The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

Hi Rocky, I put our additions not on the website in the notes section of our order and then Phil added them to the invoice and sent me the invoice with a link to pay. I had a few good long conversations with him about options before we placed the order. You might call and see if you can order for the Tundra now if you want it for next Summer. Before we landed our DCLB Tacoma we were considering a Tundra and they said they were working on it. We placed our order last week and are in the que to have ours ready for end of January. Congrats again on your Tundra! -Christy

 

What options did you get?

 

We got the fan, all the lights, a table mount and front runner table, and insulation. We are still working out L-track versus other options (want to make sure we have crossbars for our box that can hold the MadMat!).

We are still debating the windows. Seems there are some new options (Euro windows with mesh and privacy screens built in and slider windows with screen). The Euro windows are acrylic which means they can get scratched. We were on a dirt road to the Kachess Ridge hike yesterday (nice hike!) with enough brush that made us think the Euro windows might not be the best option. Thinking of the windoors as we'd like privacy downstairs with self-created screens using velcro and screening. We are also hoping to get an Alu-Cab awning mount installed, which they are currently working on. Our travel schedule in Spring is crazy so we wanted to make sure we got our order in for January. We'll finalize options in the coming weeks.

Brian, you have windoors right? Can you open them just a little, say 15/30 degrees and have them stay there for evening air flow or are they closed versus open at 90 degrees? Also, where did you get your auxiliary battery put in, or did you do that yourself? Would you recommend insulation? If we have windows we're not sure it's worth it, but aluminum seems like it could be rather hot or rather cold and our Boston Terrier is pretty weak in temperature "extremes".

Also, though I liked our propex in our Westy, I'm not convinced about putting it in the truck. Anyone ever use a Mr. Heater? It's $70 and propane fueled. Turns off above 7,000ft but Sunrise at Mt. Rainier is only 6400 so I think we'd be okay. Can also hook up to a propane tank. Or maybe I'll just wait to others here get the propex install figured out and we have enough times being cold in the truck to warrant the headache!

$89 Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4000-9000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F2...5&sr=8-2&keywords=little+buddy+propane+heater

I am confident the Drifter is going to really expand our range. Ballard is so deep in Seattle, it seems like its a 2 hour drive to anywhere in the mountains. I think the Drifter will make quick overnights WAY easier allowing us to be first on the trail, which will be S-W-E-E-T.

 

There's a ton of info out there about Mr Buddy heaters in tents - the official literature says don't do it and I've heard some stories about people getting carbon monoxide poisoning but I think that's the minority. It also gives you condensation and smells.
If it doesn't work above 7400 feet that pretty much eliminates a lot of CO, but for the price it's hard to beat.

My windoors are all or nothing but it wouldn't be that hard to make them only open 15 degrees with a loop of paracord - and that way it's adjustable.

The dual battery install I did part myself and paid a shop to do some as well. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself I can recommend a pro in Queen Anne who used to be the lead installer for a local shop.

 

In the Land Cruiser ( <-- ), I have a raised full-size sleeping platform on 4" high density memory foam. Coldest I've slept in it is 5F and if the foam, micro plush sheets, down comforter and extra wool doesn't cut it, I've found a 12V electric blanket under the bedding running off the AUX battery works well. I've seen electric pads for trucker setup but haven't gotten one to try. The downside to these is there isn't very good control for them and they almost all have a 30m cutoff. I've been happy with it when I needed it though. If I could redo the circuitry to auto-cycle or run at very low draw, it would be about perfect.

 

@CalTacoma09

 

I've used the Mr Buddy in the Drifter. Works great and is a fraction of the cost of a propex unit. But like Brian, said condensation will form on the ceiling - for me it's been very minimal, and only a small portion near the hinge-side of the ceiling. If I was living out of the truck like Brian, I'd consider a propex unit, but most of my trips are only in the 3-7 day range.

 

I am planning to use a Mr. Buddy on our 10 day trip out West this Fall/Winter.

 

Did anyone get the light package? I just realized i completely forgot to add it into my order and am wondering if it is even worth it to be honest.

 

I have been more than pleased with the extra lighting package. I find I use it more than the standard light.

 

hmm, any pics of what it looks like? looks like the table won't fit under the cabover part, unless i shave the shark fin. or go with a smaller table.

 

I don't want to rehijack the thread, but just a quick thanks to those who replied re: the heater. We didn't use the propex while asleep in the vanagon either so it may be worth trying a Mr. Heater since we are 3-7 day trippers as well and mostly want it when we wake, warm toes and keep the shivering Boston Terrier from getting too cold (his fleece jacket helps, but it is kind of embarassing!).

And now back to the original program of Drifter Specs and FAQs!

Aaen, We got the light package. We wished we had better lighting in our vanagon and so are looking forward to having this built into the drifter. We also ordered a front runner table and mount for the cabover. You may be right re: the shark fin. Isn't it just cosmetic? If so, I'd rather have the table. What other options did you go with? What windows did you get and what has been your thinking about them? Leaning toward the windoors for privacy and side access, but still not sure. When do you pick yours up? We are end of Jan. I'm sure you are super excited, just like us.

 

I also have the lighting package as well. I am more than satisfied with the extra light. However, have also added a few of these:
Derlson Stick-On Anywhere Wireless Under Cabinet LED lights, Rechargeable Motion Sensor Night Light for Wardrobe,Closet,Drawer,Hallway,Attics (1 PACK,Cool light) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IHFW9TY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_r5tMBbRQY49YE
They use magnetic 3m tape. These happen to be wonderful with the motion sensor whenever I open a side door, I have instant illumination.

 

Is there anyone in southern California/LA area with a Drifter? I'd like to see it in person if possible.

 

I’ll be down there in a month.

 

Build is as follows:
-electrical/12 volt panel
-2 front runner gull wing doors
-insulation panel/kit
-Fantastic fan (couldn't find a fan i would like with the other options0
-Table and mount (I've since removed this as i am tired of cutting things off my truck to make other stuff fit, ARB bumper ruined it for me as the shop screwed up a lot of things, just not doing it anymore, bolt on from now on), Phil/Iggy sent me a note saying on the 3rd gens there would not be enough room. I can decide to add this later on if I want.
-Considering i am dropping the table/mount, I am looking at getting the front sliding window, L tracks and upper/lower lighting options instead.

Pick up is planned for Oct 1-3rd time frame.

Steve

 

You can always get the Alu Cab one, fits fine on my 3rd gen!

 

Good to know, i should clarify that the front runner one will be extremely tight, works with 2nd gens apparently.

 

The Alu Cab one is significantly lighter as well, I don’t have specific numbers but you could probably pull them from the websites.

I don’t know what the Front Runner option costs installed but I imagine the Alu Cab would cost a little more since they don’t have the dealer margins built in on it.

 

I have called 3 times now and just get voicemail. I reckon the guys are really busy. I would like to get my order in and talk to someone about the options I am considering before I order. There are a few things I need walked through or photos of. I definably need a camper for nex Spring to take my planned trips with my kids. I would very muck like to have a Drifter.