Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

I've been building my own camper for the past 5 years.
Recently I started on fabric tent insulation that's easily removable and in 3 parts (passenger side, driver side and back) so if I'm camping in the summer and the sun is on one side I can hang insulation facing the sun to keep the interior a little cooler. I'm also making one of the sides ambidextrous so it can go anywhere and I'll only have to carry that one side in summer rather than all three.
I've gotten one side done and I used in Death Valley a few weeks ago. I'd say it works very well so far.

I ordered this stuff from Alibaba -
https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...offerlist.normal_offer.d_image.3ccae064pot9zU

When I made my tent I velcroed the top in place. I left a 1" strip of velcro exposed on the inside. The insulation will hang from this. The bottom will be secured with snaps. Eventually I'll add zippers to the insulation for the windows.

I made a prototype from harbor freight moving blankets and now I use them as a pattern. They actually worked well as insulation but they're really heavy and bulky and don't look great.

If you don't own a sewing machine this stuff is thin enough you can get away with buying a used light duty machine. I bought a pfaff 1500 sewing machine used for $175. You'll want some kind of binding tape attachment.

I used my sailrite sewing machine for this project because I have a binding tape attachment on it I used for the edges.

Just be careful with sewing. Before you know it you'll have a "sewing room" and a bunch of sewing machines and you'll end up making a bunch of spare tire trash bags, your own motorcycle luggage, an awning, bivy sacks and backpacks. It can get out of control real fast.

 

Hello everyone! New Vagabond owner here and I'm trying to sort out a few accessory projects. The previous owner of the camper included an ARB 2500 awning but had not installed it at all and did not have the mounting hardware. I am kinda clueless as to go about getting it properly installed myself. Most of the searching I have done online does not help as most guides and videos are mounting it directly to some sort of roof rack for an SUV. I see so many pictures of people having their awning installed directly to the side of their vagabond which is ideally what I want to do. What is the best mounting hardware/method to make this happen? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

This was recently discussed. I believe Jerry can make them. This is how my alu cab 270 is attached.

 

Hello Jerry, @JLee

We spoke on the phone in Apr I do apologize for the delay but here is the pics of both the rear and front bracket. They were designed by Iggy (not sure his relationship to Phil) but my understanding is he was one of the original creators.

I have included the screen shot. Also here is the link to this lads build page he's quite detailed and does some great work so might be of use for others on here.

I like others want to again say thanks for all the support to this community. And will support your shop where I can.

Cheers mate.

https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/17664-hodakaguys-vagabond-campertruck-build/page-5

That link is to 270 awning he was installing but his whole build is really well done.

 

VB used to use the STS quick fit brackets for those sized awnings vs the larger awnings that are self supporting and needed the bigger awning brackets.

http://www.smarttouringsystems.com.au/store/c4/Quick_Fit_Brackets.html

If you're interested, I have a set of the STS brackets/mounts that I'd be happy to part with. You'll have to drill some holes in the side of the camper to mount them still

 

Y'all this thread is making me so happy! Life got crazy, but checked the expedition thread to see this was back up.

@JLee i am also down to rep whatever new BAMF logos you are fabricating. How do I get in touch?!

I presume the external decals can be removed with some light heat and goo gone?

Moved to NYC last year (unfortunately) so we are going to be all up and down the east coast this summer. Shout if you see a (hopefully unmarked) Drifter with NY plates! Thinking I might be the only one this far east. Would love to be proven wrong.

Edit: he’ll yea post 6666

 

Recently camped in some hearty winds, thankful for the stabilising support bar, yet another thing that sets these apart and a cut above.

On another note perhaps it's time to change the name of this thread to 'BAMF' Drifter camper.........

 

I'd buy a vinyl BAMF sticker to cover up the vegabond on the sides too!

 

iPhone photo, Sierra Nevada mountains Ca

 

Any one have a good bug net solution for the back?

 

A few years ago, someone took a house magnetic screen “door” and trimmed it down and mounted to the inside with Velcro or something.

 

Yeah thinking ghats the move.

 

I got one made by https://strawfoothandmade.com/ that velcros to the top and partially down the sides and then has magnets the rest of the way and down the middle. Rolls up out of the way nicely and keeps the bugs out pretty well.

 

My Drifter is up for sale.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/6’-vagabond-drifter.834817/

 

What’s next?

 

Haven’t been able to get out as much as I was hoping so I’m thinking a soft topper for solo trips and back to a tent if anyone in the family wants to join.