Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Are you mostly talking about the sides or the floor as well? Not sure how the vagabond is setup but there is this for under the mattress.

https://roofnest.com/product/anti-c... a air-permeable layer,sizes to fit our tents.

 

This definitely looks beneficial. Found a place that sells it by the foot too.

https://www.mattressinsider.com/mat...Kdq8YDwrOKs-i0Ao0MCBixFGnKOmXnjxoCVCcQAvD_BwE

 

I have no issues under the mattress (neither with the Vagabond supplied mattress or the Exped MegaMat I currently use). It is purely condensation on the tent walls and somewhat on the inside roof panel. 2 humans and 1 dog sleeping up top seems to generate a good amount of water vapor.

 

Maybe try an eva dry unit. It's better than the hanging bag you or someone linked earlier.

 

Interesting... This is worth a try in the next weekend or two when I go back out into the cold temps for more camping...

https://www.eva-dry.com/product/e-333-renewable-mini-dehumidifier-2-pack/

I'll put one down in the foot of the wedge and then hang one up high near the top of the support arm mount to the roof and report back.

 

That wont keep up with the condensation of 2 humans and a dog. They are better for controlling humidity over long periods of time (I use two in my closet with my guitars)

 

What are you using the bed for if you take the shell off?

 

Purchased mine over summer from Defender Marine Outfitter at $8.99 a foot. 9 feet is perfect. BUT warning: over $30 to ship!
Simply for point of reference they are in CT and I am in CA.

 

For what it's worth we have this condensation mat: https://www.tochta.com/product/hypur-flo-moisture-protection/. It definitely has a more finished and softer feel & look than Hypervent to match the sexiness of the Drifter. It makes a complete mess when cut to fit, but once shaken out good we haven't had issues other than a few stray fibers around the camper. So far it seems to eliminate condensation & potential mold problems on the bottom of the mattress when cold weather/snow camping and we just have a little condensation on the platform itself to wipe with a microfiber hand towel, very minor. If we blast the heater at a high temp all night rather than turn it way down condensation would obviously be eliminated but we try to conserve propane and not have the heater kick on/off a bunch when we don't need it to stay warm or dry out our snow gear. The mat also added extra comfort to the mattress as an added bonus, score!



There is going to be serious stoke once the Vagabond insulation pack is released, especially those that don't have a propex or diesel heater. Not sure what theirs looks like but so far our homemade insulation pack appears to retain heat pretty well and has a noticeable warmer feel inside tent than without it. The only downside to our insulation pack is we do see some condensation between it and tent wall when fully sealed up more so than without, as is to be expected I suppose. So long as we are able to keep the top popped for a bit in the morning or during the day and run the heater and/or fan, it dries up quick.



Lastly, we added a removable clear vinyl window cut to fit the rear window inside the overlap flap using vinyl velcro, so that you can have the rear window open in cold/poor/dusty/windy weather to enjoy the views. Highly recommended!

Happy Drifting!

 

What are the highs and lows that you usually camp in?

 

My fiancé finished sewing it late fall as a Christmas gift for us and we’ve had it for a couple trips 30s to low teens. The added layer definitely seems to slow the heat/cold transfer, or maybe its just all the time and hard work she put into making it, which makes it feel that way! Looking forward to getting snowed in with it in colder temps to get a real sense of how how it does keeping us toasty.

 

Here’s my diesel heater box

I wanted to be able to pack everything in a box but also have a waterproof box so I can leave it outside when I’m using the drifter or when I’m using a tent.

Then leave the heater in the garage if winter is over.

 

Has anyone gotten the gullwing doors with glass and regretted it and wished they got the normal gullwing doors or vice versa ?

I’m torn between the 2 options.
Gullwing doors with no glass so I can drill through it and potentially mount something on it.
Or with glass to let in sunlight and be able to see through without opening the door

 

Where are you seeing most of the condensation? Under the mattress?

 

I now remember that once I noticed a little condensation between the Vagabond supplied mattress and the movable extension piece that is suspended above the truck bed. I have not noticed any condensation between the Exped MegaMat and this piece in similar and colder temperatures. I am guessing it is due to the great R-value of the Exped not transmitting heat through the bottom of the mattress.

 

A dry air heater will help you out tremendously instead of your propane heater. Propane heaters are not your friend!

 

Yes. I like mine for the access but don't use them at all for letting light in or seeing out. I put reflectix covers on the windows and haven't taken them off in months.

 

Airflow is needed under the mattress. Once you have a temperature difference of 10 degrees from exterior to interior you are guaranteed to have condensation. Take away propane heat and introduce a dry air heater. Also, check out this for underneath your beds. This will allow air to flow under your mattress.

https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/review-of-the-froli-star-sleep-system/

 

For me, I always accepted that I would most likely never take the Drifter off and I only have a fridge/stove slide inside. I personally have very rarely had to use my truck to carry anything where I would have to remove the Drifter(or shell I used to have). Like someone mentioned, I would definitely consider a cheap-o trailer before removing the Drifter or just rent a HomeDepot truck.

 

Same. ^^ I don't think I've taken my covers off since I originally put them on, haha.
I don't regret the choice, because I don't remember having another side access option when I pre-ordered. But being able to mount stuff to them would be nice...