nermalgod

I didn't mean rear end sag, I meant sag of the plywood between your supports. I'm 6'3" and 200# and if I camp with a buddy we could be subjecting the platform to 400# of weight. Of course if I find a nice women who would camp with me, we could subject the platform to a whole lot of . . .

Anywho, is your 3/8" plywood still straight and true? I won't be using a center support but I plan on using thicker plywood with structural ribs attached. I need to talk with my engineer friend and see what he thinks. My big idea is to build two boxes along the sides to conceal the wheel well and give me a place for tools and items always in my truck. Then use a two part lid to span the open area between that can be either fitted on the floor to give maximum cargo height or placed level with the boxes to create a sleeping platform. A La: http://www.bajataco.com/vikingvince/...ac/enlfr.htm?3

At least that is where my inspiration is coming from. Instead of 1x10s, I will be using plywood as I don't want the boards to warp and monkey with my tolerances. Figure two 4x8 sheets, a couple of oak 1x6 boards to rip into 1x1s for ribs and platform support rails and a crap load of stainless drywall screws to put the thing together. I have some leftover deck and cement paint that I will seal the thing then indoor/outdoor carpet the top and sides. Condensation is a killer. $100 to do it right is my guess.

oly884

Yeah, that sounds good. No, there's no sag in the wood, Though I'm only 5'8" and 135 lbs. haha. You could always go for 1/2" plywood.

Sporin

You don't find that a bit "coffin-ey" ??

I loved sleeping on an air matress in the back of my FJ62. It was tall and wide space and I could sit upright and change easily.

The 4runner is a narrower + shorter space.. I can barely sit upright but can change ok. I can't imagine HALF that height. I'm too claustophobic for that ZI think.

I do hate unloading my entire truck to sleep though... good thing I pack light.

Looks good though.

BajaTaco

Yea, it's not for everyone.

I myself can change with this type of setup with no problems. My wife and I both sleep and change in there - it all just depends on what you are comfortable with (and maybe how big you are).

I think I ripped my 1x10's so the deck would sit just barely above the top of the wheel wells. That maximizes headroom.

KC, I can't wait to see your setup!

Oh yea, I do have an elec. blanket too. It's great for pre-warming the bed on a cold night.

oly884

Yeah, as Chris said, it's a pain to change, but so long as you don't mind, it works great. Plus if you're WAY out there, eh, i'm not too worried about anyone.

Hopefully one of these weekends I'll get out. Looks like the weather is starting to change, nothing like testing it out on a cold snowy night!

DrBeau

I think the changing thing really depends on the person. I can change in a single person sleeping bag, and I'm 6'2" and 230+ lbs.

I can't wait until I start/finish my rear bed. I have to make mine modular so that I can have rear seats when I'm not camping.

nermalgod

Camping in the back of a pickup is similar to camping in a tent, small and confining. My biggest problem is condensation. My down bag is wetting out in the foot box because it touches the plastic bed liner. When I put my platform in, one goal is to have every surface covered with carpet. ALways always carpet a topper.

oly884

Yep, i got lucky and mine came with carpet. Another way to keep condensation out is try to have an opening in the front and the back, though small, it could get enough through to keep the condensation down.

If it's really cold, like it will be when I go out, I don't have much of an option. So i just go with it. Also, it works pretty well to line the inside of the glass with cloth, like a curtain, to help absorb some water.