The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

Nope.

Bruteforce

 

Some shots by @knockhanh from last weekend's BASE CAMP Truck Meet

 

I really like how you got the solar panels setup. Did you make the mounting brackets yourself?

 

Thanks! Yea, just 1.5" aluminum angle iron from the local metal shop and (4) stud fittings for the roof L-track.

The only downside is probably the extra weight. It's not that much, but doesn't compare to the thinner panels that @tacomgee and @916TacoTruck have. Their panels weigh less and they didn't need the angle iron to mount them. I just didn't want to use VHB to fasten anything that big and I wanted to be able to hide the wires under the panels. To each their own

 

I ordered the Vagabond with solar prep and really like how clean your setup is. I might go a similar route because I dont want to glue anything to the top.

 

Hey guys and gals:

Been watching the thread since ordering and am wondering what to make of statements like yours, Kclamer, “ordered the Vagabond with solar prep”. I have seen others that state certain items have been ordered but I do not see them listed on the site.

As I commented in a previous post that while I wait my imagination runs. Solar prep is one I have been pondering and so seeing Kclamer’s post I wondered how it was “ordered”. Did you just put the request in an email or comment section when ordered?

Also I think I read (somewhere) that a heater install might be offered in the future as well as a full hatch or barn doors. Are these options available yet? Are we to wait for them to appear on the website or just send Phil an email with these types of questions? Hate to slow down production by bombarding him with questions from my musings.

Thanks for any ideas/suggestions.

Rod

 

Ask him about anything you may want. From what I can tell, he’s used to being bombarded with questions. Any custom work can be added to the invoice.

I did the solar prep and it made installing a panel trivial. It wouldn’t have been too bad without it though. One of the benefits of the drifter design is how the tent is offset from the edge. That leaves a space around the perimeter where holes through the roof are technically outside the camper. It’s hard to explain but it’s been covered a few times in this thread.

 

All it takes is a phone call. The guys at Vagabond are extremely accommodating.

 

Customization and price is what set Vagabond apart from others for me. I went through the whole thread before placing my order and noticed people getting things that were not on the website so I talked with Phil over email about things I wanted. He didnt agree to meet every single request but most of it was doable. Its a 10k+ purchase so its gotta be just perfect in my opinion.

 

I know I’ve said it before, but knowing what I know now if I was to order a Drifter today I would have them “pre wire” it for solar - aka when they run the wiring for the fan I would have them run a second set of 10gauge wire along the same track and have it go through the roof for attaching solar panels. I have no idea how much that would cost, but it would make wiring up panels a lot easier and cleaner.

Four Wheel Campers does this, but in classic FWC the wires they use are undersized.

 

Thanks for your thoughts and experiences on this. Seems that with how you guys have responded and the “likes” as well, I ought to just begin communicating my requests.

Appreciate the help!

Happy Trails

 

Just for hip pocket info...my 2006 double cab Tundra with the rear hatch. vent fan and solar weighs 500 lbs. according to the scale at a local landscaping center.

 

Incredible

 

So does rear hatch mean full hatch in that the tailgate is removed?

 

yes

 

That is somewhat why I asked the question yesterday. That hatch is not noted (at least not that these old eyes can see) on their page nor referenced in my recent reviewing of this ans a couple other threads.
Would be nice to see that hatch ( and whatever else is being “optioned” but is not listed on the site).
That would make it easier to know what is available.
Maybe I should do the hundred plus thread page tour again to refresh my knowledge base.
Thanks, rockym

 

His is the first with a hatch like that which is why there's no info on it.

https://www.instagram.com/vagabond_outdoors/p/Bw80wezBifh/?igshid=1dgvnd5dugf5h

 

Let’s see some photos of the Hatch!

 

This @rockymtnbushwacker !! ^^^