Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Im considering cutting my Prinsu Habitat rack so that it ends right before the drifter. Right now it looks kind of wacky. Do you know if this company is planning to make a taller fairing?

 

I have a rakattach and 1up bike rack. I highly recommend some sort of swing out if you carry bikes a lot. It's definitely a bit annoying to get in to the tailgate, but it'll be much more annoying trying to get in the camper if you don't have one.

I have shared these measurements with Sherpa for a 2nd gen DCLB. I can't imagine the 3rd gen is much different. They already have a prototype rack that should work for us.

 

Any clue if they have made anything for the DCSB 3rd gen? Would love something to help keep the bugs from piling up and help the headwind drag

 

@mcb-2018-trdsport shared some shots of their DCSB prototype https://www.tacomaworld.com/goto/post?id=23759898#post-23759898. I'm sure the one that fits the 2nd gen will also fit a 3rd gen.

 

Sweet. Curious if they will do a slightly taller fairing though for third gens as there is a larger gap for 3rd gens IIRC

 

Update on the Drifter crib for those interested. After our daughter found a way to climb around her former guard rail and fall, we had to re-build to avoid any future accidents. I built a space on the floor that was perfectly sized for a pack-n-play mattress. This gave her a little space that she could crawl and stand up without any fall risk. It worked out great on our 10 day trip and she mostly slept very well.




I can already tell that this is only a temporary solution though as she would bump into the walls a bit rolling around in her sleep. We'll be re-building again soon to accommodate a bigger mattress for sure.

 

Thanks for the update @SenatorBlutarsky

The wife is finally on board with camping with the little one and we’re gonna give it a go next week. I think we’re going to get the dockatot out of storage and put the baby in there in between us. She’s on the smaller side and she can still fit in there with the adjustable end opened up.

I’ll have to report back how it goes

 

Senator: I was thinking Rigd Ultraswing when I upgrade tires... but as we carry a couple of bikes Rakattach seems like a good interim solution. THANKS! Medium?

 

I bought mine 3+ years ago from the guy that founded RakAttach and it is holding up great. I've heard some mixed reviews (rust and bad anti-wobble plates) on RakAttaches recently, as 1up took over production. The new Kuat swing hitch v2 looks like a great updated option that is similarly priced to the RakAttach if you're looking for something cheaper than Rigd. I have the large RakAttach since I ordered it while I still had a van. It fits the truck fine, but I'm not sure what they recommend for tacos.

Not sure what size tires you plan to upgrade to, but I run 285/70/17 and still keep my spare underneath. We don't do much hard wheeling or rock crawling and flats/punctures are so rare with good tires so having the spare protected/accessible on a swing out seems unnecessary IMO.

 

Senator: Thanks for the information concerning RakAttach, greatly appreciate it. We also don't do any hard wheeling or rock crawling. When we upgrade tires, if it still fits underneath, I will not purchase the Ultraswing (added benefit other than money savings, save me from my merciless kids accusing me of being a poser).

 

Stopped by my buddies shop yesterday to cut some L-Track and mill the rivet areas out.

I will say, it is much easier to take the measurements and have the L-track properly milled out to fit over the rivets so when it comes time to install, you don't have to measure 20 times to make sure the L-track is straight on each side. All I have to do is set the L-track on the roof and drill holes since the tolerances are hundredths of an inch.

2x 75" pieces going up top. Next up is doing custom brackets and the crossbars!

 

Looking good mate ^^^^^

Has anyone installed a house battery in the back of their rear seat on their DC? I never use this space and the plastic cubbies are pretty small since I never store anything in them. Since I have a short bed I want to minimize the placement of a battery inside the bed and keep it free.

Thinking of stealing @Wackyhacky idea.

Want to run a Redarc 25a DC/DC charger with Victron IBS. There is a 1.75" grommot there for passing wires, etc. I want to run a NorthStar Group 31 battery.

 

This thread has a lot of dual battery knowledge. Linked a specific post on passenger side. He also has a post further down with info. A few have put batteries behind the rear seats. First post has links to setups.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...batteries-thread.295653/page-38#post-11591696

 

My 80ah house battery is behind the driver side rear seat. It powers a stereo amp, inverter, and compressor in the cab. I run power to a fuse box in the camper for lights, fan, and USB outlets.

 

This is the setup i had. I’ve moved the ML-ACR there from the front main battery area and added solar as well. Hooking up a Victron charge controller to regulate a 220W panel on the roof of a Drifter

 

What is the size of those batteries?

Thanks for all the input guys. Definitely possible to put a battery there.

 

Mine is a Group 31, 125ah, but it would never have fit w/out removing the storage cubby.

 

I started looking the battery you got. What model number did you get? TH

What model Vmax battery do you have? This one?

https://www.vmaxtanks.com/MR137-120-Deep-Cycle-High-performance-AGM-Battery_p_28.html

Have never heard of this brand before. Was thinking going with a Northstar since they have a very good reputation.

The Vmax is 120ah and the Northstar is 103ah at both 20 hr capacity.

 

Super weird. Tried to purchase a

$438 Redarc BCDC1225D Dual Input 25A in-Vehicle DC Battery Charger

Redarc BCDC1225D DC Charger but it says,

'Warning!!
Due to emissions regulations this product cannot be shipped to or sold in 92870. Please remove this part from your cart in order to proceed with your transaction. Contact our customer service dept so that we can help you select an alternate product which is XXXX legal'

I live in California. Is this correct?? I guess I will call them tomorrow and try to place an order.

 

Why did you redact CARB?