Platform over bed for Tent

[NorcalPR]

I've been toying with the idea of fabbing a platform to go over the bed rails for my tent. That way I can keep all my food, clothing, items still in the bed, under the tend, and have the full floorspace of the tent for a queen size bed.

Has anyone done this? Not looking to spend money on the nice units yet, and I'd like it to be removable since I dont have a tonneu/camper shell...

Thanks!
-P

[trump]

I know Demello did one for Scott Brady's old rig:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=371996&postcount=3

Or, I bet you could make something like CBI's tire carrier to work as a rack for one. Just spread the bars out to the length that you would need... it's simple and bolts in. :2cents:

http://cbioffroadfab.com/v-web/gallery/TIRE-CARRIERS/2005_0821Image0020

[NorcalPR]

The only thing is that those awnings are way out of my price range, especially for something that is just used for a weekend or two...

I would get one of those tent in the bed deals, but Between the wells is too skinny, and I don't want to empty my bed out every night just to have that convience.

I'm also looking for something really easily removable.

[trump]

Oh, ok... I assumed you meant a RTT. I'm not sure if I can help you with that one. Here is a platform that was done that you can store your stuff in, but it would not be cheap or easy to remove.

http://www.bajataco.com/Camper1.html

[Scuba]

I like ricks bed rack..

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q312/pray4surfadventures/RTT%20and%20rack/DSC01721.jpg

http://ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133327

[NorcalPR]

Oh, ok... I assumed you meant a RTT. I'm not sure if I can help you with that one. Here is a platform that was done that you can store your stuff in, but it would not be cheap or easy to remove.

http://www.bajataco.com/Camper1.html

If only I had a camper shell :(

Maybe I can make something that has a hinge and folds out so I have 6'X8' on top of my bed.

[trump]

You could copy the design of a RTT base for a platform. I know the Eezi-Awn uses wood for the floor. The hard part would be making a sturdy frame/hinge that wouldn't buckle under your weight.

[LBPtaco]

check out stealth 4x4's build, i think this is more like what youre talkin about.


http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115481


but i will say that rick's (pray4surf) is a bitchin rack, im gonna try to do something like that out of aluminum after summer is over and work slows down.

[NorcalPR]

check out stealth 4x4's build, i think this is more like what youre talkin about.


http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115481


but i will say that rick's (pray4surf) is a bitchin rack, im gonna try to do something like that out of aluminum after summer is over and work slows down.

That's pretty cool! Maybe I could do something like that and incorporate some metal snaps so I dont have to screw around with straps. I'd probably make it flush to the bed rails though and have access doors for cargo space.

Good stuff, thanks!

Edit: Some google searching pulled up this link:
http://www.yotatech.com/f129/sleeping-platform-tacoma-trucks-83758/

What I'm pushing for, hopefully I can make it work out!

[NorcalPR]

That's pretty cool! Maybe I could do something like that and incorporate some metal snaps so I dont have to screw around with straps. I'd probably make it flush to the bed rails though and have access doors for cargo space.

Good stuff, thanks!

Edit: Some google searching pulled up this link:
http://www.yotatech.com/f129/sleeping-platform-tacoma-trucks-83758/

What I'm pushing for, hopefully I can make it work out!

I think I figured it out:

I need to build a platform that goes just flush to the bed rails. There will be compartments that open up like the Yotatech writeup. I'll have room for the spare tire, tools.....

I'll get a 7'X5' tent that will hold the queen air matress just to size, with a extra 6" leftover in the front for the air pump to fill it up. I just need to build a attachment that will come out from the platform an extra foot for the tent. It will be removable when the truck is moving...

Anyways, going to wind up making it out of some thin walled square tubing. Stay tuned!

-P

[pittim]

I've been thinking about making a platform too.

Basically what I've thought up was angle iron along the rails with detachable cross support bars, then have multiple sections of flooring (for the tent) that you can screw into the support bars.

With this design, you have nothing covering the bed until you set it up. have three or four platforms so that they can fit in between the wheel wells, and the cross support bars can just be put wherever.

