so expensive, lets see your simple / minimalism builds for the bed of your trucks!

 

Check out this thread for some ideas. Love Mav's channel he does a great job.

I had a pretty simple build for around $100. However after a year I ended up ditching the shell and sleeping/draw system. Is it is doable to sleep in a short bed? Yes. Is it comfortable? Overall I say not really. I spent around 35 nights last year in my camper and recently switched to a ground tent (and am so happy I did). I am 5'10 and the diagonal space was just enough for me to tolerate sleeping in there.

Here was my setup:



I used two 2x6 boards and 2 sheets of plywood. Had enough wood to make a drawer as well. It worked well for what it was.

If you really want to go for the stealth camping setup, my recommendation is to get a long bed. If you just want to camp, I have been way happier (and sleep better) after switching to a ground tent.

Just my two cents!

 

Love your set up! I am with you, 95% of the time I'm in the tent / or hammock. But the idea of being ables to hide out from the rain, and take cover in the bed of the truck for stealth cabin is huge. Thank you for sharing the photo & recommendations. Thinking about building a folding extension for the tailgate, so I can stretch out my legs.

 

there's a whole thread on the subject FYI, same concept for short and long beds just adjust size

 

My build: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wi_taco-2nd-gen-short-bed-drawer-platform-v1.716914/

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

 

3/4” plywood, 2x10 with about 1/2” ripped- without the bed mat it would have fit with no ripping, a 4’ plastic storage bin, and after cutting foam to fit I had an upholsterer make the cushions.

 

This is what I have been thinking of doing. Looks good. Is there room in that open corner to sit and put shoes on or arrange your bed?

 

Yep- I had a fiberglass topper at the time so headroom sitting up was a little cramped.

 

I did a split board and then used the leftovers to build a tailgate extension. When I’m solo it stays like this, when my son goes with I have a matching setup for the other side. To help with storage I made the rear support split with a folding leg for support. It’s a low platform height but it’s just tall enough to put my arb compressor under it. Kept it simple and it stores nicely.

 

I picked up a shell last weekend and would like to be able to sleep in the bed for about 3-4 nights a year for a camping/fishing trip. How tall are you, and how well did this work for you? I'm strongly considering building a diagonal platform just like this.

 

okay think we all want to know how long is the diagonal sleeping space? because I've been thinking something similar. I've crashed in the back of my truck in once in an oh I need to sleep and the cab seats were not cutting it moment in a rain storm.

 

I believe it's about 6-3 from corner to corner. It should roughly work if your around 6-1 or so, being your entire body can't for within the straight line from corner to corner. I feel like it's definitely an "in a pinch" sleep setup, and not really an every weekend type of setup.

 

im 6'2" figured it be tight. that is the one thing i do miss about my f350 that 8ft box was great to sleep in had a tent that fit the bed and it even went over the tailgate

 

I’m 5’11. There is room to stretch all the way out, but not much more when you put a pillow behind your head, but I’m not a back sleeper, so never had an issue. The pad I had made is 30” wide, so I used one 4’ sheet cut to fit, with a small chunk on the end. Ran a diagonal line, then went 15” off that for my cut line.

 

Awesome, I'm going to give this a shot as a side project I think. Appreciate the info!

 

Got around to getting my platform cut up and installed. Next up is finding some cheap padding to make a mattress.