Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Looks like this:
https://8020.net/2060.html

It's available at Grainger for for free store pickup if you have one local.

 

I got to use it in camp this weekend and let me tell you, it is very handy for grabbing onto when climbing up, for pushing the lid up, and propping up the lid so it doesnt close all the way while you are tucking away the tent walls. This is a small addition but definitely made a difference.

I think this should be a small option when buying a drifter. Also I wish that for northern states where its cold you could option higher force struts as the one that come standard work great when its warm but as soon as the temperature drops they struggle.

Here is a list of part numbers I bought from 80/20 for the handle: 40-2061, 11-8520, 11-6042, 11-8065 (Handle, nuts, washers, bolts)

 

Thanks, definitely going to order it. Thanks for the input!

I was searching Mcmaster Carr and some of their handles have pull ratings.

How strong is the handle you mention, does it flex at all? No pull rating is mentioned, must likely not needed.

This one has a pull rating of 220lbs.

https://www.mcmaster.com/2471N1/

https://www.mcmaster.com/5193A3/

 

Keep in mind that these pull ratings are probably measured differently than a side-pull with how we would mount and use them on the Drifter... I'd lean towards a handle with a larger diameter bolt since that's where the force is going past the handle.

 

Can I join the party?

 

I needed to see this as I've been contemplating gray vs black PC on my nomad for my spectra blue mica Tundra

 

Larger bolt plus larger plastic base is important to. I gather the plastic will fail before the metal bolt does.

 

I dont know about the specs for the 80/20 handle but if you are worried about flex then I recommend installing a steel backing plate on the inside of the aluminum drifter wall. This will keep the nuts from deforming the aluminum if you put a lot of force on it. That is how my awning brackets are mounted. I just did washers for the handle as Im planning to be gentle with it.

 

those are some sweet looking campers

 

Only if you give us your info so the OCD people in the thread can continue to speculate…
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-Adf_gdp2qHn6fBcosQyigwRp7VkawwSyyAHIbQgOh4/edit#gid=0

 

my name is bob. i enjoy long drives in the desert...and cold beer

was used...

 

Kinda used. Amirite.

 

dang, more drifters getting added to colorado, 2021 we need a for sure meet up haha

 

Wonder if anyone change the back window lock to compression latch/lock or if its an option like the Smartcap?

 

Good way to lock yourself in hahaha. The Vagabond handles let you turn them from the inside so you cannot lock yourself in.

These look similar to the frontrunner door latches that can't be opened from the inside (so technically, it'd be difficult to lock yourself in since you can't close the latch).

 

Great point

 

On-board Water

Does anyone have experience with designing an on-board water system? I am soliciting any input on my design.

This is one of my winter projects, but I have absolutely NO experience with water systems. I tend to think of water designs similar to electrical designs (my professional area of expertise), but I know there are definitely differences.



Some of my design goals include:

• Be able to filter creek or river water to EPA worst-case standards (99.9999% bacteria, 99.99% virus, 99.9% Crypto/Giardia)
• Double filtration of water so that water in the tank is clean, and water is filtered prior to use
• Able to switch system from fill mode to use mode, reducing tubing required
  
• Storage of 15 gallons of water
• Vent won't leak water when driving on rough road

I was excited to find the Water Pure Technologies filters. It seems like most overlander's have installed UV water purification systems. I find these to be overly expensive and complicated, since they required power. Also, it appears that most of the UV lamps need to be replaced yearly. The Water Pure Technologies will filter water to better than EPA (99.9999% bacteria, 99.9998% virus, and 99.99% Crypto/Giardia). The filters last over 100,000 gallons.

I have copied Dan Grec's design for the double-filtration system. I have never used three-way ball valves, but it seems like they should work. Dan implemented his system using four two-way valves, but that seems overly complex to use.

One of the items I have not been able to find is an air relief valve. Many people have a vent hose that is run higher than the top of the tank instead of an air relief valve. This isn't really an option for me, since I am trying to fit everything in a bench seat.



Here are some of the links to the major components, for those interested. Thanks for any ideas you have.

$77 RecPro RV Water Pump Direct Replacement For Shurflo 4008-101-A65 3.0 GPM | 12V Water Pump | Self-Prime | Camper Water Pump | RV Plumbing

SHURflo Pump


Ronco 15 Gal Tank


Water Pure Technologies Filter

 

EDIT: I looked at the diagram again and it looks like the water is filtered once as it goes into the tank and then filtered again as it is used. Nevermind below…

Maybe I am missing something, but running the filtered water back through the tubing that dirty water was run through kind of makes the best filter greatly reduced in efficacy, right?

 

Did you wrap your drifter or have it done by a shop? What did it run you? I'm trying to decide if I follow through on the powder coat or save a little

 

That on-board water filtration system is ingenious and progressive, @MapJunkie what are some of the use-cases where you feel it would be helpful?