Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Thank you for taking the time to post about your table. It's slick!

 

Wireless is worth it. I had the same battery in mine for probably 4 years. That said, I do keep a wired control in the truck. And a spare battery.

 

The Warn Zeon series is wireless remote only. I’ll be getting the VR series (already have the optional wireless remote) so I can do both as well

 

Just the Xeon Platinums. I have the standard Xeon and the wireless remote is an extra purchase. Great winch that’s never let me down yet. I have to remember to keep the clutch handle free of snow and ice in the winter though, where it’s positioned in my bumper is prone to having melt water run down from the radiator and freeze around the handle.

 

What are the options that you wished you had after using the drifter for awhile? My build should be starting soon and I have some decisions to make.

 

I wish the powdercoat option was available when I ordered mine. I had mine wrapped, but it’s not the same.

 

The fan for sure.
I’d also add another FR door to the other side. I still might do this. Having quick easy access to the inside is awesome.
And powder coat. I think it looks killer!
Neither of these were options when i got mine.

 

I got the fan and am thinking about powder coat instead of windoors. I'm only 5'9" and the gen 1 tundra would be reach for me to access the bed from outside. I think it would be awesome if the truck didn't sit so high. I really like the windoors on my frontier. I have to deal with fine talc like dust here and it gets to be a PITA to deal with so that's why I'm leaning on no windoors. This stuff gets through my frontier topper windoors. boy oh boy!

 

These have been used by “vanlifer’s” and in tiny homes for years. It’s also one of the many boxes I have yet to open at home, for months now. Ready to go though. Good choice!

 

Are the frontrunner windows actually twice as good as the windoors? I know they're a little bigger and they look sleeker, but twice the cost for the same basic functionality seems crazy.

 

Another option would be ordering windows from a local topper supplier. You can get vented (slider) windoors for <$250 new and do the install which should be pretty straightforward. The vented windoors seem like the best of both worlds. Topper suppliers also usually have a pile of used windows and you may find basic sliders in the $50-100 range.

 

Good to know I thought it was optional wireless/corded. Thats what I definetly want is the option for either. I’ll look into the VR, wee bit behind on my warn winches.

 

Stron

Strongly recommend windoors on any truck canopy. Accessing everything from the back sucks. Unless you have a bedslide or something like that then its great.

 

Unfortunately, I don't think anyone truly knows the answer to this. I doubt they are twice as good, but I suspect the larger size will make it easier to get stuff in and out and front runner gear quality is known to be top notch. The quality of the smaller windoors may be just as good - it just doesn't have a reputation behind it so we don't know. So, it's a bit of a dart throw IMHO. We went with them for the bigger size and quality, but that's just us.

 

Why would so many get the powder coating? For aaen, I get that it would serve an important functional purposes since he's had issues in his particular environment. What about the rest of you? Is there a strong functional rationale for it?

 

believe its more of a visual than performance function.

 

I think the answer is subjective. That’s why it’s hard to pin down for some and a no brainer for others. I have had many different types of camper shells, toppers, utility caps, call em what you will. I have found, over the years, that having as much available access leads to a more versatile usefulness.

The differences between a standard windoor and a Frontrunner are a “no brainer”; to me that is. The Frontrunner is a far more secure product in that it is manufactured with much more robust, and higher quality materials. It’s security far exceeds that of the paddle handle latch windoors.

My truck houses a mixture of very specific/expensive work equipment as well as my “playtime” toys. I want security. That’s a top priority. If you’ve ever come back to your truck and had it violated, missing expensive/unique handmade equipment, you would invest what’s necessary to keep your possessions yours.

My last campershell was equipped with windoors for access. But getting the windoors solid was a must for me. Solid means no visibility, and that means less interest from unscrupulous individuals. If you don’t see the value of the Frontrunners because the security aspect isn’t a variable in your equation, then a windoor might suit your needs just fine. But, keep in mind that the windoors are also a smaller access opening.

In the end, I feel the cost is justified in the ease of access, the security features and lastly in the aesthetics. Plus, if you are still on the fence, try and see if you can find a couple of Drifter owners with the options you want to evaluate and buy them a Beer so you can have a tactile experience that will better make up your mind.

 

Vagabond uses a specific window that is designed for these campers and took a long time to get developed. They are recrangular in shape to fit the design of the camper because it is straight up and down and not slanted forward like a generic shell.
Like this > | |
Not this. > / /

So what I’m saying is, you get what you pay for. They put a lot of thought and work into the design to make it what it is. Also when cutting a giant hole in a $7k plus camper, id rather leave it to the pros. Just my .02

@SenatorBlutarsky i got the FR doors for a security thing more than anything else. I didn’t want glass that could be easily broken and I didn’t want the handles on the side of my camper. The FR doors solved both of those issues for me. It would a lot more difficult to break in through it and most people wouldn’t even know how to open it even if it was unlocked. To be totally honest. I didnt even know how to open until Phil and Iggy showed me
For me, the cost was well worth the peace of mind. Plus i think they look sexy!
I’m sure you’ll e very happy no matter what you choose

 

I get that. However, they don't currently offer a vented windoor as an option. This would be nice for those with dogs. Door can be operated as a door and also vent when shut. (EDIT to say that I think Vagabond has a great selection of window/door options and just options in general. Post isn't meant to be a complaint.)

As far as security, there is a big glass windoor in the back. I reckon you could have no side doors and it would still be trivial to get in the camper.

 

Thanks for the responses all.

Security is somewhat of a concern since I regularly leave my bikes or skis inside the camper. @Anderson and @tacomgee have you both upgraded your tailgate handle to lock? It doesn't matter how secure your camper windows are without a locking tailgate. I've been looking at the pop & lock ones, are there better products out there?

@alldownhill I don't necessarily care about the vented option since there are giant vents in the tent and I'm gonna get a fan. My dog gets to travel in the cab with me and will only be hanging in the camper when it's popped with the fan running. He's a spoiled pup, but he's worth it.

My thoughts on powder coating...I love the looks of it, but aesthetics are not worth $1100+ to me. I live in Utah where they use salt like it's going outta style, so I'm a bit concerned about corrosion. My plan for that is to apply some sort of aluminum protective product. @Iggy and @Overlanerd any suggestions on protective products for the drifter?