Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

I concur.

 

Whenever I'm peeing by a tree I am always reminded of the squirrel scene from Christmas vacation. Don't want any of those little suckers latching on while your half asleep. Best to go inside if you can.

 

Thanks, will do! -C

 

Thanks for the responses, I'll just use my portable suitcase for starters ... Talked to my big brother about powder coat option or painting it or a wrap ... he's a multi show winning custom painter and his response was " don't even think about it ! if you want color , spring for powder coat ! " And as to the BM issue , I've already got the full joloca nomad system with the double ensuite and awning . One room for showers and one dry room for changing and the porta potti ....Now just to figure out my water tank ,,,

 

You all use toilet paper? I have always just rocked a few good rocks or sticks, plus a final cleanup with leaves... I guess that comes from my days of week's long backpacking trips trying to save both volume and weight in my pack. May have to look into one of these toilet setups as the kiddo moves out of diaper land...or... I could shit in his toilet training potty...

 

Hey folks, can you all point me to some of your favorite builds (videos, build threads, instagram, etc?) I'm gearing up to spend the summer in my drifter, and need to build it out. I lived in it for a couple of months last summer, but I'm so used to living out of bags and bins just tossed in the back that I just got by with that, but can't say I'm stoked on that option again. I'd love to get pointed in the direction of some folks who have really taken space, organization and usefulness into consideration, who have made it pretty cozy and comfortable for 3/4 time living. I'm not going to be overlanding as much as a bit of boondocking, I do field work but will need to finish reports and such at the end of the day on my computer. I just got a Dometic, which will be an amazing upgrade from my Orca cooler. Probably not going to invest in Goose Gear stuff, that's a little pricey, but it's a good starting point. Any builds with some boatbuilding thoughtfulness would be very interesting. Let me know what you all have been finding out there!

 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMF0iQhHtbT/?igshid=rjib2idcyy81

 

Fast forward to 4:56 to see cabinet build

 

While I would do things a lot differently if I were going to live in it instead of camp out of it, hopefully this gives you some ideas:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ildout-and-mods.540940/page-104#post-20729328
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ildout-and-mods.540940/page-126#post-22151560
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ildout-and-mods.540940/page-204#post-23966232

I have since rebuilt the fridge pullout to include a basic stove and prep space so I don't use the kitchen box that is shown in the build post.

I would say if I needed something for 3/4 time living, I would probably not be looking at a Drifter/Nomad, especially if it is more boondocking.

 

Here's a few posts with pics of my build.
Like anything else, I'm constantly making little tweaks, and I haven't kept up on posting that kind of stuff here. One of these days...
But I've spent extended periods living and working out of it, and I'm really happy with the general layout.
The key for any build-out is just to think long and hard about what specific gear/systems you want to have in it AND how/when you need access to those things, and then build exactly to that so you can use the space most efficiently.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...uildout-and-mods.540940/page-14#post-18349103
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...uildout-and-mods.540940/page-20#post-18666911
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...uildout-and-mods.540940/page-23#post-18769692

 

Honestly I'd take the time to go through this whole thread, and even threads for other build types (ie GFC and just regular canopy sleeping platforms). You'll find ideas in all of them for build tips, useful products etc. Way more than you'll know what to do with. Ultimately you'll need to figure out what your needs and priorities are and come up with a design that works for you.

 

Hey what is your bike rack set up? Assuming it swings out??

 

For anyone that has mounted aluminum flat bar on the side of your drifter (to the L track)

what thickness flat bar did you use?

do you think 1/4 thick by 1” width and 15” long would be strong enough to mount maxtrax on the side of the drifter or should I go thicker?

Photo shows where I want to mount it.

 

1up on a RakAttach swing out

 

Pretty decent setup, but I don’t recommend the RakAttach for real off tossing. I broke the anti-wobble pin on the white rim trail on Day 2 and had to toss the thing in my already full bed for the rest of the trip.
1up customer service is great though and sent me a new one after I got home and called them.

 

1/4” to hold 2x rotopax’s. no problems

 

I've had it for four years, on two off road vehicles, and tens of thousands of off road miles (including white rim). Mine still works great.

I bought mine direct from the guy that designed it, here in summit Park Utah. Literally installed it in his driveway with him. I've heard he handed production over to 1up and people are having issues now. Regardless, I doubt they manufacture their own anti wobble plates.

 

Yep, this is a new one.

 

That's disappointing to hear! I've been hearing of more issues with the rack itself as they've grown as well. I hope 1up hears about some of the issues and gets it together.

@georginclay04 The Kuat pivot v2 looks good as well if you're looking for something in the more affordable range. My dream is still to get a hitch receiver welded in to a swing out bumper, but that's a bit more than I want to spend right now.

 

I wish the new 1up would make a rack with a swingout built in to save weight and extra components… The original creator of 1up sold the company and started a new version based in Grand Junction, CO.
https://quikrstuff.com/