Toyota Tacoma + Vagabond Drifter Camper Walk-Around
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2020
- Welcome to the video guys and I'm so excited to be able to share my newly acquired Vagabond Outdoors Drifter! If you don't already know, I have been dreaming about owning this camper for over two years now, and two months ago that dream became a reality.
I previously had a deposit for a Go Fast Camper, but after watching reviews and seeing them in person multiple times, I realized it wasn't the camper for the traveling style that I have. I found out about Phil and his team over at Vagabond Outdoors and knew that was the camper that I would one day own. After placing an order and waiting 6+ months, I grew impatient and took a risk to sell my deposit in hopes to find one on the used market myself. That risk paid off.
I am pleased to present this walk around video going over the interior and exterior of the Drifter. I originally filmed a video when I was on my month long break-in trip over 9 states, but the files were corrupted when I got back home. I shot this video with the help of my pops to show you guys just how awesome this camper is, and how such a small space can be a suitable home on the road. Seriously, I am in love with this camper and have slept 30+ nights in it in just these last two months, and aim to have 100 nights by the end of 2020. I hope to someday full-time and travel overseas with the setup, but that's a long ways out from now.
Please note, I have nothing against any of the other camper brands. I encourage people to do their research before placing deposits, mostly because I have seen people take delivery of a camper and sell it within a month due to it not fitting their travel style. Don't let that be you! Lead times are very long and I'd hate to see people unhappy with their expensive purchase.
I hope you enjoyed the video and please feel free to send me a message on Instagram if you have any questions! (@socalexpeditions)
Links for Truck Build:
Tailgate Seal: amzn.to/38hqxlF
Bed Stiffeners: amzn.to/2LPqki9
Fridge (I Have Dometic CFX40, no longer made): amzn.to/3p4u9yi
Links for Filming Gear I use:
-Canon M50 (Main Vlogging Camera): amzn.to/2WmGdhS
-Canon EOS R (Used to shoot this video): amzn.to/3p2e249
-GoPro Hero 9: amzn.to/2WpNVI6
-Canon 16-35mm: amzn.to/3r9qMaO
-Tripod: amzn.to/2Wr5fMM
-Rode Microphone: amzn.to/34lSqb9
-SD Card: amzn.to/2LCTIb0 - Авто та транспорт
Lol, no-see-um mesh is named for a tiny biting insect, not for visibility :) nice walkaround, thanks for posting.
Haha, came here to say that!
Ha! Also came here to say that!
The little bastards sure have teeth.
Thanks for the walkthru of your Drifter; love the DIY table, so simple yet so effective.
Thank you so much for watching! Yes, the previous owner who put the interior together absolutely nailed it with the table idea!
Finally a straight forward presentation of a great setup. Love the attention to OCD regarding clean and orderly layout... I'm the same way :). Thanks for helping my wife and I decide in favor of the Tacoma and Drifter. Again... nice setup!
Anytime, hope you enjoy yours!
Always good to see another Drifter walk-a-round
Your turn brother!! We need more of these kind of videos on the Drifters!
THANK YOU FOR SHOWING YOUR NEW CAMPER TOP . LOOKS VERY CLEAN & SIMPLE & EASY TO TAKE CARE OF & CLEAN . WILL HAVE TO CHECK THEM OUT AT THE NEXT OUTDOOR EVENT RALLY . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !
Alright alright alright! Right on man. Great video. Thanks for a few new ideas. Keep it up!
You make camping a breeze👌 Awesome!
Hey,
One of the best camper I have seen after watching 100s of videos. Your presenting skills are superb. Thanks for sharing.
Hey, thank you so much for the kind words! -Bijan
Dude, I love this. Furiously taking notes for my Tacoma build.
Thank you!
Great job on the one take video and your Dad did a great job too! Very thorough and well explained.
Thank you Jerry! One take is much...harder than I could have imagined.
I'll continue making a few videos here and there to keep you entertained on the east coast and show you what I'm up to with the Drifter!
