The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

I don't have a bbk since I run 16" F5s but I have Stoptech slotted rotors with SS brake lines and upgraded pads(Hawk pads, if I remember correctly). They have definitely helped with the weight and do grab much better.

 

Would one of those tire steps be an option for the shorter folks? Just an example

$57 Heininger HitchMate 4040 TireStep

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Z9KE...olid=1A25BGH40Y0J6&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

I got a quote from this company recently, which offers something similar to the StopTech kits.

https://www.powerbrakeglobal.com/

The information they sent me is below. Still trying to decide.

 

It might, but for now it's not a problem with some strategic organization of gear. I have avoided the need for my wife to reach in that corner by storing items there that we don't use often (tool bag, spare trashbags, etc.) and a few items that I just pull out immediately upon reaching camp. This strategy has worked so far for us, but I may consider one of those steps in the future.

We can also easily access those corner cubbies at camp, once the wedge is popped.

 

I got tagged for the BBK question. So, here goes.

I run the StopTech 16” BBK. Why, you may ask? I loved(and I mean loved) my Factory TRD Pro wheels. Loved the look, loved the offset and loved that it was stock. The BBK from StopTech for the 16” wheel was designed with that same wheel in mind. The clearance was perfect between the barrel and the 6 pot caliper. The rotors were slotted and perfect for all the extra weight I was carrying at the time. Never once did I experience fade. Old Priests Grade wouldn’t faze the BBK. And that’s saying something. I will admit that if I got a rock between the barrel and the rotor, much noise was made. But that minor disadvantage wouldn’t ever change my mind.

Eventually I was forced to find a more advantageous offset for the tire size I wanted. I chose some SCS Ray 10’s for the correct offset and load carrying capacity. I stuck with 16’s because in the back of my brain I’m always wanting more sidewall for maximum traction. I’m not a desert racer and this truck isn’t a mall crawler(more like a driveway queen right meow) so the need for bigger brakes than the 16” BBK just could never be justified.

If I had to do it all again, would I do anything different?

Yes, I would have gone straight to beadlocks and not looked back. But that’s having a bit of hindsight and knowing that my wife just has no interest in coming along on any trips(still trying to change her mind).

Would I still have chosen a 16” wheel and the StopTech BBK?

Yes, yes I would. Stupid reliable, great value for the cost and Toyota uses StopTech for their factory experiments. Solid engineering.

*a note for the young enthusiasts trying to introduce their significant others to the sport of wheeling/camping/overlanding; do NOT go to Coyote Flats for their first trip off road... Elevation+Motion Sickness+10hour transit = SUPER PISSED significant other...

 

Haha love coyote flats, never tried taking my wife and apparently... I never will.

 

I’ll add that to the list of places to take my husband we got into wheeling/overlanding together so we love it equally! I think sometimes I’m the one spending more on truck parts than him.

 

Hey guys need a measurement from a DCLB 2nd gen
I'm installing a storage box on the cab (roof rack) and want to know how much room there is.
For accuracy, let's measure from the windshield glass to the drifter edge.
Borrowed photo below with red line.

 

When did this become an option? It seems hard to stay in the loop...

 

I don't think it has been an official option…yet. This is on Phil's constantly evolving Drifter prototype test bed.

 

Hum I wonder if the window size is the same as the front runner option. That would be slick

 

I don't know which model of the FrontRunner window/solid door they use, but here's the Arctic Tern info if you want to look at that.
https://www.ternoverland.com/arctic-tern-window

 

Also, now that I look back at the Tern Overland website, it looks like the rear door is an Arctic Tern Wildlands Door.
https://www.ternoverland.com/wildlands-security-door

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTFav6naEj4

 

no, it is considerably smaller. The larger Tern windows don't fit the Drifter, but may work on the Nomad (untested as yet)

 

Drifter question... Is it possible to easily remove the rear door on the drifter? I often carry my mountain bike on a tailgate pad, but it doesn't seem like a good idea to drive with the rear window open. I've seen how the GFC rear window has some kind of quick release and was wondering if that feature is already baked in on the Drifter. Thanks.

 

I just ran across this

 

it’s not a quick release, but if you remove one of the screws on the end of the hinge channel, DONT LOSE the little piece of plastic in there - this helps center the window, and then slide it out of the channel.

https://youtu.be/-RzzYW1XxLc

 

Hey All,

Order 140 here. The Drifter has landed! As everyone said Phil and team are great. Their garage was full of Drifters in production and seems like they are full steam ahead. They certainly had supply issues with my drifter. Anyway I have it and will be living out of it for the next month... or two. So far my best purchase was the bed extension. It makes a great standing desk, and when you go to bed it makes a great table for drinks and what ever else. I use it the most. I got all the internal lighting options and they light up the entire drifter. Have not had to put on a headlamp once. I also got the two Rigid Scene lights on the outside that helps with the no headlamp life.

Condensation is the biggest part I'm getting use to. I thought it was the buddy heater but it's not. I started leaving the fan open at night (not on) which helps a lot. I'm still working on the condensation. It doesn't help I use a buddy heater. With that said, run the buddy heater on high for 5 min and the place is cookin. Anyway those were my first weekend in the drifter. More info to come just shoot a message with any questions.

Cheers,

Rob

 

This might sound like a stupid question, but my OCD kicks in a little every time I see it. Has anyone ever requested the piano hinge hardware above the cab to be powder coated the same color as their drifter? I plan to get the black powder coat for the top and bottom. It would be nice if I could get that to match the drifter/blend in a little better. Same question for L-track mount requests. I know you can find black aluminum L-tracks online, but not sure if Vagabond would accomodate something like this.

 

Congrats! Regarding condensation, I can confirm that a forced air heater like the Propex can greatly reduce condensation because it keeps the interior of the camper from dropping below the dew point at night. Mr Buddy may be hot, but you can’t run it all night very easily.