Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Edited since I sold the clamps, but leaving info here for other 1st gens.

For those with a 1st Gen Tacoma, the GCI G-1 Clamps won't work without modification. They are not quite deep enough to fully clear the sheet metal lip they mount around.

I went through the process to make these work for the 1st gen so that the clamps holding the Vagabond to the truck bed were shorter, slimmer and didn't have a protruding edge to catch humans, dogs and gear when moving in and around the truck bed.

I threw them in the mill and used a 5/8" end mill removed material shown in the photos below.

Click through and/or navigate through the photos to see the details.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3zx2oQloXa/

 

Awesome!

 

Thank you!

 

Please keep us updated on your build, it'sincredible! What's the sheet material you're using? Starboard?

 

Hey thanks , so the sheet material is aluminum. I finish the edges off with car door edge molding for a professional look

 

I'm working with someone at North America Mattress to replace the Vagabond mattress. I should have my hands on it in the next month!

Cost (for those curious) is around $350. I am willing to pay that to sleep normally. 51 nights in the Drifter, and not once have I slept the whole night without waking up because of shoulder pain

Updates to come!

 

Can you share some details about the mattress, thickness, what layers are inside, etc? Will it be foldable like the original one?

 

Thanks! It looks really good, I may have to copy that on my build

 

Also, is it waterproof / have a cover that protects the mattress from sand, dust, dirt, dog nails?

 

I think someone mentioned on here one of the potential reasons why the OEM mattress is not comfortable is because of the waterproof cover. The waterproof cover on the oem mattress seems rigid and does not stretch well.

 

That was me. That's not to say there aren't other textiles available that have more stretch, yet provide protection of the foam from outdoor elements being brought in by humans and dogs (dust, dirt, mud, etc).

 

Got the handle installed today, thank you guys for photos and part numbers.

 

So today begins the solar build. I contemplated using the L track like most everyone is doing, but honestly I don't see myself needing to adjust rails once they are in a specific position. So I'm making my own rack using 16 gauge 3/4 steel tube. The panels will insert inside the frame (which should protect them somewhat from tree branches) and will line top and bottom rather than side to side.
This may allow enough room for a paddle board on the other side.
The frame is almost completed, then a dry fit and off to powder coat if all looks well.

 

How many watts of solar are you planning?

 

200 watts, 2 panels

 

Hey yall, I just picked up my camper yesterday and I'm super stoked! I'm in the process of starting my build out. My question is when bolting down the baseplate can you reuse the stock bed bolts or do you need longer bolts? I'm using 1/2" ply. Thanks

 

You can reuse the stock bed bolts, there's plenty of thread. The only problem with 1/2" ply is that it makes it tough to countersink the bolts and they'll stick up above your baseplate.

 

Right on, thanks for the info.

 

I had VO install the heaver duty lift struts and found out quick it's pretty difficult to lift. I think I'm going to add a handle to aid in lifting the tent. Does anybody know what people have used. I think this photo might be Phil... I'm looking for something like this.