The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

Good to know I am order 117. I ordered right after you. So I’m most likely in the same batch as you. Let me know if possible when you confirm options. That will most likely tell me if we are in the same batch.

 

Thanks for posting up this info!!!

 

No problem!

 

I got the same information for my build, bought March 2019 with an estimated completion date of end of March 2020. This Is now a 2nd time my build has been pushed as the original was November which got moved to January and now to March.

 

What’s your order number?

 

I dont know what my order number is as I did not order from the website. I have an invoice number but I dont know if thats helpful.

 

Drifter Trip 1 Report

We got out for a quick trip the the Ancient Lakes Area in central Washington. I thought I would post a few thoughts on the Drifter after its first official trip.

Liveability in Cold

We were amazed at how well the Drifter performed in cold temps. It was about 35 in the evening and 25 during the night. We did get the insulation package without windows, but I am not sure that made that much difference in this case. There is still a big tent up top.

We pitched our mini chairs and put our our table inside the bed (6ft). It was cozy but warm with the Mr Buddy running. We spent a couple of hours chatting and eating with a friend after our 8 mile hike.

I am excited to get the insulation package Phil showed us. It attaches to Velcro that is pre-sewn into our v2 Drifter. It is supposed to close with insulation in place (see top black strip). Sounds like retrofit package for V1 will also be available.




Condensation

Yes, we did get more condensation when using the Mr Buddy. But, it was manageable. This is partly because of the brilliant tent design that keeps water that drops off the tent in a drain at the edge of the frame. It keeps water from dropping on you in the morning. I certainly plan to install a Propex in the next year. (Phil told us they are looking into figuring out an install location in the rear passenger bed side near the inverter cubby and tailgate.) But until then, the setup works quite well below freezing.


Here is a shot of Ancient Lakes. Nice place to hike in the winter.

 

Great information and photos! Thanks Mapjunkie. I'm picking mine up on Friday.

 

The upper fabric tent insulation package does that come with the standard insulation package?? Or is that something extra?

 

In the same boat as you guys but they're coming. Mine was #113. I just remind myself we're on the home stretch

 

I am in MN and definitely interested in the tent insulation. Did it come with the tent or did you option it? I didn't even know this is available.

 

The tent insulation is in development from my understanding and will be offered as an option.

I can attest that after lots and lots of snowy nights in our Drifter, the insulation package will only ad to an already very warm and comfy mobile winter cabin

 

All new tents come with an added strip of Velcro around the perimeter of the ceiling.
The insulation package is an added option you will be able to purchase which you will attach to this Velcro strip when needed
Older versions without the extra Velcro will be able to utilize a retrofit kit where you will need to attach the Velcro yourself (exact method still in development as yet)

 

Sorry for the confusion - J has the more official description. The tent insulation package is in development. We saw a demo setup on Phil’s truck. The fabric reminded me of a synthetic felt material rather than the thinsulate that AT uses on their Summit. It would provide about 1.5” of air gap. He was out testing it in the High Sierras, and found it made a big difference. Phil explained that the material they are working on will allow the tent to be closed without removing the insulation. Unknown release date.

 

Can anyone help figure out what this is? Do you attach a bungee to pull the tent in? Does anyone use it?

 

If I recall correctly, Jay had mentioned that yes, you could use those to attach a bungee to for easier folding, as well as one in the window area (on the hook loop). I had something very similar in my FWC and used them. However, I've found it easier with the Drifter to simply manually push the sides in, the way Jay likely showed you during install.

 

Yup, what he said

 

Drifter Lights V2 Review

I wanted to post some thoughts on the new Drifter lighting package that came standard with my January install.

First, the dials are conveniently located at the rear of the Drifter. My only complaint about the dials is that they don’t have a “click” when they are off. I have accidentally left a light on low during the day because I didn’t realized I had not turned the dial far enough. Pushing the dial switches the light between white and orange. Power usage is the same in either mode. A dual USB as well as a 12v outlet are also included in the power panel.


Here is what the orange lighting looks like.



I found the light to be appropriate for each situation. The side light is diffuse because it is reflected off the side of the Drifter. This mode uses the most power (see table below), which was a surprise to me. It uses almost 3x the power of the two other combined. Who knew.



The top light provides adequate light for the bed area.


The rear light is the ideal light to illuminate the bed when grabbing an item. This is the smallest of the lights and unsurprisingly, uses the least power. It allows visibility to the front window.


How much power do they use? I found that they consume just over 4A when all turned on. What is a bit annoying is the even completely turned off, the lighting package (and perhaps the fan) consume .05A. With a 50Ah battery, this means it will run for 1000 hours or about 40 days before completely draining my battery. Ok, I should be using and charging the battery at least once a month, but maintaining my LiFePO4 at 50% will require weekly attention. I want to maximize battery lifespan and it will be difficult to do with the stock Drifter electrical accessories. I recommend a master power off switch to keep this from happening. I have this planned, but wanted to use the system before installing my final electrical setup.



Here is a shot with the electrical panel removed. I currently have a house battery that is not connected to the starter battery or solar panels.


The Drifter lighting package is a great addition to the camper. Since wiring for the lights is run at manufacturing behind insulation, I would highly recommend adding them to your order. The wires are completely hidden, and the overall look refined. Any aftermarket solution is going to be hokey.

 

Thanks for posting all the pics and info. Is it only white or is there a red/amber too? Definitely need some night vision selection. All that white light is a bug magnet.

 

White and amber no red