Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Whatever VB used. Seems burly to hold the 270°

 

It's definitely easier to steal an awning mounted with the STS brackets (or others).

 

The STS brackets are great, but as you mentioned they're quick release and easy to remove. I would assume most people wouldn't even think of pulling tube the pin, but depending on where you spend your time.

I do not lock my propane tank, nor my swing out, and usually not even my tailgate or windoors. It's all about where you are, and how comfortable your feel there.

I used to lock my hi-lift and other externally-mounted bits with gun locks, but I don't bother anymore.

 

I’m rocking the STS brackets with my awning. Previously I had an awning hard mounted to my roof rack and I never wanted to deploy it while it was raining because I knew I wouldn’t get a chance to dry it out after a trip. With the STS brackets I can easily pull it off the truck and dry it out in the garage. When I’m not camping I store it at home so I don’t have to worry about it getting stolen.

 

I didnt even think about that…Get home, pull the awning, get better MPG and it looks sleek. Silly me.

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

 

100% this is the main reason why i ordered the STS brackets. awnings will be stored in the garage all the time except for when out on trips. I live in San Francisco and theft is ridiculous. being able to move the awning around from one side to another is just an added bonus.

 

Good thinking. I could use another pair of awning brackets on the passenger. Even having two awnings or something.

 

8 hour run time that would have been heaven on those AZ/UT nights in summer. Camped on the white rim a couple of years back it was 102 at midnight.

 

I'd suggest to get them on both sides and the rear. (unless you're going to hardmount on the rear to eliminate the water passage)

 

My only problem would be with a 270, I couldn’t flip the awning orientation. This would work for the OVS 180 really well though..

 

This is the configuration I have on order, with the thought of having to park the truck towards the wind for the camper I could have the awning on either side.

 

Well, I would assume a 270 would make the STS mounts moot. The 270 mounts include a back-plate and whatnot, since they hold a lot more weight.

We usually keep ours on the driver side (swingout opens to the passenger side), but can move it around as we please. The STS mounts on the rear are great for quick deployment over the Drifter entrance, but you'll have to use a pool noodle (or similar) in wet conditions, as the awning will not make contact with the Drifter, allowing water to channel down to the rear window.




If your intent is to have a single (standard) awning, and move it around, then the STS mounts are the best option IMO.
If you want heavier/non-standard awnings, then the hard-mounts with the extra reinforcements that Vagabond uses would be my suggestion.

I decided to save the weight/size, and avoid the 270 awnings, especially since deployment may be impacted by the area we're in. I may end up hard-mounting a 4' awning on the rear of mine, and only use the STS brackets on the sides, but for now floating my single awning around has been just fine.


I'm lazy and didn't go take a fresh pic, so this one's about a month old. Here you can see the depth of the brackets, so maybe the water comment above makes a little more sense.

 

I have my 6ft on STS brackets on the passenger side but also have brackets on the rear. I travel with the awning on the passenger side but move it to the rear when camping / tailgating. As far as theft, I usually wrap a cable with lock around the STS bracket connection (a good pair of cutters will cut right thru but its enough of a deterrent). I tried to use a trailer tongue coupler lock but the one I got was 1/2" too short but otherwise would perfectly replace the retaining pin.

 

Which awning did you go with for the 180? (Others please feel free to chime in). I only have experience with the Rhino Rack Batwing and that thing was a royal PITA.

 

Anybody else have the Roadhouse Tarp by Slumberjack? I've been using mine quite a bit. It's way lighter, way cheaper, covers more ground, and is more versatile (can angle it towards the wind/rain, use it as intended off the back of the truck, or rig it along one side). I bought a couple telescoping poles to aid the fixed ones it comes with and the thing is sweet. Yes, it takes more time to set up and there are guy lines to stake down but when I go camp I try to stay in a spot for more than a day so the time it takes to set up and break down is worth it imo. They also have one with a bug screen so you get a ~8'x10' bug free zone under the tarp.

 

Does anyone know how I can purchase the wind deflector/ fan protector that Vagabond provides with their builds? I have emailed them and called them and cannot get a response.

 

Y'all better be ready to see the comical clearance I'm about to get in my garage once I get this fan on.

But first I need help on understanding which way to orient the top piece in the second picture. I'm assume exactly how it is there, just straight up from the interior?

 

Yep, that's right. Though you might have to trim it down if it's too deep compared to the thickness of the roof, or cut a slot for the wiring, etc.

And I was right there with you on comical garage clearance at my last place.
I had to adjust the door to run further up the track, remove the trim around the garage door opening, and hug the side of the garage opening due to the concrete sloping down very slightly on that side, and then I could JUST squeak in.
I actually have a couple little scrape marks on the fan lid from times when the tank was empty or whatever, haha.

 

Double check that the pins going into the connectors on the fan and the VO switch wiring are fully seated in the plastic connector portions. My fan stopped working on my third night and I found a loose connection up there.

Also, when you stuff the wiring under the cover be careful about routing, mine was pinched and had already worn through the insulation in one spot.

 

If you’re talking about just a regular awning, just pick one. They are all pretty much the same. I have a frontrunner 6’ i move to either side or the back depending in where i want the cover.
As far as mounting a 270 with STS type mounts that seems like a waste if it’s even an option. Those awnings are heavy as fck and I’m sure need a lot of support. I wouldn’t want one mounted that way just out of concern it would damage something. Awning or camper.
Solid mount be the way for one of those