The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

Now that I definitely agree with.

 

Update, just received my final Invoice and the build has begun!

 

Thank you. The powder coating came down to wanting a nice aesthetic with my gray truck (didn't like the gray/bare/white, and also didn't want to color-match to my truck because it would be too monolithic); and, reducing the heat during desert camping. The powder coating company was able to do just the sides, but they said they would not be willing to do it again because it was apparently a pain in the ass. I was a little dismayed that the black powdercoat had to come up so far onto the top sheet, I was hoping it would be a nice clean, but I really don't care that much about how the top looks.

 

Install day today...I know I'm "preaching to the choir", but I feel the need to express my sincere gratitude for the Vagabond guys. I'm impressed with the level of quality, dedication, and concern that they showed for my truck and camper. Vagabond is top notch!

 

Looks fantastic! Out of curiosity what was your order number and initial order date?

 

I purchased someone's deposit back in August who was already in the queue, but I don't recall their order #. I believe it was pretty close to 12 months from the order date, but I do know they had some delays with a powdercoater, so maybe mine moved through quicker because it's raw aluminum.

 

Curious as to why you put the awning on driver's side? How are you making out with window covers and insulators?

 

VO installed the Smart Touring Systems quick release awning brackets so the 2.5M ARB awning can be moved to the passenger side at camp. The 1.4M awning is hard mounted to the back of the camper.

 

How come you picked this style vs a 270?

 

Good question. I really like the Alu-Cab 270 degree awning, but I couldn't decide which side to hard mount it to. Our previous campervan had an awning on the passenger side and it was often on the wrong side for specific camp setups. With the quick release brackets it's nice to take the big awning off if you know you're not using it for extended periods of time. They are more effort to deploy but I've set up my old 6' Tepui awning up by myself in less than a minute and I like to drop a leg when the sun gets low.

 

What setup did you use to manage/use the solar panel? Did VO install it or was it you?

 

Wooo!! congrats dude!

 

Order 149 here. Placed on July 13, 2019. I was expecting end of May for completion, but last email from Phil said they were a bit behind. I have not finalized options yet, but was anticipating that phone call soon. I live in AK, planned to fly into Medford OR, buy the new truck, drive to CA to get the Drifter throw on, and then head back north for the next 3 weeks or so.

Intended build:
6 foot bed Drifter
Slider cab window
glass windoor on driver side (really wanted a FR, but no way to open/close them from inside which was important for me)
passenger side will have L track for traction boards
L track on the roof
Crossbars for the roof, lower height version, likely opt for wider bars that just stick past roof
Insulated bottom and top tent insulation (upper insulation testing and actual product should be completed by then)
ceiling fan
top and bottom lighting kit
12V plug / switch panel
Alu Cab 270 on drivers side w/ the quick release brackets for mounting it
Strawfoot Handmade window covers, bug screen, fan cover
They'll do the bed sealing for me and run power to the Drifter
I'll likely purchase a Dometic CFX35 from them too

No solar set up. Will run a bigger single AGM for now and re-evaluate with use. I don't expect to camp and linger in spots for days, and will only be powering the above.

Since I'll be living out of the thing as I head back home, I opted for more options and turnkey build. I maybe would have done the lighting and electrical panel stuff on my own, but it will be fantastic to leave fully functional too. Once home with access to tools, I'll do the truck bed benches, storage, etc.

FYI on the order # and dates, but figured I'd share the rest too.

 

I believe it was MJ who spoke to this question before, but having separate side and rear awnings affords you the ability use one and not the other when space dictates such. in the past year and few months with a drifter, I've used the side awning MAYBE five times..camping in the rain and cooking off the back tail gate I've wished I had a rear awning more times than that..I've since purchased a rear, just need to mount it. In my experience the Vagabond/Drifter completely changes the camping experience to where the side awning is rarely used. I'd rather just step inside my camper and live.

 

Woo hoo
Received my Drifter a week ago. Been on the road and didn’t feel inclined to post until now. My itinerary was completely ruined by production delays (powder coater to be specific), which is what it is. All that’s over and moving on.
Definitely going to take some tweaking of internal spaces especially for winter use and what not to have in it.
Will be using it for daily driver and thus it will be modular with portable innards.
Yup, the Vagabond guys are doing quality not only with the camper. I had a need for an adapter to mount Yakima bars to the L-track and they spent the time to adapt what they had in stock to functionally and practically work. This they did with no noticeable frustration that it was taking up their time. That is what I would say was the most pleasant piece of the install; never felt they were anxious to “get it done”. They wanted it to be done right! Coming from the old school where we were taught that our signature was on every job we did, that’s what it felt like. Well done.
Fwiw, order for 104, placed 2/8/19 delivered 3/11/20.

 

Sorry if this has been answered, but are the dimensions and measurements for a drifter the same on 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma’s?

the reason for my question is I’m planning on purchasing a Drifter and would like to know if my 2nd gen one day dies (doubt it will), will the Drifter be able to transfer to a new Tacoma (3rd gen or whatever gen is the new ish as long as it’s still the same length bed)?

My common sense tells me yes as I believe the truck widths and bed lengths are the same, but I don’t want to assume. Having two girls, 5 and 1, I’m looking for a longgggggg term investment here. Thanks thanks.

 

Yes, they are interchangeable, with a caveat. The lower trim piece on the rear hatch will need to be changed. As the tailgates are different between the two generation.

 

Just throwing this out there, if someone in the drifter line isn't in the right place to purchase one with the current climate - my build date is for September of this year. Hopefully things will settle out by than...

My September 2020 build for you earlier 2020 build?

Please remove if this is out of line, I know people sell their spots - I'm hoping this isn't any different.

Stay safe out there

 

Thank you sir. When my time comes to pick mine up I’ll for sure be hitting you up for your shark fin replacement.

 

Right on man.

somehow, I have this uncanny knack for popping by VO HQ just as another Drifter is being born. Who knows, I might meet you at the shop?