Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

I knew there was a simple answer. Somebody ask me a question about bicycles, or electric guitars, or how a differential works, or how to properly split firewood. Please. I need to feel smart for a moment.

 

Well, it just went up, so will update as the weather gets warmer. We are using Velcro brand velcro. I'm using 1.5" and 2" side strips like these.

BTW, Congrats on your camper! I remember when you were thinking about it and put in your order. Nice to have another WA Drifter!

VELCRO Brand Industrial Strength Fasteners | Auto, RV, Boat Adhesive | Heavy Duty Strength for Dashboards & Consoles | Vinyl Compatible & Temperature Resistant | 2ft x 1½ inch Tape, Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BD69Y2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$16 VELCRO Brand Heavy Duty Tape with Adhesive - Cut Strips to Length - Holds 10 lbs, Black - Industrial Strength Roll, Wide 10Ft x 2In - Strong Hold for Indoor or Outdoor Use

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00114LOMM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

The wattage in the specs already takes into account the efficiency of the panel. Of course, it is difficult to get the perfect conditions in the real world to exactly match the wattage speced, but it should be close. The higher efficiency panels should generate more power for the same roof space.

 

oh no! Have I been splitting firewood wrong? Please tell me more.

 

You'd be surprised how many people try it with an axe. Or don't know how to hold or swing the maul. Or only split young pine for campfires.

I have no idea if you've been doing it wrong... you haven't given me any info on your habits!

 

The velcro probably won't fail but the adhesive probably will. The drifter gets extremely hot in warm sunny weather. I have some things attached with adhesive velcro and it doesn't work very well. I also attached some aluminum led diffuser channel and that stuff sagged really bad, had to put a few fasteners in.

I was pretty surprised (although I probably shouldn't have been) how hot to the touch in the inside of the drifter is in hot sun. I put some insulation panels and I think that helps quite a bit.

 

Is the adhesive on 3M better than Velcro's?

 

I can't be sure, but in my past experience, most 3M products seem to be superior. If the adhesive fails, use one of the various

$8 3M VHB 100x200mm~ (4" X8") Double Sided Foam Adhesive Sheet Tape 5952 Automotive Mounting Industrial Grade Very High Bond 5952 (1 Sheets 100x200mm)

3M VHB tape to attach it. VHB tape is unreal.

 

Sounds like you should give us a full tutorial

 

To clarify, we have had a 1.5" strip up since last summer holding two BROG bags on the sides (above paper towl holder and gray stool). We haven't had any problems with this velcro or the adhesive, but it's not directly in the sun as its the rack the bed sits on and so its more inside. Also the Seattle area and mountains don't get that hot. The ones closer to the cab are new. They are attached to insulation so may not get as hot or fail as fast and those without insulation...we'll see. I'll post an update on longevity next winter (or earlier if it fails). Will definitely keep the adhesive alternatives in mind.

 

The mod that isn't so easy:

We have front runner jerry cans and I was hoping to put the below water pump on the cap to make it easy to get water out the front runner window without having to move the water (see above post for pic of water location). Unfortunately, the jerry can screw threads do not fit any of the tera pump adapters. I went to West Marine and hardware store yesterday and neither could help me. Considering options. One adapter is slightly bigger than the cap. I could glue it on, but then the pump would have to stay on all the time (the main pump could screw off to refill). Anyway, just know front runner and terapump don't play well together. I'm open to simple suggestions on how to address this problem.

$76 TERA PUMP 4th Gen TRFA01 Fuel Transfer Pump with Auto-Stop for Overfill Protection (2.4 GPM) Includes 3x Gas Can Adapters, Long Hose, Liquid Transfer Pump for E15, E85, Gas, Diesel & More

https://www.amazon.com/Second-Gen-T...r_1_1?keywords=terapump&qid=1580169808&sr=8-1

 

Congrats Amigo! Stoked to get more Drifters roiling around Wa

that's a great idea! if you are ever wondering a mad mat also fits perfectly above the front window

3M products do seem superior. Dual lock isn't really "Velcro" per say. its rigid on both sides and snaps into place with pressure. Its rally cool stuff. We use it for mounting helmet lights for 24hr offroad races. So far the HD 3M stuff that's rated for like 10 or 20 lbs holds a decent amount of gear without fail. I have my big first aid kit stuck on the wall with it and it hasn't shaken off.. yet!

 

Maybe you could modify the Frontrunner cap to accept Terapump or maybe something like this will fit your Frontrunner Jerry can , and just add a hose.
https://www.costco.com/primo-rechargeable-electronic-water-dispenser.product.100481430.html

 

I kid, I kid, of course, mostly. I did spend my entire youth cutting firewood with a crosscut saw and splitting with a maul, as the family home only had wood heat and my dad hated small engines. He only purchased a chain saw after I left home, haha! So sometimes when I see people splitting wood and almost chopping their own foot off, or any number of other shenanigans, I cringe a little, deep inside. It is like any other skill, after all, though it may not be commonly thought of that way...

Besides, I think we're jumping on this wood-splitting thing too much. What about the bicycles, guitars, and differentials?! I gave us options to work with. Now I just feel stupid-er.



Okay, back to the regularly scheduled Drifter programming.

 

I’m the one likely to chop my own foot off

next to my Drifter



under my FrontRunner awning

 

Just some options but I'm running this from a fellow member. I have a HC dual swingout bumper so I mounted the disconnects on the driver side of my bumper and just throw the hose into the jug that's right there on the bumper.


*edit for pic

 

I second the 3m vhb tape. The camper I built has over 500 feet of the stuff. I've had to remove a part or two that was taped on and so far just end up ruining the part in the process of removing. That includes 1/8" aluminum angle. The aluminum bent before the tape gave way. I've since learned there are easier and more effective ways to remove it. Like a multi purpose oscillating cutting tool.

Just make sure you prep the area really well. Use a scotch bright pad to remove any oxidation. I was doing so much I ended up using an angle grinder with a worn out flap disk so speed things up. This also scuffs the aluminum for better adhesion. After that clean it really well with alcohol. After the alcohol I'd go over it again with 3M Adhesion promoter. You can buy single use towelettes or an 8oz container for about $28. The adhesion promoter probably isn't necessary for something not heavy.

Another tip is use a wire brush to get the adhesive backing off the tape. It can be a bastard to get started.

This is the cheapest I've found VHB Tape. This particular VHB is CV62F & CV45F (.062" and .045"). It's made for holding panels onto vehicles rather than rivets. Crazy strong.
https://www.rshughes.com/p/3M-CV62F-Gray-VHB-Tape-1-In-Width-X-36-Yd-Length-97363/021200_97363/

 

Thanks for the tip. Great to know that surface prep increases adhesion that causes the aluminum angle to bend before the tape gave.

 

You're welcome. Yeah, if you want to remove it at some point maybe use a different tape.

 

I use these strips on my fridge. The soft side has never come off. It's really good on clean smooth surfaces. For brushed aluminum, I'd suggest maybe 15 minutes with some wet sanding to make it really really smooth.

I've had my backscratcher attached to my fridge via velcro for the past 3 years.