Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

The framing progress so far. The galley cabinet has a way to go. The countertop will be about 34.5" tall, similar to a standard kitchen. It will have a sink and one-burner stove. You can see the fireplace on the right (in progress). The concept with the floor plan is to be able to stand up comfortably and use the countertop/sink/stove and keep the remaining cabinets low. They will get covered with birch plywood, and there will be a removable piece that will fill in the center to make a fairly large platform. I want to have a place for two people to sit in some reclining seats if weather requires staying indoors. Having some room to hang out comfortably is a good thing. The fridge stays up in the cab (as I've always had it there).

 

I forgot to mention.... I also got the sidewalls wrapped with the 1" rigid foam insulation and finished with FRP sheet.

 

We used last winter to keep our daughter warm at night. She outgrew that so I just picked up for her to sleep/play in this winter.

Also, baby in camper pic!

 

Man that fireplace looks awesome, im warm just by looking at it.

 

This is looking great . I started with a tall cabinet like that at first, camped with it 14 different nights, then decided it was just too difficult getting my 6' 2" body in and out with such a large cabinet. So I took it back out chopped it up, rewelded and came up with something much smaller.

 

Looking good! One thing I would suggest is to lift the toilet a bit so its level with the extrusion. That way you minimize the extrusion digging into your hammy while you’re dropping a deuce.

 

I can totally understand. It's a small space to work with. We'll see how it goes... I'm not as tall as you and it seemed to be ok with the cardboard mock-up. But, the real life test will determine.

Haha... that's a good one Toilet will slide out forward for use.

 

Bro!! I am doing the same thing but never considered the toe kick! Thanks for saving me from having to redo when I can't get closer to the counter because of my size 13 ski's.

 

I think he is probably planning to use the pull out method.

 

Deciding if I need bed stiffeners and could use some input. I've heard they are a benefit for when the truck is offroad and unevenly weighing down on one side. I drive around on Utah desert roads and PWN logging roads mostly and don't do much legit wheeling, and I drive pretty gingerly when it does get rough. Still necessary? Seems like a small cost for insurance, my hangup is that it eats up some space where I was planning to put the fridge behind the wheelwell and already not entirely sure it'll fit

Someone locally makes these small ones, I'm wondering how much they'd accomplish

 

Ah, it fits!

5.5kw diesel heater. All-in-one unit, because I’m lazy.

Planning on how I want to mount it to make it easily removable for summer months. So far, so good!

Might use L-track with eyerings mounted on the outer shell of heater, and the ring attachment on the L-track.

For fill, I’ll cut a hole in the upper cabinet shelf and use a transfer pump most likely. Not sure if there’s a better way.

 

@socalexpeditions To answer your question on Instagram about DIY interior lighting on the roof - I would guess that your roof framing is already cut for light wiring internally. You can verify by sending a boroscope down the driver side square tubing and measure how far the camera goes in before you find the hole. Then you can use a 90 degree drill bit to put a hole in the outside of the tube in order to send in a fishing implement... Then mount a light strip on the roof panel, drill a small hole for the wiring and send it behind the panel and go fishing!

I thought I had posted a video of this, but I can't find it right now.

 

Where did you find this heater? I like the look over the more common rectangular design. I haven’t seen it on Amazon.

 

Can you post photos of the inside where the bolts go through the Drifter lid and into the handle?
Also - did you use the included 2 1/4" long screws or did you have to get shorter since the drifter is only 1/8" thick?

 

I just installed the same handle a couple days back. No photos yet, will try to get some this weekend. Easy install, <15 minutes. It's great!

I didn't use the stock bolts, I had some 1" 1/4x20 bolts lying around I used with big fender washers.

 

Did you get the McMaster Carr one or the eBay Don-Jo aluminum one you mentioned?

 

Oh, my bad - the Don-Jo. I thought this was that one, someone had mounted up a 10" Don-Jo from "doorhardware.com" or something. I did get mine from a seller on eBay.

I like the aluminum one - matches perfectly - and I like the 10" wide version.

 

Here you go! I paid $110 btw.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Diesel-Air...h-All-In-One-for-Cars-Trucks-RV-/284085496598

14.5” L x 9.75” W x 12.25” H

 

Brothhaaa thank you!!

 

Does anyone have difficulty using the upper light switch knob when on the upper floor? I kind of find the upper lightswitch knob installed very low, I have a hard time turning off the upper Drifter lights when on the upper level. I have really long arms as well. Its gotten to the point that I use my headlamp up there since its difficult to turn off the lights when in bed.

Anyone relocate the upper light swtich to a higher position?