The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

126. Still waiting, helped them out and requested the powder coat to hide the surface stains instead of having them buff them out. Sent payment for the powder coat on September 2nd. Haven't heard anything since.

 

#133 Talked to Phil earlier this month. He said it "should" be ready by the end of the month. Hopefully I'll get a call soon as there's just a week left in October.

 

The winter has come to Minnesota and I had my first taste of camping in the snow when the temperature outside was 18 deg. My first issue was that I couldn't get the drifter to open as the whole thing was very stiff. I wish that there was a grab handle to help with pushing it up. I had to grab the latch on each side and push full force to break the seal then work each side little by little to get it to come up, the gas struts don't do much when its cold. Then I couldn't get the top all the way up because the tent was so stiff so the rod wouldn't latch on the side to prevent the drifter from coming back down due to heavy snow, I tucked it in on the side instead of latching it. Don't know if there are a lot of people who use this camper in the cold but living in Minnesota its pretty much winter for half of the year. Anybody add their own grab handle to their drifter ore replace the struts with more lifting power?

 

there is this - i think this is the one vagabond uses
https://www.grainger.com/product/80-20-Handle-16U357?

 

Thats exactly what I need! Thank you good sir. Once it stops snowing outside I have a project to work on.

 

I have an awning on the back so had to figure out a way to open it. Some people have added handles. Phil suggested this one:
https://8020.net/2060.html

I just open from the inside. You can get a lot of force pushing up so you shouldn't have a problem getting the drifter open. If you are short, you might struggle getting it completely open so stronger struts might be warranted. Obviously, the struts don't help you at all for the first bit of rotation.

 

I think this handle should be perfect. I will probably add some silicone to prevent water intrusion. The handle will not only help with opening the top but also closing it. Getting the thing pushed down is even more challenging when the tent material is frozen solid. Kind of wish Phil got the insulation package released for the tent walls.

 

You can get the handle for the same price with no shipping if you have a Grainger for local pickup.

 

Here's the irony. Last February I decided not to buy a build from someone because it was scheduled for November and that would mean I'd miss the summer. Then a short while later Phil told me there was another build for sale that would be ready in "late July/Early August." So I bought that one. Paid an extra $500 to the buyer for the privilege. At that time I was considering a GFC or a Summit and actually called about the new Atlas and was told I could have one in 24 weeks. But that would be later than the Drifter spot so I chose the Drifter. (I also like the Drifter better. I think. The Summit does have the bed platform on struts that lift it away when you're not sleeping. Anyway...) The irony is I would have received the Atlas a month ago. I have also passed up a couple of used Drifters and one Summit over the months because I wanted a brand new Drifter. Vanity, vanity, all is vanity.

Anyway, whining aside, thanks for the updates. Hopefully we can keep the Google sheet updated and just look at the sheet once in a while.

 

Does that mean you actually have paid your final money (finalized production) as well?

 

I/we can only really update the sheet when people share updates here. Unless you update it yourself when you get news.

 

Anybody who has the below link can update the sheet. Just click the link.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-Adf_gdp2qHn6fBcosQyigwRp7VkawwSyyAHIbQgOh4/edit#gid=0

 

Yes, I finalized options and paid balance early September.

 

Was there ever talk about building a Vagabond for a flatbed? Considering going up to the Tundra, putting a flat bed on it and a camper to get a little more room. Only option I see is a 4wheel camper and it’s heavy.

 

I have black powder coat with tne top not done. It does get pin strips. But they don’t seem to go through to the base.

 

There’s @Anderson ‘s project which is an aluminum flatbed which can accommodate a drifter
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tr00pr-missed-every-target.667154/page-4#post-24413263

 

The Black Nylon ones aren't the greatest for long term use in UV light. These usually crack with a few years on the roof in Phoenix. I would probably go with a stainless handle but it would get hot in the sun.

https://www.thehardwarehut.com/catalog-product.php?p_ref=296070&gshop

 

That has faded quite a bit.
I finally managed to find an aluminum color L-track single point tie-down anchor (see attached photo for reference). I contacted Load Tamer because they have the black ones on their site complete with the backing plate and hardware. I figured I'd ask if they could get an aluminum color version. They actually had 7 of them left, so I ordered one. They probably have 6 now, if anyone wants one.
Contact info:
Networks Enterprises Inc (LoadTamer Cargo Nets)
www.cargonets.com
800-690-0425 ask for Ken.

 

Hey. I’m order #181. I’m in Squamish BC.
Any other Canadians wondering how they are going to get their Drifter with the current boarder being closed?
I’m hoping mine will be ready by early spring ( god I hope it’s ready by then! 12 months and counting)

 

Yep, me. I’m in Victoria, order #167. I spoke with Overland Outfitters and they said they would receive and install for me but haven’t heard back from Vagabond about whether or not they can ship. Fingers crossed the border will be open by the time mine is ready but I’m doubtful.