Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Just a heads up...I’ve used these style before and they have failed. much better off with putting terminals ends and using the mil spec ones.

But that is completely up to you

 

I totally did this w/ the odyssey i picked up.

 

X3 for a fuse panel

 

just watch the torque on the pinch bolt for that military terminal. Its just cast so it can/will break if over tightened.

 

Any recommendations on exterior lighting? Baja Designs S2's and/or rock lights down low? Mainly want lighting for the kids when they're running around camp and to see when cooking. I'm worried that S1 lights are too bright and blinding. Do you guys run one on the Left, Rear and Right? The less hard wired lights the better as I can hang a portable light from the awning.

 

Headlamps and solar recharchable color changing lanterns.

 

Grab some Luci solar lanterns at REI on their next sale. Throw them on the dash during the day. Provide nice light, easy to attach to things, will last all night.

 

I know some use the goal zero options. There’s a few wired, wireless, etc.

https://www.goalzero.com/shop/lights/light-life-mini-4-pack-shades/

I believe there’s also a magnetic lamp that’s nice to stick on a rack or swingout

 

Thanks! I should have clarified, I do have a few nice portable lights. Was more thinking if anyone had direct experience with the Baja Designs S1 or S2 on their Drifters..

 

people run s2s without drifters. just get a dimmer on it.

 

The switch pro can dim any output down to 10% I believe. I’ve been meaning to try that with my bright light bar. I’ll try to post up some photos when I get a chance.

 

@belloinsella For a camp light, do you really need to spend the money on baja designs? I put this dimmable light on my hatch door for lighting up the tailgate and it works great. I can try to get a picture in the dark so you can see the light output. I'm sure an even cheaper LED string would work just as well for what you're talking about.

 

We use a luminoodle draped over bars of our awning. Works great.

 

Nope, don't need to spend the $$ on Baja Designs lights. I want good quality light if I'm drilling into the Drifter. I really like those lights that you linked to, could attach with VHB tape too. I'll check them out, thanks for the link.

 

the baja designs are good at casting a wide area light, either dimmed or on full power and are pretty compact. they won't let you down and they can be a conversation piece to your friends if you're trying to show off. but yea, your money, your choice.

 

I have a color changing Luminaid one that I put on my dash on trips too.

 

I installed basic adhesive backed led strips in mine and wired them to the switch panel with a dimmer. The interior lights can be set really low which is good for middle of the night. You could also do RGB strips to have the option to switch them to white/amber/red which would be nice. I went for the simple "warm" white.

The strips can be mounted in this aluminum channel for a nice clean/custom look:

$20 Muzata 6-Pack 3.3ft/1Meter U Shape LED Aluminum Channel System with Cover, End Caps and Mounting Clips Aluminum Profile for Under Cabinet LED Strip Light Installations U1SW WW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M09PBYX/

The total was around $50 for two light strips/dimmers and the diffusers.

The light on the back window works really well to light the tailgate area and it's switched separately.

 

Here's a shot of my national luna LED on the brightest setting. It also does red, which is quite nice for buggy nights.

 

My camp lights

 

Looks great! I'm planning on a similar "L" shaped interior