Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Yeah, I can only speak to my experience, so you're definitely better off getting it straight from the source.

 

I was sideways, GF straightened me out.

 

From March 13th & 14th. Knew these pictures would come in handy!

There was no mattress or ceiling in the Drifter at the time. And it had the heavier cabover panel.

Filled up the gas tank before hitting the scales both times... for science.

 

I used these:

Drawer Slide, Full Extension, 28 in., Heavy Duty, 500 lb. Capacity, Zinc

Drawer Slide, Full Extension, 28 in, Heavy Duty, 500 lb. Capacity, Zinc

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009ODZN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_1gvX9muKKmQVH

The kicker is that they have holes to support a 10-32 fastener which would likely not support 500#’s. I opened mine up and added a few although the weight I’ll have in the slide would t ever be close to that.

I also have a wood plate that I’ll eventually switch to aluminum

 

One option to consider for removal is finding a set of removable camper jacks for an old slide in camper. Would make it easy to fit under each side, jack up, and drive out. You could lower it into a cast or wheeled cart for added mobility.

I don’t plan on having mine off for a long time but that’s what I plan to do..

 

this is a shot I just threw up on IG.

My wife found a cozy spot to hang while I worked on my stow away table and mount. Also a good shot of some of the interior updates.



I made some paracord loops with carabiners to hang out Madmat in an easily accessible spot. It is the first thing out and last thing in when we set up camp. You can also see the front removable tool box that I put upfront. Bottom larger drawer hold a tool roll and some larger tools. It’s also big enough to hold our “little red fire pit” during burn ban months and can be romoved to store our 2gl Dometic cassette toilet for when we are snow camping.

I made some changes to the Ltrac I had inside. I sectioned it to allow us to open our alubox fully its its inside (apparently I measured really tight) sectioning it also allowed me to mount the fixed portion of our table bracket higher up. This allows us to raise our table to almost bed platform hight. Idk maybe for watching movies? Either way, we have the adjustability!

Lastly you can see a little bit of my “custom” ARB electrical box/switch panel... more on that later

 

Tagged my wife in your build on ig..been debating removing my platform it seems like the walking area down the middle (like yours) is a better way to use the bed space rather than the elevated platform I have. Very nice build!

 

Thanks man! And saw the tag .

I definitely prefer this over the full deck. But both have their place and purpose depending on what you want to achieve.

One thing for us that we really wanted to hold over from our build out in the Flippac was the open space feeling. Our previous build did not have the long narrow cabinet on the drivers side. We wanted more storage but did not want a more narrow isle as many builds end up with. Although the extra storage would be nice, especially when you have a full standing hight cabinet like a lot of the vagabond fam, it seemed like it would feel more confined.

That’s also why I made the tool box removable. If you want you can move it up onto the passenger side bench opening up more standing space and providing a standing hight Cabinet top. Oh Alubox also fits up there in case we want to cook I side

 

Agreed on the galley-type of build vs. an elevated platform. Makes for an easier time getting in/out of the camper.

 

I am still amazed that these camper setups in general (gfc, snap, drifter, ovrlnd) only weigh like 30-50 more pounds than a reinforced fiberglass topper and a rtt.

 

I want drawers similar to the one's you have on driver's side. Anyone have rough build out plans? I have been thinking of doing nearly the same thing with plywood. How much lighter is it REALLY using the 80/20? I've never worked with the aluminum but feel pretty comfortable making it out of ply...

 

If I was you I would look into a rear swing out with an aluminess box on it like all of those Sportsmobiles have. You won't be able to fit stuff that's as long, but it's way more accessible and isn't super high up.

I've been thinking about getting some box for my back.

https://www.aluminess.com/accessories/boxes/

 

Please no.
I get that it could be handy to have the storage space, but damn those boxes like that on a rear bumper are fuck ugly

 

There was a guy in the PNW that was selling one for a while. Would work for the right person/application.. but def not the most appealing in the eyes.

That being said I have seen a few that looked good!! For example, what’s his name’s looks clean! On a BRute force bumper tho I think

 

I’m what’s his name... And that box is off the truck now that I don’t need it for work anymore.

 

I couldn’t for the life of me remember your handle. I had saved that pic of your rig a while back because I want to wrap my lower section! Got rid of the box tho huh?

 

Yup, put the fuel carrier box back on with the extra capacity fuel cans. I now have 43.5gal of fuel capacity. That’s good range for being out in the boonies for days. That saddle box was for work. They changed the regs again, so I don’t need it anymore. Now, I just need to find a way to mount a propane tank and my other crapola...

 

Roger that, probably nice to have the space now that its removed! I have 2 5gl Sceptors I can put on if needed but don't run them unless we are on long trips.

I just finished up re configuring my swing out set up over the weekend. If you are needing a good mount option for propane I highly recommend the new mount from Expedition Essentials! @Jeff@ExE has this thing dialed in and its nice to have the option to run a 10# tank if needed in the same mount. Loving it so far!

 

Soooo until I make time to figure out my pressurized system... I totally stole your idea, thanks! lol

I finished the reconfig of my swing out to fit the new propane bottle mount and figured I might as well make it work while I'm at it. Pay no mind to the fuel pack, it was just for test fit since my water packs were both full

 

How are you going to run the propane line into your camper? Do you just connect/disconnect when you open the swingout and have to use it?