Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

How long does it take to close and compress the foam? Can you still leave bedding up there? I have a 3" thick chunk of memory foam that i'm going to cut down to thickness. I was thinking 1.5" so i can still leave all the sheets up there, and maybe a thin blanket.

 

I have a 2" foam topper and a sleeping bag that I leave up there. I just pull the sleeping panels towards the back of the truck to give space near the hinge. When closing I just try and flatten everything, pull the top down to compress, then re-open slightly to do a final tuck before latching.

 

Did anyone get the mounts that go on the frontrunner gullwing doors that Anderson designed?

wanted to get a more up to date review on those if anyone got them

wanted to mount my axe and shovel there if possible

 

I can leave a comforter and fitted sheet up there but there’s definitely a bit of strain involved. I have a build out so I stash my comforter in a cabinet. As said if you pull the mattress back a bit it’ll take some strain off the hinge.

 

They still haven’t been “launched”...

Since I sold my drifter, it’s been difficult to get that up and on my site. If I had a bunch of interest, I’m sure that would probably push me forward, faster.



I should also add that they turned out perfect. Simple design, not extremely costly and easy to install. It would be awesome if someone local could do a photo shoot with me so I could add them to my website. They were designed to mount Maxtrax/most other traction boards as well as be versatile enough to add just about anything you want!

 

interested but not local unfortunately

 

I've used 3M CV62F extensively....like there's 600 feet of it in my camper. I sounds like it's pretty similar to 5952.
Like any adhesive it's all in the prep.
In addition to cleaning the surface with alcohol I would suggest abrading the aluminum on both sides with a scotch brite pad. For large areas I used a worn out flap disk on an angle grinder but I don't think it would be needed for a solar panel.

You can also use 3M adhesion promotor

$8 3M 4298 Adhesion Promoter, Sponge Applicator

https://www.amazon.com/3M-4298-Adhesion-Promoter-Applicator/dp/B004TGJU2A

It also comes in a bottle https://www.hisco.com/Product/00048...MIqNLupdyO7AIVtx-tBh20UA8_EAQYAiABEgLy0vD_BwE

 

Aw, I was very excited about those mounts

would you be open to selling me a pair when my build date is closer? (Build 197)

getting 2 gullwing doors

 

ill see if i can make it over to you one of these weekends coming up

 

Just send'em to this guy @Anderson he can do all the photos for you too.

 

My winter desert trip is still in the planning stages. Maybe we can do a meet up. Let’s talk over DM.

 

That would be totally rad!

 

First time towing with the Drifter on. Took the Waverunners to Catalina Island from Newport Beach. About 30 miles to cross the channel. Camped at the beach between Avalon and Two Harbors. Quite the adventure 'overlanding' in the ocean.

 

Do the outer edges still rest on the sill where the original platform does? I thought when I looked into it the new platform would be too skinny to rest on the ledge if it cleared the upper frame of the camper at the narrowest point.

 

No, it is a bit more narrow to clear the upper frame. The new bed panel will sit on some fabricated brackets that will also accept some slide bolts to keep the bed from lifting on its own

 

Sorry I've been MIA around here. Too many adventures this year, hardly any down time. But the build sure has come a loooooooong way.



So!

I have no idea if this has been brought up in the 100+ pages I'm behind on, but Im in need of a back window covering - the window/door that flips up to get into the camper. I've made 3 different versions and they have all failed: velcro eventually melts off, and the suction cups I use only stick briefly. What are the options out there?

Bonus if its velcro-compatible material so that I can keep my travel patches up there. (You can see it in this photo)

 

The only one I know of currently is those made by Strawfoot, https://strawfoothandmade.com/products/window-covers-vagabond-drifter?variant=20822881501246. They seem very nice from those who have them or discussed them on the forum, but I don't have any first hand experience.

 

I have seen the strawfoot ones in person and they are very nice. Definitely on my list to get.

 

+1 to strawfoot.

 

Strawfoot for the votes. I'll look into them! Thanks guys.