Portable Platform for Bed/Vault

[Texarado]

Has anyone located a portable, sturdy platform that could easily be installed/uninstalled from the bed? a 4x8 would provide the ability to pitch any number of tents with close proximity to the cab, while still having access to underneath storage.

I saw one reference on a prior thread, but it’s dated at this point.

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[Crissa]

Has anyone located a portable, sturdy platform that could easily be installed/uninstalled from the bed? a 4x8 would provide the ability to pitch any number of tents with close proximity to the cab, while still having access to underneath storage.

I saw one reference on a prior thread, but it’s dated at this point.

Which thread are you referring to?

Around here, old threads are gold mines.

And do you have a diagram of what you mean to use?

-Crissa

 

[Texarado]

Which thread are you referring to?

Around here, old threads are gold mines.

And do you have a diagram of what you mean to use?

-Crissa

Sorry, should have been clearer, there was a prior thread that discussed how having such a portable platform would make for a CyberTent alternative.

Just thinking a simple 4x8x1.5’ Something that would collapse down like a picnic table, but when assembled would hover over most of the vault bed, plus the tailgate when opened. It’s definitely simple in concept, but may just not be realistic in terms of how much space it would occupy to transport and store.

 

[Crissa]

Sorry, should have been clearer, there was a prior thread that discussed how having such a portable platform would make for a CyberTent alternative.

Just thinking a simple 4x8x1.5’ Something that would collapse down like a picnic table, but when assembled would hover over most of the vault bed, plus the tailgate when opened. It’s definitely simple in concept, but may just not be realistic in terms of how much space it would occupy to transport and store.

The truck already has a position to lay a structure over.



See how the tent uses panels that fold out and stay above the cargo box of the truck?

Is that what you're talking about? Just getting the platform for an arbitrary or otherwise tent?

-Crissa

 

[Texarado]

The truck already has a position to lay a structure over.



See how the tent uses panels that fold out and stay above the cargo box of the truck?

Is that what you're talking about? Just getting the platform for an arbitrary or otherwise tent?

-Crissa

I’m talking about getting a platform for an alternative tent. I know it can all be done for less than $2975, just a matter of what it looks like and the utility of it, which might actually be much greater than the CyberTent.

 

[Crissa]

I’m talking about getting a platform for an alternative tent. I know it can all be done for less than $2975, just a matter of what it looks like and the utility of it, which might actually be much greater than the CyberTent.

Then do it!

I don't know what you want. I'm just trying to encourage you to describe what you're trying to do.

I've built tents before, I know they can be done more cheaply.

-Crissa

 

[Cyber Man]

I think what OP is asking is some type of a 4*8 platform support that CyberTent has, so that it can be used for a small tent. AFAIK, no such product exists. Some start up companies have been soliciting ideas on this forum. OP, you may want to pitch this idea. Otherwise, as Crissa said, you will have to built it by yourself and share your DIY setup with us.

I can definitely see why this could be useful. You can tent or lounge on the platform while still accessing the Bed storage space, similar to CyberTent. Probably you can build two elevated cross bars that latch to the L-tracks and have a finished/painted 4*8 plywood or sheet metal on top of that? If you can make the cross bar with adjustable height, then you can also close the Vault while driving. Definitely an interesting DIY project. I’m sure someone will make this soon if there is demand for it. Your other option is to buy support frames for RTTs. Several companies have been making this already.

 

[tmeyer3]

Are you taking about a product like Decked?

 

[Crissa]

Are you taking about a product like Decked?

https://decked.com

Oh, neat. That sounds like what he's talking about?

I do like how the deck for the Cybertent just folds out into place, so you get to use the space under the tonneau organically until you need the deck, unlike with most other trays which are always there.

-Crissa

 

[Texarado]

Are you taking about a product like Decked?

Yes, something like this exactly, at least as far as the platform part goes. No need for the drawers, as I’m using the back of the bed for a spare.

I’ll have to think about L-track cross bars and a piece of wood. Hadn’t thought about that.

 

[TyPope]

Yes, something like this exactly, at least as far as the platform part goes. No need for the drawers, as I’m using the back of the bed for a spare.

I’ll have to think about L-track cross bars and a piece of wood. Hadn’t thought about that.

Attach some brackets

I'd get these, some L brackets to attach to them and then I'd cut two 3/4" sheets of plywood to the width of the CT and just set them on top. I suppose you could simply bolt through the L brackets if you wanted the stability.

The whole set up would take up 1-1/2" of space in the bottom of the bed. But, as you said, you keep a spare in there.

 

[jonesw67]

Attach some brackets

I'd get these, some L brackets to attach to them and then I'd cut two 3/4" sheets of plywood to the width of the CT and just set them on top. I suppose you could simply bolt through the L brackets if you wanted the stability.

The whole set up would take up 1-1/2" of space in the bottom of the bed. But, as you said, you keep a spare in there.

This is what I was looking to do but was going to include some bedframe stye bars running across the bed to the bolts. then putting some 1/2 ply across in folding sections to keep it easier to manage.
Started planning it.... looking for tents to go on top....and realized it was not going to be the aesthetic I was looking for.... so just ordered a Cybertent instead.

 

[Ljhughes8]

Has anyone located a portable, sturdy platform that could easily be installed/uninstalled from the bed? a 4x8 would provide the ability to pitch any number of tents with close proximity to the cab, while still having access to underneath storage.

I saw one reference on a prior thread, but it’s dated at this point.

T sportline had a bed shelf . You could use l markets with 1 inch square tubing the lower the shelf to hold plywood with a piano hinge to flip out the extra 2 ft

 

[Spartacus]

Here is a platform made of a series of 9 in wide by 1.5 in deep extruded aluminum "C" sections that are .125 in or 1/8th in thickness. It's rigid, light, stows in a very small space and can be dismantled and outta there in 2 minutes. Found this in the local scrap metal place nearby. Cost was $110 including SS "L" rails to mount sections on. The rails are sitting on 4 hold downs each side. The SS rails are kept in place by the length of the sections, nothing else. One rivet nut and SS bolt secures the last section to extend platform long enuf for my 6ft height. The light strip is covered but it's a cold white light, we will use a string of warmer lights when I get around to a tent covering (later). I don't know where it comes from or what it is.... if anyone knows please respond?

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