How to Make a Drive In Movie Theater Truck Bed Couch

Last Updated: August 15, 2022

Make this nifty truck-bed couch to keep you cozy from the back of the truck when watching movies in glorious large size at the drive-in movie theater. This project is pretty straightforward and very comfortable!

Steps

1
Make the "mattress" base first. Measure the base of the back of your truck. Be sure to account for the wheel arches.
2
Cut the wood being used for the framework so that it measures to fit the base dimensions of the truck. Ensure that the wheel arches are accounted for.^{[1]
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- If the wooden board is not large enough (likely), join the pieces together, screwing together with joining pieces of wood, as shown in the image in step one.^{[2]
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- Cut the foam underlay to fit the top side of the wooden base exactly.^{[3]
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3
Measure the same size on a large piece of canvas strength fabric. Include an overhang in the measurement of about 12" or 30 centimeter (11.8 in), or enough to cover the board and foam underlay as shown in the image. The next part is easier if you have a friend to help you hold and turn the board while you work on it.^{[4]
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- Pull the fabric taut over the foam (sitting on top of the wood) and wood board. Pull the overhang around to the back of the board.^{[5]
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4
Staple the overhang fabric to the board on the back. Use a staple gun.
5
Check that the appearance of the "mattress" base is smooth and completely fitted. It's now ready for use.
6
Create the pillow piece. This piece will sit up against the front of the truck, just below the window, to allow you to recline comfortably. As with the mattress base, you'll need to measure the width and height of the space on your truck under the window, side to side.
- Use the measurement to cut the particleboard or plywood and foam pieces to shape.
7
Use an old unwanted double or queen size bed sheet (fitted or flat) for the cover.
- Lay down the foam on the sheet.
- Lay the board over the foam.
8
Fold the sheet taut over the foam and board combination until it's completely covered both sides, sandwiching in the board and foam.
- On what will be the underside, staple into place. Use a staple gun again.
- Turn it over and check that it's smooth and sitting properly.
9
Place the bed couch into the back of the truck.
10
Test it out for comfort. It's now ready for a sweet night out at the movies!

Things You'll Need

Particleboard or plywood, enough for the base and pillow; additional wooden pieces for joining if needed
Foam or carpet underlay
Hammer, cutting tools, screws, drill
Staple gun
Strong scissors for cutting fabric
Canvas or similar strength fabric for covering the base (use something that can be wiped down and cleaned easily, as well as something that can handle the weight of boots, etc.
Old sheet for the pillow (look in a thrift store if you don't have a spare one)