The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

Lets see some pics...

 

Good tip. I guess that just leaves with having to insulate the pick up walls.
I plan to take it to alaska next year so I want to be sure I insulate it well

 

Is there not a full BedRug for your Tundra? It sounds like you just have the BedRug Mat. The full one would be the easiest way to insulate the metal sides a decent amount.

If you're looking for more cold weather setup, you'll either want to aggressively insulate the bed, lower Drifter walls, have the upper insulation package and/or have a gas/diesel/propane forced air heater setup.

We're all different with our comfortability with temperatures/humidity levels, but I find that in my composite bed 2nd gen Tacoma with full BedRug, Drifter with only the lower insulation package (no side doors), and reflectix over the rear glass window, I am comfortable sleeping at night down to 22 degrees F in my "20 Degree" Western Mountaineering sleeping bag on top of the Exped MegaMat (R8.1) Sleeping pad.

There are a lot of variables, so if you're worried about being warm enough sleeping, get a good sleeping bag, wear long johns and a hat and put almost boiling water into a 1 Liter Nalgene bottle inside of a thick wool sock to keep between your legs.

If you want to hang out inside the camper with the cold, you'll likely need a heater.

 

Do you think the bed rug helps at all? I’m going back and forth on purchasing.

 

Here you go...

 

Can you post pictures of the truck? All I see are wheels It’ll look so sweet once the camper is on too!!

 

I installed my build on top of the full-sized bed rug. It has provided decent insulation and padding for our needs. I would recommend keeping it.

 

Do you have any pictures of your build? I might be going with this option since Ive already built everything ontop of the bedrug and love the way it sits right now

 

I retro fitted a full bedrug from a 2nd gen tundra since the 1st gen bedrugs were discontinued.
I also got the insulation package for the tent material as well as the lower insulation package.

I do have a diesel heater but my main concern is keeping my 18 gallon water tank in my wheel well from freezing. I did a trip to Utah in the winter and my whole water supply froze and I couldn't use it.

Was thinking of also just wrapping the water tank in reflectix so I dont have to take apart my whole retrofitted bedrug (took a lot of 3M adhesive and a long day of labor), what do you think of this solution?

 

I like idea a lot and may steal it!

Also, I'd keep the bedrug. I sometimes wish I had it in mine for the insulation and comfort factor, but it's not worth the time now that I have a build out already in there.

 

I used to hate that awkward space by the wheel well but its actually the perfect spot for a water tank
I just used a ratcheting strap to the 2 bed tie downs to secure it against the sidewall of the bed.

Do you think wrapping the water tank with reflectix would do anything in terms of keeping the water in the tank from freezing?

 

You'd be better off wrapping it in armacell.

I have a Propex heater and the return air will flow over my tank next to the wheel well to keep it warm.

Depending on your battery setup and energy usage, you might consider one of these either inside or outside the truck bed...

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Fresh-Water/LaSalle-Bristol/277-000164.html

 

Oh wow this is a gamechanger. thanks for this!
Luckily my tank is next to my 2nd Aux battery. I'm running an Oddysey Group 31 AGM hooked onto solar. I'm only powering my dometic fridge for the most part.

I wonder if its okay to attached this to a plastic tank, im only seeing it on metal exterior tanks

 

Yeah, it'll be fine on a plastic tank. They're usually just designed to keep the temp above freezing and not too much more, and the water inside will keep the tank very close to its own temp.

• Built-in thermostat automatically operates the heater pad
  • Turns on when the tank or step temperature reaches 45 degrees F
  • Turns off when the tank or step temperature reaches 67 degrees F

Just make sure that there will be water on the inside of the tank where the heat pad contacts it. This is why the bottom of the tank is the preferred position for the heat pad.

 

thank you!
very helpful stuff

Ill keep you guys updated if i go with this

 

Does anyone know the part numbers/manufacture of the light-dimmer switch and the button head cable ties used?

 

The button head cable ties are from waytech electrical, a lot of their small parts are from there. I asked when I had my camper installed.

 

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/21087/9-63-Button-Head-Cable-Tie/

They look to just be reselling HellermannTyton button head cable ties, so you can just find any "button head cable tie" from your preferred vendor.

 

Minor trauma here ! I just had to move off my property, and am currently in a apartment with 86 inch max height parking garage. If anyone could tell me the height of a drifter w/a max air vent from the bed rails up I would be most appreciative! Or if you’re local to Lakewood Colorado swing by Top Edge off Colfax and I’ll measure! Got sometime before I pick up my drifter so need to decide if I gotta move or lower my taco … thank you all in advance! Glenn

 

Mine is exactly 7ft tall but yours may be different as I have a lift and solar panels on top.