Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Thinking about purchasing this awning. Simple and does not break the bank. Lots of coverage also. My friend recently got a shorter one for his 4runner and loves his.

 

Never thought it fun to deploy and put-away... but never thought it a pain either. But will say "Happy Wife, Happy Life!"

 

I advocate for this style of awning due to its simplicity/versatility in adverse conditions.

I know the Nomad will be outfitted with an few ARB awnings.

 

Love those handles for pulling up the tailgate. I need to do something along those lines

 

Simple and effective. Those were on close out at REI for $1.93 awhile ago.

 

$1.93?!?! It's usually only like 50 cents per foot for 1" webbing! I still have some left from the 100ft roll I purchased back in my climbing days...

https://www.rei.com/product/737298/..._YLFGFqDLay8HiaU2HMaAmQAEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Okay.

I didn’t have to spend any time measuring, cutting, hammering in the grommet, etc. It was a simple solution, for me.

YMMV.

 

If I pay ya wanna send me a few feet?

 

Oh, I have so many photos I need to take and post. Installed the rear bumper last weekend. Did the sliders last night and today. Front bumper is supposed to arrive Friday, so I'll hopefully paint it Saturday and install Sunday. Once the entire rig is finished, I'll be posting some photos for sure!

 

Thanks for all the input. I ended up going with the tailgate plate from Mobtown which can be ordered without the ribs and uses the factory cap. I'll add some grip tape for traction and should be good to go.

 

That grip tape will be rough on the knees crawling in/out depending on where you place it

 

This!

 

I am a huge fan of this Rhino Rack 270° awning. I can set it up myself in 3-4 minutes including staking it down. I’ve had an ARB before and it was a PITA...

 

Also got all my L-Track cut. Need to do the backing for the inside tomorrow and get everything installed. Is the consensus to use RTV/Silicone for the bolt holes?

4x 50” pieces for the sides. Will do 2x 76” pieces for the top.

 

we just finished sand blasting off the the old grip tape from my buddy's Ram tube steps after he gave himself some wicked road rash while wearing shorts........ just be careful where ya place it man that shit is an instant skin remover!

if its for one of the smooth tale gate replacements have you thought about just velcro'n down some of the 4x4 mech mats ? they are great padding and not slippery when wet.

let me know what you think of the tailgate skin though please we are looking at getting one but our dollar is just so so so bad right now until to boarder opens and we can get to our US post box no way in hell can we afford to have stuff shipped !!

 

just cover shipping costs from Utah, and I’ll happily send you some. It’s probably cheaper to just go to any climbing store or REI and they’ll cut whatever length you want. If you know of a local climbing gym, they’re usually willing to part with “dead rope and webbing” for free as well.

I didn’t put a grommet in either, just poked a hole and put the tailgate cap bolt through it.

 

Awesome man, let me check and see what I can find in town. I have an REI but I think they’re closed with everything going on? I’ll let you know!

 

you’re in bend! that REI is where I bought my roll of webbing. They have a wall of cord, rope, and webbing that they’ll cut to size for you. There’s also a great store there called the gear fix that can probably help you out.

 

worked well for me too... thanks bud!

 

Not a problem man.