Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

definitely a fan. spreads the force across the bedrail nicely and gives some good tie down/accessory mounting options.. i use the vertical slots a lot when tieing down loads and you can use the added channels for a variety of things.. i had my fire extinguisher mounted to the 80/20 for a while using some old ARB fridge tabs and some velcro straps.. if you had 80/20 components already in the bed, you could tie them into each other to secure it to the walls..

 

Is that your fabrication? Great idea, was contemplating something to even the clamping force across the rails…this is very clean!

 

i cannot take credit for that... that's all Iggy

 

Good to know, thanks

 

Well after working through some design iterations I finally installed the test version of my Haven Overland bed system for the drifter. I made a short video explaining it after I installed it in @mappingjunkie ‘s drifter. Here’s the video link. Let me know what you guys think!

https://youtu.be/73LyBOpku4s

 

Any idea here? Nervous to start drilling holes until I know how to seal it

 

I like it. It's much better usability and quicker than picking up two panels (because I have the extension), pushing them under the Hest mattress while trying to hold it up and folded back.
I don't like the retention of the spring loaded metal rod against the plastic slider. The black plastic strip is going to get deformed, wear through and then the result will be steel on aluminum.

I'd like to see a Delrin block with a half-circle cut out to support that and have that riveted to the track.

 

The normal reply is "VHB tape". I believe that when Vagabond drills holes to install awnings or whatever, they sandwich some VHB tape between the outside of the Drifter/Nomad and the item being bolted on.

 

Generally seems like people put some RTV silicone on the fastener/washer and snug it up. Look back at @socalexpeditions sidewall L-track install, or Prinsu rack installs where people drill holes in the roof of their truck.

 

I used silicone for the L-track. Your top L-track will be placed outside the tent fabric, so you dont need to seal them but you can.

Side L-track use either camper shell tape (thin tape that adhesives to the back of the L-track, and then is compressed against the side when installed) or silicone. I used silicone and had no leaks. Use fender washers for the backing inside the drifter walls.

I had bare L-track on the raw aluminum with no problems, but if I was putting L-track on a powdercoated camper, I’d probably add foam tape between.

 

I used closed foam tape on both inside/outside of Drifter and then just silicone the threads of the bolts. No issues almost 4 yrs into it. Have done the same for all the holes I’ve drilled (side L track, rear lights, rear camera, rear and side awnings)

MAGZO Weather Stripping 1 inch W X 1/8 inch T, Wide Foam Tape for Air Conditioner Insulation 33 Feet (16.5ft x 2 Rolls)

$17 MAGZO Weather Stripping Door Seal, 1" Wide X 1/8" Thick Adhesive Foam Tape Soundproof Weatherstripping for Windows, 2 Rolls Total 33FT Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071RDDC2R?_encoding=UTF8

 

*** FOR SALE ***

Selling my Vagabond Drifter. Its in perfect condition. Located in Northern California.

• Full interior light setup
• Insulated
• Front runner roof rack
• L track on both sides for Maxtrax, gas, etc.
• 14" Maxxair fan
• 10" bed extension

I will include baltic birch baseplate with vinyl flooring as well as mattress topper. Dm if interested.

 

Thanks all!

 

That's some really nice work! I actually weighed this feature when I was considering options for which camper to get (some mfg. use this method). I know it would be super convenient when compared to the separate sliding deck piece in the Drifter. I'm trying to play out all the scenarios in my head, as to how it would influence my particular setup if I changed to this, and I'm wondering about having the fat window rolls protruding when all three window layers are rolled down. Does it hang up on that? I can imagine having to roll up the windows before stowing the bed, or vice-versa; having to put the bed down to roll down the windows because the zipper tops aren't accessible with the bed up. Also, it looks like the weight of half the platform (that's over the seating area) is born solely by the hinge pins (?), no?

 

Yes the window rolls I believe may interfere a little. It’s possible to open the windows while the bed is up if you work around the platform a little. Definitely not as convenient. I’m not sure what the remedy would be for making the platform not interfere with window rolls when it actuates. I’ll be discussing potential modifications with Brian after he’s back from his first trip with it. Either way you look at it the width of the drifter mattress would interfere with those rolls too.

As far as the pins, yes they hold the entire front half. They’re 3/8” stainless spring bolts. It would be easy to add more support by adding a couple extra brackets. I would potentially consider adding these just for longevity, but for the time being these actually seem plenty strong.

 

Agreed, having a resting block for the pin to sit on would be a good idea.

 

I like that idea. My buddy had one in his camper before.
My only concern would be the strength of just those two pins holding up to the 36 seconds of passionate pumps taking place up there every once and a while with me and the lady.
Although that will be much less of a concern as I’ll be getting married soon and well….you know

 

36 seconds!? Show off!

 

is the pivot area reinforced or will it become a rub/wear point on the overhang part of the drifter?

 

Y’all having sex in your Drifters?
I’m over here