The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

Black with naked top. Thought I ordered black top but did not. Even still I like it quite a bit, perhaps even better.

 

That’s a good look and helps with the heat as well versus black top.

 

I think ours might be in the same batch, I was scheduled for install a few days before yours. I was hearing the same regarding powder coat and installs.

 

I haven't heard any status for weeks. Is Vagabond Outdoors still in business? I assume they are at least shut down for covid, but I don't know as there has been zero communication. Does anyone know what the last order number was that was completed?

 

They've been shut down/on stay-at-home orders like many businesses that were unfortunately deemed non essential. (I'd argue that my mental health needs them open so I get the hell out of town for a while.)

Not sure the number that was last completed but somewhere around 110-ish. You won't really hear from them til they start prepping for your build. Unless you have questions, then email or call.

 

Here’s Phils update a few pages back. VO is very much still in business and trying to work through the COVID state orders.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-drifter-specs-and-faq.540826/page-188#post-23016128

 

My experience is that Phil will call you back if you have a legitimate question other than "when will my Drifter be ready?" I understand people need to plan ahead, but there's no accurate answer to that right now.

 

We can't forget that before VO, Phil was just one of us - a TW member. He gave up his career and started doing VO full time. So if anyone is frustrated that VO isn't operating at full capacity it's him because it's his livelihood.

 

Thanks for the measurements! What are you using to mount your cabinets to the rails?

 

For all those building conspiracy calenders based on build numbers, add this to your excel spreadsheets: I'm order #150 - order date july 14th 2019. 6 foot bed with no powder coat (not sure if they batch them differently based on build options). I have not gotten a call regarding finalizing my build so they are not to that batch yet. If you have met the VO guys you know they are doing everything they can to push these out.

Debating starting the build out prior to getting the drifter; my concern is having to retro-fit around the mounting clamps with the bench top. Anyone build a bench prior to delivery? Tips/tricks?

 

I'm 156 and ordered July 24th, looks like they were getting a lot of orders in the Summer. 6 in just 10 days is impressive

 

The clamps are adjustable on where you position them front to rear. If you just leave a gap for them you should be fine. What kind of measurements do you need? The dimensions are on GCI's website, I am pretty confident that the clamp used for 2nd & 3rd gen Tacomas is the G-133. http://gciclamps.com/products/toyota/

 

Can anyone comment as to whether the moonroof on a 2020, 5 foot bed, double cab off road would be rendered useless/covered by the Drifter?

 

The drifter will cover about half of it, maybe a little more

 

I’ll cross post this into the build thread but - has anyone wired a connector to plug a drifter into a goal zero for power? I’m a 12/24v noob so trying to figure out if this is possible. Would be a 1000 model.

 

It covers about 60% of it, but there's a few inches clearance, so it's not completely useless.
I don't use the tilt up function anymore while moving, but opening it is still nice until you get to maybe 35 or 40mph, where the air hitting the front of the Drifter is kind of being blasted down at you.

 

Im going to tie my drifter electrics into a secondary battery inside the drifter so I dont see why you couldnt tie it into a goal zero. Just make sure its sized properly, Im planning on using a 40A breaker for the fan, lights, 12V outlet.

 

Thanks man. I’m more curious if people wired the drifter to an Anderson connector to fit the goal zero or did something else

 

For those losing their mind waiting... I would entertain trading my short-bed, Tacoma Drifter for a spot in line for a Nomad plus cash... I'm starting to consider picking up a 1st gen Tundra for that sweet V8 rather than dump a ton of money into my 1st gen with a supercharger and other stuff. I'm not using it as I'm sheltering-in-place / working from home and when I'm not working, I'm trying to get a new job.

 

I'm #157 ordered July 30th. Let's hope production speeds up once things open back up. I'm sure it will.