And yes, my dad held the 6lb camera for over 30 minutes straight, haha! He almost should have been a filmmaker with his zooms and angles!
your craftsmanship is top notch, kudos to you sir
What a great video! Dude I am DIGGING this vibe!!! Nice work
Wow I’ve been catching up on videos on different tent campers, just discovered you I like This set up, that’s bad ass. I’ll be watching more
Simple but practical, I like this camper very much.
Excellent presentation of the Vagabond Outdoors Drifter Camper Shell. Well setup. I like the solar setup. Happy Camping!
Thank you David!
that is an awesome rig. just got back from a 10 day trip through New Mexico Utah and Colorado in a soft topper. time for an upgrade dig your build
Great video. Thanks for taking the time to share!
Thank you!
One of the best setups on YT.
Thanks for sharing... I am so impressed (and envious) that you went on a 30 day trip after picking up the Drifter. Whereas wife and I have a difficult time planning a week getaway!
That is really putting the Drifter to the test. Do while you are young and have the freedom. And keep the videos coming.
(AKA SDGrandpaTaco)
Hey! Thank you so much. That trip was well needed, haha!
Will definitely keep going on trips as often as possible, but school comes first! Appreciate all the kind words (:
Absolutely agree... school comes first. On another note, did you ever compile that "album" of Drifters? It seems like a lifetime ago when you asked on Tacoma World for pics of everyone's Drifter. I replied (Electric Blue DC with White Drifter)... did you get many others?
@@hymanyee1961 Nobody else sent me any pictures! It was just you. I tried but nobody played along...
That build and insulation is amazing with that camper. I don't have the skill to that unless its a premade kit.
LOL @2:21 Truer words have never been spoken. Sick set-up man! Dig your cat holes with pride!
Great video! One take, good work!
Yeah man bud, thanks. Nice and helpful.
Great video. Sweet rig!!
You sold me. A very nice presentation. I have a '95 Tacoma which I can't part with. That means i can't justify $15,000 to $30,000 for a truck camper. This has all you need for a very reasonable price. There are all kinds of portable solar lights including garden lights that you can set outside and bring in at night so you arent draining your battery. I had to give up my horse for health reasons but what I kept for camping was the 3 step mounting block for getting into the saddle. It's great for getting into the truck bed. It's bulky but it sits outside anyway and is much sturdier than the ladder type type steps. I can sit on it when outside the camper. I use a portable toilet I bought at walmart which is a bucket inside a bucket system (a hassock or cassock??) with a comfortable seat which is hidden under a cover.. I add pine horse shavings (or gerbil pine shavings) with each use with no odor. The waste can be buried or wrapped up with a very generous amount of shavings and tossed into a dumpster. After much shopping you've convinced me this unit is the way to go. Thanks.
That's awesome! You will love a camper setup!
Great walk around vid! really enjoyed your comments and suggestions
Thank you!
Thanks for the review in depth review/walk around.
Thank you for watching!
Excellent video. Liked and subscribed.
Awesome walkaround!!
Thank you brother!! I appreciate the kind words. Never spoke for this long consecutively before!
Watching the old videos broski...not too old actually 😄
Great job. I love it. Thanks
Thank you for watching!!
This is so sick
Thank you Phil! It’s been a dream for me for so long and God is so good!
Great setup and explanation 👍🏽
Thanks Doug! I'm actually letting go of my newer Ram 2500 with one of these campers.
super sweet setup!!!
Thanks!
Get ur self a portable toilet, cassette toilet or just a 5 gallon bucket with a seat topper and a heavy duty black garbage/leaf bag bro.
Sure is nice if it's raining or in the middle of the night.
Sportsmans guide sells everything you need. Great web site.!!!
Loved it, but I have a DIY teardrop camper. I have been trying to find a way to mount a table(s) to the exterior. AWESOME Idea. Thanks again. Ummm secretly contemplating a VOD. Shhhhh!
I ditched propane stoves years ago and went the Trangia liquid fuel stove route. Far less bulk, better cooking, and easier cleanup. I burn Heet gas line anti-freeze. Cheap, and available everywhere.
