Brainstorm / Help: Sleeping Platform Top Mounting Anchors / System

[alphyn]

Hey Everyone:

Enlisting the creative / brainstorming powers of all you fine folks. I started my sleeping platform build and am stuck. I'm trying to find a way to flush mount objects without using tie downs (boxes, subwoofers, internal racks, etc) on top of my sleeping platform with some sort of quick release functionality. I already have recessed D-rings I'm putting on top of my platform for tie downs.

I was somewhat inspired by the way my featherboard was attached to my router table using a carriage bolt I can slip in and out. No good pics on that one but similar to how metal shelves have cross members mounted to uprights. Slide the fat head of the carriage bolt through the opening and position into narrow channel to secure. No idea what that is called, ha! But we've all seen and used this when hanging crap to walls...

Also, was thinking about using thumb screw fasteners like these. However, haven't thought of a good way to put in a bunch of recessed threads without custom welding an anchor plate.

When it comes time to custom welding something, it's probably best to ask the forums first if they have better idea. Thanks in advance!

 

[thenightman]

What material is the top of your platform made out of? If it is wood, I would use "prong t nuts." If it is steel or aluminum I would use "rivit nuts" or "rivnuts." Either way, I would keep a supply of eye bolts, then thread them in as needed and use tie downs to keep things secured. If something was going to be kept in there for months at a time, (like a sub box) you could bolt it into the rivnuts or t nuts, instead of eye bolts and the downs.

 

[Gary Blake]

Hey Everyone:

Enlisting the creative / brainstorming powers of all you fine folks. I started my sleeping platform build and am stuck. I'm trying to find a way to flush mount objects without using tie downs (boxes, subwoofers, internal racks, etc) on top of my sleeping platform with some sort of quick release functionality. I already have recessed D-rings I'm putting on top of my platform for tie downs.

Might help if you posted a photograph of work in progress on your platform or at least a drawing, there are lots of different special application fasteners but hard to advise unless we know the application/location/materials.

I personally don't know why you would want to attach anything to the top of a sleeping platform. (Attaching a couple of pictures of my set up). Only the actual platform structure is attached by bolts to existing holes in the floor. Anything heavy or that I don't want to move around gets stored in one of the 8 compartments/bins below the platform. There are 8 lift up lids for access and also access from the rear side door and tailgate so I have no problem getting to anything I need.

On top of the platform is a sleeping bag/pillow/air cushion, clothes and dry food. A 12 volt cooler is the only solid item on the top passenger side and it sits on a foam pad which pretty much sticks it to the top of the platform surface.

Gary

 

[Wedgy]

Dzus fasteners like they use on aircraft ??

https://www.google.com/search?safe=....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.2.250....0.gCxKXEe3DPM

 

[alphyn]

Might help if you posted a photograph of work in progress on your platform or at least a drawing, there are lots of different special application fasteners but hard to advise unless we know the application/location/materials.

Rigid top sheet of the sleeping platform which is permanently affixed to cabinet A bit hard to explain my entire sleeping platform solution and pictures are just a bunch of wood cut into pieces at the moment. My sleeping platform is modular. I split the rear into two removable cabinets which can be taken out independently of each other. Then, building out removable modules for rear seats (in and out) to complete the sleeping platform.

I personally don't know why you would want to attach anything to the top of a sleeping platform.

• Fishing pole rack to keep poles from bouncing around.
• Dog gate to keep the dogs out of the front.
• Removable subwoofer/amp to remove if when space is needed for other equipment.
• Lumber rack to secure lumber extending out the rear window.
• Cargo net to toss random crap under so it doesn't bounce around.
• High-lift jack mounting bracket to secure jack...

I could think of many things to attach to the top of the sleeping platform to make my life easier.

 

[alphyn]

What material is the top of your platform made out of? If it is wood, I would use "prong t nuts." If it is steel or aluminum I would use "rivit nuts" or "rivnuts." Either way, I would keep a supply of eye bolts, then thread them in as needed and use tie downs to keep things secured. If something was going to be kept in there for months at a time, (like a sub box) you could bolt it into the rivnuts or t nuts, instead of eye bolts and the downs.