The cross bars might have to have some sort of legs on them due to the fact that the majority of the weight will be put on them...not sure though. I think it would be a trial and error thing :saw:

[NorcalPR]

I've been thinking about making a platform too.

Basically what I've thought up was angle iron along the rails with detachable cross support bars, then have multiple sections of flooring (for the tent) that you can screw into the support bars.

With this design, you have nothing covering the bed until you set it up. have three or four platforms so that they can fit in between the wheel wells, and the cross support bars can just be put wherever.

The cross bars might have to have some sort of legs on them due to the fact that the majority of the weight will be put on them...not sure though. I think it would be a trial and error thing :saw:

Yeah, I was thinking about doing something like that too, but I thought, I hate it when my stuff gets wet on trips, myswell kill two birds with one stone

[pittim]

Yeah, I was thinking about doing something like that too, but I thought, I hate it when my stuff gets wet on trips, myswell kill two birds with one stone
You could put some kind of rubber on all the edges and just put the platform up. Basically a tonneau made out of whatever your platform is.

The yotatech platform is pretty sweet, but I'm sure it'd be a pain to get out of the bed...well more of a pain that just unbolting a couple of parts. And if you only plan on using it for a couple of weekends, would you plan on having it in your bed all the time?

I just like the idea of having an open bed...which is why I don't have a tonneau or a shell.

[NorcalPR]

You could put some kind of rubber on all the edges and just put the platform up. Basically a tonneau made out of whatever your platform is.

The yotatech platform is pretty sweet, but I'm sure it'd be a pain to get out of the bed...well more of a pain that just unbolting a couple of parts. And if you only plan on using it for a couple of weekends, would you plan on having it in your bed all the time?

I just like the idea of having an open bed...which is why I don't have a tonneau or a shell.

I was going to run a cable from the platform frame down to the tiedown hooks. As far as putting it on, I can run a pulley system in the garage to just drop it in place.

[CYi5]

I just welded up some cross beams that bolted to my existing canback rails.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2006/1003289.jpg
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3415/1003272.jpg

[NorcalPR]

Started working on it. The metal cost me a whopping 27 bucks for two 20' legnths. I need one more 20' legnth. The metal is 1.25X1.25X16ga metal. The whole thing shown with leg supports wieghs about 40 lbs.

Anywho, I still need to add more legs for support. Tomorrow I am going to get some plywood. 1/4" for the bottom, just to support the legs, and to protect the line-x. The top will probably end up being 1/2" thick.

I have plenty of room for storage. I think this is going to work out great. Tent it on order :)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Platform-2.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Platform-1.jpg

What do you guys think?

[trump]

I don't quite understand your vision for the finished product yet, but looks like a solid set up. Why are the supports for the floor not symmetrical? I imagine to get to certain items in your bed, but it seem pretty random right now. I know I will understand what you're doing after the floor is on.

You weren't wasting time getting this together. :kewl:

[NorcalPR]

I don't quite understand your vision for the finished product yet, but looks like a solid set up. Why are the supports for the floor not symmetrical? I imagine to get to certain items in your bed, but it seem pretty random right now. I know I will understand what you're doing after the floor is on.

You weren't wasting time getting this together. :kewl:

They aren't symetrical because of the items. The back end won't have compartments, since I'll just be able to open the tailgate and grab the bins.

[ArmyTaco]

Just splurge for a Camping Lab RTT and get it mounted on there. I got mine shipped for $800 and I love it!!!! Beats a regualr tent and air matress any day. also 3-5 minute setup and take down. Holds eat in good in cold and opens up nice for hotter tmeps. I know 800 for a tent sound crazy and all my friends thought I was crazy till I got it and they are jealous now. We camped at 5500" in last April and had a cold front come in down into the 20's with high winds. I buttoned down the hatch and with some good sleeping bags and a mink blanket me ant they wife got hot. My other friends had to get out of their tent twice and restake it through the night and was cold. Mine also is alot higher up than your so your would be and would not get the wind resistence from it. Mounting it on the back of the truck low is ver easy. All you need is 2 bars...like bed bars maybe a third in the middle if you wanted to be extra safe. Between that and the fridge my FJC is a camping dream and is so nice to leep in. Plus iyou can keep all your sleeping items in it when you fold it back up as along as you lay them out. I have slept in it several times from 5500' to next to the ocean. I love it to death...well worth the $800 whether you believe it or not. You could probaly use the design you have to mount it flush...check em out at www.campinglab.com Fernando is a great guy to work with.

