Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Eh it happens in every business. At least we’ve found our contact.

 

Good things come to those who wait!

To me, having read lots about all of the different styles of campers offered, this one checked the most boxes by a long shot, so getting a different one sooner would be a waste to me. Once I get closer to a delivery date I’m quitting my job and going to spend a lot more time living life. I’m totally excited.

 

Guess I’ll be calling Jeff at Deaver soon. I wanna just keep stock but be able to account for the weight of the Drifter, gear, rear bumper and my motorcycle. It seems like Deaver gets the best reviews.

 

well I just picked up a habitat and can't say that I regret it. I'm 6.3" so clam style tops feel cramp to me. I like the finish and quality of the drifter but nothing beats habitat in terms of space it offers. If you are on the go though a pop up or clamshell style definitely is a better option if space isn't an issue.

 

Hands down they are the best option out there. Get your weights and talk to them to get it squared away.

 

Is anyone using a REDARC BCDC1225D or LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) for a house battery? I'm contemplating both as I look at adding a second battery.

 

The Drifter has two optional mattress extensions that is not advertised online. I am definitely getting one as I like more sleeping space being 6'1".

 

I'm using a

$539 BCDC1240D REDARC 40A in-Vehicle DC to DC Charger with MPPT — Dual Input for Solar & Alternator Charging, Green Power Priority - 12 or 24V Battery Charger Suitable with AGM, Gel, Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries

BCDC1240D and love it.
Yes, it's pricey, but once you look at everything it replaces, I think it's well worth it. Plus, my opinion is that appropriate charging is probably the number one factor in keeping batteries healthy, and therefore, getting the most value per dollar spent on batteries.

It's a three stage charger, and actually steps up/down voltage as necessary (even with different profiles for different battery types).
This means it eliminates any issues caused by modern variable voltage alternators.
It acts as an isolator, even keeping house batteries as a completely separate bank while charging from the alternator.
It acts as an MPPT solar controller.
It will prioritize solar energy over alternator, if available.
And all of that in one compact package, which also minimizes the wiring required.

 

Great info, thanks. What are you using for batteries?

 

I don't recall, but with when using the

$539 BCDC1240D REDARC 40A in-Vehicle DC to DC Charger with MPPT — Dual Input for Solar & Alternator Charging, Green Power Priority - 12 or 24V Battery Charger Suitable with AGM, Gel, Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries

BCDC1240D you no longer need to run a separate smart relay/isolator like the Blue sea ACR?

 

I'm just using two cheap, no-name group 31s as house batteries for now. They were advertised as AGM, but I think they're actually just sealed lead acid.
I'm hoping that LiFePO4 prices come down some more by the time these guys die, as that weight savings would be really nice.

Definitely keep us posted on where your system ends up.

 

That is my understanding. One of the reason it looks like a super cool device.

 

Well, I guess it would depend how you're using the BCDC. If you wired it in between the alternator and starting battery, then you would still need an isolator between starting battery and house battery.

I have my BCDC wired between the starting battery and house batteries, as I think most people would probably do, as I wanted to leave the factory charging system in tact.
In this config, no isolator is required, as the BCDC never actually connects the two. It takes the input current, modifies it as applicable, and outputs it separately.

 

The price, but the weight savings. Two LiFePO4 are about the same weight as one lead acid. I will post something if I can ever make up my mind!

 

Not to mention the efficiency, with 80% depth of discharge.
I was looking at them for fun again the other day, and compared to my current batteries, I could get more usable amp hours for less than half the weight ...but like 6x the price.

 

I just looking at the REDARC website. The

$465 BCDC1225D REDARC 25A in-Vehicle DC to DC Charger with MPPT — Dual Input for Solar & Alternator Charging, Green Power Priority - 12 or 24V Battery Charger Suitable with AGM, Gel, Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries

BCDC1225D and

$539 BCDC1240D REDARC 40A in-Vehicle DC to DC Charger with MPPT — Dual Input for Solar & Alternator Charging, Green Power Priority - 12 or 24V Battery Charger Suitable with AGM, Gel, Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries

BCDC1240D both isolate the house and start battery. Sounds like it does this by monitoring the alternator state. It sounds like it will not bridge the two batteries if you needed to start off of both because the start battery got drained down.

 

Right, since it never connects the two, it can't be used for backup starting power.
I have a little lithium jump pack, but I also recently got a 200A relay that I'll wire to the input and output sides of the BCDC and run a switch into the cab so I can bridge them if it ever becomes necessary.

The alternator state has no impact on isolation, but the BCDC just switches on/off based on input voltage.

 

Makes sense! I suppose if your house batter is located in the engine compartment it would be easy enough to just as well haha.

 

I’ll be shifting to a 100amp battle born battery this summer. Wiring it into two solar panels with a third that is removeabke or has the ability to moved to follow the sun.

I want this completely separate from the electronics up front and I will remove all wiring going to the second battery in the engine compartment.

I’ll keep the second battery up front for winching, light bar and radio/etc.But thats probably it. Everything else, fridge, second radio, 12 volt/usb pors, work light, canopy, water pump, etc will all be run off the new house battery.