my sleeping platform setup

as i was re-installing my sleeping platform over the weekend, i realized i never posted info how i built it last year. figured i'd do so now in case someone else is looking to build their own down the road.

my goal was something simple and lightweight enough that the wifey could install or remove it if needed. i used these ikea bed supports and

$10 IKEA Part # 116791 - Mounting Plates - 2 Pack

brackets as support for the 3 plywood pieces. some voile straps keep the whole shiteree in place.

thanks for all the ideas i found here across several different threads.

happy to provide more details if someone's interested in this particular approach.

thanks!

 

Very neat , I always considered doing something like that.

If I were to do the same , I think id just eliminate the straps. maybe just 1 screw in each piece of wood going down into the cross beam closest to the tail gate. like a countersunk hole with a nutsert or something.

Its a good idea and the height looks perfect too. Good Job !

 

appreciate the feedback @brandostundra

 

I just like the fact that you used the expression ‘the whole shiteree’.

 

Pretty slick installation. Are three cross supports enough to minimize deflection when two people are on it?

 

thanks @BlackSheep
those ikea cross members are more than burly enough for two people. no noticeable deflection at all. if you don't mind the extra weight and awkwardness of thicker plywood, you could most likely get by with two. since i wanted something my wife could easily install/remove, i went with three cross members and lighter 3/8" plywood.

 

Thanks! My eyes didn’t even notice the plywood thickness, I just assumed it was 3/4”

 

How on earth do you attach the straps to the center section?

 

Excellent question @seydou! I crawl under the platform to get the front middle strap attached ... my least favorite aspect of this design

 

Hey @sonofdad what type of screws did you use to mount the brackets to the bedside?

 

I tried to get the widest I could find that would fit through the existing holes in the brackets. If I remember correctly, they were short sheet metal screws maybe 1/4" wide and 3/4" long.
Hope that answers your question. Let me know if not or if you have other ones. Good luck and let us know how the build goes!

Edited to add: If you need me to back one out and measure it I can do that when I'm back in town this coming weekend.

 

Great use of those bead rails. One supports their regular beds at Ikea down middle. Three will be plenty strong. Looks good.

 

I bet you don't even need any straps. it looks so well fitted. Try it and see if anything actually moves.

 

very nice, the ikea bars are clever.

 

You're probably right @d33pt but figured it wouldn't hurt ... my main concern was them bouncing out of place on rougher roads in the summer.