[toyota4wheelen]

Trying not to still the thread.I only go camping a few times a year mostly fall and winter.I dont like puttign up and taking down a tent and dont have the money for a camper or a leer shell.Has anyone built something out of wood like a leer shell or something simliar.

[89silverpu]

Gunna be a bitch gettin to the spare tire don't ya think?

[lilrasz]

Phil, It looks good so far, but the spare looks like a bitch to get out. Any tricks for that??

[hoist00]

You could just tie a rope or use a tie down around the rim and tire and then just run it out close to the tail gate so when you need the spare just pull it out with the rope. Plus the spare would most likely be the last you thing you need when camping and wont need to come out as often as everything else so being tucked back in there is a good idea.

[NorcalPR]

You could just tie a rope or use a tie down around the rim and tire and then just run it out close to the tail gate so when you need the spare just pull it out with the rope. Plus the spare would most likely be the last you thing you need when camping and wont need to come out as often as everything else so being tucked back in there is a good idea.

Well, to get the spare tire out, I just open the compartment, stand on top of the platform, and pull it out. It's really easy.

Anywho, I got all the plywood cut out, the hinges welded on. I need to finish this thing by Wednesday... Oh shit!

[NorcalPR]

Pretty much done. Need to paint the edges, and the undersides of the plywood. The plywood is coated with Spar Urethane, then carpeted over. The cabinet snaps don't work too well, so I need to find an alternative.

The extension just slips into holes on the frame, then the legs fold down. Plenty sturdy.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Platform-5.jpg

The front one for the apre needed some bracing to get rid of the warping
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Platform-3.jpg

Hinge for the driver side front opening, for tools
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Platform-2-1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Platform-1-1.jpg

Here's the extension piece. Needs carpeting
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Platform-4.jpg

We'll see how it performs this weekend :)

[pray4surf]

Looks good Phill :clap:

I'm guessing your tents footprint is smaller than the platform? The tent just 'sits' on top of the platform? Any provisions to 'stake' the tent to the platform? You fabricated this so you could remove it when not needed? How long does it take to install/remove? I guess you have to remove the tent to access the compartments under the bed?

Looks good! Keep us updated on it's performance.

Rick

[Mr Tacomi]

Gunna be a bitch gettin to the spare tire don't ya think?

By moving the OE spare tire hoist 1" to the passenger side (thusly centering it), removing the OE tire locating bars and having previously routed the exhaust to be clear of the space & similar work on the shock absorber crossmember, my 37" spare is happily under the bed of the truck in it's normal space. It will rub the ground on extreme drop-offs, but is only slightly more vulnerable than the OE spare. Oh yeah, I also welded a deep socket into where the OE tire tool fits into the hoist, and use a 2-foot long 3/8 socket extension w/speed wrench to lower the spare. The only issue so far is being able to see the socket to get the extension in place, might just add a small LED on the marker light circuit. I also run a ratchet strap on the tire in addition to the hoist, mainly because of the weight of the 37" tire & heavy steel wheel.



Phil- Looks good! Hope you have a great trip!

[pray4surf]

I also welded a deep socket into where the OE tire tool fits into the hoist, and use a 2-foot long 3/8 socket extension w/speed wrench to lower the spare. The only issue so far is being able to see the socket to get the extension in place, might just add a small LED on the marker light circuit. I also run a ratchet strap on the tire in addition to the hoist, mainly because of the weight of the 37" tire & heavy steel wheel.


Mr. Tacomi - you might be interested in this mod (http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20152).... Brings the 'socket' out flush with the body

Rick

[NorcalPR]

Looks good Phill :clap:

I'm guessing your tents footprint is smaller than the platform? The tent just 'sits' on top of the platform? Any provisions to 'stake' the tent to the platform? You fabricated this so you could remove it when not needed? How long does it take to install/remove? I guess you have to remove the tent to access the compartments under the bed?