You guys are lucky. Started young and experts now. Young at heart but nearing my mid 40s and with middle age crisis. Lol. Started exploring these. Sold my new Q7 and bought a Trailboss. Maybe a bronco next year. If you guys planning for Rockies US or Canada, please let me know for independent tag along.👍
Definitely got the traveling bug at a young age. Lots and lots of hard work went into being able to afford this dream setup. Very blessed and can only thank God for the opportunity. It's never too late to start traveling and get into vehicle-based exploration! I personally have found myself becoming more attracted to backpacking with plans of completing the JMT next year...something about being in God's creation is amazing, no matter how you go about visiting it!
Cheers my brother and hope you get out and explore!
Awesome walk through video. Thanks for sharing!
you are the cutest Bejon - 12:54 in your video on the screen - the no see ums is a insect, the screen small enough to keep them out, not to have people see in.... If you ever in Florida hit me up... and bring he screen we have a ton here....
Good one ☝️
Thanks for sharing! I got some great ideas from it. One quick tip on the batteries - Amp hours (Ah or Ahr) is the capacity of the battery. If you swap a 100Ah battery for another 100Ah battery it is not really an upgrade as the capacity is the same. Yes lithium is cool (smaller and lighter), but more expensive. It looks like you have a ton of room; I'd save the cash and buy another deep cycle battery. Just my two cents.
Hey Steve! It's actually a tremendous upgrade going from the lead acid to something like a Battleborn LiFePO4 12V 100Ah battery. Even though they are both 100Ah, the way they store and deliver power are tremendously different. After my rough calculations, a 100Ah LiFePO4 is equivalent to about a 170-190Ah lead acid battery. Lithium is very light, about 50lbs lighter than lead acid (comparing battery for battery). I personally wouldn't want to be placing 150lbs of batteries in my truck as it's a waste of space and just adds weight for no reason when one lithium could yield the same results at 110lbs lighter.
If you have a moment, you should check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/WVxvBkeY0UY/v-deo.html to get an idea of just how much stronger a 100aH LiFePO4 battery is. The channel name is "DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse," and he does a much better job at explaining than I could. Watch the whole video for the lead acid battery in the end! Surprised the heck out of me! I may be binge watching his videos too...(:
Price wise...yes, that is the one problem. It's one dang expensive battery, but I hope the upgrade will be worth it down the road. I'm still quite some time away from being able to make the change, and the current 100Ah is still kicking just fine!
I am glad that you got a few ideas from the buildout! I really love my little home!!!
Very nice set up
Thanks!
Waw wonderfull and nice video
Hey Socalexpeditios, thanks for the walk through very informative and it helped me make the decision to look into Vagabond.
Anytime!
Nice💪
nice video bro
Very, very well done!
Thank you so much!
I like how you set it up well done 👏
damn.. epic build out!
Thank you so much!!!!!
Dang, Jerry hooked it up! Shout out jerry, you gotta Nomad for tundra 5’5” by chance? Get at me..;) good video was looking at the GFC but this seems way better!
I wish! haha
Damn dude that build is the shit👏🏼👍🏼
I'm late to your Drifter party but you sure lucked out on a nice one and great video! Didn't get to you see your tanks and how much fresh water are you toting? From where do you fill the fresh water and dump your grey water? Have electric hookups? Does the light colored topper let in a lot of light in the daytime? Serious glampers wanna know! ;)
Did you look at At Overland Summit at all? I'm trying to choose between the two and wonder your thoughts.
Yes I did. I wasn't a huge fan of the Summit and the build quality, plus I think AT overprices their installs. The Drifter has more attention to detail. The way the top opens on a Summit makes it more difficult to add things up top, such as a lighting or awnings. The windows on a Summit or not nearly the size or quality of that of the Drifter. The Summit doesn't open as tall. I also recall the tent material being less robust and I know multiple people who have had leaking issues with their Habitats. Summit is also way too expensive for a starting base price and is a copy of the Drifter in a sense (Drifter came out first, AT took some of the concepts and tried to replicate it). However, Vagabond does have quite a long lead time and that's something to keep in mind. If I had to do it again, I still would go for a Drifter instead of a GFC/Summit/4WC/Treehouse/OVRLND. I've seen them all and a Drifter has the best quality hands down. I do have bias, but I have also seen every camper for this truck in person and am only offering the best advice I can. I would recommend trying to see both in person as well before making your decision, but you can't go wrong with a Drifter.
