The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

My 6" might be closer to 4 lol ..nope as much as i adjust it, i don't notice it.

 

I don't sleep "backwards" but I also pull the platform back so there's a 4" or 5" gap. It gives more foot room in the wedge. I don't notice the gap when I'm sleeping either. My torso, from head to hips, is all on the rear platform. (I'm 6'1")

 

Does anyone know precisely what brand/model connectors Vagabond uses in their electric panels, as pictured? This is the one they use when they provide additional accessory switches.

This doesn't exactly match any of the Molex mini-fit or Mate-N-Lok connectors, so I'm at a loss!

 

Molex

 

Not so sure about that. I was unable to find that exact connector anywhere on Molex's product lines, or on any of their distributors' sites, or competing brands (like Mate-N-Lok).

 

Hmmm. I thought that’s what they are using now? Maybe ask @tyfoon11 ?

 

Molex MLX Power Connectors

 

Anyone in the market for a Drifter?

My loss is your gain!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-vagabond-drifter-northern-california.661364/

 

Check out Toyota of Grants Pass, when looking for a truck. I got a good deal from them.

 

What's the best way to adjust or standard separation that we should see between the drifter and rear window of the cab? I'm noticing my passenger side is creeping up a bit and tightened all the supports just to be sure

Edit _ I'm guessing loosen everything and push?

 

I'm not sure what or if there is a "standard" separation gap. I do know that you DO NOT want it touching the cab; it will make a very obnoxious rattle and drive you completely nuts while you're doing the Mojave Road! Mine was actually a little bit crooked and the drivers side was touching the cab, shortly after picking it up from Vagabond. I tried to adjust it myself while on the road but couldn't get it to budge. I went back to Vagabond a few days later and Chris easily straightened it. I think he said the trick is to loosen up all of the brackets inside and then pull down on the front of the drifter (the part that overhangs the cab) and that will help break the seal so you can shift it around. I would say just get it as lined up with the front of the bed as you can. By the way, from the picture, it looks like the rubber flashing is tucked under the drifter about 6" past the driver's side?

 

Not tucked, just getting too close to the back window. Your tip helped! I loosen everything and pushed from the front lip by the passenger side and everything adjusted appropriately.

 

Hey guys. I just bought a build spot after looking for a used Drifter for almost a year, and I thought I'd introduce myself and ask a couple of questions.

First of all, getting a Drifter is a dream come true. I've been looking at wedge campers for at least a couple of years (after buying the Flippac I have on my 1st Gen Tacoma, see pic) and I decided after a lot of research that the Drifter was the right one (vs. GFC and Summit and I suppose Alu-Cab). This was after I met Phil last year at some outdoor fest near San Diego and got a good in-person look. I think it's the best of the bunch for a lot of reasons I won't go into now.

The guy I bought the build spot from told me to read all the way through this thread and the Builds and Mods thread. I'm about a third of the way through but I need to give my specs to Phil for my build and I have a few questions.

First, windows. I've settled on the Frontrunner Glass Gullwing Door on the passenger side at least. I'm an old guy and I need to look over my shoulder while I'm backing up so I can aim at oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. I also like looking out all sides when I'm in the camper. I'd put one on the driver's side as well but I may want to mount a traction board. My question is, can you mount a traction board in front of the window, take it off when you want the window open? Anybody doing that?

Another window question: does the sliding cab window option also swing down, or is that just the standard cab window?

Awnings: I liked the 270 degree awning I saw at that same outdoor expo until had to duck down to get under it cuz the truck was on a slight pitch. Can I get some opinions on a 270 awning vs the side awning vs ? Also, I go down some very narrow roads with plenty of close calls. Are these awnings detachable? Do they mount to L-track? Haven't had an awning before.

Last but not least: powdercoat vs wrapped vs raw. I'm not interested in how it looks, think the aluminum is fine. I'm interested in durability. Is there a practical reason for the powdercoat vs a protective wrap vs nothing? Also, did I read a post about some spray you can put on?

Thanks, and I'm really looking forward to joining the Drifter community. I feel like I've already been on several great adventures reading through all the posts and seeing all the pics.

 

Can someone do me a favor and measure how much the clamps (pictured below) stick out from the side of the bed? I'm mounting some storage and want to be sure the clamps will fit when I go pick mine up.

 

Windoor question: glass is nice but I like the privacy that solid offer. I make a bracket that fits on the Frontrunner solid door. I don’t believe the glass door has the attachment points that my brackets require.

front slider window folds down on all models I believe. I think the slider part is optional, but the fold down is standard.

awnings are a personal choice. I prefer standard awnings versus the 270* awnings. The standard offers more versatility in being able to modify angle to adjust for wind, sun position or rain/snow. 270* awnings open fast and look cool.

Powder coat. Period. It’s the one feature I wish was available when I got mine. The durability, looks and “finish of the interior” is just beyond approach.

 

Congratulations! Im sitting on an anthill waiting to go pick mine up, it should all be done now, just need the stay at home order lifted so I can get on my way to VO.

I personally went with solid front runner doors on each side. Glass just didn't seem very kid proof. Also chose the powder coat which I think will be more durable compared to a wrap.

 

Kclamer mind if I ask what build # yours is?

 

The inner face of the clamps stand proud of the inner face of the factory Toyota rails by 1". If I were you I'd leave 1/16" wiggle room. Also, there are four clamps per side (on a longbed, anyway), and if you want to build storage that mounts to the factory rails you could just leave slots at evenly spaced intervals for the clamps. I'm building some cabinets right now, and they're mounting directly to the rails.

 

Just to clarify, the front slider option only slides. It doesn’t slide and fold down

At least that’s what I think @RangeRick was asking.

 

Yea that’s something I rustled with too. Making notches on the cabinets was going to be a PITA for me, especially because I wanted all the cabinets to have an opening lid.

In the end I opted to just build the cabinets with a gap small enough to where I wouldn’t notice it sitting down on them, but large enough so that if something dropped down there, my little fat hands could reach down there and pick it up. It’s also a nice place to store crap when I’m lazy (rope, marshmallow skewers, grill brush, etc) - Suitable for me since I do a lot of multi-day, multi- location trips.