Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Used 1/4 20 t-slot nuts on mine as well

 

If you add a little epoxy to hold the inserts, they'll be plenty strong. You use the same method to put threaded inserts in skis and those hold up to quite a bit of vibration stress.

 

I dont think I'm understanding where you're using those to secure the frame down. I can picture those t-slots to support the framing to the side rails, which wont work for my fridge slide idea.

 

Tee nuts are installed through the back or bottom of the plywood plate. It provides a nut to bolt to. Keep in mind that if you don’t countersink the nuts, they will sit a little proud of the plywood.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/204274194

 

It took me a few minutes to find what I was looking for. I think these two videos might help answer your questions better. I’ve been following these vloggers since their first few videos. They are funny and helpful.

https://youtu.be/nT3TWfTZ5xU
Around the 10:05 Mark is where your questions will most likely be answered.

https://youtu.be/lv8MRUdW2-I
Just for thoroughness.

 

Okay, those videos helped tremendously! Thats exactly the information I needed. Thank you.

 

Has anyone installed a baseplate with a BedRug? I want to have the insulation and dust sealing of the BedRug but I am not sure how to attach the cabinets without a base plate. Would the baseplate go on top of the bedrug?

 

Damn! Those covers for your shocks and tube look great!
What are they made of? Really clean and looks like it sealed up nice

 

I just drilled some holes and had bolts come from underneath the wood platform up and bolted the fridge slide to it.

 

I have a bedrug and installed threaded inserts (rivnuts) in the bed. It saves a bit of unnecessary weight of a baseplate.

 

Added a back up camera to the Drifter. And wired the rear lights to turn on with the reverse lights (previously was just wired to turn on from a switch, now it’ll turn on both ways). That way I can view back there day and night.



I angled it toward the passenger side so it centers the rear of the truck in the monitor. Now I can see if the spare tire or fuel cans will hit anything when I back up. The camera on the tailgate handle became useless once I put the swingout on.



The camera is suppose to be mounted upside down like this


But because it’s mounted to a vertical wall (as oppose to upside down on a horizontal surface), I had to open up the camera and flip it 180° so the picture is upright on the monitor. I figured for $15 on Amazon, it was worth a try. I put it back together with sealant, and put closed cell foam behind it to make everything weatherproof.

 

I made a few changes since the last update.

I carpeted the side wall panels. I ended up ordering a generic Bedrug mat. It was a little pricier than just using automotive carpet but it was really easy to work with. It has ~1/2in foam backing and I was able to attach adhesive velcro so they are easily removable. It's strong enough to hold small velcro organizers. I haven't done any rough roads with them so we'll see how well they actually hold.

The stock dome light always bothered me. I did led strip lights all the way around on a dimmer. The strip lights are mounted inside an aluminum channel with a diffuser. I have the dimmer wired downstream of a switch so you can set the brightness and keep it there. The interior lights are wired to a new switch on the stock panel and I donated the existing light switch to the exterior lights. The strip provides really even light over the tailgate.

I found a mattress on Amazon that fit the space perfectly so I don't need to get custom cushions made. It has a waterproof cover which is good for kids.

I put mini d-rings all over the extrusion so I can use bungees to hold stuff.

Finally put sheets on the mattress. I'm usually in a sleeping bag but now with the heater I'll probably switch to a blanket so the sheets will be nice.

It's packed up for a trip down south so it'll be interesting to see how warm weather camping goes... glad I have the fan.

 

Was a single bedrug mat enough to cover the walls? I like the carpeted walls idea for Velcro storage

 

The bedrug mat is 66x98in. The 66in side is long enough to span the wall in between the two pillars on a long bed. So after I did the two sides, I still have a mat that is around 66x48in. I'm plan on doing the front wall but that one will be a bit more challenging with the window and the wall seams.

 

Looking good! Curious on the bench cushion. My wife mentioned cushions the other day, got a link?

 

Better Habitat CertiPUR-US Kids DreamReady Solid Memory Foam Floor & Camping Mattress (62 x 26 x 2). 100% Memory Foam Roll Out, Portable Sleeping Pad, Waterproof Cover & Travel Bag.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FKT17Z3/

It's the kids size. It's kinda cool: it has webbing on the underside to break it down/roll it up. 2in of memory foam is enough for a child but don't think it would be very comfortable (for sleeping) for an adult.

 

Roger that, I think she was thinking for sitting comfort. I’ll take a look, thanks

 

My concern with the bed rug would be it would just suck in dirt and grime, where a regular rubber mat or even wood you could just sweep out easily.

 

Yeah, I'm not so sure it would be a great idea for heavy and dirty use. I like how it envelops the bed and keeps a lot of the dust out but would prefer a solid surface if I knew it was going to be muddy. I suppose I could cut a thin rubber mat to fit the floor.

 

We have a bedrug in our drifter. So far, so good - it gives a cozy feel which tames my nesting instincts. It's very comfy on the knees and we sweep it out with reasonable success. If we were muddy frequently it would probably suck, but so far, even with 2 dogs, we are glad that we got it.