Simple Sleeping Platform: Cheap Works Great

Like a few guys here, I used 2x8 lumber in these notches, with the ends slightly trimmed. Recently when I hauled some plywood I had the ah-ha moment that the notches were probably made 7” because (2) 2x4’s laid flat, fit perfectly in the notches. So I cut some scrap 2x4 and use those for plywood, drywall, etc now. Still think it would have been ideal if they made the notches fit a single piece of nominal lumber, but whatever!

 

3/4" plywood on it's own is more than strong enough to support 2+ people with less than 1 inch of deflection. If you cut 3 boards to 56.75x24" you'll be able to DIY the BamBeds system.

 

These look nice.
Which is stronger the birch or the bamboo?

 

The bamboo is technically stiffer but not enough to make a noticeable difference compared to birch. If you go for bamboo get it for the beautiful, hard finish!

 

What kind of finish do they have?
Can you make them thicker for more strength?

 

Thinking of changing my setup for something just like the BamBed.

 

I leave the Birch bare and coat the Bamboo with Mineral oil. They both are plywood with high quality facesheets so they feel smooth to the touch and have filleted edges all the way around to prevent splintering.
As far as thickness goes, You could make them thicker but that would be like making an airplane out of cement. The full BamBeds system can handle about as much weight as the payload capacity of the tacoma therefore strength isn't a concern.
Deflection is about a quarter of an inch with two people up top and evenly distributing their weight on all 3 boards. With a mattress on top you wont notice any deflection.

 

I took the plunge and picked up one in Bamboo.
Thinks it's going to workout great for me.

I have a 1" spacer so I can fit my storage boxes underneath
Notched it a little so it fit around my bed stiffeners'

Had it inspected




She's giving it a good testing

She's thinking about it

Approved

 

@TacoEspecial, I'm glad to hear the Bamboo Bambed has the approval of the "inspector"!
And I love the simple spacer you made.

If you ever want to go back down to the bed ridge alone, I've just tested out the 10 gal Rubbermaid bins. They fit super well at the stock platform height.

$129 Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 10 Gal, 8 Pack, Made in USA, Dark Indigo Metallic, Rugged Plastic Stackable Storage Bins with Lids and Handles

https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-R...prefix=rubbermaid+10+gal,aps,169&sr=8-1-spons

 

Good to know.
Think I'll have to check those out.

 

Exactly -one- year later...

You can hang a hammock inside the cab (not bed) diagonally. Pinch one hammock support strap between the door and a-pillar on one side. Pinch the other support strap in the opposite side rear door c-pillar. Lower the front seats a far as possible for clearance. I don't need to say it but I will: Knot the strap outside of the door to keep it from being pulled into the cab.

I don't have a double cab, so I have not done this myself. I have seen it done in Scotland with sedans, station wagons, and vans. It works.

 

love this idea but now I want to add sliding drawers under

 

Hey Ben...thanks for sharing the deets in this thread. I did make some and a) took a ton of time and b) don't look nearly as beautiful as yours and c) can't be converted into the super cool rocker...I think I'll still end up a paying customer. In the meantime I'll advocate for your product at every chance. Here's the complete link, don't wanna crosspost needlessly. @BamBeds ftw

Cheers.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...en-tacoma-today.6499/page-11683#post-27580913

 

what bins did you use?

 

Hey truck bed dwelling ppl,

I’m currently in the middle of putting together a platform resting on two boards as seen on many posts here (platform/plywood on top of two boards).

For those with a long bed, have you guys had any sag issues with the plywood/platform cut in half?
I’m curious if cutting the plywood down the middle (like many here have done) will sag much with two ppl.
I’d rather not add a center support in the middle - to keep things simple.

Thanks.

 

Use 3/4" plywood and you'll be good to go with no center support.

 

subbed

 

I’ll definitely check those out. I just did the platform a couple weeks ago.

The bambeds solution looks great too.

 

Just finishing up my bed build i went with 2x8s notched out to fit the front and rear bed slots and they are shaved down to utilize the ledge around the bed for extra strength, and i used 1/2” birch plywood to make it light weight. I water sealed everything and now I’m just finishing up the plywood panels with outdoor carpet. It might be over engineered lol i also have a napier backroadz bed tent! Just trying to figure out what mattress or pad i want to use, air mattress is out of the question since i plan on taking my dog with me

 

Since i have a short bed i made an extension