The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

No blocking. You can see here how they get mounted so the back window goes up and away from blocking anything. I usually cook on the tailgate but the light easily covers past my swing out and floods the area well.



Edit - I'll post some night shots tonight to help anyone in the same situation!

 

Check out @z71vgbn on Instagram, he did this. Not on a Taco but still helps to see the design

 

I know nothing about lighting, but I am pretty sure VO did a light install like this on someone else's rig. I had a note to ask about whenever that fateful day arises that I get a call to finalize my build. They had them mounted on both sides & maybe the back. Either way they probably have some recommendations when it comes time.

 

Not to sway anyone from supplemental lighting, but from my camping experiences so far, I haven't needed that much light at night. The interior light has been enough to shine down onto the tailgate to cook.
If I have the stove set up on a table away from the truck, I just use a headlamp OR one of those solar rechargeable string lights.
I am considering putting some type of supplemental lighting on the top right rear of the Drifter as 3rd brake lights / signals since I almost always have bikes on the rear partially blocking the truck tail lights. I just need to do some measuring so that an ARB 1250 awning doesn't block them when all zipped up.

 

I mounted a small, dimmable, red/white LED on the inside of the rear hatch. It lights up the tailgate and cook area really well but it's way cheaper then a squadron light.



I also have a LED rope that I put on the awning when it's deployed; it makes for nice ambiance! I don't have a picture of that though...

 

Both fair points, but if I'm spending $12k and waiting 18 months for the camper of all campers, I'm ok with spending an extra $500 for 2 really nice external lights

 

My take on outer lighting has been a bit different - maybe similar to @JasonLee. After using my all-options FWC for years, including exterior lights, I decided I didn't really need all the extras, and wanted to build the Drifter very light and simple. I don't use any exterior lighting at all, and simply have a Luci solar LED inflatable lamp that I can hang up above the bed, on the hatch latch mechanism outside, or really anywhere - no power requirements, no batteries, and I've used the same lamp for seven years with no issues. Along with a headlamp, I've never wanted for light outside! Just another way to skin the cat.

 

I actually find that I use the lights on my drifter more when I'm working on it in the driveway than when I'm camping. That's partially because our daughter is asleep in the camper by dark and we try to be sneaky if we need something after she's down for the night.

 

Does anybody know who makes this rack? I'm thinking of getting one to utilize ever bit of space I can.

 

That's a Prinsu. He just cut it down. I saw someone else post an option that I think Sherpa(?) makes that fits the DCSB with Drifter

 

@zhellman Thanks! Looked it up- Sherpa does makes one for the drifter.

 

I believe this company is making them as well.

https://martinor.com/shop/foundation-camper-rack

 

I don't think this will work with the Drifter. The GFC has a much smaller overhang and the rack is notched for clearing that.

 

ive been talking to gage @ martin offroad about a DCSB drifter rack - he does have one right now for a DCLB he said - although i haven’t seen it

 

Thats a great idea. Post up when you find a light to use for this application. I have the same issue with bikes. Now with the wheelbase on mtn bikes getting longer, its more of a problem.

 

If the location works out, I'll probably do the round MAXXIMA M85417R - These have all the functions: Stop/Tail/Turn/Back-Up Light all in one.

 

Here's some night light pictures


No obstruction


Both lights on


Passenger side only


Passenger side only


Driver side only


Driver side only (not the best but definitely a lot dimmer for the tailgate area)

Verdict: two are cool since I can use mine as chase lights, but if you only need one, hopefully these help! Let me know if I can get more shots for anyone. Edit- I do have a black curtain on the back so that does block some of the light. Without it the tailgate is illuminated greatly.

 

I have a similar take on the lighting. I was going to add Rigid scene lights to my Drfiter for extra exterior lumens but have found that between the solar Luci cube and Luminoodle rope on my awning, there's plenty of light. I also have Rigid pods in my rear bumper which are useful but not blinding since they're at knee level. Not to mention the Vagabond interior LEDs above my Frontrunner windoors put out massive ambient light(I do suppose it helps that my Drifter is powder coated white so it reflects the light pretty well).

 

Thanks for sharing! Thinking I might go with the Rigid Scene light instead, the Squadron lights might be a bit too bright for me.

 

FYI - for those wondering (like I was before they showed up, here are the Vagabond (by Relentless Fabrication) aluminum, powder coated bed caps for the short bed Tacoma.
No holes along the top to allow for a full seal. Mounts behind the side rails in the bed.
I’ve got a roll of Mastik tape and RTV silicone on the way.



EDIT: Here are installed photos quoted from earlier in the thread: