Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

I’m back to using an Exped MegaMat Duo long/wide.
3.9” thick.

The 3” Exped DeepSleep did not provide deep sleep.

 

Do you have to deflate it to close the top with bedding?

 

I did before with the comforter. That was fully inflated, which I realized that it’s the the actual inflation I want for sleeping.

I’m doing more testing ASAP and will report back. It’s still doing it’s initial inflate and I’m not wasting energy or damp breath to fill it.

 

Maybe build a cage around the fridge if you're concerned about putting direct weight on it but I don't think the brief climb will hurt your fridge slide. I ended up with a GosseGear camp kitchen slide that has the aluminum 8020 frame and I use it to help get up top. I was actually going to build a removable or hinged top plate since the pieces that go between the frame are not strong enough to hold a persons weight.

I'll find a couple pics to post...
Since the stove and fridge are on a dual slide the frame is too tall to just step on without also grabbing above to pull yourself up also so it never really gets anyone's full weight.



I couldn't find a good close up of the slide panels but they're a type of laminated board.

 

finally saw this.... thanks Rob. I honestly got used to the squeek, doesn't bother me anymore. It's just one of the many sounds that little foot makes.

 

If you remember the size (1/4” or 1/2”) and material of the panels, let me know. I looked at many alternatives to switch my camper up and didn’t find anything I liked (or cost effective).

 

I'm going to give this bad boy a try, I picked it up at REI over the weekend. I like the idea of portability. If a blackout occurs I can bring it in the house and power up a few things. I will get a couple portable solar panels to have the option to charge it anywhere, or in addition to the truck hard mounted solar panels

 

Here's mine!

 

Can you show some more details of how you rigged up your heater? What did you use for a fuel tank and where did the vent the fuel tank? I love your build and it looks like a better execution of what I want to do to mine

 

Thanks for putting together those builds all in one post! I definitely like the wide standing room. I do plan on getting a fridge at some point in the future. I just got a Goalzero Yeti 500x and I wonder if it could power a fridge with it...? I've heard it could be done, but I'm not sure how efficient it would be.

 

Hey! So the fuel tank. Well its a stainless steel beer growler from a local Redlands Brewery. I used a gas can vent kit i found on Amazon (

$10 Magicfour Fuel Gas Can Vent Caps, 3 Pack Fuel Gas Tank Vent Caps Gas Can Replacement Vent Plug Gas Jug Vent Caps for Gas Fuel Water Can Jug to Allow Faster Flowing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZT3GPKR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I ran a small clear 3/8 hose from the Fuel tank to the rear hatch. There was enough clearance to squeeze the hose in between the hatch, camper and bedside where it just wedges in. The frame i built from 3/4 steel tube for the cabinet has mounts welded to it to receive the heater. I used rubber bushings to bolt down the heater to eliminate any vibration noise when its running. Apologies but I don't have many pictures on my phone now but I've been getting lots of questions so ill post up some more soon.

 

Go dedicated!!! The last time I put a half ton of 3/4" landscape rock in my Tundra I said no more. When I do my build out my Truck will be dedicated camper. Plan on getting one of these for the occasional plywood or concrete haul. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...pQutYn9Kjr2xnJ79TBhoCMKwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I'll try and go by the truck this weekend and get a better pic (my stupid apartments only allow 1 vehicle now ).
It should be 1/4" thick since it fits in the grooves of the 8020.

 

Realized it has to be 1/4” thick.

Do you remember the material name by chance?

 

I wonder if anyone can get me a pair of the Relentless Fab flat bed rails for the 2nd gen LB. Relentless makes them for @Iggy/Vagabond, but are not available for purchase outside of that.

 

I don't remember the name and Goose Gear doesn't say anything on the product page.

 

Oh is it Goose Gear stuff?

 

Yeah, I have a Camp kitchen. V2.2 if I remember correctly

 

i feel your frustration! I need a set for my SB tried emailing VB and also contacted relentless. They only make batch runs and when they do there might be 1-2 sets you can buy from them, but its non-powder coated and pick up only. At this point i gave up and started drawing my own set on Autocad to have someone local to me cut and bend a set for me for my needs. I have one friend with a long box if i can get measurements ill let you know and send you the files to make your own.

 

i would have zero concerns about stepping on my fridge even if it's on a slide... the concern with the slide and holding weight would be when extended. i would not recommend standing on the fridge when extended, but that's not what it sounds like your plans are..

you concerns would be with the wheels and bearings that create the sliding action and the bolts that hold the wheels in. all of which should not have issues with the additional weight. correct me if i'm wrong engineers