Sleeping Space

• These are all brainstorm ideas with commentary.
• The initial design incorporates a sleeping area that will fold up and stow away, or be re-purposed for a different function.
• Images are included as examples.

Build a platform that disassembles easily:


Lay a bed out between the wheel wells of the bed.
options:

1. The bed would fold, like a futon, into a couch position
1. Futon thicknesses are approximately 5 inches. When sitting on the futon, there may not be sufficient head space for the average male height (~5'9"), as female average heights are commonly lower than men's. 
2. Folding a cotton futon of 5" depth is also difficult to do in a limited space. The item is heavy and does not hold new shapes readily nor well. On the up side, since the futon is made of cotton, folding would not be an issue for extreme temperature ranges.
2. The bed could be a foam material that is cut and puzzle-pieced together to ensure separation does not occur in sleep. The puzzle pieces can be disassembled, stacked, stowed away or used as chair cushions.
3. Memory foam
1. Most memory foam mattresses are approximately 7 to 12 inches in depth, which would exceed the amount of headroom available for comfortably sitting upright in the bed.
2. Memory foam mattress toppers range from 2.5" to 5" in depth.
3. From experimentation:
1. These toppers are extremely easy to fold and move around.
2. Lightweight
3. Holds new shape readily in warm (or room temperature) conditions.
4. Very difficult to fold when the mattress is cold, though becomes pliable with ample body heat.
5. Is not ample as a single layer against the corrugated truck bed liner. Laying a rug and foam similar to play-mats under the mattress made the mattress vastly more comfortable.
6. Bottoming out is extremely uncomfortable and not a viable long term option
4. Camping mattress pads
1. These can be blown up in a dozen or so breaths
2. Store easily
3. Sat on comfortably without touching the floor when inflated
4. Commonly water resistant
5. Can be expensive (~$100 each)
6. Insulated models, some with heat reflective coatings

Overview

To start, the objective of "Under the Camper Shell" is to be able to design and build a prototype camper within the bed of a pickup truck and its camper shell. With that build envelope in mind, the amount of space available is extremely limited, making versatility, modular design, and efficiency extremely important components in the success of this project.

The prototype is designed to be a fully enclosed living environment in an urban setting. The unit will contain basic spaces for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation. Recreation/work space will also be incorporated in the design.

The prototype will be built within a 1996 Toyota Tacoma with a mounted camper shell.