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- 1). Measure the width and depth of the truck bed and the height of the wheel wells. Determine if the bed platform will fit across the width or the length of the truck bed. Also measure the length and width of the mattress pad or cushions.
- 2). Cut the plywood to the size of the mattress or cushions. Generally a full-size mattress is 54-by-75 inches and a twin-size is 39-by-75 inches. RV mattresses are slightly smaller, at 49-by-74 inches for a full and 34-by-74 for a twin.
- 3). Measure the plywood again, then cut two boards the length of the platform and two to fit the width of the platform, in between the side boards. Lay the boards flat on the ground and position the platform on top. Screw together, through the plywood and into the 2-by-4s, using the 2-inch screws.
- 4). Turn the platform over. Measure the height of the wheel wells again and decide if the platform should be taller, allowing more storage space underneath the bed. Cut the legs from the leftover scraps of the 2-by-4 boards. Attach to the bed platform by tucking the legs into the corners formed by the bed frame. Screw the legs to the bed frame with the 3-inch deck screws.
- 5). Slide the bed platform into the truck bed. Lift over the wheel wells and push into place. If necessary, cut two short blocks that fit between the legs and wheel wells. This prevents the bed from sliding out of place while you are on the road. Add the mattress and bedding or sleeping bag.
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