Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Eterna-bond RV roof repair tape FTW...

 

I think this might just be the ticket. And I think they will make it custom for the Drifter size if you call them. Not as durable but most likely way more comfortable and less sweaty. Plus you can wash it and toss it when it wears out. I'm lucky in that the Nomad is a standard size for this website.

https://www.foambymail.com/TERC-/terrycloth-cover.html

 

The panel I have from Merlin Solar comes with butyl backing - peel, stick and tape around the edges... done

 

I'm going to send it with some Mastik Tape and RTV silicone. Prep areas by wiping down with 70% isopropyl.

$30 Intertape Polymer Group MF3100 ALF Butyl Mastic Foil Tape, 2.88" Width, 100' Length, Single Roll, Silver

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IXMCCFC/

$6 Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant, 3 oz. Tube, Pack of 1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AL6WLA/

 

I added a black 3M perforated vinyl to the glass hatch on the Drifter. I wanted to make it more difficult for prying eyes to see my fridge and gear in the back but still see out when driving. I like the look too, less glare.

 

I like that. I may have to copy that idea.

 

Thought about making a hook of sorts that would allow the bed to pop up like this when the roof is deployed. not by necessity more just... because I was bored I guess lol. Only problem is the bed platform is wider than the upper most interior rail so you would have to get pretty creative to make a new platform and surface for it to rest on.

OOO that's pretty slick! we leave our rear curtains down but takes away what little view I have out the back window driving. This is a cool solution!

 

Did you buy and apply or have a tint shop put it on?

 

I bought the vinyl from a wrap shop and did it myself the first time. I had a wrinkle, so I applied a second time with some help. The perforated stuff is pretty easy to work with because the air releases as you squeegee it. Can probably buy it online. It's called 3M Dual Blockout.

 

what was your soap to water ratio like?

 

Didn't use water or soap.

 

er what? why?

 

er just didn’t. I don’t know. First try was almost there. I didn’t like the two wrinkles and did it again because I had the material.

 

I see. So basically with soapy water and a spray bottle, you can wet the surface of the glass and slide the vinyl around until you get the right positioning. Then when it's in place, you cut it to size and squeegee out the water. And you can let it sit in the sun so it dries out faster or over the course of a few days.

 

Well I'm going to try my idea, tilt up bed panel with gas struts like a couple of the other brands do. I've started with a 3/4 steel tube frame. 47 ³/⁴ x 40 ". I'm using a angle iron to weld the hinges to the frame and the angle iron. The angle iron will get 6 holes drilled and spaced evenly, and this will then bolt to the camper edge. There is enough space where I can drill through the camper and use some flat stock below as extra support. More pictures coming soon.

 

So I started with a cardboard mockup to see how far the lifting bed panel would go before touching the roof, then went ahead and made the frame.
I can still stand up in most of the bed, just the last foot towards the cab I need to duck a little. I'd say not a bad trade off for the very quick deploy of the bed just like the camper top. I will be installing the gas struts during the week (waiting for Amazon delivery) then I'll post a few more pictures.

 

I'm also in the process of rebuilding the driver's side cabinet making it lower and narrowing it a bit. I will add a small sink, 8 gallon water tank, 12 volt pump, and a diesel heater all in this cabinet. It'll leave room for a battery also when I start adding the solar hardware.

 

What width will your center isle be after the cabinet rebuild?

 

Should be 24" once complete.

 

VHB tape is plenty strong. how you control all the wires is another issue entirely.