The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

@jberry813 ban this dude...

 

Cancel @jberry813 drifter order now on the grounds of horrible beer tastes.

 

I have a question for the owners of Drifters out there. How important is the side access (Windoors or Frintrunners) on the Drifter to you?

This is my last decision before clicking “Buy”. I have always thought that the Drifter looked better, was more secure, and was easier to insulate without doors or windows in the sides.

Now after seeing one in person (thanks @brehew for showing off your rig) I do see the value of the side access. I just don’t know if I can insulate as well (very important to me). Oh, and is it really worth $1600 for two Frontrunners.

Thanks for any opinions you might have.

 

I have a short bed. Personally, I'd probably go with no side access if/when I get a Drifter. Same reasons as you state.
I did have a commercial ARE shell that had both side doors but the drivers side had a stupid toolbox for 3 years before I ripped it out. Once I did I was SO HAPPY TO HAVE ACCESS on both sides. Partially due to the fact that I usually had a non-swingout bike rack on the back, so side access was very useful.

 

Nice recovery, okay carry on with his order!

 

Very useful, insulating should be fairly easy. I haven’t done mine yet, but will be here in the summer as no adhesive sticks in the winter. Very frustrating, should l try electrical work on the truck in the winter time as well.

 

Winter is for drinking, not working on frozen trucks.

 

True, but sadly, I rarely drink these days.and I mean I like 6 beers over a 3 month span. Sad I know.

I may have to turn in my man card as I might be below the required alcohol consumption.

 

So when can I have Zero? I don't plan on having a swingout (ever), and don't mind doing Truck Yoga(TM) to get in and rummage around when I have a bike rack on the back.

 

I need to figure out my roof system as well. Gotta start planning out the revised electrical though first.

 

The side access/door-no door question sure comes up a lot.

A LOT!

I use mine every damn day. EVERY DAMN DAY. They are imperative when it comes to accessing my tools. They are also convenient when reaching for a beverage.



Side access on job site. Important.


I think it would be a great idea for the fine folks over at Vagabond Outdoors to create some digital video content extolling the virtues of the different options they offer.

Sorry @Overlanerd and @Iggy for asking for more work. I know you guys have enough on your plate. But, if you could address this, I am sure many people would find it helpful in their purchasing process.

[Edit] I know I need to sack up and find a work truck. [/EDIT]

 

Like others have said, side access is worth it’s weight in gold. It makes thing really easy when you just need to quickly grab something.

But my question for you is, why not just get a door/window on one side?
Gives you easy access and still allows you to insulate the other easily if you want.
This is my current setup and I’ve been very happy with it!
Frontrunner door allows access to fridge and gear on that side with ease.

Pics because....well.....because Drifter

 

I remember that time with the sammiches. Although I dont have a frontrunner windoor, I have the slightly smaller glass windoor. But yea, being able to access contents in the counter without opening the swingout is invaluable.

 

After sometime in winter with the frontrunner door I've noticed that I'm not a fan of the latches with regards to snow. They hang open when unlatched, so any snowfall is likely to fill the latch and prevent them from closing. Surprisingly, this can be a very small amount, and its hard to get out once its in there.

The door otherwise is bombproof, and I'm happy with the larger opening as I can easily put surf boards in without opening the rear swing out. For you winter warriors though, I'd consider the vagabond door with the tried and true handle (which plays nicely with their insulation package). Just my two cents.