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

At least GFC delivers product and answers emails and phone calls!

 

Nope, I was told that the camper would be done potentially within a week, and then after a week I got an email saying that there were lots of scratches in the batch of Nomad roofs that they received, I was given the option to powder coat at their expense or basically do a rough sand to even it all out, I responded the same day (two weeks ago) asking a clarifying question and then everybody dropped off the face of the earth. It honestly pisses me off that those guys even bother to go to Expos when they can't deliver product or answer the phone. I've called dozens of times to the shop phone and Phil's cell phone and sent messages and I get nothing back. This is without exaggeration the most painful purchasing experience I've ever had, I don't really understand how people can make excuses for these guys.

 

Most of the calls are probably warranty related.

 

I'm in line for a V2 GFC for my tacoma in addition to the nomad for my Tundra, will be interesting to see how they compare.

 

What made you choose a GFC over a Drifter for your Tacoma out of curiosity?

 

I actually put in my deposit over three years ago but sold the truck that it was planned for, and I just recently bought my regular cab tacoma, so I figured I'd finally follow through with the purchase, especially now that GFC has worked out some of the kinks in the original design. I locked in my price at $5k, so I figure I can try it out and sell it for what I paid for it if I end up not liking it.

 

we have both - a V1.7623 GFC #422 and drifter #005 brought second hand. the drifter is a well thought out product, and is bombproof, we unfortunately dont have the same feelings about the GFC - just due to some things breaking and falling off. its lightweight and suits my wifes truck, but the drifter is an amazing product for sure

 

Picked up the Drifter with 1576 miles on the truck, have over 11k and I would say most on dirt. This camper kicks (|). The wait was a long one fo sure! Just finished the Rimrocker trail and we’re shooting yellow trees in Colorado! Believe we’re into 80ish nights now and yes the bed is to firm!

 

Nice! What is the rear door set up you have? How did you get any information on?

 

That's the newest option. Instead of a rear door, an aluminum panel is riveted & sealed to the normal body of a Drifter (or Nomad). An Arctic Tern Wildlands door is installed into that panel. This obviously requires you to remove the tailgate.

 

Curious if anyone knows if VO notifies you when your build begins and/or updates you at all through the build process. I paid my final amount about a month ago and am curious if my camper is in this batch or will be in a future batch. I emailed looking for an update as I’m looking to get a timeframe to get my truck in the shop for work on the rear suspension and will most likely need to coordinate shipping my truck from Canada the US then flying down as the border is still closed to Canadians driving across but haven’t heard back.

 

Update: My camper is going to be ready tomorrow and I'll be picking it up in the afternoon. Relieved that this process will be done and excited to do a little camping before winter. I'm order 158. I'm still frustrated with their communication problem. I'm sure they are nice people who are working hard and meaning well, and something as simple as an out of office email response or changing the shop voicemail to let everybody know that they are at a trade show and will be back on X date would help tremendously.

 

Congratulations!! It’s happening! I’m pumped for you! Be sure to get updates for the rest of us while you’re there, sincerely, order 167 lol

 

Those tig welds are beauteous! Pretty sure I want the rear door setup but I want my camper. Will try the tailgate setup for a while and then drive 12 hours back if I decide to get it.

 

Yea the door is something that intrigued me as well. Just not sure I want to loose the utility of the tailgate.
What do you think about the solid rear hatch versus the glass in the back? Pros and cons. I’ve got a swing out and with the spare mounted on it there’s limited visibility anyways.

 

I don't have anything blocking my view out the rear window and I would prefer the solid panel (ePanel). It would provide extra security, but the weak part then would be the standard canopy aluminum frame/hinge. The ONLY improvement I wish Vagabond would make would be a solid aluminum rear door like the AT Overland product(s) with heavy duty latches.

 

Marshall, did you ever get this figured out? Maybe you’ll get the “your Drifter will be ready tomorrow” like @Pushingthepedals did.

edit: I just received my final invoice.

 

Wait…I thought they just replaced the glass with the ePanel.

 

I'm confused on why you are confused. Could you elaborate?

 

I have not. Sent an email a couple weeks back through their new contact form but have not heard back yet. Mid August they told me that they were anticipating a September completion so I just really want to know where it’s at at this point.