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Building a climbing truck

Tim Fry · · Charlotte NC · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 15

DGraham, take a look at the pictures in my earlier posts. This is a 5'4" bed, and I'm 6'0". I do have to sleep diagonally if I want to stretch out, but no big deal. When my lady and I both sleep in the truck we try to leave the tailgate down and put a piece of plywood over the pull out box so we can stretch out.

The short bed isn't ideal but it's workable, and if for other reasons you want a 4 door truck (I wanted mine for my 90lb Lab) it's not a bad way to go, especially if you're single.

D Graham · · Washington, DC · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 972

Thanks Tim!

Crack Slabbath · · Chattanooga · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 500

I have a 2003 Toyota with a standard six foot bed and a fairly conventional set up in the back that you can read about all over the internet. It works great and is cheap to make.

Comfortably sleeps 2 up high

Or sleep one down low for more head room or "stealth" camping in parking lots.

Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440

Nice setup, like the stealth mode!

Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440

Just bought the truck cap heading to buy lumber tomorrow!

Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440
DrRockso RRG · · Red River Gorge, KY · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 815

Flip that upside down and you're finished!

Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440

If I wasn't building drawers and such, I would. But I need a nice level lower platform

Chris D · · the couch · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 2,230

Chet's rig is the only one I've seen a photo of in this thread that would be acceptable. The platform idea seems like a great one until you actually build it. Without a tall cap, you cannot sit up in the bed. I cannot emphasize enough how badly that sucks. I had a setup like those pictured here in a 6 foot bed with a standard cap. Pitched it. I could lie down, sit up hunched over, or sit up with my head against the cap and sideways. It sucked. I'm not tall either, 5'10"

Let me reiterate: Do not underestimate the suck factor of being unable to sit up in the bed of a truck with a platform and a standard cap.

Flip Flop · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2015 · Points: 25

I 'built' this this week. I found a $5.00 cabinet at the dump. Later I bought a single sheet of 3/4" cabinet grade plywood for $38.

It's not complicated but serves all my needs.

1. Storage with platform for lumber or temporary bivy.

2. Slides out for easy access also top-loader.

3. Sets up as portable kitchen/storage/ windshield/ privacy.(solo)

4. Camp bed also sets up with most possible height and room ( truck bed empties quickly)

I'll run a beta test and then decide on the design for the lid.

Basic bivy

Mega fly in 3.5 minutes

Slide out.

Mods pending

Too simple?

mountainhick · · Black Hawk, CO · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 120

Nice use of the mid!

Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440

Keeping it simple is a good rule of thumb, so whatever works for you, man!

Crack Slabbath · · Chattanooga · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 500
Chris D wrote:Let me reiterate: Do not underestimate the suck factor of being unable to sit up in the bed of a truck with a platform and a standard cap.
This is important. It only took one weekend in the rain to cut the platform to make for more head room; can't read books lying down forever.
Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440
TBlom · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2004 · Points: 360

Looking forward to seeing the final build.

The cool thing about custom building is that there are no rules; build what you like and have fun doing it. Some folks will favor simplicity, others will favor the complex. Some will prefer lightweight designs, and others will prefer bombproof construction. What ever you decide you like is 'acceptable'.
Cheers
TB

Brando digs my camper

Jay Samuelson · · Colorado · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 1,896

Here's what I built last weekend for my truck, a little different from most designs but I don't live in my truck. I wanted an optional sleeping platform that I could stow away in the truck while not using it, but could whip it out quickly and easily to create a sleeping space if I wanted. Here's what I came up with, the box at the back will serve as a toolbox (I added a facing piece of plywood along the front to hold stuff in there) and the entire platform stores away behind it. The 2x4's sit on the wheel wells for support, and the whole frame/toolbox can slide in and out of the truck. Granted I don't live in my truck and don't camp in it extensively, but I thought seeing a different design might spark some ideas. It weighs 100 pounds total and cost $50 in material (wood and hinges).

+added plus, I can assemble/disassemble the entire platform while sitting in the bed with the gate and topper closed.

Sleeping platform stowed away behind toolbox when not in use --- Invalid image id: 110499758 ---
drop in the sections of plywood..... --- Invalid image id: 110499760 ---

Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440

Tblom, sweet setup, looks similar to what mine will end up being, and awesome dog. And cool temporary rig, jay

Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440
Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440

All in all the holes seem to have saved between 12-15 pounds and every pound counts. I should get the structure in my truck tomorrow and then can cut the top to fit the contour of the bed and the truck cap should be here next week

Luc Ried · · Batesville, AR · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 440
Front of drawers

Drawers from above
Have gotten both of the drawers finished, should be done very soon
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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