Ah, exactly what I was looking for! Top is plywood, but I was prepared to affix a steel plate if needed. Going to investigate t nuts - they look like the best bet right now.

 

[alphyn]

Dzus fasteners like they use on aircraft ??

https://www.google.com/search?safe=....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.2.250....0.gCxKXEe3DPM

Super cool! My dog is also named Zeus. I should rename him Dzus. Never knew about these. Looks like they're really good attaching metal to metal. Got some projects coming up where I might need them.

 

[Gary Blake]

• Fishing pole rack to keep poles from bouncing around.
• Dog gate to keep the dogs out of the front.
• Removable subwoofer/amp to remove if when space is needed for other equipment.
• Lumber rack to secure lumber extending out the rear window.
• Cargo net to toss random crap under so it doesn't bounce around.
• High-lift jack mounting bracket to secure jack...

I could think of many things to attach to the top of the sleeping platform to make my life easier.

Ah, sorry, should have qualified that statement with something like "unless your requirements are totally different than mine"

Sounds like you are building a semi permanent set up if you are going to be hauling lumber, etc. Mine is only put in when I am camping/traveling, installation/removal is about 1/2 hour and it all breaks down for easy storage.

Keep the thread updated with pictures of your progress, it is always interesting to see different ideas and applications

Gary

 

[phattyduck]

Ah, exactly what I was looking for! Top is plywood, but I was prepared to affix a steel plate if needed. Going to investigate t nuts - they look like the best bet right now.

Just remember that t-nuts install from the back side. You may or may not want to trim out the top with something that looks nice. My experience with t-nuts is using them to hold the deck of my utility trailer in place. Works fine for that purpose.

Also take some time going through mcmaster-carr and see what other magical stuff is available... You might get some inspiration there.

-Charlie

 

[alphyn]

What material is the top of your platform made out of? If it is wood, I would use "prong t nuts." If it is steel or aluminum I would use "rivit nuts" or "rivnuts." Either way, I would keep a supply of eye bolts, then thread them in as needed and use tie downs to keep things secured. If something was going to be kept in there for months at a time, (like a sub box) you could bolt it into the rivnuts or t nuts, instead of eye bolts and the downs.

Just remember that t-nuts install from the back side. You may or may not want to trim out the top with something that looks nice. My experience with t-nuts is using them to hold the deck of my utility trailer in place. Works fine for that purpose.

Also take some time going through mcmaster-carr and see what other magical stuff is available... You might get some inspiration there.

-Charlie

T-nut install went perfectly. Created a template spacing them 6" apart and used bolts to snug them in. 18 for each half of my top sleeping platform - 36 total. Should give me enough mounting options. Top will be covered in grey marine-grade carpeting and will look perfectly seamless except for d-rings.

Thanks again for all your help

Untitled by gorgalor, on Flickr

 

[alphyn]

Just remember that t-nuts install from the back side. You may or may not want to trim out the top with something that looks nice. My experience with t-nuts is using them to hold the deck of my utility trailer in place. Works fine for that purpose.

Also take some time going through mcmaster-carr and see what other magical stuff is available... You might get some inspiration there.

-Charlie

Oh man just checked out McMaster-Carr. Lots of goodies, wow! Thanks for the reference. Bookmarked for sure.

 

[alphyn]

Ah, sorry, should have qualified that statement with something like "unless your requirements are totally different than mine"

Sounds like you are building a semi permanent set up if you are going to be hauling lumber, etc. Mine is only put in when I am camping/traveling, installation/removal is about 1/2 hour and it all breaks down for easy storage.

Keep the thread updated with pictures of your progress, it is always interesting to see different ideas and applications

Gary

Nah, not permanent at all. Quite the opposite. I want to be able to take everything in and out in 5 minutes. No different than putting in 4 separate boxes that all just fit together. Still working out design details and will post when it is completed.