Wedge Campers & Assorted Oddities

Still working it out in my head; I’ve run into some medical issues and won’t be safe around power tools until the end of the year. I really like the Drifter modular sleeping platform concept and I’m thinking that a moveable platform that runs full width but only a couple feet front to back could do multiple duty as a lounging deck with the bed up and a shelf when it is down.

 

I put this video in the Drifter thread, but I'll repost here just in case some of you don't go in there. It's not an official video for the Drifter, but it highlights some cool things about it.

https://youtu.be/SdmbOvMbshw

 

need a gimbal

 

That’s on the list!

 

Any graphic designers out there? I would love a sticker using the Westfalia font/style that says Wedgefalia instead. Or maybe better yet, for those of us who have gone through the trials and $$$$$$$ of vanagons, maybe a 'Wedge(no)falia' (i.e. wedge no fail ya) sticker would be even more appropriate. Lots of wedgies coming on the market. Make your mark?
https://www.gowesty.com/product/decals-logos/2404/westfalia-pop-top-decal

 

While I'm waiting on my "Wedgie" ....thought I'd try to trouble shoot a couple of things. I plan on having solar panels on the roof with a house battery inside the camper. How might I route the wires inside the camper? Or, do I install a connectors/plugs within the shell of the camper?

 

Which camper did you go with?

On the Drifter, ~6" of the perimeter of the lid is still on the outside of the tent fabric. The concealed struts are bolted in that space, as well as the roof L-track, and the wires for my solar.

 

My solar is also wired as MJ described - down this channel on the passenger side, and then through a small gap in the tent material at the very front where the two side sections overlap.
This area in the front is VERY well protected from weather, so no worries there.
...Though I just now realized it might be worth stuffing some cotton or something in that small overlap section to prevent drafts since the wiring props that gap open slightly.

 

Thanks y’all. I went with an AT Summit. Delivery keeps getting pushed back, now January.
I’m hoping there’s a way similar to the Vagabond to easily route the wires

 

Nice! Curious to what options you chose?

 

Its been so long, I had to look up the invoice!! just some windows...cab slider, passenger slide window, and driver hatch door. I'm wishing I had sprung for the fan, but things were adding up quickly. the rest of the goodies can be added later.

 

For all the Wedgie/Wedgefalia owners it would be great to see video on the inside during inclement weather. Rain, snow, and wind. I know what it is like during crazy desert winds inside a FWC so any videos would be great to see.

 

I missed getting some good video in Anza. It was moving, the whole truck was shaking, but there was not flapping or fabric noise. Just my leaf springs LOL

We are taking the Drifters out to some good snow soon.

 

I'll add this here for those that don't follow the Drifter thread.

https://youtu.be/0ttjZPoW-c8

 

I’ve had mine in whiteout snow conditions near Mono lake. Never thought to take photos. I’ll try and do better this up coming trip. Should be a good one.

 

So, this begs the question....what IS it like inside the GFC in such situations??

 

Ask Jimbob. He has had one for awhile now. He has used his quite a bit and I am sure he has some frank assessments he can give everyone.

 

One night on the Washington coast last month we received >1” of rain and had 30+ mph winds in our GFC.

We found that we needed to get the wedge pointed right in to the wind for maximum comfort. We stayed very dry and slept well after getting pointed in to the wind.

 

Mine leaks a little in the lower portion, but not a drop in the tent.

Mine came with velcro on the bottom of the big window, but get a little flapping from the top of the small windows depending upon wind. Might add some velcro or something to hold those closed.

 

I may have been the most vocal about water leaks. During heavy rain I get water leaking in the lower portion of my GFC when the tent is not deployed. This occurs during heavy rain, which can be ~5x/month this time of year where i live. It manifests as a constant drip coming from the rear 4" of the space frame on both sides.

The GFC folks have been great about reaching out for more information about my problem. I understand they have a fix and have ordered parts to implement it. It's the kind of issue that doesn't surprise me with an early version of a product and their response has been great.

When the tent is deployed I get no noticeable water, even in extremely rainy conditions like i mentioned above.