Storage/Cargo/Drawer/Sleeping Platform System

[walkabout]

I just wanted to make my first post here on the forum. Thought we could use a 5th gen storage/cargo/drawer/sleeping platform system thread.

I'll follow with some better images and a summary of the specs of my build, if there's interest.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59731530@N05/5544790483/" title="DSC_0207-1 by elchic01909, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5544790483_fca8d69919_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="DSC_0207-1" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59731530@N05/5545360438/" title="DSC_0205 by elchic01909, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5545360438_7bbd3c09d2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="DSC_0205" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59731530@N05/5587020504/" title="DSC_0199 by elchic01909, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5587020504_d5d2175327_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="DSC_0199"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59731530@N05/5586423787/" title="DSC_0198 by elchic01909, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5586423787_8ccaedaba6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="DSC_0198"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59731530@N05/5587016548/" title="DSC_0197 by elchic01909, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5587016548_da29edfdf1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="DSC_0197"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59731530@N05/5587014572/" title="P3270008 by elchic01909, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5587014572_9064ea32ac_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="P3270008"></a>


Goals of Build

1. Ease of removal. Wanted to be able to take this thing out pretty easily if we needed the full space.
2. Ability to break down and store system in rear of vehicle when not in use.
3. Allow for modular storage containers. i.e. pelican, Rubbermaids, and other packs. I love the drawer systems out there but I didn’t want to define my storage space in that way.
4. Attached to sleeping section
5. Use existing slide out tray as a quasi drawer system/step/seat. We can tie down our containers to this and slide in and out for access we also have ened up using this thing.
6. Weight bearing for sleeping and storage application
7. Absolutely To Rattling. The wife and I are both anal about this.
8. Aesthetically neutral
9. Ability to clean (Wife’s Requirement) may put some rubber matting down we’ll see.
10. Provide relatively secure storage. I haven’t achieved this one fully yet aside from preventing someone from seeing things in the back. But I intent to place either a lockable box upright on the back side of the seat accessible through a hinged section of the platform. Or I may place a back on the shelf to prevent access once the seats are laid flat. The issues with this would be that I would be conflict with my second goal of the build.


Construction

Platforms are ¾ inch plywood nothings fancy.
Vertical Load supports are ¾ inch galvanized threaded pipe. Screwed into flanges mounted to the bottom of the plywood.
Lateral supports are simple turnbuckles I purchased at my local hardware store.
Front section is hinged and connected to rear section by some luggage latches.

 

[emsmatt]

That looks pretty cool. Lookin forward to seeing some more pics. Did you fab that yourself?

 

[kingpin748]

How do you sleep on that?

 

[RandyDaytona]

How do you sleep on that?

He's really, really short :

But seriously folks....looks really good. Actually looks "factory" and not DIY. What's it made of?

I had made a platform similar to that for the bed of my Tundra, albeit with two long drawers in it. I had carpeted the top and regularly used it for camping. While I won't be able to sleep on anything in the cargo area of my 4Runner, I miss the gear-holding capabilities and will probably be making a new one.

 

[BBB]

Can you elaborate on the materials and construction?

 

[blademan]

Now that is the absolute best utilization of that stupid (imo) sliding cargo tray Ive ever seen! That actually makes sense! How much $$ would it take for you to be willing to duplicate that?

 

[SeattleMike]

Looking good, especially the additional front section.

 

[Falls]

Nice job . Very creative .

 

[Johnny Utah]

How do you sleep on that?

he's got air mattresses, on top of the plywood.

 

[walkabout]

Thanks for the comments guys.

How do you sleep on that?

I have the front section that connects. Best way I've found so far is feet facing the back that way you can use the rear doors to get in and out.

That looks pretty cool. Lookin forward to seeing some more pics. Did you fab that yourself?

Definitely a DIY. I wish I could have bought this that would have been way easier. Less satisfaction, but easier.

Can you elaborate on the materials and construction?

See original post, Plywood, Steel Pipe, Turnbuckle....

Now that is the absolute best utilization of that stupid (imo) sliding cargo tray Ive ever seen! That actually makes sense! How much $$ would it take for you to be willing to duplicate that?

I was trying to figure the best way to use that tray and not have to deal with this and honestly aside from being a pain to work around it's definitely useful in the end. Thanks for the compliment on building you one. No production plans right now.

he's got air mattresses, on top of the plywood.

Rocking the thin thermo-rest type camping pads right now. May end up getting a Paco Pad or something with a little more girth. We'll see.

 

[Jasdipasaurus]

Question about Sleeping Platform

Does anyone know what the aluminum edging is? and where do I get some?

thanks!

 

[On Point]

nice setup!