The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

I'm over in Thornton so not a problem. There are a couple guys around town that have had theirs for a little bit already but not sure on their screen names though to tag.

Maybe all us CO Drifters could do a meet up in the spring time?

 

That could be really sweet. Oh, wait, you said CO and neighbors right? My sense is that there will be quite a few Drifters in CO, UT, and others that might be interested.

 

the more the merrier! agreed, I feel like there will be around a half dozen or so in CO by spring time.

 

Wow, they have got a lot of recent CO based orders. By this time next year there should be quite the "Drifter Club" around here. That's pretty damn cool.

 

Bug screen for the rear hatch is dialed and ready to go. Some details: vinyl coated and super strong screen that wil not tear from cats/dogs. Tight spacing to not allow No-See-Ums through. Neodymium magnets on the lower sides and in pass-through section. The upper section is designed to snap in place with steel DOT snaps. Will roll up and stay attached with the velcro straps. Will work with the tailgate up or down. Made in Santa Cruz, Ca. $275. We will have one that we are installing at the Tahoe Van Expo this weekend at the VO booth. Come on by and say hi.
https://strawfoothandmade.com/products/window-covers-vagabond-drifter

Edit: #1: One thing we forgot to mention: 3rd Gen has a 1" taller bed, so you will need to choose 2nd or 3rd Gen. at checkout.

#2: The Drifter we used for the design had equally spaced screw heads on the window frame (where we attach the snaps), but after speaking with Phil, we realized that every window screw spacing can be different. The new version will attach with snaps to the upper aluminum (where the slots for wiring clips are) and will require drilling 8 pilot holes then adding the snaps to the aluminum.

 

About 10ish now

Drifters will fit across the similar bed lengths on 1st, 2nd, 3rd gen tacos, new Colorado/Canyons and Frontiers.... gotcha covered as long as u keep same length bed

Awesome work, looking forward to meeting you at Homewood!

 

You guys rock! Thanks for throwing some love to this tiny market segment! The design looks well thought out and easy to use.

 

Does anyone know if the Drifter is coated with any anti-oxidation preventer? It appears that the AT Habitat is treated with Sharkhide. Has anyone tried that on a Drifter?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/at-habitat-pictures-ideas-aaand-bs.532519/page-89#post-21491762

 

AT Habitat is also clear coated wheres the Drifter is bare aluminum so it will tarnish quick, especially in a wet salty environment.

 

Anyone have pictures of a surfboard on top? I’ve been thinking about just doing my own rack with Yakima tracks instead of paying for the L-Tracks.

 

Update on the bug screens: The Drifter we used for the bug screen design had equally spaced screw heads around the window frame (where we attach the snaps). From the top dead center and going out and down, the distance between the screw heads exactly mirrored the opposite half of the frame. However, after speaking with Phil and Jay at the Van Expo, we realized that every window screw spacing can be different. The new version will attach with snaps to the upper aluminum (where the slots for wiring clips are) and will require drilling 8 pilot holes then adding the snaps to the aluminum. Should actually be a more solid design anyways.

 

What was verdict on Vagabond getting into replacing the plastic bed rails with an in house solution?

 

I still need to address that before getting my Drifter on.

 

I know KB Voodoo makes bed caps.

 

@RelentlessFab made them long ago, before the current offering. We worked with them to bring the bedcaps back. We have some logistics to figure out (shipping, handling, sealants, pricing, installation cost), but we will be offering them.

Although some have been spoken for, we picked up 20 sets last week. Logistics will be figured out this week.

Relentless Fab will not be selling them direct, so please only contact them for the awesome bumpers and other products on their website.

Edit: 2nd Gen Tacoma caps only. The 3rd gen caps haven’t been problematic.

 

Any advantage with the new bed rails if I have already taped and sealed mine with silicone?

 

We haven’t heard of issues with 3rd gen caps. We’ve installed a few campers on 3rd gen trucks, with the replacement aluminum caps, and it’s a very solid setup. But the stock 3rd gen plastic caps have a much lower profile, are easier to seal, and aren’t prone to compressing like the 2nd gen caps.

 

Does anyone know if the order reservation spots are transferable in case of some unforeseen circumstances? I've honestly never spent this much money on a physical good and I'm nervous about putting so much money down and then maybe something happening to my truck or something. I'm about to click order and just want to cover my bases really.

 

OK great I would like to hear the details when you have them as I have a completed Drifter at the factory.

 

I've seen here on the forum that two people have sold their place in line. I think it would be a quick sell. A lot of people would like to jump ahead of the current lead time.