The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

In my experience these aren’t a one and done solution. I had the factory Tonneau cover, and while helpful filling the gap, the rubber seals don’t completely keep water out by themselves. Especially if you plan on going with KB Voodoo Rails. There will still be water intrusion points that need to be sealed between the factory rubber seal and Drifter.

 

Good to know! I don't have a 3rd gen, and I have been looking at how to seal the beds relative to the second gens.

 

Last weekend I started sealing my bed as well in preperation of my upcoming Drifter. I first went at the sealing one of the small storage compartments.

I used JB plastic epoxy filler as well as 3/8" and 5/8" fuel hoses cut in half for the larger holes that hold the cover in place. I might go the extra mile and make a rectangular rubber gasket for the lip of the storage compartment. Undecided if this is overkill or not.

Hope you find that leak! Seems like a pretty big one.

 

This happens every time @tacomgee is in my Drifter. Did you have him over?

 

Zero has “zero” adhesive/ sealant. We just used foam camper tape so we can take it apart... for science.

Every production unit has copious amounts of polyurethane sealant.

That’s what we get for relying on mechanical methods of sealing...

Another issue could be the prototype tent. Without going into too much detail, it has changed since that original tent.

And the method I used, to personally installed the bulb seal for the lid, was not the best. It was solo while the tent/ roof was already installed. Aside from Zero, we always install bulb seal before the lid goes on the camper.

Basically, every potential point of failure is a possibility with Zero. But others (@danneskjold , @Tacodust have braved torrential east coast downpours in Zero without issue.

Lastly, this could be the issue....


















Post rollover pics:

 

Got me good too

 

Dammit. I’ve never been so happy to be tricked by you. Well, besides that one time...

 

Damnit, I’m a sucker. First the v8 swap, then a leaky Drifter...

 

Pshh, wait till he asks if you wanna buy an Apple Watch

 

I put a bead all the way around the cubbies before putting them back in, looked at it from the bottom of the truck and a little bit of silicone pushed out all around so I think it sealed good. Went with a 5/8 hose cut in half and hot glue for the holes, hopefully the glue holds over time. Thought of using epoxy but didnt have enough to do the whole thing so went with what i had.

 

Got these ordered, will use some black silicone in conjunction with the rubber to make it watertight. Thanks a bunch!

 

Hahaha, I do have an instagram page but havent put any of the sealing activities on there. Usually go to TacomaWorld for new ideas, instagram seems to be all about advertising.

 

Definitely had me going! And here I was thinking you were just being a baby...

 

That's messed up... had me going for a minute

 

Not sure if anyone remembers how badly tarnished my drifter was being up here in Canada and the lovely salty winters.

I used star brite aluminum cleaner and their application brush and I am shocked at how well it cleaned the alum with one application. I’ll probably do this another 2-3 times and put a bit more elbow grease i to removing the tarnish, but i am Pleasantly surprised!






I’m polishing it here later to help protect it from tarnishing further. Sadly by hand couldnt bring myself to buy a polisher, i’ll see if I can find thr attachements for a grinder. I’ll update with pics from phase 1 of restoring the shine to the drifter. One or two more cleanings with the alum cleaner should bring it back to perfect.

Now to find a place with bulk potable water to dewinterize my water tank and start reworking the electrical wiring. Going to be a busy cplof weekends. Prepping for two permanently mounted 100w solar panels, and a 100amp lithim battery. Was going to have it charge off the truck but screw that, I am tired of messing with electrical systems and sorting out bugs. I figure 2 100w renogy solar panels with a third collapsible one I can plugin should be more then sufficient to keep the battery charged even if I am Away for work!

 

I hope that before my drifter is finished Vagabond offers a clear coat. Otherwise Im going to have to pay a local shop to spray it. They wouldn't be able to spray the parts above the roof and behind the cab without removing it though.

What are you going to treat it with after the polish to keep it from tarnishing again?

 

Using star brites alum Polisher right now. Fyi get a electric buffing wheel. This is not like normal wax, extremely difficult to buff/remove the haze. It looks okay, not as brilliant as it was without the polish on. I mainly just wanted it on so it wouldn’t start to oxidize immediately. It still looks a million times better then it did.

My plan is to clean it once again with the cleaner, then hit it up with the polish/buff using an electric polisher. I may go as far as to sand it and keep working my way down finer grits. That will end up mirror polished though, shich I am Not sure about doing. Then I’ll seal it with clear coat or soemthing. If i go that route I’ll be taking the drifter completely off and having a shop do it and either paint it or clear coat maybe a wrap.

Anyone getting one of these get the powder coating its pretty much a must in northern climates.

 

I had (2) 100w Renogy panels and a 125Ah battery in my van. It ran a Dometic fridge 24/7 and lights/Maxx fan/USB charging as needed no problem. Even when running the fan all night the battery was always fully recharged by 10 o'clock the next morning.

You'll be in good shape with that set-up.