Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

I have a Lagun table arm that I’m probably not going go use on my next interior build if you’re interested. I’m not sure it makes the best desk though. I tend to lean on my desk at times, and the Lagun probably isn’t sturdy enough for that.

 

I don’t think I’d lean on it if I have a decent seat. I’ll shoot you a message.

 

Not much to share at this point, but I said I’d update as the build progresses. It has began and Jerry shared a “first section” photo. Glad to see this is actual happening after about a half decade. Just wish they would change the name of this thread to eliminate the “V” word from the title.

 

I agree! Surely a mod could change that.

 

#vagaBONED

 

Ill avoid the middle man, the first camper is under way


https://youtu.be/EyQo2icHubU?si=9-u0BP9HaTPiugZU

 

I'm planning on adding a rigid solar panel to the top front of the cabover (for easier lifting) and I was wondering, for those who have done it, how/where do you run the wires from the panel into the bed?

I was thinking of running the wire forward, around the cabover, between the Drifter and cab, then up through a hole in the bottom of the bed (~where the drain hole is). What retaining method would one use to secure the wire to the underside of the cabover and among the wall?

Is there a better more obvious way to do this, preferably without drilling holes in the Drifter? Thanks!

 

I thought about doing that too but that requires a ton of extra/unnecessary wire. Adhesive zip tie mounts would be your best bet. I also had worries about those falling off in the winter and the wires snagging on a tree branch so something else to consider.

It’s nerve racking to drill into your camper, but super straight forward with a hole saw. Pro tip- put something to catch the saw once you cut through so you dont cut the tent fabric. Then you can use the channel under the floor to run the wires down to one of the four corner panels. Haven’t had any water intrusion issues and I mainly winter camp.

 

That looks really clean! What plastic caps are those? How big of a hole did you drill? I think I will go this route... I agree about all the extra wire and was hoping for an elegant solution like this.

Edit: found the Scanstrut stuff. Very nice... did you get the HD6 or HD10?

 

No water intrusion because you mounted outside of the tent, inside the lid/overlap.

It’s easy to unzip the tent and move it from just the front to avoid any punctures…

 

Thats what I did. drilled a hole towards the front of the lid, on the outside of the tent. Ran the wire into the tent at the front of the lid and then ran the wire along the cabover and down the front driver channel. Easy and waterproof.

 

Yup ditto. The scanstrut housing I used was the DS-HD6-BLK Horizontal Double Cable Seal – Black

 

So did you guys drill 5 holes in the roof and use the screws to secure the scanstrut, or nuts and bolts instead, or only 1 hole and secured it some other way?

 

I drilled the 4 mounting holes and used bolts/washers/nuts to secure it.

I think there is some foam adhesive for the base as well that comes with it.

 

What is that interior plastic cap in the second picture? Is that a plug? I can't seem to find something similar.

 

Looks like a 90 degree Anderson connector similar to this
https://powerwerx.com/panelpodsb-anderson-sb50-mounting-podPowerwerx PanelPodSB for Anderson SB50 Series Connectors | Powerwerx

 

Anyone interested in a Drifter mattress for a 5ft bed? Always had a mattress cover on it. No stains, rips, etc.

Located in SF Bay Area