Budget 80 Sleeping Platform

[foeix]

While I dream of Drifta or African Outback drawers the budget just won't allow it. I also don't want a cumbersome and heavy plywood mess in the back. I was willing to forgo drawers for simplicity.

My main goal was to have a secure raised sleeping platform and have my FZJ80 set up for camping. This setup with slider window screens should make for a comfy sleeping spot. I also want to be able to secure my hand winch and ac/dc battery jump starter device underneath.

After looking through IH8Mud for inspiration I settled on 80/20 Aluminum Extrusions as the material of choice. They have an eBay store for surplus items. The goal was to keep in around $100 in materials and build it quickly and easily. Using 80/20 Quickframe and a small Sandeply sheet I came in slightly under budget.

Tools and Material:

Result:

Details of Plywood Attachment:

Laid out:

Pictures of the platform stained and mounted safe and sercurly to follow tomorrow

 

[Solid Taco]

Subscribed. Looks interesting. Waiting to see how it looks in the truck.

 

[canman]

^^X2^^

 

[jynx]

What the hack do you need with some other drawer system, looks like you have the base for a very nice set of drawers right there.

X3 on looking forward to this finished and installed.

 

[driver5155]

Checking this out too

 

[bowtiestang]

^^X2^^

x3

 

[Bailey27]

Looks Sweet! and really clean. Do you have a link to the place where you got the stuff?

 

[MARKTLC80]

That's what I'm talking about light and simple unlike the other drawer systems that are 200lbs heavy. Man this is really good idea. Looks great so far, please post more photos. Cheers.

 

[DBWood]

I was about to start my plywood drawer build tomorrow. Now you have me reconsidering....

Subscribed.

 

[FastCarGuy]

Subscribed!!!

 

[foeix]

So I got around to fitting the platform and staining it. I had to make a slight tweak and remove two pieces of aluminum in the bottom to get a good fit - these were interfering with the mounting points for the third row.

I realized my photos made this look like a full width solution but I have designed this as a half platform. When I have the girlfriend I can easily add an extension w/two feet to accommodate her 100lbs. All I need to do is add two pieces on each end, two legs and drop a matching sheet of plywood on top - 20 mins tops with a mallet and some thumbscrews. It would be extremely simple to make this full width if you wanted for only a few dollars more.

This side / platform needed to be a bit more stout to accommodate my 200lbs.

With the tail gate up:

Tailgate down. The platform has 12in of height underneath it - perfect for extra coolant, my battery pack, Wyeth Scott Power Puller winch and a toolbag. These are tethered via carabeaners and rated straps to the third row mounts over the wheel well. This stuff is staying put in case of an accident.

Added some felt at the end to avoid marking the leather in case of contact:

The platform is secured via a cam buckle strap that goes underneath the plywood top and through both seat anchors in the floor. This creates a strong hold fore and aft and the location of of the strap limits movement side to side. The platform stays put and does not shift at all. No worries in case of a roll over and I can remove the platform in less than 5 minutes:

Sleeping set up with REI's super comfy 3.5in camp bed. I debated the over all height of the platform to ensure having my feet on the folded down seat would feel ok. The total height of 12.5" works well and only my knee down is off the platform and you don't notice the small gap due to the angled seat - I am 5' 10". Very comfy overall:

Entry from the driver's side rear:

 

[foeix]

That's what I'm talking about light and simple unlike the other drawer systems that are 200lbs heavy. Man this is really good idea. Looks great so far, please post more photos. Cheers.

Thanks man. Light and easy to get in and out were my main goals. This side weighs about 30lbs. Full width could be easily done for less than 60lbs.

T Looks Sweet! and really clean. Do you have a link to the place where you got the stuff?

Here is 80/20's overstock eBay store: items in 80 20 8020 Aluminum T-Slot T Slot extrusion 8020 garage sale store on eBay!

I used their QuickFrame product. They often run specials on lots of 6 48" pieces for less than 20 bucks. Total material cost was around $80 for the aluminum and connectors w/ shipping.

 

[fjrohrs]

Would it be possible to specify all of the pieces you ordered to get this result? That is a great idea, props for your ingenuity.

 

[FJFOOL]

That is a cool site and a great idea, Thanks for posting !

 

[Jrob80]

It looks like you achieved your goal nice and light. What is your plan for the rest of the sleeping platform? Maybe I missed it, it looks like there is a large gap when you have your second row seat folded down?

 

[foeix]

Maybe I missed it, it looks like there is a large gap when you have your second row seat folded down?

The gap is a non issue with the self inflating pad. The platform covers all of my major weight bearing points down to my knees. My feet are held up by the displaced air in the pad and it is very comfortable.

 

[Jrob80]

The gap is a non issue with the self inflating pad. The platform covers all of my major weight bearing points down to my knees. My feet are held up by the displaced air in the pad and it is very comfortable.

Good deal, I'm 6'4" and always just assume that you would want your head by the front of the truck!

Good build!

 

[firetruck41]

The gap is a non issue with the self inflating pad. The platform covers all of my major weight bearing points down to my knees. My feet are held up by the displaced air in the pad and it is very comfortable.

Plus it looks like you could just stuff some clothing under there if needed, considering you are sleeping "backwards". The gap would be more of an issue, if your feet were to the tailgate.

 

[therealg]

That is awesome! Totally rethinking how i'll build my drawer/sleeping platform. What are the connectors you used called?

 

[95LCMachine]

Nicley done, but I must say, my favorite mod on your truck is the license plate!

How are you anchoring the system?