The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

SLC. Happy to meet almost anywhere within a 4 hour range...as long as I can plan something fun around a longer trip.

I referred to these threads and searching "sleeping platform" for build-out inspiration:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vagabond-drifter-camper-buildout-and-mods.540940/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gofastcamper-gfc-mods-tips-and-tricks-thread.585193/

 

There's some good stuff in here too about bed storage builds: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...eping-platform-drawer-storage-systems.424709/

 

Wood is heavy. When I get around to building some stuff it will be a combination of composite materials and 80/20 bolted to the bed. I don't mind using a hacksaw and file for the 80/20.

 

I've been happy with my extrusion build. It wasn't much more expensive than nice plywood and definitely lighter.

See Post #2069 Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods
and #2113: Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods
for build details.

 

I like the 8020 cabinets for the same reasons. Much lighter than plywood. I like the clean looks, too.

I did a little tutorial on working with 8020 here: 8020 Cabinet Construction

 

Thanks. I checked out AllDownhill's Drifter in Denver the other day, he was kind enough to meet and spend 30 minutes showing me all the things. Iggy/Phil, G. is an asset to your company on the Front Range for certain! I was impressed by the Drifter, but also by his impressions of it. I have a few questions for the VO guys but want to get a short, solid, meaningful list together before taking their time.

I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger. Going to map out a very minimal buildout this weekend and make sure I can do what I want to do with this platform. I don't really need all the creature comforts my FWC offers... although it sure is nice once I'm at camp.

If anyone reading this has a Drifter and is looking for a more cush setup - I'm probably going the opposite direction, to more minimalist. Maybe we could work something out...

 

Thanks! I'm in Sugarhouse! I'd love to check it out one night man or weekend. I ordered mine sight unseen and am stoked but still wouldn't mind a walkaround and to take some measurements.

Ooooh. Hot damn those are nice. Doing a little research, whats the cheapest kind of aluminum would work? Is 2020 sufficient or do I need 3030? Mostly just shelving to hold bike gear, camp gear, and the heaviest would be a cooler. This shit just blew my mind though. @JerryW I'm probably gonna be asking you some Qs.

 

@cobes PM sent. You're like fifteen minutes away so we'll work something out!

 

Hey, if you guys are open to it, I'd be down to join the party too if the timing worked out for me.

 

Good thing I installed that solar setup and red arc bms, going to be drawing in some serious Amps now! Haha.





Currently waiting on the propex to arrive then fit that and get into some serious winter camping this fall/winter as we ramp down on construction at work. A O degree bag and a rumpl on top of the mattress and a good quality down comforter was rather toasty. Also learned that the dog and a lady friend and me do not have a lot of room .to.sleep together. Dog ended up with 1/2 the drifter mattress in the am. We all know what needs to happen to rectify this. Not sure how I'm going to break it to her but she's has gotta go, my dog needs to be comfortable.

All kidding a side my little velcro dog aka Zoey the vicious blue heeler (only thing aggressive with her is her licks), seriously takes up a lot of room, never noticed until that night.

 

We've been making the pup sleep "downstairs" since there's a baby in the way now. It's been tough to break him of his bed habit, but he's taking to it alright.

 

This is where Lulu is most comfortable. On the cold nights she has a down “igloo” I made for her that fills that galley. I should probably take a pic of that someday...

 

Looks like I lucked out and managed to secure a Drifter that a member was selling, right before pulling the trigger on a new order! Doubly lucky because the options he had were the options I would have chosen. Now I just need to find time to drive to California to pick it up - road trip!

Will post up some photos of the rig and buildout when I get that far. Planning on a nice but relatively modest and small DIY 80/20 buildout, solar, insulation, and a little propane system. I want to duplicate the systems I use from the FWC, but with much less complexity, maintenance, and weight. Glad to see all the different builds and creativity on this forum, I've been getting ideas from some of these for sure.

Stoked!

 

Very cool. Another FWC owner jumping ship.
Did the Drifter seller state why they were selling?

 

Not my place to say, he had his reasons. Nothing to do with the Drifter though.

I've really enjoyed my few years with the FWC. They do make a nice product, although the more off-road you get, the less the platform makes sense in my experience. I don't need the "RV feel" that a FWC has, I'm used to camping off my back or bicycle so "camping" under any hard roof with a mattress is living the high life. I'm not jumping my truck or anything, but I enjoy true 4x4 high country passes and old mining trails - and I really wanted something lighter and more rugged. The Drifter appears to fit the bill. I'll find out soon enough!

 

Ooooh. Hot damn those are nice. Doing a little research, whats the cheapest kind of aluminum would work? Is 2020 sufficient or do I need 3030? Mostly just shelving to hold bike gear, camp gear, and the heaviest would be a cooler. This shit just blew my mind though. @JerryW I'm probably gonna be asking you some Qs.[/QUOTE]

I am pretty sure you don't need anything heavier than the 1" x 1" stuff. Tnutz.com refers to it as 1010 series extrusion I think.

 

Having a built out camper keeps the pups comfy
@NVLOCAL
@jberry813
@jAndyMendo

 

Hi to the other SLC folks! Ordered my drifter about a month ago, I guess there will be a few in the valley!

 

Got my

$50 ESI ROK Block 4.25" Width Tailgate Gap Cover and Ultimate Tailgate Seal with Taper Seal 6ft for Sidewalls

tailgate gap seal installed today. It seems really stuck on there, especially with the Mountain Hatch surface. The front corners of the bed were filled with some putty-like stuff by the camper shell shop that I bought my shell from. Any 3rd Gen owners pulling the bed rails and filling gaps? Trying to prep as much as I can before the Drifter is ready. Thanks!

 

I put KB Voodoo bed rails on. Covered the holes with Gaffers tape and ran a bead of silicon. I think it’s going to work. Still gotta fill in the gap in the front as you did. Thanks for the link on the tailgate gap seal. I’ll order it.

p