Truck Bed Camper Cot

[9dawgs]

I also added a tailgate step I found on eBay at http://www.ebay.com/itm/172262992747 for $50 w/free shipping. I wasn't even looking for one but just happened across it. The frame is about as sturdy as a tree stand ladder. The ladder is removable and the rungs are adjustable. I like it a lot and it'll help this old man climb in and out of the bed. The only thing I'll need to do is add another strap to make it a bit more secure. I know it'll rattle if I don't put another one on there closer to the mounting area. I just need to dig it out of my stuff in the garage. It got really hot out there today so I called it quits!

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[treefarmer]

Bro. Jim, You ain't old enough to need an old man ladder to get in the back of your truck, are you? I had to get one several years ago and it is very helpful at times. Biggest problem, sliding anything 4' wide into the bed, but it comes off with 4 screws. Sometimes it on and some times off. Found a couple of old pictures showing how this one works, it unfolds and the steps are like a step ladder.

Treefarmer

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[9dawgs]

Bro. Jim, You ain't old enough to need an old man ladder to get in the back of your truck, are you? I had to get one several years ago and it is very helpful at times. Biggest problem, sliding anything 4' wide into the bed, but it comes off with 4 screws. Sometimes it on and some times off. Found a couple of old pictures showing how this one works, it unfolds and the steps are like a step ladder.
Treefarmer

Haha, some days I feel older than other days. Your ladder looks a lot sturdier than the one I bought. I like that. Looks like you can have an armload of stuff and walk right up. I wouldn't trust mine with too much weight but it sure makes it easier to climb in and out.

[9dawgs]

Well this morning before is was blazing hot I got out and cut the platform for the cot. I used a couple of pieces of scrap 1/2" plywood I had in the garage. It's coming together nicely. Next will be to carpet and install the piano hinge in the middle so it can fold up. Then it will be on to the truck bed platform.

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[9dawgs]

Picked up a can of Oops paint for $4 from Lowe's on the way home yesterday so I could paint the cot platform and truck bed decking. I figured it would not only add a finished look but waterproof the wood as well. I got the cot platform painted today. Not a bad color. Looks almost like a grayish olive drab in person.

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[9dawgs]

Got out this morning and carpeted the two halves of the cot. Looks like I'll need to buy a little more carpet for th truck deck. I have enough left to do one side of the bed decking.
Anyhow I think these turned out nice. I'll let them dry for 24hrs before attaching the piano hinge in the middle.

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[9dawgs]

Today I cut the piano hinge to length and after filing off the burrs attached it to the deck. Works perfectly. Then I set out to figure out an easy way to attach the deck to the pvc frame. I decided to use 3" carriage bolts at each corner. Simple sturdy setup. I probably should have picked up 3.5" bolts but these work fine for now. I also marked each corner of the deck and frame with matching letters (A, B, C, D) to help with assembly when I get to camp.

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[9dawgs]

I'm totally satisfied with the finished product. The fit in the truck bed is perfect and there's plenty of room under it for my guns. Now on to the truck bed deck!

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[9dawgs]

Yesterday I decided to start on the truck bed decking. After I laid a sheet of plywood in the bed I decided to go a different route in the design. Instead of hinging in the middle I'm going to just put flaps at each corner to fill the pockets on either side of the wheel wells. After all the measuring and cutting was done I did the entire deck out of one 4x8 sheet. Everything fit well. Next is to paint and carpet everything and hinge the corner flaps.

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[9dawgs]

I gave the old girl a wash today and had my boys help with the camper top install. Once I get the decking painted carpeted and hinged, I'll put it all in to see how it works. Just about ready to head to the woods!

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[Cr0ck1]

Looks cool but i doubt pvc would hold my fat azz up lol

[9dawgs]

Looks cool but i doubt pvc would hold my fat azz up lol

Ha, well I ain't skinny as I used to be! It's actually pretty sturdy. Today I got the decking painted and also built me a stand out of some scrap lumber to put my canoe on next to the house. I used the rest of the oops paint to paint the canoe stand.

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[9dawgs]

Ok, I'm back from my travels and had the opportunity today to finish up the decking. Here's the completed deck project. I think it turned out pretty good. :-)

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[Cr0ck1]

Looks good!!!

[nachogrande]

Add bumper sticker: If this trucks rockin, don't come knockin!