FAQ: When will I get my Drifter? How long are people waiting?

@socalexpeditions: being in SoCal, I would have thought you would have gone to TinyRigCo and went with the Alu cab canopy cabin!! so awesome!!!

 

I looked really hard at the Alucab and thought the build quality was nice, but after about six years with a Flippac on my first gen, was wanting something with a narrower profile for my new third gen build. The vertical sides have been less than ideal as witnessed by multiple blemishes collected over time. The other drawback for me was they didn’t produce a model that fit the short bed Taco…ran 6” short wasting some of the precious little room available between the cab and camper. Rumors were they were going to offer a water tank to fill the void, but I thought that adding that much weight above the bed would be less than ideal. Not knocking their product, but wanted to share some of my observations before selecting the Drifter.

 

tour was as expected. The atlas and summit are the same, just one is a wedge and the other is a parallel roof opening. Some benefits of the AT over the Drifter like the securing mechanism, solid rear door.

Overall they are a well established business with enough profit to maintain a full staff that has time to give people tours, chat for a while and still deliver.

In the end for my future use as I see it, there’s no benefit on going with an AT product as the mattress is still only 48” wide so the Exped won’t fit without pushing out on their tent and it’s a heavier product.

 

Not a chance, Alu Cabs workmanship up close isn’t that great. Was very dissatisfied in person. The roof liner especially. Vertical sides are cool, but with my 2500, the last thing I wanted is to be wider. Vagabond is the only camper that checks all the boxes for me in terms of quality and price point. GFC, Ovrlnd, AT, 4WC, AluCab…none are as thought out and sleek.

 

Phil stated they are waiting on laser cutter parts, and mine would be in the "next batch" once those parts arrive. #178

 

It’s a broken record. I’m 167 and I’m waiting on a quote back on another camper and then will most likely be pulling the plug on VO. Coming up to 27 months and I’ve had more communication with the other company over the past week than VO in 27 months.

 

I hear ya. At this point, I'm going to wait. I think all the options that I've added during the wait will be worth it.

 

Hey, they are a "boutique company." Set your expectations. They don't need to talk to paying customers until they are good and ready. Members are TIRED of yer whining! </sarcasm>

 

If I order the Drifter right now, do you think I would get it in 2 or 2.5 years? I need it before I set off for my long trip. TIA

Reading all these complaints makes me hesitate on making a deposit, but I really want a Drifter though

 

Wait times are trending longer and longer. Not sure how many campers there are from current builds to orders just placed but it seems to be 1 camper built every 1-1.5 months. I don’t think you’d get it in 2-2.5 years.

 

They are in the process of getting a Lazer cutter for the aluminum. Once that gets in, hopefully, things should be sped up.

 

I hope that’s true! If so that would be phenomenal. Unfortunately it’s been “once we get this figured out we’ll be back in business” for the last year so I’m not holding my breath.

 

Okay. Another question: How do I add options like 270⁰ Alucab awning, off the grid dual battery system and solar panel since they haven't replied to my email yet? Wait till my camper is ready to be built and they will email me? TY

 

Yes

 

so you’ve heard they are getting an “in house” laser cutter? Or waiting to find someone that can do it? No doubt the more things that can be brought in house would increase production rates.

 

VO-163 here. Got word my camper should be done in the next few days; Phil is asking for my install date!!!! I found out 161 was going on a ford ranger and I saw he picked up this past weekend so this feels legit.

Best part is I also have some custom sliders on order from BAMF and they are expected to be done this week, so I’ll save some $$$ on shipping and pick them up in person when I head down for the drifter.

 

Glad to see some movement, but as #235 still a long wait for me

 

Phil said "our new laser cutter." With my presumption meaning they are getting a laser cutter to do things in house.

 

Get some Intel while you are there and report back! That's super exciting

 

I’m heading to Yuba City for Christmas week and will attempt a drive by, hopeful they will not be away for the entire week.