Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Okay, so this isn't Drifter-specific, but it is something I'll be bringing along on all my trips and will have a permanent home in the Drifter - and you guys might think they're cool too! We just released something new at Nightfall Overland: The Helios Firepan. It folds flat for transport in the included carry case, assembles quickly with no tools, and is pretty rad.

Check it out if you're curious: www.nightfalloverland.com/gear/firepan

As my Drifter buildout gets closer to completion, I'll be building Drifter-specific screens, insulated covers, etc., this spring.

 

looks cool man! Stoked to see what else you guys come up with

 

We've been looking at this fire place option. Anyone else have this? Looks sweet and compactable even if $$$. Pros/cons of nightfall?
https://www.rei.com/product/114852/...o5Tb5ZhPwROj-2m6WpRoCKxEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I have seen one in use many times. Sat around it at dusk many times. It works great as far as I can tell. I don’t personally own one. I would like to after using it though.

 

I got one that I use regularly.

Pros, compact and packs flat, grill works well and there's a bunch of different attachments you can use. For cooking I like to use charcoal with it.

Cons, kind of heavy to lug around especially with the charcoal grate, if you choose to use wood instead of the charcoal for grilling, the wood will have to be split into smaller pieces to fit under the grill opening.

 

Thank you!

 

Haven't seen that exact model before, but we've seen similar... obviously everyone may have their own priorities, but when designing the Helios, we prioritized simplicity, ease of setup/use, and relative light weight. The Helios is equally functional with the grill option, half the weight, packs down much smaller, costs much less, is made in the USA by a small six-person business, and (importantly) takes up way less storage space in your Drifter!

EDIT: Adding a photo for people who want to see the entire Helios in a daylight shot without going to the site.

 

Curious as to why you have 2 kinds of steel grill options.

 

Good question - we originally did a stainless steel grill for ease of maintenance and cleanliness, since it is a food surface. But we decided to add a less-expensive non-stainless version for people who are okay with occasional cleaning and rust management - people like us at Nightfall, really!

We're considering adding a completely stainless steel package - firepan AND grill in stainless. Would be significantly more expensive - stainless ain't cheap - but would be less maintenance. And, well, it would be shiny.

 

For those of you who have had your Drifter awhile & also have pretty robust (heavy!) build outs, how many have done upgrades to your brakes like bigger fronts or converting to rear discs? I was just curious what options were out there in that regard. Seems to me if I end up w/ 1200# of payload once I am loaded for fun, it might be something I want to consider.

 

I’d be concerned with rear axle upgrades as the weight keeps adding up. Especially 2nd gen Offroads.

 

That cracks me up, I legit thought those were veneer panels or something. Fooled me from 3 feet away

 

Haven't finished my Drifter buildout yet, but keeping things simple and lightweight is a major priority. With my FWC, fully loaded for a week out with two people, a dog, bikes, supplies, water, and personal effects, we pushed 600# over GVWR at times. No upgrades except suspension front and rear. While I didn't like being so overweight, honestly I never felt that the truck did too badly. Corner handling wasn't awesome, as expected. But acceleration and stopping were never an issue. Never felt the need to upgrade brakes. Can't know exactly what was happening with wheel bearings and differentials - hopefully nothing major that will bite me down the road.

My current build should keep me well under GVWR most of the time, and less than a couple hundred pounds over when fully loaded for bear. Also keeping all weight as low as possible for better handling.

 

I have a StopTech 6 piston BBK up front. I plan on addressing the rear later.

 

@Anderson or @jberry813 Do you recall the PN for the front StopTech kit? I have been all over their damn website & cannot seem to find it even though I know it exists. I am sure it is pricey set.

 

Gracias!

 

I called in to verify that the kit I was ordering would clear with my factory 16” Pro wheels. The dude that I talked with was super rad and informative. He got me square on everything and threw in the TW groupbuy discount that @Iggy setup way back when.

Rear disc brake conversion is on the to do list but I still need to decide on an axle upgrade or not... Basically just another @jberry813 fanboi here tryin to stunt on his ride...

 

+1 with the stoptech bbk up front. I have 16" SCS wheels so I went with this bbk
https://sosperformance.com/products...-fits-2005-18-toyota-tacoma-w-slash-16-wheels

I'll eventually do something about the rears.