Looks good! Keep us updated on it's performance.

Rick

The tent i think is the same size. I think to stake, I am going to install snaps on the tent and the platform, but I think for now, I'll just run ropes to the ground and stake it.

As far as removing it, it probably wieghs around 100lbs total. To remove it, I just have to have a person in back, and me in the bed to lift it up and over. Takes about 10 minutes, and is light enough for me and my mom to lift it in place (no joke).

Later on, I plan on adding pulleys in the garage. That way I can back in, lift it up and I'm set. Either way, I can drop it into place the week before, load up that week, and I'm set...

As far as accessing anything underneath, it shouldn't be needed. Under the compartments is my tools, ems bag, tire, spare parts, shackles and straps. The rest access from the tailgate, which it down when the tent goes up.

Anywho, the tent hasn't arrived. If not I'll probably just throw the queen matress up top with some sheets and call it a done deal.

[pray4surf]

As far as removing it, it probably wieghs around 100lbs total. To remove it, I just have to have a person in back, and me in the bed to lift it up and over. Takes about 10 minutes, and is light enough for me and my mom to lift it in place (no joke).

Later on, I plan on adding pulleys in the garage. That way I can back in, lift it up and I'm set. Either way, I can drop it into place the week before, load up that week, and I'm set...


My RTT is about the same and it is a little difficult for me and the wife to lift it as high as necessary on my truck. A friend gave me a cheap block & tackle that allows me to raise/lower the RTT to the rafters. :kewl:

I secure it to the bottom of the rafters with a couple of tiedown straps, rather than relying on the rope...

Keep up the good work!

[NorcalPR]

Just used it this weekend. Here's some things I need to work on:

-I need to redo the closure system. The front compartment on the driver side kept opening on the freeway
-Add cotter pin for the extension piece to keep it in place

All in all, aside from doing the SAS and crawl box, this is the best modification I have done to date. Everything was kept neat, dry, and clean this weekend (the whole truck is FILTY DUSTY). I only used 2 large bags of ice for 1.5 days of camping, and it was almost 100 degrees both days. All my friends were going through ice left and right.

I've also never slept this good outside. The tent didn't arrive, but with 60 degree low temps, me and the lady decided to sleep outside. We just filled up the air matress, put the sheets on top and went to bed. We parked underneath some trees, and had the back tires a little higher than the rear. It was nice to have a flat bed with no dips, level, and off the ground. So much cleaner and it wasn't like I was sleeping on a cold floor.

Also, we rolled into camp at 9 with other people. They went to bed so much later because they had to unload all thier crap into thier tent. We probably had everything situated in about 10-20 mins. Loading up went very quick too, and unloading when we got home.


Anywho, there's plenty of time to fix it till the next campin trip. Till then I'm a happy camper...

Pics to follow

[NorcalPR]

Found some closures on Mcmaster. On order along with new snaps that will take double the force to open :) Also ordered button snaps that will go on the tent and corrispond with the platform, so when I set up tent, I just snap the tent into the platform.

Tent also came in. It is smaller than the platform by 1" :):)

Here are a couple pictures of the matress on top of the bed:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Campingwithplatform-2.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Campingwithplatform-1.jpg

[SAR_Squid79]

What kind of tent are you going with?
...Not an RTT, right?

[Stealth 4x4]

Good for you, man! I applaud the innovation. Since I'm a woodworker, not a metalworker, I built mine all out of wood at roughly the same finished weight. But its very similar. Mine extends out to the length of the open tailgate for more sleeping space, and I built it up over the height of the bedrail by the width of a 2x4 so I could fit my cooler and other gear storage boxes in the otherwise too-shallow bed. But this is a pretty similar build to what I did to mine,the major difference being yours is apparently waterproof :kewl:, and mine was never intended to be since I have the double cab for the bedding and stuff.

