Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Did you notch it or just drill all the way through?

 

Not all the way through, just deep enough to accommodate the height of the rivets so the L track sits flat on the roof.
I wanted my L track as close to the outside edge of the lid as possible, so that was the trade-off.

However you do it, just make sure to pay attention to where the L track mounting bolts/nuts will lie on the underside of the lid, in relation to the struts, so that there's no interference when the lid is closed.

 

@Eazy.E

Got it. Thanks for all the info!
Starting my build as soon as the parts arrive. Will post it here when im done.


Did you guys use any sealant on the wood you used for the base? or just straight cut it and slap it on there?

 

Hi all, been asking enough questions on here and currently reading the whole thread from the start (lots of great info!) so figured it was time to introduce myself.
I'm pretty new to the off-road / overland scene, coming from a Mitsubishi Delica (pictured below) that could get me anywhere I wanted to go in the PNW... but VERY slowly. Last year I decided to upgrade and discovered wedge campers. After lots of research I landed on the Drifter, put in my order last August, then bought a Tacoma to start the build a few months later.
I'm an avid mountain biker, dirt biker, and skier, and building this truck as a lightweight off-road / overland rig (no rock crawling) to eventually travel the country and live out of.
Beyond excited to get my Drifter and to be part of this tight-knit community. Thanks to those who have helped with my questions (trying to bug Phil less so he has more time to spend on building campers)! I'm sure there will be plenty more questions to come!

 

Love the Delicas!!! That's not a typical vehicle for someone new to off-roading, how did you come across it? Super cool though!

 

I sprayed mine with bed liner lol but all of my cabinets are wood and got a coat of stain before carpeting

 

I imported it from Japan. Didn't do serious off-roading but had a crew of Delica owners that I used to do some easy trails and camp with. Was fun driving around such a unique vehicle but the Taco is SO much more fun to drive

 

I know exactly what you're talking about. I came from this sucker...


In my opinion, there's nothing like driving an off road van where you're driving position is right over the front wheels. The taco is definitely a much more relaxing experience.

 

This is how VO does it as well

 

Are you in Portland? Nice Hood sticker

 

Used to live in Corvallis, I'm in SLC now.

Good eye! Wife and I got married on Hood and I've been up and down it too many times to count. We were hoping to get back there this July for our anniversary, but we'll have to see what the Rona has to say about that.

 

Not a bad move, SLC is beautiful as well! Hope you end up making it back this way, I think things will settle down enough for road trips this summer (hope so). If you do end up making it out this way and have enough time for beer, hit me up

 

Has anyone wired a connector to plug a drifter into a goal zero for power? I’m a 12/24v noob so trying to figure out if this is possible. Would be a 1000 model.

 

That's not a lot to go on. It could be something as simple as this or much more elaborate.

$8 Carviya Cigarette Lighter Male Plug Adapter Inverter Cable Power Supply Cord 12V/24V 3FT 16AWG with LED Light for Car Inverter,Air Pump, Electric Cup DIY

https://www.amazon.com/Carviya-Cigarette-Lighter-Inverter-Electric/dp/B01HGO2OIS

 

I run my Drifter off a Yeti 400 so I know its possible. The boys gave me some pigtail thing that plugs into the Goal but I am not sure what it is. I can take a pic later this evening if it helps or perhaps @tyfoon11 knows

 

If you can snap a pic that’d be awesome! I think that’s exactly what I will need

 

Yeti 400 with a pigtail connector I made tto the drifter. Also still have the Tacoma to Drifter connector taped there in case I want to run it off the underhood battery.

I have a 100W panel that keeps a Yeti 400 lead acid topped off year round running lights, fan, jerry can water pump and Dometc CFX35. Its such an easy, simple setup that I'm shocked more people don't do it. Cheap, plug and play, and modular compared to a dual battery.

 

Not sure, Phil does that side of things, elektrikal is not my strong suit

 

I would use one of the 6mm barrel ports or the anderson port to wire it to the drifter.

This would work. It doesn't need to be a GZ part but it's only $7. Alternatively, you could wire your own pigtail with a power pole connector or 6mm barrel connector. Just bring it with you in the length you need and I'm sure VO would wire it to the switch panel. You are limited to 10A over the built in 12v ports which should be enough for the lighting and fan.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1366332-REG/goal_zero_98010_6mm_male_to_ring.html

 

Thank you a ton! I think I could even just splice it and re-wire the quick disconnect connector that VO provided. I have no clue what the name is though, maybe someone can identify it? I honestly would love to just buy a fresh one and assemble it with the 6mm you provided