Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Looks like a 10" cube, which would be 4.329 gallons.

EDIT: it maybe a 10x10x15" ish, so more like 6 gallons.

 

10 gallon tank 15 3/8"L x 13 1/4"W x 13 1/4"H

 

I just have a simple filter from shurflo. I don’t need anything too fancy since my water is really just for washing dishes and showering

SHURFLO RV Trailer Pump Filter Fresh Water Pump Strainer (1)

$8 SHURFLO RV Trailer Pump Filter Fresh Water Pump Strainer (1)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KR7AIP2

 

I have a strainer that I will be putting in line before the pump but want to have a filter cartridge after the pump as well. My goal is to add a t fitting to split water off for the shower before the filter to extend its lifetime.

 

Anyone know if Strawfoot ever posted a discount or deal on here for their covers?

 

I know the Exped Megamat and Hest mattresses have been discussed here a lot but thought I’d mention this one:

Double Self-Inflating Camping Mattress, 80”×52” Sleeping Pad, Ultra Comfortable Side Sleep Friendly 4"es Thick PU Foam, Portable Roll-Up Floor Guest Bed, TPU Material, Blue

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09PR9TXBY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

brand is Qomotop. Seems like a popular replacement for the Ikamper RTT mattresses. Very similar to a megamat but $130 instead of $350-400. I saw one write up where a guy bought both and returned the megamat because of price and comfort so we will see. I will be using it tonight for the first time and will give updates. So far it’s very comfy, inflated bag is large and all feels high quality. Cons are that it is a bit tight in the bed channels at 52” wide. It’s also nearly 4” But the drifter closes with all my bedding on top. It also doesn’t pack down very small if you plan to store it elsewhere.

 

while the outside dimensions and the fact that it’s also inflatable, I would trust the Exped a little more on their R-value. If you don’t camp in the cold, then it doesn’t matter.

 

I’ve tried many camping pads over the years and found that the R value is all over the place depending on the manufacturer. This one actually has a little more foam than the Exped so I’d like to temp test them side by side. That’ll may never happen (my buddy has a super pacific so maybe when we go together). I used it last night in about 34 deg and was very warm compared to the VO mattress. If I camp in really cold temps (<20deg) I bring a diesel heater so not as worried about that. No complaints with this mattress and would definitely recommend it for side sleepers. Especially for the budget conscious folks. I can’t really say if it’s better or worse than the Exped but it’s a definite improvement over the VO mattress at a good price point.

 

Had this solar set up for about 8 months and it has been great for my needs. I'm not electrically inclined, so this is about as simple as I can get. It taps into a goal zero and runs the dometic fridge 24/7. I live in the bay area and this pannel has had no problem running the fridge and then some. I rarely find the goal zero below 80% full. I know you can get more power for less money but it requires some knowledge and confidence in electrical work.

GRAYBULL Solar Panel Kits to 8mm...

GRAYBULL Solar Panel Kits to 8mm Adapter Cable Compatible with MC4, DC 8mm Converter Connect for Explorer 160 240 500 1000 and GZ Portable Backup Power Station Solar Generator Heavy Duty Wire

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPF51N6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Eclipse...

$216 Renogy Solar Panel 100 Watt 12 Volt Eclipse Monocrystalline High-Efficiency Module PV Power for Battery Charging, Boat, Caravan, RV and Other Off-Grid Applications, 100MB, 100W

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B3TEM1E?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Renogy 20FT 10AWG Solar Panel...

$32 Renogy 20FT 10AWG Solar Panel Male and Female Connectors, Extension Cables-Pair, 1 Pair (Red and Black)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z8YCR68?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Only down side, with the pannel over the cab on the prinsu rack, I have lost practically all FM/AM radio signal. (Signal was fine with just the rack and drifter). The GPS still works fine. Anyone know what I would need to run a auxiliary fm antenna? Maybe out to the ditch bracket or something.

 

I have been using this mattress for a year now and it's comfortable. R value seem good, I've camped at 11000' in freezing temps and no complaints. The tightness in the rails is a PITA when raising/lowering the bed platform.

 

I am selling the rear hatch from my drifter. This was built by VO for a tacoma and then modified to fit my 2006 tundra by using filler panels. It was installed with VHB tape around the perimeter and rivets through the normal liftgate window holes.

 

I’m interested… what gen Tacoma was it made for?

 

Don't know. If you are in Lake George, let me know the next time you are in Co. Springs and we can meet up to check it out.

 

For wind fairings another idea is a Yakima fairing. I still use one with my Tradesman but it started from when I had the FWC.

 

What does everyone use to waterproof the holes they have drilled in the sides? Adding L Track soon. Also do you add anything under the L Track?

Thanks

Was also thinking about adding a puck lock/hasp to the lid, but sadly there is no real estate for it. Really wish there was a solution to lock the lid from the inside. Padlocks are just about useless against hand tools even.

 

You should look up the lock picking lawyer on youtube about those puck locks…

 

new storage/platform setup:






and added water.. a few tweaks already planned for this:


next up for the camper will be to add a diesel heater.. but i think i need some more planning before i start cutting shit up for that one..

 

I know right. That's where my reluctance of padlocks come too. Honest a hasp lock under the rear handle hidden by the awning would be perfect if only there was room

 

How do you like your clamp situation and the 80/20 on the bed rail? I'm not thrilled that the factory clamps bend the aluminum trying to compress the bulb seal.