Yeah, keep us posted on how you like it, how it performs over time, etc. I have had to make minor adjustents to mine over the years (switched from wood screws to nuts and bolts on teh hinges, added a cooking platform off the side, etc), but after 4 years its still the best solution for all of the problems I was trying to solve, and was way cheaper than any of the alternatives. Did you ever get a truck tent to go over it? We've slept on ours under the stars a lot in good weather, but with the tent up she held up to hurricane Stan in Mexico just fine. Also, we've had 4 biologists with binocs and tripod-mounted scopes standing up there at work as an observation platform, and its sturdy as hell mounted over the bedrails. Yours looks stout as well. Nice work. Again, love the innovation!

Oh yeah, one more thing, if you put a set of inclinometers in the truck (check out my build thread), you can usually level it perfectly right when you get to camp and then you never have to worry about all the blood going to your head, or about feeling like you're rolling outta bed all night. Yours doesn't have the short rail along the bedsides to catch you from rolling off like ours does, but I'm guessing you sleep a little sounder than I do.

[NorcalPR]

What kind of tent are you going with?
...Not an RTT, right?

Correct. Being a weekend wheeler, I just couldn't justify the cost of having one. I'm sure being axle to set it up quickly is a BIG advantage, but I'll suffice.

Good for you, man! I applaud the innovation. Since I'm a woodworker, not a metalworker, I built mine all out of wood at roughly the same finished weight. But its very similar. Mine extends out to the length of the open tailgate for more sleeping space, and I built it up over the height of the bedrail by the width of a 2x4 so I could fit my cooler and other gear storage boxes in the otherwise too-shallow bed. But this is a pretty similar build to what I did to mine,the major difference being yours is apparently waterproof :kewl:, and mine was never intended to be since I have the double cab for the bedding and stuff.

Yeah, keep us posted on how you like it, how it performs over time, etc. I have had to make minor adjustents to mine over the years (switched from wood screws to nuts and bolts on teh hinges, added a cooking platform off the side, etc), but after 4 years its still the best solution for all of the problems I was trying to solve, and was way cheaper than any of the alternatives. Did you ever get a truck tent to go over it? We've slept on ours under the stars a lot in good weather, but with the tent up she held up to hurricane Stan in Mexico just fine. Also, we've had 4 biologists with binocs and tripod-mounted scopes standing up there at work as an observation platform, and its sturdy as hell mounted over the bedrails. Yours looks stout as well. Nice work. Again, love the innovation!

Oh yeah, one more thing, if you put a set of inclinometers in the truck (check out my build thread), you can usually level it perfectly right when you get to camp and then you never have to worry about all the blood going to your head, or about feeling like you're rolling outta bed all night. Yours doesn't have the short rail along the bedsides to catch you from rolling off like ours does, but I'm guessing you sleep a little sounder than I do.

Yeah, I was thinking about how we would roll out, but then I started thinking, 10+ years of sleeping in a bunk bed, and I haven't rolled out yet, must be the same principle.

The tent that will be used is a 7'X5' Trek tent. It came in on Monday, and is 1.5" overall smaller than the platform. I ordered some new closures form Mcmaster and also ordered button snaps so I can just snap the tent into place once it's up.

[Miguel]

...I'm sure being axle...

That's a Freudian Slip if I've ever heard one!

~Miguel

[NorcalPR]

That's a Freudian Slip if I've ever heard one!

~Miguel

Damn, sometimes I do that; hit a key different than what I mean, even though it's nowhere close to the other key...

able*

[NorcalPR]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/NorCalPR/TTORAForum/Eagle_Lakes-11.jpg?t=1256708914
The new closures work awesome. Only complaint is the tent could be a tad bit larger, but other than that, works great!

[diablo_alex2777]

Hope this helps. I might get one my self for my expedition trailer ill be making this year.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant/spo/1442848579.html

[Blaise]

TTT and tagged for later reference.

Trying to rig up something myself. Getting an Access Lorado soft tonneau for my daily needs and looking to build some type of bolt on rack to mount a RTT when I want to go camping. Only problem is that the tonneau cover mounts to the inside and top of bedside. Maybe I can weld onto it and add bracing to support the basket and RTT.:welder: