Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Trying to figure out if typo or nah.
Thinking Nah because Stan gonna Stan

 

I've been looking into dual batteries lately and this is what I think I'm going to go with, similar to yours.

I was debating about the redarc but its a no brainer if you consider it can take the place of a dedicated MPPT controller for your panel. Also, I can stick with "stock OE starter battery" for now, and set up the Redarc to take the AGM as the second battery. That would save me a lot instead of buying 2 batteries up front. I dont see the need in replacing my working starter battery.
I'll be keeping an eye out here for the aux battery recommendations. I was hoping to stick at around $200 for a100Ah AGM.
Still doing research, not familiar with batteries. Mine will be in the bed of my truck, another reason to use the Redarc over VSR.

 

I did as my "maintenance free" flooded lead acid kept puking all over my engine bay from driving on washboard...

 

You are supposed to use the battery tie down

 

I did. Still didn't matter.

 

Nice.
Mine still works. Maybe that's why it has corrosion. I'll replace it or warranty it if it ever fails. No need right now.
Actually I warrantied it 2 years ago now, drove through a deep crossing - killed it. Went down to oreily and swapped er out

 

Even though they claim maintenance free, I still recommend popping the caps off and checking to see that the cells are fully submersed in acid. If not, top off with distilled water.

 

Thanks. Never thought about it. I'd rather have it last so I will look into it.
Honestly, if it works it works. No need to go buy another battery so I want to make it last. I'm debating on placement of the AGM. I want it in the bed but debating it.

 

You can have my stock starter battery. It's only a year old and I'm in Santa Cruz.

 

ohhhh... Wonder if it will work on my first gen. Let me look into it, I don't know much about batteries. If it does then I would def grab it.

 

OEM 1st gen taco had a 24F battery. 3rd Gen w/ Tow Package has a 27F. The tray size will be different. Just take the tray from @belloinsella because he won't need it. It will basically be an upgrade for you.

I ran the original battery for a few years until I killed it by leaving it in my driveway for 3 months not driving it or charging it. But when I was using it, it was totally fine w/ my fridge on week long trips as long as I charged it every day or two.

 

My third gen TRD OR came with a 24F (6.5" x 10"), but I upgraded to a 27F and it fits in the OEM tray. I have an aftermarket tray, so @frenchee you can have it all.

 

wow, toyota cheaped out.

 

Thanks guys.
I should see if I still have warranty on mine, if not, I would assume your battery is newer and might be worth swapping out?
I'm gonna get the redarc and put an AGM in my sleeping platform in the back soon.

 

Check it out guys.. RTIC is making a “skottle” now lol



https://www.rticcoolers.com/shop/fo...Introducing+the+King+Disc+Grill+by..."+-+Copy

 

I don’t own a Skottle, but I think the curved bowl shape would cook much better. I am imagining that the RTIC would cook similarly to my cheap Coleman stove with a large frypan. Thoughts?

 

We don't have a skottle either, but a kick ass 18" CookPartner stove (https://partnersteel.com/cook-partner). Had a Coleman, but it fell apart on 2nd use so went back to REI and we sprung for this awesome beast. It is the only camp cookstove I've ever used that has at least some control with lower temperatures. All others were on HIGH or not. I suppose in theory the skottle would have cooler areas outside the center, but as an avid cook and avid camp cook, I personally wouldn't change my cookpartner for anything. Cookpartners are designed and made in Idaho too; solid, high quality and makes the best burger (using a lodge cast iron griddle) I've had in my entire life. Skottles also seem bulkier. However I do know a few people who have them and they love them.

 

I had a Skottle and ended up getting rid of it. It seemed to me to be a bigger PITA than it was worth with having to pack it and set it up. I have this now

Mountain Series 2 Burner

https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-Ra...verest&qid=1580489238&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-4 and love it.

 

We also have a camp chef that has been great. Wife and I used it as our sole means of cooking for 3 months while we lived out of our van in Alaska. No complaints at all.

 

I don’t condone use of a skottle... especially with out protection..

Never used one myself lol