Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

I currently have been using an MSR pump to fill my two 7 gal Reliant water containers. This is a big pain. 1) It take about 30 minutes of steady hand pumping to fill the tanks, regardless of the flow rate touted by the manufacturer. 2) Each tank weighs close to 60 lbs when full. It is a royal pain to get them into my bench seats in the Drifter. I have to raise the top just to wrestle them in to place.

I camp at higher elevations in Eastern Washington and have access to water from lakes and streams. However, there are LOTS of cows that roam the forest service lands, and the water is polluted. Ask me how I know... I got Giardia a few years ago from dipping my toothbrush in a creek and brushing my teeth. It isn't fun.

So, I want to be able to draw water from surface waters, regardless of contamination. This design allows me to pull up to a creek and drop the hose in to refill the tank. Many of these on-board systems store dirty water, something that has never made sense to me. This design allows me to store clean water, with the added benefit of the double-filter in case I have left water in the tank long enough for bugs to grow.

This design fits my use case of camping for extended periods of time without needing to drive into town to fill water. With showers, I get get about 3-4 days on 14 gallons. I am hoping to be able to extend this time. Yes; I admit that showers are optional if you are hiking or biking in the wilds. But, I work from remote locations for periods of time in the summer. During this time I have to look professional on conference calls every day. Because I am living and working out of the Drifter for extended periods of time, the water system will meet my needs better than my current MSR / Reliance cans system.

 

Powder coat the body at least and save some headaches down the road

 

@MapJunkie Do you think this system could be adapted to work with an external water tank such as a Yakima Road Shower ?

 

this^^

wish I woulda powder coated as well

 

I know this is an unpopular opinion around here, but I see no functional reason to powder coat. It's high quality aluminum. There's no reason to be concerned about the material holding up over time.

I opted not to powder coat to save money. It's been over a year on my truck and the drifter still looks great after a wash.

 

I get blinded every afternoon when I park anywhere on my street...

 

I agree, but I think if someone is already considering vinyl, might as well go with coating

 

I think this system would work great with an external tank. The only challenge I can think of is where to mount the pump and filters. Perhaps on the roof? I have seen vanlife builders put their entire filter system with pump underneath their van. So, it seems like it should work on the roof as well.

 

I built a very small compact water set up in one of my interior cabinets. I use an 8 gallon water tank, and I carry a 5 gallon scepter jug for water. Having a separate jug allows me to fill up if the water source is too far from the too far from the truck.
The way I set up the hoses and pump, I can open and close valves to supply a external quick connect for water hose or shower, or I can supply the sink. I can also pump from a outside source like the 5 gallon scepter jug or a hose bib. If I run enough hose I can pump from a stream by placing a water filtration in line before the pump which just screws on with common hose connectors.

 

For your diesel heater, where did you put the exhaust vent?

 

Out through the rear cubby

 

Here’s my water set up. No filter element that you were hoping to get. But easily fillable from the exterior so if I go on longer trips, I have the 10gal in the tank and another 5gal plastic jerry that can be easily poured in.

 

Saw this on a 4WC Group.

Someone made a grid and then drilled holes in the foam for better back support. I’ll be the test dummy.

 

Ordered a diesel heater finally. Will install next week and update. Anyone ever use this one?

 

That looks a bit weird, I haven't seen any 5kW ones that small - they are usually 2kW. @crazysccrmd set one up in a toolbox and used it (I think) in Alaska with his GFC.

I've been thinking of one of these or just giving in and getting the "real deal" Propex/Webasto since I'm at elevation and the nicer ones have altitude adjustments.

 

I think it’s 5KW at peak

 

Here’s some inspiration for you:
https://expeditionupfitter.com/products/portable-diesel-heater-2d-12v-high-altitude

 

curious to see how it goes.. been looking at that vs the all-in-one option for the diesel heaters... this version could allow installation possibly in one of the bed cubbies then you just have a vent going into the bed.

 

I’ve been thinking of putting one up behind the driver side cubby and routing the ducting through the lid there.

I’d remove the ExpeditionEssentials compressor mount to make room.

 

That price tag LOL.

I like the Chinese version