Haven Overland's 3rd Gen Tacoma Vagabond Drifter Build

Hello all! It's long overdue, but I promised I'd give you guys a final follow up post on the build so here it is.

Since my last post I've had the aluminum framework professionally powder-coated by my powder-coat guy. After that I clad the benches with the cutout dibond panels adhering them to the framework with vhb tape. This meant there was no need for screws or glue and made for a very clean look. Then I finished the baltic birch tops with high pressure laminate on the top and polyurethane clear coat one the bottom and exposed edges. Both bench seats bolt into the truck using the same bed rail that the drifter attaches to as well as one attachment point at the rear that shares a bolt with the bed stiffeners as I noted before. This seems to be working quite well! I additionally added a small partition wall in front of the fridge so that I could relocate the display of the fridge since it was blocked partially by the passenger side bench. This small partition also works to tie the two bench sides together and makes everything super solid when all bolted together.



While I'm talking about changes I might also mention I was able to install my HO bed lift system for Vagabond Drifter now that I have my own drifter and not the loaner. I ended up making some slight modifications to the design since the first iteration, overall mostly the same, but I did end up reusing the default nidaplast honeycomb panel and just trimming it down to the appropriate size. Then I mounted it in my custom tig welded aluminum framework and carpeted both panels. Here's some photos of how it turned out.



Other new updates include by new diesel heater setup. I was previously using a heater built into a pelican style box that is attached to my bumper swingout, but after that china heater gave me one to many issues I decided to start fresh with a brand new heater and opted this time to use a pre-release prototype box that my friend Brian is designing which allowed me to mount the heater in the driver side cubby of the bed. I absolutely love this setup as I can now use my pelican box for tools and I really lost no room whatsoever inside the camper. Wins all around. Here's some photos



I know this is a quick and dirty update so I decided to film a short walk through so you guys can see it in more detail. Let me know what you think! I guess here and now is as good a time as any to mention that this truck and entire build will be for sale in the next few weeks. I wish I didn't have to sell it, but I've been busy on a secret project that I think you guys are going to like and can't hang on to both.

SO that being said, if you or anyone you know is interested in this rig let me know. I'll be listing it on expedition portal most likely when I get around to it. I'm not in a big rush to sell and I'd like to sell it as a package so for now please don't ask if I'll part it out. Thanks guys for all your interest in this build!

Leighton

 

Here's the full walkthrough video!

 

That looks really good Man !

We were gonna do the carpet on the inside roof of the Drifter so we had a spot to up some Velcro backed storage pouches for keys phones ect ect while we sleep. Wife keeps dropping hers off the edge at night ..... and she's not climbing down to get it......

we were also looking at doing a heater in the driver side cubby but couldn't find a enclosed box to avoid the road crap from interfering with the heater does your buddy have some to sell by chance ? We have had to insulate the intake hose and the hot air hose as we lost WAY to much heat to the environment in -20c. its MUCH better now but the heater itself is still in the pelican outside the truck. I think moving it inside would give us a few advantages so we are quite interested.

few other questions on the heater location set up as well if you don't mind.

1. where is the exhaust run ? do you worry about it damaging the petrol tank ?
2. how do you keep the intake and exhaust clear from road grime and ice build up ?


Great looking build man please keep updating here with your future mods its always nice to see what others are getting upto.

Cheers Chris

 

I’ll have to do a short walk through video to highlight the heater install I think. It’s a pretty sweet setup, but easier for me to show than explain. Haha I’ll see if I can shoot one this week maybe.

 

I look forward to it man seems pretty sweet.

 

Well… sorry to say the rig is officially for sale. I listed it on Expedition Portal but may list it here as well at some point. If you all know anyone that’s looking for a fully built expedition rig send them my way!

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/...with-vagabond-outdoors-drifter-camper.237817/

 

@Haven Overland @Imperial Taco

Interested in more information / availability of the diesel heater cubby box as well! Is your buddy selling these? I would be interested to see what they look like from the wheel well side?

 

You can hit him up at overlandelement at gmail. He is still working on it along side his own build and full time job. I'm sure the more people contact him the more excited he'll be to finish up the prototyping stage.

 

This build is seriously top notch. Well done! I can't believe it hasn't sold yet... I would definitely buy it if I didn't already have my truck!

Would you be interested in sharing any more details about your bed lift setup? I'd love to have you build one for us but don't think we'll be passing through your neck of the woods. I'd be happy to compensate you for your time and R&D work.

Cheers!

 

The sale of this rig is now pending. I'm happy to share a link to the sketchup file for the bed frame so you could see how its constructed which might help you out. Here's the link:

https://app.sketchup.com/share/tc/n...VVgaNmnWk88BHmkR7LRWt5xQ33dmPNadsV&source=web

 

Thanks, that is helpful! Hope the sale goes smoothly!

 

This build is/was so beautiful.

Any plans to sell a bed lift system for the Drifter? I sure would love one.

 

Officially sold for those wondering!

To answer your question, yes, I do build them for drifters. Happy to hook you up. Shoot me a DM if you’re interested.