Sleeping Platform

[devincox]

I've started building a sleeping platform. I'm using my 97 expy as an overlanding vehicle. I do a great deal of hunting, fishing, and camping and love having everything I need right in my truck. I saw a post on the expedition portal forum of a guy who built a really nice sleeping platform that has some great storage and I could not resist building one for myself. I've painted the exterior in Herculiner to protect from the wet hunting dogs and will top it with a rubber mat. I thought I would post the progress thus far, in case anyone else is considering something like this. I was going to use slides for the drawers but 45" heavy duty slides brought the cost up significantly. I put some UHMW tape to help the drawers slide in and out and it seems to be working nicely so far, though I have not loaded up the drawers to capacity yet.

The base is about 46" long and 48" wide. The drawers are 7" deep, 20" wide and 45" long.



The platform fits in the back with the 2nd row seats up and functional. I have a 2nd part that sits on top of the base and then can be pushed forward and locked into place to give a full 6 1/2 feet of sleeping space.



This 2nd piece has storage as well but no drawer. I will post some more pics later of it installed.

 

[docraymund]

Nice!

 

[devincox]

Here is a pic of the mock up in sketchup.


The toggle clamp secures the two pieces together so it is a solid piece when using the sleeping platform. I am welding some d-rings to the floor of the SUV to attach straps or turnbuckles, for securing the platform in place.

Here is a shot of the platform locked together.



The second, shallower, piece rests on top of the folder over back seats.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

looking good; thanks for sharing.

 

[Texpedition45]

Can't wait to see it finished and in the truck. It looks awesome.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Looks great.

 

[coach k]

I've slept in the back of my 04 many times. There's plenty of room. I just used an air mattress. Your system looks a lot more comfortable and functional.

 

[knewblewkorvett]

Cool

 

[John Christopher]

I also would like to see it in the truck. When do you think you will complete it?

 

[devincox]

I also would like to see it in the truck. When do you think you will complete it?

I will probably be finishing it this weekend, time permitting.

 

[devincox]

Finally finished painting the platform. Now I'm going to load it up and see how much the drawers will hold and how well the drawers still slide when loaded. The white marks on the back of the top piece are the holes for the pocket screws.

 

[devincox]

Was going to cover with rubber mat but changed my mind and went ahead and covered it in indoor/outdoor carpet. I like how it looks and feels, time will tell if I like how it holds up.

 

[jasonmcc68]

So any update as to how the drawers work when full or how it has held up? I am getting ready to do something similar but looking for ideas.

 

[devincox]

So any update as to how the drawers work when full or how it has held up? I am getting ready to do something similar but looking for ideas.

It has been working perfectly. I've been extremely pleased with it. I just finished a 2 day hunting/camping trip in 20 degree temps and it was very comfy. I have have used it about 30 times so far and its working really well. I do a lot of hunting, fishing, and camping. The drawers still slide fine with the Teflon tape, even when loaded up. I think they could be better though with some Teflon strips. Though I don't think metal slides are required at all.