The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

even santa is gonna need a drifter

 

Looks rad! We met yesterday when you picked up that drifter from my co-workers.

 

Pretty much exactly right. The Drifter is a better dedicated camper shell if what you're looking to do is build a camping truck. The GFC is a better choice if you're weight conscious and looking to use your truck for camping without sacrificing as much of the truck's versatility. You really can't go wrong with either, just need to narrow down what you're specifically interested in and the choice should be easy at that point.

 

Are there weight specs for the Goose Gear set up?

 

Any of you that bought Drifters, how did you insure your 50 % deposit? I know that Vagabond is a solid company with excellent business practices and I'm not worried about the "getting screwed" factor, however shit happens so I want to insure my deposit considering production is minimum half a year wait for delivery. I can't find any way to insure a deposit past 90 days. Anyone have any ideas? I tried insurance companies that insure yacht purchases and they were a no go, all other insurance lines I have tried are not interested. Visa will do max 90 days only. Anyone have any ideas?

 

I’m working on getting that right now. I have to look back at my notes and I think I have a base weight when the truck was empty.

One thing to note is while we are weight conscious, it’s not a priority for us. Our goal is to find the right balance between weight, livability and versatility. Afterall the idea is to elevate the camping experience and ultralight minimalism is not our thing, so Drifter x Goose Gear combo reflects that.

On the other hand that’s one of the cool things about having a drifter. You can set it up like you want and the GG system be ordered in individual modules to fit your needs. The whole system is the way to go in my opinion.

The complete setup is similar to what the Expedition Overland guys run with the Habitat and Goose Gear interor. Those guys have gone all over North and South America and weight wasn’t a primary factor for them either.

 

With that being said, I have full cabinets out of birch wood (heavier than the Goose Gear set up) and a 10 gallon water tank and 10 gallons of extra fuel and I’ve bombed my Drifter pretty fast through the Mojave Desert and Baja, and have offroaded at Slick Rock, to name a few.

So the set up can withstand a lot. It’s handled everything that I’ve put it through. Btw my set up is 6840 lbs in totality and that probably heavier than most set ups are going to be.

 

What is your suspension set up in the rear?
edit: Nm checking out your build page.

 

360 cameras are like that. There's a tool that allows you to choose what to look at and stuff in post before exporting the actual video for uploading.

 

eek! You just reminded me, I need to update it

 

Those are kind of big ones, especially number 1. I'm curious what you feel are the main issues with the Drifter (except for $ which you've already mentioned).

 

It will carry 1320 lbs and maintain 40mm of lift. The Tacoma springs should carry around 660 lbs and maintain 50mm of lift. Since the Drifter itself weighs anywhere from 350- 500, it doesn't leave much room for gear before you are maxing out the spring, and losing lift.

 

You cannot use a credit card for a deposit? Something goes south you can get your money back pretty easily with a cc.

 

No, no! Vagabond is all good! You can use a credit card for the 50 % deposit. Vagabond has not received a deposit from me yet for a Drifter, due to I cannot figure out a way to insure the deposit past 90 days. Yes credit cards are the best way to insure a deposit but longest "charge back", which is I believe the term they use, which is just insurance for 90 days. Covers you for in case a business has a fire, natural disaster, accident etc. etc. for refund. Likely not needed but for me it is important. I need 180 days of coverage for the 6 month delivery term. Only thing holding me back from getting in line for June delivery schedule or I have to wait till they hit 90 day delivery schedules. Any one have any ideas?

Maybe this has never been an issue due to delivery schedules being within 90 days....idunno.

 

Too bad Pelfreybilt (most recently) messed this up for everyone. I don't blame you for being extra careful, but if anything, I'm sure vendors have wised up and have learned from their mistake. No one wants that to happen again - both vendors and consumers.

 

Was your deposit to build time with in the 3 month time frame? Just curious if the 6 months is a new thing?

By the way your Tacoma is very nice! Your posts have been inspiring. Your build is very close to the direction I want to go but with Front Runner Doors, black in color, insulation and Goose Gear interior perhaps.

 

Thanks! I actually paid in full, but my situation is different because I was in the first batch of Drifters. The 6 month lead time is probably just because they have a backlog of Drifters on order.

btw, I finally got the insulation on the Drifter. Haven’t gone on a trip with it yet, but looking forward to the next one.

 

FWIW, we put our deposit knowing it'd be >3 month wait using a credit card.

 

The Drifter has a lot of features that put us over the edge including the fan, hatch windows and less potential for water intrusion with the body being seam welded. We liked that we don't have to remove the cushions to see our dogs below or to leave the upstairs. Anticipate loving the Alucab awning we opted for which is possible on the Drifter (though this became an option after we ordered). We can put a box on top (now maybe possible with GFC but not when we ordered it). We liked that there is a drop down window and cab slider door. At every turn, the Vagabond Drifter seems to have design issues addressed (e.g. can leave some bedding upstairs and close the wedge, latches are appropriate for snow gloves). The GFC seems more for people going from an RTT or ground tent. We are coming from a vanagon and wanted a more solid interior camper, which I think we are getting. Of course the GFC is lighter and at the end of the day, substantially less expensive. Buy once, cry once. I do think they are different animals, but its not completely evident at first glance. Good to do lots of research.

 

If some thing goes wrong how do you have your deposit insured? The Drifter is by far a superior product to anything of the market in a Wedge Camper in my opinion.