Thanks for a great vid!! Did you look into the AT Overland Summit?
Yes, both are great campers. I prefer the Drifter over the Summit and Habitat.
Alu-Cab Canopy slso looks good
That is such an awesome setup, you pretty much turned your truck into a van 👌🏽 is your truck bed 5 or 6ft?
6ft!
FYI, scotchbrite the aluminum and either use spray or roll on truck bed liner folks !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Way way way less expensive and way way more durable.
I would use the roll on so you wouldn't have overspray.
Option B, is go to a marine store or on line and get what they call Sharkhide.
It's a coating you put on anything aluminum.
It is one of the best products I've ever used. It's clear so if you like that aluminum look, it will stay the way it is for life, that's right, for life.
Do a repeat once per year and that's it.
Thanks for the tip! I polish the aluminum every so often. Maybe next time after I polish, I'll seal it all up. Appreciate it Tim!
What's the weight rating on the mounted L-tracks? I love the drifter design but I'd prefer something I can stand independently or at least load/unload easily with jack stands. Wondering if I could mount jack stands on the sides either safely while using the drifter or just to free up the truck while I'm not camping.
I would not attempt that. It might hold, but it's not worth the risk. I would figure out a system using a winch on the roof and dollies/saw horses.
Would love info on how he connected that pipe table to the 80/20 channel.
Nice set up I went with the a T overland atlas pick it up this April
Congrats!!!
Thank you been living in my cargo trailer with my truck for about eight months Going to move into my truck when the camper is finished tundra pro
@@dominica2765 Heck yeah! You'll love having the change. Insulation is important!!
Thanks yeah the camper isfully insulated it’s the atlas at Overland I got most of the options a little pricey almost 20 K and this year they went up $1400 base price is 11,000 buy Once want to cry once I guess
That's an awesome set-up. If I got a wedge camper shell, it would be the Drifter. The GFC looks lame.
Drifter is definitely a great wedge camper; and I may or may not second your opinion (;
Two Questions: How did you transfer the Drifter from the other truck to yours? And how does the Drifter lock while you are inside?
Transferred using a forklift and a pair of 4x4s. Pretty easy to do, just scary to do.
I have a way to lock mine that I came up with by turning the handles from the inside and inserting a locking pin which keeps the handles from spinning. Just drilled a hole and made a little bracket. I know most guys just turn their handles from the inside.
Nice video and set up, but you would be doing a service for the rest of us if you bought a portable toilet or "wag bags" to pack it in/pack it out. Digging a latrine is one of the things that has caused trails like the rubicon to have restrictions and we've been fighting with other groups for years because of the amounts of human waste left and buried alongside the trail
I tend to use bags about 40% of the time. I dig depending on location - If properly done, it's okay to do. Most problems occurring are from people not digging, and also leaving their toilet paper to accompany their crap. So sad to see as I've watched spots become popular because of social media, and just get ruined with human feces.
The DYI pipe thread table...is the best, how is the receiver pipe connected to the bolted plate?
The receiver pipe slides into the bolted plate. The plate is mounted to the 80/20. Shoot me a message on Instagram: @socalexpeditions and I will get pictures for you
No SEE UM screen is a screen that the TINY LITTLE BUGS small like nats can't get thru it. Screen porch type they can get thru because of whole size. NICE SETUP
That Jerry dude sure did an outstanding job building the storage and insulating the camper. Simply incredibly nice....and expensive. Do you know what the name of the aluminum corner brackets that hold the storage boxes together is?
Jerry sure did a great job with the interior. The corner brackets can be found here: 8020.net/fasteningmethods/externalfasteners/bracketsgussetscorners.html
Awesome build - I’m debating on buying a 2021 Bronco (full spec) BUT for the same price I could invest in this Tacoma-build. Quick Questions.....
What’s your actual MPG with the total setup?
What it like always leaving this on the bed?
Is the wind-noise bad in the cabin?
