The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

Can someone please help me? I just won a contest where I get a Prinsu Rack of my choosing and I want to make sure I pick the right one. I want one that fits on top of my (future) drifter and is compatible with the L-tracks setup. Ideally, the rack will span the length and width of the drifter roof to the fullest extent possible, but I don't know what those dimensions are.

For reference, I drive a four door (double cab), 6' bed 2021 Tacoma and ordered a drifter to match those specs.

I reached out to Vagabond directly, but haven't had the best luck getting responses from those guy, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Prinsu Rack Options
https://prinsu.com/category/prinsu-racks/

 

Got a lot to unpack here.

first, please confirm that yes, you are hoping for a Prinsu on TOP of the drifter wedge and not the truck cab.

Second, if you are planning on this, why get the L-Track? You have no advantage of the L-Tracks and the Prinsu will just sit higher.

I would just mount the Prinsu directly to the Drifter roof.

Another issue - will you get the roof fan? That may change how long of a Prinsu you get.

 

Yes, I want the Prinsu mounted directly to the TOP of the drifter, not the truck. Good call. I guess I just assumed I needed the L-Track to mount the rack? If not, great! I'd much prefer to just mount it directly to the roof of the drifter. I do plan on getting the fan installed as well, so yes, that is also a consideration. I will also likely install a 50w solar panel on the top as well, but I could probably install that under the roof rack or on top of the roof rack.

 

I would recommend a Prinsu directly mounted to the drifter from the front (hinge end) to just in front of the fan. I don’t have a fan, so I can’t provide you with that measurement of length.

For solar, I would not put it under the rack. Some panels will not work if any section is blocked. Other panels are wired/designed to work with segments blocked from sunlight, but you're wasting money on a panel to immediately reduce the output potential.

Again, I would shorten the Prinsu yet again to leave room for the solar panel.

At that point, what all will you be carrying up on the roof that you need a Prinsu?

I may just suggest to get the most expensive/popular one and then sell it and out the money towards your Vagabond bill for L-Track, low profile feet and Frontrunner crossbars.

 

This.

IMO the L-track will be far more versatile than a hard-mounted Prinsu up there.
@up_and_adam

 

Hasnt been a problem for us but I also have a propex so it’s typically pretty toasty inside before we go to sleep

 

I had a prinsu on my old shell and on my wife's 4runner now and they are great. But I am going to have to agree with Jason, that is going to be a lot up on top of the already tall drifter.

If you are committed, I would say directly mount it to the roof, without L track. I would choose whatever rack will span the entire roof. Maybe a cargo vans. That way you get maximum coverage and dispersal of weight. You may need to have the VO boys mount it for you so that they can properly back the mounting bolts on the aluminum top pannel underneath the white epannel. Again dispersal of weight to reduce strain on the aluminum. As far as fan and solar, the Prinsu crossbars are fully adjustable and you can just move them around the fan or solar to suit your needs.

I think you will be the first to try anything like this so send some finished product pictures!

 

I got some mixed answers on this. Just heard from Phil, and the answer is NO. The tacoma drifter WILL NOT fit. Looks like drifter and nomad refer to the top (sleeping) bed size and the lower portion of the camper is specially skinny/wide/long/short to match the truck option you initially put in.

This is probably good because looking at prices for 05-06 tundra is insane!!! Beautiful trucks though. I'll be sticking with the tacoma.

 

Not as big of a deal as sliced bread but I just got one of these for my side mounted L-track and I am sure it will come in very handy.

$13 Cargo Equipment Corp. L Track Hooks (SM)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MW8RNWY?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

Would like a locking one like that for my shovel.

 

Please don’t, just add L-track like everyone said.

 

It pretty much goes for any 6ft bed. I bought a second hand Drifter off of a single cab first gen Tacoma and VO got it to work on my 6ft bed Frontier, which is probably the least typical 6ft bed shape of all mid size trucks. The Tacoma and Colorado I think being the easiest to fit up. If there is a will there is a way!

 

Also, the short bed Tacoma Drifter will fit a Jeep Gladiator with a supplemental 1" spacer so that it clears the cab on the Jeep.

 

Where can I purchase some STS Awning Brackets?

I emailed Phil and he replied to my email and asked me how many sets I want. And then I told him, no reply. Its been 1 week and 2 emails in. I do not think I will get any replies.

 

It's on their website, just email STS directly.
http://www.smarttouringsystems.com.au/

 

Thank you. I will give them a try.

 

I thought everyone here would appreciate this, showing up to have the GFC hinges replaced in style.

Credit to GFC for doing the right thing and replacing these free of charge.

#wedgelife

 

Yeah, good on GFC. I was at Shaffer's Offroad in Union city yesterday and they are there working on campers from Bay Area customers. It is admirable of them but I am still very happy I opted for the V.O. Drifter.

 

The Vagabond looks good on there

 

Ive seen this measurement before but couldnt find it now. Can someone give me the height of the drifter with and without the fan?