Budget 80 Sleeping Platform

[foeix]

What are the connectors you used called?

They are called Quick Frame connectors - made by 80/20.

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


How are you anchoring the system?

Thanks! the setup is anchored with a Cam Buckle strap over the frame/under the plywood and through the third row seat anchors on the floor.

 

[Grant4368]

Bravo Senor! Great, simple solution!

 

[foeix]

Quick update...

I have 5 nights sleeping with this setup under my belt... all in all it works really well....

My German Shepherd sleeps next to me on the floor of the truck and the platform provides ample space...

I added a camping awning for rainy days and have enjoyed the ability to duck under the rain....

 

[devildogcruiser25]

Man I'm really glad you updated this. I have been trying to find this thread for a while! Looks like a great set up.

 

[Squash]

Simple and effective.

 

[Layonnn]

Bookmarking this

 

[UMMAGUMMA]

X 2 please Sir!!!!!

 

[toyobaru]

For those wondering what he used, it looks to be the Quick Frame with the Quick Connectors. http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Gar...=6483014&_sid=129537225&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

I might have to replace my plywood box with a system like this. The question is where/how to integrate my WVO tank...

 

[greentruck]

As a full platform builder/user (gotta have it, as the wife goes along when I hit the trail), I really like this half-platform approach. Lots more room to work inside the truck like this. I can even see doing it in plywood and enclosed. All depends on your needs, which is the first thing you should determine before drawing your platform plans.

Nice work!

 

[foeix]

Cool to see there is still interest in this. I used the platform extensively last year and really like the way it worked. One addition I made later in the season was the addition of a Hardigg Medical Case. These are air tight, waterproof surplus cases that have an altitude relief valve. They go for about $100 on eBay and are very very sturdy.

I use it for storage and to extend the sleeping platform for two. Typically it stays cam buckled down to the top of the platform. It is stable as can be here and doesn't make any noise or shift. It also has roller blade wheels on one end which make it is to roll in and out.

It holds my camp stove, kitchen equipment, propane cells and other odds and ends.

The case is also the exact same height as my platform - and it fits perfectly next to it on the floor. This allows for me to lay out a full air mattress when the girlfriend comes along. The case is about 10" shorter than the platform - but with a little gear to fill the crevice it makes an even platform for the back of the truck.

 

[Malahki]

I really like those cases but WOW are they expensive!!

 

[foeix]

I really like those cases but WOW are they expensive!!

New they are nearly $1K... But they go for $75-125 on eBay from surplus vendors. Seems reasonable to me

 

[Malahki]

Oh ok, that I can handle, I should have checked ebay. I just seen the price for a new one and ran away with my tail between my legs. lol

 

[foeix]

This is a picture of the sleeping setup in the field - realized I had not posted one up:

I have dark tent in the rear and use a reflective shade in the front.

 

[Funner]

Great idea, I have experimented with something similar. You can easily use a piece of 2x4 stuck under the 2nd row seat bottom to lift the seat back up flush with the sleeping platform. A few minutes experimenting or actually measuring will yield just the right size to level the bed.

 

[foeix]

Great idea, I have experimented with something similar. You can easily use a piece of 2x4 stuck under the 2nd row seat bottom to lift the seat back up flush with the sleeping platform. A few minutes experimenting or actually measuring will yield just the right size to level the bed.

How had something so obvious escaped me for so long

Great tip.. just tried it out and it worked perfect.

 

[spencertron]

how much weight do you think the Hardigg could handle? I was going to build drawers but maybe i'll just buy a couple of those. The problem is I weigh about 220 lbs, you think it could hold me as a sleeping platform? thanks.

 

[TYM4FUN]

Tagged, great work.

 

[Dazrin]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8600536075_3e5179cc39_c.jpg

This is a really cool configuration - I was going to do a lumber version but I am re-considering now. Some questions:

• In the picture above I see a spare piece of the quick frame tubing laying on the floor - is it for the platform? If so, what is it for?
• Do you think the center support (side to side, not front to back) on a half box is necessary? Seems like just the edges would be more than adequate. I am thinking that for a full frame just three supports each direction would be enough. That would create a space to have a half width drawer in at least one side although I would need to anchor it a little different.
• Did you miss having any "wings" to fill in the side gaps?

 

[foeix]

Laying on the platform in my sleeping bag, on the iPad on a friends farm in the Cruser...

The Hardigg would support you... I am about 225.

The extra quick frame was just scrap I had in the truck.

The center support is probably overkill.

I don't think I miss the wings. That gap makes a great location for me to store my sleeping bag and pad.