Going camping in the smoky mountains next week and the girlfriend and I were talking about how we were going to camp. Normally we tent camp, but I starting talking about this and she thought it was a great idea.
Even though we are going next week, I think I can get the basic structure done this week, even if it doesn't have the doors and shelves etc. I'd like to get it to the point that we have a perfectly flat surface on the top, that I can eventually carpet, and put our sleeping pads on. We are both about 5'7", so this will be just enough room.
I'm going to completely remove the rear seats, to maximize storage under this thing.
In the rear, I want to make a drawer on the right (tailgate side) that i can cook on, and store the cooking items. It will have a leg that folds down to support it. On the left side, there will be a cooler, and a hinged section above it, so there is access during the day.
I'm planning tonight, so that I can get materials and get started tomorrow after work, but if you have suggestions I'd appreciate it!
I'm going to use the mosquito netting idea that someone had to get some fresh air in the back, put some hooks somewhere to hold a trash bag, make the doors on each of the rear vehicle doors so the open to a shelf, and maybe even make a ramp for my dog to get in.
It's going to be constructed in three sections, so that I can remove it on my own and store in the basement. The flat plywood pieces will be separate also.
Here is a quick drawing that i did in paint on my home computer. May or maynot take the time to do some cad.

 

Subbed. I'm curious and anxious to see the result.

 

watching this one also!

 

I would suggest latches on the drawers like that on a bathroom stall door so that the doors do not open while driving and bang around. Would possibly help the interior not get beat up and could prevents annoying sounds on the road. Also, if the hangle could flip down and out of the way that would get them from being accidentally hit and broken off.

 

I have a hardtop on right now, but that's a good idea for the soft top. I was also thinking of a screen for the freedom top area. At the dealer now prepping with an oil change and getting the bolts for the rear seat loosened since they were so freaking tight!!

 

Seats came out at the dealership this morning while I got the oil change done. Those bolts were in there extremely tight, that and the fact that they are exposed to the outside on the bottom, and all the sand/salt I expose them to didn't help. The dealership actually did this for free.

 

That last sentence in your post didn't make any sense....dealership..free...couldn't make anything of it

 

Haha, but on a series note, have you gotten any materials yet? Pics? I'm dying to see this and possibly make a mini version or your idea for my 2 door.

 

Subscribed - Can't wait to see how this comes out.

Best of luck -

 

This is the back area with seats in it still. Tonight after work I'll start getting materials and maybe start building some of the boxes/frames. With the locations of some of the bolt holes and welded bolts from the seats, i think I'll be able to find a way to use these to secure the boxes to the floor, preventing movement and/or rattling.
Any thoughts on what material to use? I'm thinking 3/4 plywood boxes/drawers. I'm not sure if I'd need to reinforce these or not since we will be sleeping (and more than sleeping ), depends on how I construct them I suppose.