The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

we run a single optima bluetop D31M battery (a northstar would be better) and as i have a 2nd gen have a voltage booster as per this thread

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-northstar-agm-battery-voltage-booster-upgrade.604478/

i used a overland equipped bracket with a bluesea 12 circuit fuse block, with a bluesea M-LVD (low level disconnect) so it should disconnect the accessories if it senses the battery is low (this should be set so i could then still start the truck...). this runs my aux light bars, fridge, drifter power (lights, fan and usb charging etc) - we carry a noco GB40 as a back up but thus far havent had any problems, we usually move daily thou. if i ever go on some 'real long adventure' ill add solar. my mate drove his tacoma to patagonia (8 months) with a similar setup (single northstar), but with solar - had no problems



https://overlandequipped.com/collections/fuse-block-bracket


we also have a arb awning off the back with the arb 'windshield'

 

I did straighten out the knobs today while wiring in the house battery.
Let there be light!

 

Count me in.

 

How does the insulation on the tent work? Easy to open and close zippers? How do they roll up to get them out of the way while hanging out inside? Thanks

 

FYI: I do not have a production model of the tent insulation. The zippers do slide just as easily as the zippers for the windows; I believe they're actually the same zippers.
I actually haven't rolled them yet. We're spending our first night in the Drifter this weekend, so I'll know more after that.

Also, here's a pic of the knobs all lined up with the lights off:



Looks like I need to still straighten them out a bit.

 

See that I can live with I'll have to see if I get those retro fitted once I'm back.

And the boarder opens again ....... well I guess I'll see you guys in 202TBD

Thanks for the pics its much appreciated and man oh man that insulation looks nicer then our homebrew thats forsure but in -25c bigger is better. We also use a webasto and its just amazing !

Enjoy your 1st night out ! And the many more to come !

 

Okay so here's the current issue I'm having and I need to make a choice in the next week or so.

Gears ...... has anyone here regeared there taco ?

I've got a DCSB OR current 265/70/17s(31s) going to 255/80/17s(33 skinny) cooper st maxx (keeping the T4R offload wheels after we get back. Have a drifter (hence why I'm asking here for a hopefully more specific answers) at 400lbs.

Going to add the following some steel sliders steel front skid alu Trans & Tcase. Blitz front mini alu bumper with warn vr10s and way down the line duel swing outs on a steel bumper.(300lbs ish total)

When loaded of a long trip we add about 400lbs ish of kit fuel water + 2 adults at 350ish. 750lbs + 400(drifter) 1150lbs extra weight.

My issue is I'm forever in 4th at 33 3400rpm on fairly level ground, its quite windy here and my taco is struggling to cruse at 110 - 120Km/h (70-75mph)

I'm concerned that 4.88s won't be enough with the 33s and weight currently and to be added and 5.29s could be too much so if anyone has a set up close to mine or my current or planned one please chim in !

I'm looking for your
RPMs at 70-75 in 5th or 6th
MPG
If your top speed will pass 85mph before cutnoff
If you would do it again with the same gears or go lower / higher

I have read through both mega threads and they as most on here devolved into a pissing contest and there is so much junk to wade through for little bits of useful info that don't quite fit what I'm looking at.

Thanks and sorry for the long post. Hard to do on a phone when tired and its 0130.....

PS no it is not a requirement to regear for a drifter and before I did this trip I was good I just seem to have found a rather specific issue is all.

Thanks and look forward to your replys (if any)

Edit: added US units of measure

 

What are your truck specs?

• Year
• Engine (2.7, 4.0L)
• Transmission (auto I assume)
• Current gearing
• 
  

I have found that with the supercharger and 32’s, I don’t need to regear. I’m in and out of the mountain passes in Colorado and I can cruise at 70+ in 5th gear all the way up the pass.

 

I have a 3rd gen with 255/80/17, full set of skids (RCI aluminum), front bumper is steel/aluminum hybrid and the drifter. I re-geared to 5.29 shortly before picking up the drifter and that is definitely what I recommend with your list.

I've got above 85 mph but I'm not really a fast driver so that isn't a regular thing and I believe the rpms are about 2500 at 70-75. The transmission actually stays in 5th or 6th once you re-gear.

 

Ya I definitely forgot to add that sorry eh. (Couldn't resist we don't actually talk like that)

2018 with the TSB for the trans done
3.5L with 6sp AT
Stock gears 3.90 or 3.91 whatever it is.

Super charger is not an option here right now unfortunately but was a consideration. Also with the traveling 91 and above is not always available so I didn't want that to be my 1st COA premium in € is expensive!!

 

Thanks for the info its what I was looking for.

I'm not a fast driver by any comparison here either but 110 - 120kph (70-75mph) cruse is just the norm at home being able to pass is also an issue because the semi trucks here are governed at 100 so its not an issue at home we all know those dudes just send it ! Hence why I wanted to know about 120+ kph (85mph) as I've heard the 5.29s limit you being able to go above that I know with low gears you will loose some top end but I wanted to make sure I could pass if need be.

How's the MPG with 5.29s (best guess)

Also anyone do an air dam and find it helped at all ? I know headwinds are gonna slow everything down just wondering if anyones done it and if its worth the time and effort

Thanks for the replys so far guys much appreciated!

 

Don’t want to wait for a Drifter?
Buy one with a truck today! (Not mine)

https://redding.craigslist.org/cto/d/weaverville-2nd-gen-tacoma-vagabond/7285693064.html

 

20k for the truck alone! Holy shitballs!

 

You haven't been looking at the used vehicle market the past 13 months, have you?

 

Obviously not closely! I sold my ‘05 TRDOR with 190k miles in 2017 for $14k and thought that was huge...

 

Traded in @OneGiraffe's 2013 back in August for our purchase price ($28k at a dealership) after a couple years, and about 30k more miles. Couldn't turn down that offer.

 

Curious of anyone who has L-track on the side, we’re planning to add that to our driver side to mount our maxxtrax. Wondering what hardware people have used to mount a shovel in tandem with a set of trax on the L-track?

 

I just posted about this in the Drifter mod thread. All you need are the L-track studs, scrap aluminum and quick fists. I just bent the aluminum by putting it in a table vice and hammer. Suprisingly it’s very secure. On the trail it doesn’t hit the Drifter wall at all or even comes close

 

Thank you!!!! I must have totally missed that ‍

 

Yea them prices are bananas these days. However, someone would have to offer me a lot of money for me to give up my truck...