I'm all for the new Bronco, it looks wicked.
I get 14.5 city, 17-19 highway. All fluctuates with wind, speed, angle of road, etc.
I don't feel it on the truck for the most part. I take turns slower and am careful not to jerk the wheel. My COG is pretty high.
Wind noise isn't bad at all. I can hold a conversation at normal speaking volume while doing 75+mph on the highway. Honestly, it's the equivalent of a Prinsu in my opinion.
socalexpeditions Hell ya thanks for the detailed response :)
How did you clean the aluminum? I am worried about using chemicals that could drip on my truck. Thanks!! I have the same cavalry blue taco and drifter! 😄
Use Mothers Mag & Aluminum polish if afraid of that, it’s more of a paste. Sharkhide works well too but more liquid.
how are the cabinets mounted to the bed of the truck? Such an awesome build!
The cabinets mount to the baseplate for the build, and the bed rail on the side. They're held down in 7 places.
Any vids on the cabinet build? Awesome job.
Not yet, but there isn't much for me to show. What would you like to see?
socalexpeditions putting together the aluminum extrusions, paneling, carpeting etc.
@@bluecollarstudio8513 All of the interior was already put together before I acquired it. I'd have to take it apart to do that (which I really don't want to do). However if you have any questions on 80/20, please don't hesitate to send me a message!
6 'box tacoma lot better than the double cabs 5.5 box ,thats one the best overlander / car camper's ive seen stand up head room and don't have to lift the trail dog up into a roof top tent
I believe the double cab is a 5' bed. I have the 6' bed access cab. If you don't have friends or a family, the 6' access is the way to go.
@@InfiniteRemoteControl Couldn't agree more.
Question, how much head room is there near the tailgate in the standing area? I am 6'6" and am questioning if this is the right style camper for me...
@@patcasey9732 I'm 6' 4" and have a clamshell tent like this vegabond but it has a solid floor and is mounted about 10 inches lower. When I stand on my tailgate I have about 2 feet between me and the top of the tent. I think someone like you or me could stand upright in one of these tents to change but I don't think it would be very comfortable for living.
@@InfiniteRemoteControl awesome, thank you for the reply!
The plan includes a slightly lower/smaller platform (wheel well tops exposed slightly) than most builds I've seen.
I don't need too much extra space, but being able to fully stand up is absolutely necessary!
Hahaha...a no seeum is a tiny biting fly ...so that mesh is small enough to keep them out...hense the name no seeum mesh...they are prolific here in SC
How much does it weigh? You have to be close to your GVM capacity.
I'm looking for the height dimension of the Drifter when it's closed. How tall is it from the bed rails?
I will try to remember to get this for you
I now wish I had a 6’ bed
Yeah man, longbed is the way to go. I've seen plenty of people pull it off with a short bed though!
What Kind of rims are those? love the look!
Wheels are FN Five Stars
What suspension mods did you do to level things out after you put the camper on?
The rear weight was supported by a Dakar EL096R Pack with an extra Dakar leaf shoved in. That held the weight well, but the ride quality of the Dakar pack isn't so great. Shocks were Bilstein B110's and I added Wheelers Superbump + U-bolt flip kit combo.
No see m’s are tiny flying bugs that bite. My friends have a FourWheel pop up camper without the no see m screen they got bit very badly by those bugs. My friend end up getting an allergic reaction.
Noseeums are very small gnats that have a bite far beyond their size would suggest.
They suck, I live in Florida, and I hate them.
How are the vinyl sides in the wind? Do they flap and make noise?
It takes a lot to get them flapping. They are very taught and if you properly aim the camper into the wind, you can survive some pretty windy conditions. At least I have!
Great vid. What did you do/use to polish the aluminum?
Mothers!
socalexpeditions polisher or manual labour?
Kaiser Man I used both. You go through rags like no other.
socalexpeditions lolololol I figured. Thanks mate.
Did you ever have any issues with ventilation or wish you had a cargo door or window on the sides of the drifter?
Nope! The tent windows are giant. With the front cab slider open and windows open, there was a perfect breeze. My new Vagabond Nomad will have a window on the drivers side.
