Sleeping Platform Cut-Out Question

[BamaDrewski]

I am going to try and fabricate a nice sleeping platform with drawers underneath for my rig. I can order matching carpet by the yard from an Alabama company that makes molded replacement carpet sets for our rigs.

ONE QUESTION: For those of you who have done the platform build, how did you manage to trace around the rear wheel well "bumps" at the height you have the top of your platform? I have seen photos where folks have almost a perfect fit where they cut-out for these.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Babylon4Running]

Cardboard is your friend!! place at height trace cut larger then trim down to the shape that you like and use as a pattern on the wood.

Hope this helps Good luck.

 

[Idle Beak]

I also have the exact same question. It's one thing that keeps me from trying to build one.

 

[psraff]

Forgot what they're called, but go to home depot and get a device to copy curves... they are about 6 or 7 inches long and have a ton of "pins" in it. You press it against the curve and the pins slide to form into the curve. Then just transfer to your work.

 

[GVL]

This is how close I got with just cardboard and a measuring tape. As you can see it's not perfect, but once you add 1/2" padding and carpet it fills in the little gaps nicely. I can't tell you how much I love the extra easy-access cargo totes; every time I need a tool, rope, winch gear, or just my light jacket I know exactly where it's at.

 

[UnderFire]

If you want it tight I'd personally take the wheel well carpet covers off, decide how high you want to be and build the rest of the platform, once you do that, make your piece of cardboard that hugs the curve on each wheel well, then trace it on your wood, and cut it with a jigsaw leaving a little etra meat there for you to alter slowly to make it tight. Keep in mind if your carpet is plush it can hide small imperfections in your cuts very well.