Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

ADH:
Super post and most beneficial in helping me flesh out a simple/functional interior. No need to apologize for it. I’ll take that much and that kind of info in one post anytime (over another recent one’s subject matter).
That said, you have created at least a couple questions, if you do not mind.
Do I see a deflector in front of the fan? Care to elaborate on that?
Also, the solar panels. You said they are a flexible type. I get your stated reason why, but do you think they are more fragile than rigid? I would expect they are. Reason for asking is while investigating our Forest Service roads in Michigan recently, I find there are a lot of low hanging branches that would be scraping across the top making me question what I ought put up there if anything (besides the fan:which is why the deflector caught my eye).
Oh, one more thing just came to me. Does anyone have an opinion about what would be the most durable coating if any, to prevent damage to the Drifter against said scraping branches? Wondering about powder coat, paint, or leave natural or whatever.
Thanks again, adh. Well done

 

Vagabond mounts the vent fan with the opening side forward so that when the tent is popped up and the cover is opened, it provides some rain cover. However, that leaves the opening side forward so they mount a wind deflector to prevent the cover from potential blowing open and being damaged. This is my assumption so it could be incorrect.

Regarding the solar panel: I'm not sure if there is any difference in scratching resistance. I think the coatings are similar between rigid flexible but I'm not sure. I will say that my panel just survived quarter sized hail with no apparent damage.

 

Thanks for the reply

 

I take it you didn’t opt for the insulated wall panels? And remind me, do you have a windoor on either side?

 

No windows or insulation.

 

Dang, that should be an option for the drifter! Definitely gonna try to do the same!

 

Roger that. The aluminum panels that come with the insulation package almost “snap fit” into the wall due to the closed angles from the base of the drifter and the channel on the top so it’s very secure. From there it is fastened to the corner pockets using longer hardware. (Unless the process has changed)

You could mount a panel in the same fashion and carpet the panel before hand. Off the top of my head there are a couple other ways you could probably mount a carpeted panel without drilling g anything through the outer wall.

 

I had a buddy weld a bar to my swingout with a cheap Amazon light on the top that I used for cooking at night - might be something to consider as well.

 

For sure! I actually have a retractable bar that I planned to put a single pod on with an external switch. It pivots as well so I will be able to point it where ever but I mainly want it for when I’m loading/unloading my bike etc at night.

 

I actually just installed some rock lights on the outside wall of the camper around the rear 3 sides. Should work out awesome around camp - plenty of light.
The one downside is that they're right around eye level and pointing generally horizontal, so looking into them might get old. But I have a dimmer coming for them too, so that should help.
I'll get some pics when I have a chance to truly test them out - not just in the garage.

 

Thanks Buddy!

I was looking at putting it in a track originally but ended up scrapping that idea and stuck it straight to the hatch with some 3M. It also kept a lower profile that way. Its stuck just above the tailgate flap so it doesn't interfere or get squished closing the hatch. Routed the wire loom up the inside of the window frame then followed the brake like wiring back to the switch panel

 

@alldownhill is correct re the fan shroud, plus it also helps protect the fan against low hanging branches (that being said it doesn't protect it against parking garages, so watch out for those )

$8 3m VHB 100x200mm~ (4" X8") Double Sided Foam Adhesive Sheet Tape 5952 Automotive Mounting Industrial Grade Very High Bond 5952 (1 Sheets 100x200mm)

3m VHB tape is used on the corner panels, may work on panels as well depending on what they are made of. Do your research about the materials you plan to use and make sure you use the correct tape, there are different types for different surfaces. Also be sure to follow instructions re temperature, pressure and surface prep when using it.

 

I made another video.

https://youtu.be/ckYox5rVCs8

 

I picked up a 5x5 ft Baltic Birch sheet for $31 at a local hardwood shop (Thanks for the recommendation @snwbrdr852 !)



Contractor friends with the right tools make for very quick work, just as the rain came in so I'll have to start painting it another day.





My next big question for you guys.. how did you secure the skeletal frames down to the flooring? I want to do a fridge slide and I cant seem to wrap my head around something strong enough to secure the frame of it down. (If that makes sense)

 

https://youtu.be/tIhEqoKE8Dc

Be captivated by the vocal fry...

 

Anderson, did you use inserts like that in your build at all? Genuinely interested, but I ask because (having no personal experience with those ever) I kind of question whether they would hold up over time in only 1/2" material with all the vibration our trucks see off road. Definitely a very cool, clean method though.

I used these tee nuts based on the large backing surface they have. The only real pain point I had with these is that in certain locations, I had to cut recesses into the plywood so that the backer would be flush ...Like if I needed one right where one of the bed ribs was.
https://www.mcmaster.com/90611a400

 

I have used the type in the video in other instances. You can countersink them if you feel the need.

I have a Goose Gear interior. I believe the Goose Gear uses these types as well. But, keep in mind, Goose Gear uses 3/4” Baltic Birch. I’m not positive about the fastener though as I was soo lazy I didn’t even install the Goose Gear myself. That honor went to the Vag Bros!

 

Goose Gear uses 1/4-20 tee nuts