@@socalexpeditions sweet!! Thank you for the info. Appreciate it.
How to explain a 33 minute poop to my boss?...
Too much Sriracha for breakfast haha!
Freezing when it’s 49° outside? 🤔
California people, what can I say
No see um screen is named for no see mosquito not the ability to see through. Used in Florida all summer long.
No seeum mesh is for the insect with the same name. Very small insect that can go through some mesh. But not yours!
Yea you no see um but you see the itchy ace welts they leave behind!
How much you paid for this drifter
if you do not mind
Where did you get the countertop?
Home Depot I think was where it was from
Is your truck a short or long bed?
Long Bed
Looks like your in San Diego?
OC area
nice
goofy question, why is your propane tank not in a sealed box?
I like to live life on the edge.
Just kidding. There's no point for putting it in a sealed box to me. Never once had a safety concern with my tank. I'll move the tank to the rear bumper of the truck in the future.
The sleeping area is 10 inches shorter than the gfc camper. It might be a positive for u. But for anyone over 6ft gfc is the way to go.
Actually, the camper itself is longer than a GFC. The bed on a Vagabond is 80" long, or 6'6". And in the case you're 7' trying to cram into the back of a midsize truck...no worries, Vagabond has an extension piece to make the bed even bigger.
@@socalexpeditions Ya I really like how the camper is longer but wish vagabonds sleeping area was 90” of sleeping length like the gfcs. But if it’s true that you can add a panel to the vagabond then I might go with it instead.I really just want a flippac for a 5’ bed. But I don’t even thing those exist. Ha.
@@reecealeck8314 Don’t get a flippac. Not worth it. Check out Topo Toppers
@@socalexpeditions Is it because of flip packs build quality? Or tent design in general? Cuz if I didn’t care about money I woul buy the AT Habitat. But ya I’ve been looking at toppo toppers. Pretty local to me as well. There is a toppo topper (the one that pops up and doesn’t wedge) for sale near me for $7500. U recommend a wedge or pop up in general?
@@reecealeck8314 Flip Pacs are just old an outdated. The fiberglass shell will crack overtime, the tent material is nearly impossible to replace for a fair price, it's a sail in wind, it's too heavy, etc. The AT Habitat, same thing. Sale in the wind. You can pick up a new Topo Toppers that is a wedge for a special price right now. I would pick either a wedge or a straight pop up...can't go wrong. I'm a fan of the wedge because in wind it is far superior than a straight pop up. Most of the camping I've done, it's been windy, so I purchased another Vagabond which will be a wedge (getting built now).
Why isn't your propane tank in a sealed and vented cabinet? That's really dangerous.
I live life on the edge. Jk. I have two carbon monoxide sensors and the windows cracked at all time. I'll be moving the entire tank outside of the truck soon.
Flip pac or drifter? Which ones better?
Drifter is much higher build quality. The two are in different leagues.
@@socalexpeditions
Do they weigh about the same?
@@lukedavis4760 Yes
I will subscribe I want to see how this camper top does I only have a 5 foot bed I hope I can get one for that. I've been looking at all types of truck campers and pull campers but so far this is my favorite I'll be watching this video several times I don't remember if you said anything about leaving any links but I'll check it out otherwise maybe you can send me a link check this out. Excellent camper shell I love it and I am going to get one. Thanks again excellent presentation. Have a great day and stay safe. TQ out
What happens when you need to go to the bathroom?
You go outside
What about a 4 wheel camper project m
I like them
What happened to the Flippac?
I sold it with plans to buy a Vagabond. I'd never own a Flippac again after having this thing...(:
@@socalexpeditions I always thought the Flippac was the greatest thing ever.
How much do those campers cost?
$7,500 and up
@@cedarwind wow. Well it is nice I suppose
I’d personally buy the GFC because the sides open up and you can stand up in the GFC too not much difference in them. Other then that I love your interior build. As a whole there isn’t much of a difference in these types of campers.
Yeah the GFC is a rad camper!
what do you use for heating at night
Mr. Buddy heater for now, but I am installing a diesel heater soon.