The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

True. But the length added to the end of the vehicle would be the same. Do you have dual swing outs? Seems like then you have to open two things every time you want to get in the back of the truck, but maybe they are easier to deal with because they are lighter? A dual would interfere less with our awning, but cost more $$$. Hmpf.

 

i swear its not photoshop

 

No Drifter (yet), but here's my DCLB w/single swing...



...just imagine it with the Drifter, since it'll go on next year.

 

We'll be twins! (Black, DCLB, 2nd gen, TRD Sport). Now we've got to put a swing out on it.

 

@huruta, would you share some of your reasons for a swingout?
I’m also wondering about your issues with the 270 awning on the passenger side over the swingout. Are you thinking about the heat/smoke from the grill off your swingout?
Just guessing but would like to hear more about your buildout thoughts.

 

On a 270° awning on a single swingout that opens from the left, and swings to the right, you have to walk around the swingout everytime.

If you have it mounted on the drivers side, then there’s no swingout in the way

 

Ah yah, makes sense. Didn’t think of that part.

 

Is that yours? I’m curious about where you cut your Prinsu.

 

It’s photoshopped

 

No, unfortunately I don’t have a dual swing out (yet) and (to me) was a mistake on my part. Yes they are more $$$ and if you integrate a table it’s smaller. Also, one of the main advantages is the space required behind the truck to open them versus it. Either way dual/single swing out on a bumper offers a lot of options for hauling gear. Especially if your spare can stay under the truck. Without the spare mounted on it it’s really not much L...O...N...G...er depending what you have mounted.
I’m on my Drifter. I’ve been running a RTT and set it up to open on the right passenger side of the truck, so we live on that side. When I had my bumper built I requested the swing out hinged on the left side so opening from the right and not having to walk around it most of the time. The swing/swings will most likely be open when camp is set up, one long arm is a lot of weight and leverage (with a spare) just sitting there open. If I recall correctly this soon to be dual https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bamf-high-clearance-rear-bumper-modular-dual-swing-out.639405/
Will open past the typical 90* and will also be available in standard versus HC in the near future.
So many options... the Toy is nothing but an enjoyable money pit and as you have probably learned by now one thing always leads to another and another and another.

 

If you had a 1st gen, you wouldn't have options and it's easier to not spend money
My spare lives in the bed for now because the hitch (needed for the bike rack) keeps the 32" spare too far forward and would hit the axle at flex.

 

I do and it is. I have a love hate relationship with the swingout. It a PITA I parking lots and such but great not having to take a table for cooking when camping.

 

You want L O N G ?!



Just imagine two more bikes back there too!

 

how are the windoors?

 

Don’t have a 270° awning, but my 8’ awning is on the driver side for that exact reason - the swingout pretty much makes the passenger side no mans land (but it also the perfect place to put my shower since the ground gets wet over there and doesn’t get everything muddy).

Not an Instagram worthy pic, but shows the practicality of having the awning on the driver side.

 

just my 2 pennies on the awning discussion...

my 270 is planned for the passenger side so I can still open it if I'm pulled off on the side of the road. I have dual swingouts also, so I'm not saving any walk-around space by switching sides. Also my water pump with quick disconnect lines are already on my driver side rear bumper(wet side for me compared to @MJonaGS32 above).

 

Great! I would maybe go with the solid windoors if I did it again, but I have no regerts about not springing for the frontrunners.

 

As much as I'd like to say the driving force is having access to the spare, it isn't really (though that's probably not a bad reason). It's a space coordination issue. It would be really nice to have an easy place to store garbage and shoes and wet things in a trasharoo (or equivalent).

Our water right is two 5 gallon front runner jerry cans pushed up to the front of the bed (nearest to cab) and hauling them in and out to access water is kind of a pain. We like the ease of access for filling them up though before trips (much easier than a water tank we had in our previous vanagon). On this front, we are thinking about getting a simple battery operated water pump, something like the below link, which could make water access more convenient. It would be easier just to have them hanging off the back though. Also, it would be great to get a small propane tank mounted. We've gone through a lot of the 1lb coleman green ones and something with a bit more volume would be nice. Because out kitchen kit is on the left, it'd be good to have the tank on the left too for easy connection. And a table would move the food off the tailgate, making it easier to crawl in while the kitchen is up to get it to get food supplied forgotten that are in the front runner boxes. Husband can reach in through the FR window with a long stretch of his arms, but its a bit of a pain and I'm too short to do it.

$79 TERA PUMP - Automatic Fuel Transfer Pump (5th Gen) Auto-Stop Sensor, 39" Strong Vinyl Hose, Flexible Intake Hose, Fits All Universal Threaded Adapter, Transfers 2.7 GPM for Gasoline, Diesel, E85, E15

https://www.amazon.com/TeraPump-TRF...id=1576855685&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-1-catcorr

 

This was our rationale for getting it on the passenger side - easier access when pulled over and this is an advantage.