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

We have now slept in the camper over ten days and have another 14 to go. We are super happy with it. There are three craft working on the campers and Phil coordinating materials and vendors, both continue to be a problem for production. There were 2 black campers on the floor in production but I did not get the names or numbers. The door on the Drifter is now a real option. VO-153 was the second production model and is working out nicely. Rear camera in now located at the license plate on the right hand side, it is working out great for backing in. Frontrunner side hatches are going away as the cost are now to high. The powder coat is ver nice and the insulation on the inside is truly a blessing. We were in Hells Canyon and it was 118, we have been near lakes and rivers with temps in the high 90’s and while its not the same as air conditioning it certainly helps. The fan is a life saver for sure. 270 awning provides shade and is easy to put out and take down (Batwing 270). Phil said he has 10 roll out videos he needs to post. Hope this helps. 23 months was a very long time to wait. It’s been a very hard year in so many ways. I’m super happy that my wait is over. Hang in there!)

 

O and by the way my gas mileage for some reason is way better then stock! Go figure, I do have 285/75/16’s and a Martin rack. One tank I averaged 18.1. Crazy. Most average 16.9. Before camper I was in the 14’s.

 

Hopefully they can sort out their material issues soon! There are a couple companies that only have 6 month wait times right now.

 

I don't think its a material issues anymore. Its a man power thing. AT builds a camper between 4-12 days.

 

I would simply like a returned phone call. They have 10k of mine and I don't get the decency of a call.

 

Yeah I’ll gladly wait two years if I can know what the heck is going on. We’re at 18 months so I’m still low in the line but feeling more and more discouraged with people’s experiences like this.

 

Anyone tried calling recently?

 

The wife’s tried calling a few times during the day over the past few weeks as I work during the day but no one’s answered.

 

Given the labor shortages happening, and the hole they need to dig themselves out of, I hope they are just heads down. I have submitted two tickets through their system and have heard back on both, both fairly recently.

 

They continue to be plagued by materials and manufactures. Case in point I was going to have the insulation package for the tent installed today but after receiving their order, inspection found that they all had been sewn inside out;( Now the materials for the package is back ordered, double tap! (just watched Zombie Land again)

 

I asked VO about deposit information. They replied 50% deposit. I have two BIG questions. EVERY OTHER camper company asks for $500 deposit. If everyone was doing it I would think that’s normal, but VO are the only ones asking for a huge deposit. Why do they need $4,500 and my materials won’t be purchased for a year or two??? I guess that ties into the second question… there was no mention of delayed production (which is very important info that they are obviously aware of and decided not to include). VERY NOT COOL!! Ultimately, this camper is the one I want. I would wait two years with a $500 deposit but can’t tie up 4K+ For a deposit. Especially since there are looming issues. Anything is possible (from ramping up production to even going out of business). Currently, I see this as a risk. Like I said, the VO is the one I want so I am conflicted… 4,500 DEPOSIT IS DETRIMENTAL TO MY DECISION
Did you guys deposit 50%??

 

Yes, 50% down.

 

I put 100% down

If this is the camper you want, you do what it takes

 

or https://expeditionportal.com/forum/...a-colorado-etc-located-in-san-jose-ca.226172/

 

I have a deposit down but I agree it’s extremely excessive considering it’s not the standard and the wait time is outrageous. No other company has material or manufacturing issues, plus poor communication. I’m getting more and more uneasy as time goes on. It’s the camper I want but 2 year wait for an aluminum shell with a pop up bed is kinda ridiculous.

 

Maybe consider using an escrow service if VO will do that.

 

Regarding the 50% deposit, VO is doing something very odd. I was under the impression the deposit was for 50% of the base build, but the 50% is actually calculated against all the bells and whistles you spec when you place the initial order. A smarter consumer than me would order the most stripped down version possible and then add the features they want when they do the final invoice. I made the mistake of adding powder coat and every other thing imaginable, which just meant I had a huge deposit. The large 50% deposit with such a long lead time and unpredictable production schedule is is messed up, but the way they calculate it doubles the aggravation. Hopefully, Phil monitors these forums from time to time and is listening to the feedback.

 

In the beginning, (overland expo 3 years ago) I talked to Phil about this very subject and at the time I didn't know if I was sticking with my tundra or going to another platform. I submitted my order for the cheapest camper out there and we added / subtracted accessories up until I picked the Drifter up. The wait was long and it certainly gets the brain churning in all directions. We are so happy we stuck it out. The entire RV market is under manufacturing and did not anticipate the demands which increases led times that are now longer then they have ever been. Sure you can get a wedge from another vendor sooner. My wife was a very strong voice regarding the money and lack of communication but now after living out of it for 24 days straight she cant say enough good things about the Drifter and is super happy with the end product. Would she/we be just as happy with something else, we’ll never know. Good luck with any direction you chose.

 

That's exactly what I did. I spec'd out a bare bones Drifter just to put a lesser deposit. I told Phil to notify me to add options at the end. He did.

So in the end gave VB $2-3k less for my deposit and waiting 1.5 years. That's a lot of money giving someone for 1.5 years at zero interest.

 

Are any builds being completed?

I haven't heard about anything. I was optimistic and my build #197 was hoping to be completed by September but now I'm thinking its going to be early 2022