Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

I plan to get my 80/20 from grainger as well, local and the pricing ends up cheaper after adding in shipping for online orders.

I wonder how strong the corner brackets actually have to be...I can print some brackets that would be pretty strong plastic....hmmmm....I may try that and report back. First I have to get the plywood laid down in the bed of the truck, just finished my electrical install yesterday so this is next.

 

True story. And “free” flashlights for dayzzzzz. Haha

 

good stuff.

 

Just my ass. Lol!

 

Lmk what you come up with for sure!

 

For cutting aluminum, a non-ferrous blade works so much better than the composite blades that are made for steel. No de-burring.

$52 Diablo D1080N Non-Ferrous Metal & Plastic Cutting Saw Blade

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...+saw+blade&dpPl=1&dpID=510AAIXWmJL&ref=plSrch

 

Another option for the corners are these:

https://8020.net/shop/14054.html

Not as strong as the cubes or the angles. But it makes panel mounting easier because you can just “dog ear” the corners. Then use panel mounts and 1/4 or 3/8” wood, metal, or plastic.

Here are the panel mounts. Threaded for 1/4 - 20.

https://8020.net/shop/2496.html

The panel adds the rigidity to keep the box from racking.

 

Also, BAMF is offering these molle panels that attach to the bed track. Works great with Blueridge Overland Gear bags and pouches.

 

Almost half the price of the ones on Grainger...I like those a little more than the ones I use too.

 

Finally got a chance to wire up some lights and a power panel today. It’s not super clean since it only needs to work until I get my actual camper but it works!

2x USB (phone + watch)
Voltmeter
Cigarette lighter plug (probably a fan)
6x switches

For the switches I just have a cheap USB strip light wired around the perimeter but I plan on adding a water pump, and a couple other lights.

The panel is just a cheapish one off Amazon and an aluminum project box off Amazon VHB taped to the inside.

Plan on congealing the wires behind reflectix and tubing

 

how are you mounting it for the rigors of camping yet not permanently so you can take it off w/o poking holes in the surface of the aluminum? I want to mount a few things on my habitat but don't want to get married to my mods quite this instant. maybe after a few months when I've had a chance to skinny pedal test it at slickrock.

 

I used VHB tape

 

man, seems kinda costly.

 

Not really. I bought a roll at Home Depot a few months ago for cheap and I’m still using it. You don’t need a ton, and it’s surprisingly strong.

 

Finally got the right size to fit this build. Too many changes over the last few months had me scrambling. Flooring, slide and cabinet are up next!

@Overlanerd and @danneskjold big thanks for those links. Tomorrow is 80/20 planning day for this cabinet build!

@Iggy Big thanks brother!

 

Looks right at home!

 

Picked up a Front Runner upright water tank to fit in the back near the cab. Have the hose running to a 12v Shurflo water pump with the switch mounted to that switch assembly in a previous post.

Plan is to drill a hole in the fill cap for a standard 1/2 inch hose fitting and when I get my actual camper will just pop open a side windoor and fill directly.

 

Nice! Makes a great spot for a back cushion too!
I’m currently looking into water tanks for a sink application...hmmmm.

 

Here's what I am thinking I am going to move towards.

Left side - two stacked 25 inch drawers with open storage behind accessed via hinges lid. Doubles as bench seating. I'm probably going to cut the width down an inch or two to make it easier to get in.

Right side - fridge and stove slide. Stove slide is on 36 inch slide so I need to get a few 25 inch drawer slides and cut the 80/20 down.

Unfortunately I hit the road again tomorrow so not sure when I will be able to finish this up.