BamBeds is an American company that’s been changing how we sleep in our trucks and SUVs. Their whole concept relies on products that are easy to install and remove (nothing permanent or tedious to take out), modular, built out of high quality wood like birch and bamboo, at prices cheaper than full systems and a finished products that’s cleaner than what most of us could make at home. And this is the only product of it’s kind that hits all those points.
The Solo/Full platform is one of their latest products. The original BamBeds platform (I had one of these too) consists of several boards that run the width of your bed to create a stable platform. Where the Solo/Full differs is in the 4-piece top plate and supporting legs. This makes the platform even more modular, and the highlight feature being that you can run half the platform, or the whole thing.
I recently got a 4th Gen Tacoma and added a GFC V2 Pro camper, and the Solo/Full platform started to make itself at home.
Table Of Contents
What Is The Solo/Full Platform?
This platforms intention is simple. Provide a quickly removable sleeping platform that also doubles as storage. You can either buy half the system (passenger’s side) which is the “Solo” portion, or you can buy the “Full” which includes the driver’s side. The Solo portion on its own is more of a storage and organizational mod, where adding the remaining part gives you a flat surface to sleep on and store items when in transit.
In Solo mode, you get 31.5″ of width, with length depending on your bed. In Full mode, you get 57″. Underneath, there is 9″ of vertical space, and the top vertical space is typically limited by a camper, topper, or otherwise. Max load capacity for the system is 1500 lbs., more than enough to haul you and your gear around.
Setup and takedown take less than 5 minutes, making this setup ideal for daily drivers who use their trucks on the weekend for various outdoor activities. The more budget friendly material is birch, but there is also an available bamboo one. Everything is CNC cut for a precise fit. It all comes with a lifetime warranty.
“Solo” Setup
System with only half the boards.
“Full” Setup
The full system.
Build Quality & Design
The Baltic Birch plywood is lightweight, strong and clean finish. If you wanted to take it a step further, you could stain the panels or cover them in marine carpet. The bamboo also shares those same features, but its even more durable and visually appealing.
All of the panels fit perfectly together with solid slip-fit joints, no tools or hardware needed. The weight capacity is more than sufficient for all sleep setups and loads. When broken down, the system is relatively compact which makes it easy to remove, store or reconfigure.
Overall, a premium look and finish!
Daily Use & Function
Converting back and forth between daily use and a weekend camping trip is super simple. Given that it’s all hidden in the bed, and usually paired with some kind of bed cap, you don’t have to feel the pressure to commit to a full, more permanent build.
While using the Solo by itself, you have ample room to store your gear and maybe something like a bike. At the end of the day, this system give you an easily customizable setup that’s adaptable to how you want to use it.
If you pair everything with the BamBeds Sliders (seen under the platform), you can improve gear access and organization on the bottom of your bed.
Real World Fitment
As you can see, this system fills the bed area very well. It sits perfectly within the bed, using the raised edges and middle support to give you a stable and quiet setup.
The space underneath give you enough room to fit all your stuff. As you can see, we threw our storage boxes, tarps, tools, and several other elements on the floor of the bed. It works great under bed covers where you and all your items are protected from the elements.
The surface area is flat, well suited for a mattress in either configuration. Check out the Hest Dually in Kortlan’s truck.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- minimalist and flexible
- lightening fast setup and takedown
- very well built with little to no movement
- allows use of bed for other gear and accessories
- made in the USA
- durable and long lasting
Cons
- must have full system to sleep two people
- may not have room for bulkier setups like large fridges/slides
- not a budget DIY option, but precision and time saved makes up for it
Ideal Use Case
Something like this is ideal for solo overlanders, daily drivers/weekend warriors, and those looking for a stealth camping setup.
It’s great for those who still want to use their truck as a truck and not lose all bed utility. Awesome if you frequently see yourself rotating between camping/sleeping and hauling stuff around town in the bed.
Final Thoughts
In short, this is a killer option for those who want flexibility and avoid the higher price tags of full drawer systems.
High quality, super functional – well worth the investment for those who value space and time. Ideally, you’ll want to pair this with a comfortable mattress and storage bins, etc.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
