Pickup Camper Shell Sleeper

[Papa Zook]

Anyone ever built a sleeping platform for their pickup camper shell? Looking for ideas.

[skuuter]

Yep....get some steel angle, trim one side off so it will clamp down under the shell. Weld 2pcs. of angle to form a rectangle to these two. Fit 3/4" plywood to it......"TA-DA".....done this about 3 times over the years...still have storage room under it.....cheap, easy to remove, works...wish I'd taken pics and I'd post em'......

[Duffy]

If you're under 6' you can just use a piece of plywood cut to the width of the truck bed and place a leg under the middle at the edge.

Another way (if you're over 6') is to use two hinges and make a "door". Attach the hinges to to box side and use two legs (one at each end) to support the "door". When not in use it can be folded up and you still have good access to the pick-up bed floor.

You can use those fold up table legs for a camper table. They work well.

Both of these are best made with at least 3/4" plywood.

[Papa Zook]

Thanks for the responses. I like both those ideas. I'm trying to decide whether to go more elaborate with a center section that comes out to make a table top with two "benches" one on either side, or keep it simple with just the bed and storage underneath. Its an 8ft bed so I've got plenty of room.

[Calman]

In the late 70's I had a Ford Courier with a shell and a full pass-through window. On a Christmas 1977 trip from San Diego to NC and back I put a piece of 3/4" plywood, with l" foam pad, that spanned from one gunwale to the other for my 18 month old son to sleep and play on. Had a 6" lip on the backside to keep him from falling out.

My wife and I slept on a futon-style foam mattress that nestled between luggage and Christmas presents in the truck bed. I put eye hooks on either end of the side windows, rear window, and pass through and strung up some towels with clothes pins to give us privacy when we stopped.

Used this system for about 3 years. Then I upgraded to a Ford E-350 van conversion.

[Ellard]

company up in my area makes a flip out tent for your pickup is nice....Lightweight Pop-Up Tent Trailors | Pop Up Tent Trailers | Small Car Tent Trailors in Osoyoos b.c.
I own one of the trailers

[Blondie Gal]

They say 2 wheels move the soul... I guess the 3rd is to give direction

That's priceless! Thanks!!

[rugged country steve]

Go for the table style so you can sit around when the mosquitoes or rain gets too much.