Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

To each his own, but personally, I decided against any type of carpet or soft material once I started thinking about keeping it (relatively) clean back there. Some kind of carpet would definitely be nicer to the touch, but in my opinion, more of a pain than it's worth to try to clean after tracking in sand or mud, spilling any food, etc.

Just throwing it out there as something to think about if you haven't already.

 

Same here I want to use the bed as a truck and not put any carpet. That's one reason why I got rid of my 4runner was that I could never get the cargo area too dirty.

 

Anyone using a Propex heater without a custom swing out bumper holding their propane tank? I don't think there are many setups out there in general, but I'm trying to figure out an easy/safe way to mount a propane tank outside as putting it on the ground in winter when its dumping is likely a no go. I saw the winco hitch tire mount I could probably attach a tank to but it is pretty spendy for what it would be used for. I suppose I could drill some holes in the back corner of the Drifter and put a tank mount outside there with a connection going inside the camper near the bumper, but just curious if there are any other solutions out there people have done. Thanks again as always for any insight!

 

@ericmtnbkr has a tank mounted inside his rig with an external vent compartment I believe.

 

Check out this build. Not a drifter but similar. I’m not a huge fan of how far it sticks out but it’s an option.
https://www.expeditionportal.com/fo...r-crolison’s-build.201603/page-3#post-2584456

 

Thanks for this, it's similar to what I was envisioning if I go that route so its nice to see a finished build, but I agree it does stick out a bit compared to a swingout. Decisions, decisions....I need to hide my wallet...

 

My current issue is finding a way to get the propex connected. I'm not able to find a fitting that fits the unit. Believe it's a 5/16 bspt thread but everyone tells me there is no such fitting or adaptors available. Maybe I have the size wrong I am Looking for.

Anyone have a lead on this fitting/adaptor? Seem to be having a major issue finding it here in Edmonton. Plan is to go from the propane tank on the bumper to a quick connect which is plumbed into the unit. It'll either be 1/4" copper line or rubber hose. Yes I know not technically legal.

 

Today I fixed the pos cable.on the winch which somehow vibrates loose from its holder and was nearly sheared in two. This explains why it was barely ever working and I didn't trust it. Still don't as it's a Smitty built but it will do for the time being. I'll eventually upgrade to a come up winch I think.

Reinstalled the skid plate only to find out in the last two months some how the threads on the braces in the truck are no longer engaging, grr. Time to retap a few holes and up the bolt size. Might wait as I am selling the ARBnd summit bumper and going full CBI alum bumper and skids, hopefully over the winter, trucks going on a diet.

Finally, found a 100 amp battery deep cycle here in Edmonton today. Still haven't found an ideal mounting system, was hoping to repurpose a pelican case or something but have been striking out. Ideally a footlocker would work best, hmm. Must check out a few surplus stores.

When I am done this build there will be an off-grid dual batt system for sale, two optima batteries, arb bumpers, Smitty built winch and a few other items. I may even sell my custom built rear bumper r to lighten up the arse end with an alum one.

So much for upgrading to a larger truck haha, the taco lives on!

 

Are there any current Drifter/Nomad owners who chose to have theirs Line X'd (or similar coating) after taking delivery. I know have seen some vinyl wraps as an alternative to powder coating, but I am thinking this might be a good way to go considering people spray their entire truck bodies these days. The Drifter exterior should be pretty easy to spray.

 

Why? That would be adding a serious amount of weight up high on the truck. Guessing close to 100lbs or more, unless your talking a thin application, but that's would be pointless .

Remember scratches build character and chicks dig scars!

 

Oy....Yeah, I can't say I ever would have considered the weight when people get their whole Jeeps coated in it, but it is like .7# per square foot.

I just haven't been impressed w/ the durability of powder coating when it comes to abrasions/scratching so I am starting to think I might just save my money and let it bare.

 

I think the bare aluminum looks awesome. I've gotten a few compliments on it already. Sure, it'll probably oxidize a bit over the winter but that has no affect on the structural integrity of aluminum.

 

It will oxidize. Mine already has little spots all over. But i also really like the bare aluminum look. Think i'll end up doing a clear vinyl wrap on it.

 

I am wondering if a Propex owner could help me with a wiring question. What type of wire connects the thermostat to the Propex? I would like to have Vagabond run the Propex control cable behind my insulation at the factory. Any idea what cable I could buy off the shelf to have them run? I don’t plan to purchase a Propex for a few years.

Thanks

 

From pictures, it looks like 5 or 6 wires to the thermostat. You could buy some 18/7 thermostat wire and have Vagabond run that.

 

What about some clear coat aluminum sealer? I have heard it can cloud up polished aluminum like rims but what about sealing bare aluminum like the drifter? I was thinking maybe a two tone (black bottom and bare top) would look good on my drifter. (Idea from @masfotographia)

I need to find something to protect the top, especially under the solar panel, ski/back/canoe/whatever rack so I am not constantly fighting corrosion/my annoyance at a dirty ride...Then you can just polish it off and reapply if needed.

 

I can help later today when I get home from work. I'll take a couple pics. It is a plug in harness on both ends.

 

This is the heater end of the harness. There are 6 wires to the thermostat coming from this connector that pass thru their own harness..the other two wires under my thumb go to the battery. The thermostat also has a short leader with a smaller connector ( six pin ) to match the other end which I can't get a shot of without removing my panel.

 

Vagabond uses a wiring channel above on both sides so it is not needed to run wiring behind the insulation as far as I understand.

 

The wiring channels run all the way around the top and down all four corners. Makes it super easy to run wiring to anywhere in the camper.