Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

I think you have a point here. Iphones are going to USB-C soon I believe so a dedicated USB port will be useless then. You can stick anything you want into a standard 12v port.

Does Blue Sea make a standard 12v port?

 

https://www.bluesea.com/products/1011/12_Volt_Dash_Socket

I've already put a few of these in mine, haha.

 

Thank you.Will purchase this instead of a dedicated usb port.

 

I run a USB 3 to USB-C cable to charge my pixel. Think I got it at a gas station one time when I forgot my charger.

I just prefer the simplicity of the single usb cable plugged in to the usb port. Also, I hardly have any accessories that utilize a standard 12v port so the usb port to charge phones/ipads keeps the number of dongles down. The less dongles the better I say! As you said though, to each his own.

 

Agree. Only thing I had was my fridge, which I chopped and put anderson connectors on. Much more reliable connection over rough roads.

 

With a standard 12v port you can plug something like this into it. I use this one for the cab's 12v port.

$10 Fast USB Car Charger Fast Charge AINOPE Car Charger Adapter 45W All Metal Lighter USB Charger Quick Charge Compatible with iPhone 15/14/13/12/11pro/x/8/Samsung S24/S23/S22/S22+/Ultra/S21/Note 9/S10/

https://www.amazon.com/AINOPE-Charg...ouble+usb+port+12v+plug&qid=1595002038&sr=8-7

When technologies change or you want to power soemthing else you can just switch it out simiply instead of making new holes, etc.

My sister just purchaed a brand new bmw X5 I was surprised to see USB-C ports everywhere and only 1 USB port.

You can also purchase this USB and USB-C Port.

$14 AINOPE Car Charger USB C 67.5 W for iPhone Car Phone Charger Adapter Cigarette Lighter Charger PD45W Type C Fast Charge for iPhone 15 Pro Max Samsung

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-AINO...keywords=USB+C+12v+plug&qid=1595003771&sr=8-2

 

Ok, that's fair. In terms of things requiring a standard port, I've got the fridge (never had any issues with the plug falling out, personally), a 12v "oven", up to 2 laptops, and the usb charging adapter. I might even be forgetting something else...
So that's my preference.

 

I have one of those in the cab and it's fine but kinda comes loose occasionally. I'd actually prefer to pull it out and wire in a hard-mounted USB there as well, but that's another thing to do, so...

Oven?! You fancy huh! That actually sounds awesome and I know you spend a lot of time working/living out of yours so I'm sure your needs are quite different than mine.

Could always go with one of these and get the best of both worlds. https://www.bluesea.com/products/43...er_12V_Socket_Dual_USB_Charger_Mini_Voltmeter

 

So you prefer a 12v plug as apposed to USB port but then buy an adapter that converts that plug into a USB port........

I use the bluesea USB/12v plug/gauge that @SenatorBlutarsky recommended and it works great. I only have a fridge that uses a 12v plug, everything else is USB or 120v

 

Then he’d be limited to USB devices, whereas he listed multiple pieces of equipment, only one which needed a USB, leaving other unpowered. A standard 12V is universal.

 

Haha, it's just the Roadpro, or something, one for truckers. It's great though.
And I've essentially replicated that exact panel, just according to my needs location-wise, and without the Blue Sea price tag.

........Also, I may or may not be going (near) full time in the Drifter a couple weeks from now, since I'm working from home full time during corona anyway.

 

Yeah, exactly. Sometimes I need non-usb power from the same port I usually use the usb charger in.
Plus, I can get a usb charger that has more than just 2 slots, and use that in a port located anywhere else too.

That's just my train of thought... Obviously, others disagree with it, haha.

Edit: On the note of 110/120v, I've made a point to try to find alternatives wherever possible, personally, since inverters are pretty inefficient.
That's one of the reasons I need the extra 12v ports, because I use 12v laptop chargers instead.

 

Why not both? And a voltmeter

 

This is what i have also. best of both worlds.

 

OK Drifter brethren I need some advice. I ordered a custom tarp the size of the pass through from coversandall.com for pretty cheap (Two came out to $30 shipped). Come to find out they make it in India, so it took ~7 weeks to come in. I finally got it yesterday and the measurements I requested are slightly off. I looked back at my order and they had a disclaimer saying the tarp can be ~1” off in either way - which it is

Whatever, I’ll deal with it. Trying to find a good way to mount the side closes to the rear hatch, as the D-rind solution I had planned isn’t going to pan out because of the dip It creates in the middle. This is suppose to be a safety net for when my daughter sleeps up top


So I tried instead fastening them up higher with S hooks


But I’ll need to add something so they stay in place. Just a little weary about adding hardware so close to the tent material. And anywhere between the D-ring and where the S hook attaches to will possibly get in the way of the extension when we push it all the way to the rear.

Maybe just add another grommet or two to the tarp where it dips? Or add D-Rings somewhere else in the corners to make the tarp more taught? Thoughts? Thanks!

 

Take it to your local upholstery shop and have them add a couple more grommets, you could run a piece of paracord or something of that nature across the back from side to side to support the slack.

 

I'm not completely sure I understood the original plan, but if the problem is the sag, couldn't you just correct that with new grommets near the corners to get it tight?

 

You can easily add your own grommets.

https://www.amazon.com/General-Tool...ywords=grommet+kit+tarp&qid=1595013638&sr=8-4

Wouldn't a strong fine mesh cargo net be better for this? Airflow would be better and can actually see down on the first floor.

 

Added some storage to the roof of the drifter for odds and ends when going to sleep. I think someone else on here had the same thing in a different color.

 

that was me - i find it very useful