Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Roger that,

What purpose will the sliding center leaf serve?

 

The idea is mostly to make it easier to access things in that portion of the bed, kinda like how people use the bedslide products. I also figure it can function as a table at camp for cooking since I don't plan on adding a swing out bumper with one of those fold down tables. Finally, I'm gonna mount some bike fork mounts to it and use it as a slide out bike storage like what @gman36 did (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hondo-garages-new-thing.516490/page-332#post-19217999).

To make this actually work without slides, I'm gonna add some L-track just above that piece to keep it from tipping over as you pull it out. I also like the idea of no slides because then the leaf can come out completely and be placed up top to make a bed platform like what you have going in your setup.

 

Got it,

you could consider making a simple slide out of Ball bearings and some steel that would allo the whole section to slide out as you are saying. With bikes on etc. If you did go with drawer slides you might run into problems finding some that have the throw you are looking for.

Once you have the drifter getting stuff from the front is easy and you can always get a windoor!

-E

 

I do like the ball bearing idea! I have seen some of those designs around TW and may go that route if the simple HDPE doesn't slide as well as I'm hoping.

I did indeed order windoors on both sides! To utilize those, I built hinged lids at the cab end that open towards the outside of the truck to allow access to the side cubbies through the windoors. Fortunately these are still functional from the inside as well, just a little awkward since they open the wrong way. I'm thinking that center portion of my build will be hard to reach, which is where the slide out platform comes in.

I'm not sure I understand how the drifter will make getting stuff from the front easy....

 

because you can climb in and grab it... when the tops popped

 

I did basically the same - storage lid on the driver's side is hinged towards the outside. The passenger side is more of shelving, but still designed to allow for good access from outside.
As for the front of the bed, I set it up so that all my water, batteries, and other utility stuff is in that area, because it's stuff you don't need quick access to and also puts all that weight in the best possible place.

 

Why is it such a big deal to have certain amount of posts? Its not just you, the whole of Tacoma World has nose bleeds whenever someone with less than 400 shares something. Im pretty sure you dont get a diamond status and free wifi for having over 1000 posts.

 

you must've missed this...

 

Don't see how this not being a 3rd gen section has anything to do with it. Do you have a medal on your wall for being such a devoted member?

 

I did read it a bit later, just finished the thread. I didnt point my question at just one individual. Instead of reply to my question all I got so far is hate, nothing constructive. So much for being such caring individuals.

 

Sorry if you were offended but your original comment came off as a little abrasive and out of the blue.
No one here cares how many comments or likes you have. I've only posted a few times and have never felt any "hate" whatsoever. It's all about how you present yourself... however if there is a "diamond status" I would be all about that free wi-fi!

If you have a question or comment pertaining to the buildout of Vagabond Drifters.. well then you're in the right place.

 

I consider this “Diamond Status”!



Edit:
I think this means I may have to do a new Walkaround video...

 

Another rookie question for you all. We are not building the interior out but want to put in a bedrug. I'm confused as to whether we have a "spray on liner" or "no liner" - the two options for finding the right bedrug on the bedrug website. I'm pretty sure we have a factory plastic drop in liner. Looks a lot like this in post #1 by mthabitoverland (his truck, thanks for the borrow!). Anyway, is that "no liner" or a "spray on liner"? Neither seems right.

Campmate kitchen, mountainsmith packing system, frontrunner jerry cans and front runner boxes, yeti cooler, and top box will hopefully keep us neat and organized! Also just scored a few fancy pants helinox camp chairs with the REI 20% coupon. Whoop. Tantalizingly close to getting Drifted! And super excited about it!

 

Thats not a drop in liner. That IS the composite bed. You have no liner.

 

The second and third generation Tacoma’s come with a composite bed. That means the actual bed itself is plastic. There is no “drop in” liner as it’s not necessary. Also, you would know if you had a spray on liner, as that is optional and performed by someone else other than the factory Toyota dealer. The only(commonly accepted) option for the composite beds are a bed mat or bed rug. It sounds like you are headed for a bed rug. Good choice, as it’s insulative properties would be benificial. I’m stoked for ya.

 

What version of the bedrug are you looking at? I’m interested in the impact version because it will stand up to water and other truck bed stuff, but it doesn’t look like it has sidewall pieces.

 

Gunshot and Anderson - Thanks for clarifying and for your enthusiasm.

BZ, We are probably going to go with the carpet rather than the mat. In our previously vanagon life, our inside was shoe free (we tucked them under the car at night) and we plan to do the same here and as Anderson points out it'll be more insulating. Dog hair could be an issue and a mat might be better for that, but I'm a nester and like a little cozy.

 

BZ, I take that back. I just ordered the impact mat. Decided after a bit more investigation that reducing dog hair embedded in carpet was more important than cozy. Not having the sides covered is fine with us - probably easier to attach things to if we choose to do that later.