Post by: lilstookie on January 02, 2015, 10:16:29 PM
). We only use the bedroom for sleeping and even then there's really way more space than we need. We're also looking at forward folds and have stuck rear folds in the mix too, but this is at the top of the list atm. Everything has its pros and cons (too many cons for a caravan though many are saying that's what we SHOULD be looking for), we just need to make sure we've considered as many things as possible.Lil
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Post by: KingBilly on January 03, 2015, 07:43:40 AM
KB
Post by: Barry G on January 03, 2015, 11:29:41 AM
If you ye ally only need the tent for sleeping why not get Luke's trailer and awning without the RTT and an Oz tent, and pitch it with the awning of the tent joining to the trailer a wing?
Probably quicker to erect than the RTT. Fold the tent down with the MATRESS inside and carry it on the trailer lid. Other stuff could be carried on the top deck, in place of the RTT.
Post by: Kangaron on January 03, 2015, 12:17:11 PM
Looks like a nice unit but also looks a PITA to set up.
Gotta agree an oztent next to it would be easier [ and no ladder]
Post by: lilstookie on January 03, 2015, 04:13:01 PM
Lil
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Post by: Crimso on January 03, 2015, 07:30:26 PM
Patriot do a similar thing without the actuators,& if you look closely at the Patriot it's easy to see the problems that they don't point out, such as height under the awning & window clearance for the RTT. Much prefer the Drifter setup.
The reason we're looking at changing is the ease of setup & pack up. I'm now in my 60's and am finding it hard to handle a big annex & tent pack up, especially when doing a few over nighters in a row! We've already bought an Ostrich Wing awning & a RTT which both fit on a frame on the back of my truck over the ladder racks, works a treat too. The ability of setting up camp with the drifter style unit is very appealing.
If we didn't already have a top class trailer (Lifestyle) I'd think about selling it to get the Drifter.
In a nutshell, I'd say go for it!
Post by: lilstookie on January 03, 2015, 09:56:53 PM
Sent from my fingertips using my brain
Post by: mtb on January 04, 2015, 07:46:09 AM
Mtb
Post by: StrvnMrvn on January 04, 2015, 08:48:49 AM
1. The gap between the kitchen awning and the RTT. He was looking at putting in some form of gutter in there from one side to the other, I'm pretty sure he has but just check.
2. Adding an oztent RV5 for extra space. Luke said that they can make up attachments like the one on the rhino rack awning so that you can attach or zip that sort of tent on for an extra room.
3. For larger family's. Adding another awning on the other side of the trailer with the room attachments. I have three lil Strvys and whenever I go camping, other family members find out somehow and rock up for a few nights. That area could also be used for a storage area or shower change area when on longer trips.
There were other things that we discussed, but they were more like lighting and battery's.
Hope you work out what you want!! And when you do, ENJOY IT!!
Post by: lilstookie on January 04, 2015, 09:17:22 AM
I was looking at the DOT after I got rid of my CT. I discussed with Luke some of the following:
1. The gap between the kitchen awning and the RTT. He was looking at putting in some form of gutter in there from one side to the other, I'm pretty sure he has but just check.
2. Adding an oztent RV5 for extra space. Luke said that they can make up attachments like the one on the rhino rack awning so that you can attach or zip that sort of tent on for an extra room.
3. For larger family's. Adding another awning on the other side of the trailer with the room attachments. I have three lil Strvys and whenever I go camping, other family members find out somehow and rock up for a few nights. That area could also be used for a storage area or shower change area when on longer trips.
There were other things that we discussed, but they were more like lighting and battery's.
Hope you work out what you want!! And when you do, ENJOY IT!!
Looks like you asked the same questions we have asked in an email
We're looking at the Ecomate rear and forward folds tomorrow and I think we'll be making our decision shortly after that. Just hope it stops pursing down here in Cairns so we can give them a good going over!
Just as an aside, I'm amazed how many companies expect you to be happy handing over thousands of dollars without being able to have a go at setting up and packing up. You can't see how much space you actually have and how easy/hard things are to do. Drifta and Ecomate are quite happy for us to have a go before purchase. All the others (in the ~$25,000 and under...not a small amount of cash IMO) told us to watch the videos online even knowing we would be living in it and need to be comfortable and confident more so than occasional users.
Lil
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Post by: midgenflatter on January 04, 2015, 09:58:46 AM
Post by: lilstookie on January 04, 2015, 11:42:08 PM
Sent from my fingertips using my brain
Post by: McTavish on January 07, 2015, 06:05:46 PM
Post by: DOT38 on June 18, 2015, 09:49:30 PM
I just spent 3 weeks living out of mine through the Kimberleys. All in all and excellent trailer. Well built, solid as a rock and never missed a beat. The dust seals held up really well after 800 odd kms of dust and dirt road including the tent bag on top.We got the kitchen with the evakool fridge, an extra battery and the Redarc BMS1230 installed.
Setting the trailer up is easy enough. Like anything it gets quicker and easier the more you use it. Once you work out a routine and an order of how things need to be done it can be set up pretty quick.
The ability to lift the tent up high is excellent and you can walk under everything without risk of banging your head on it. The walls being separate is great as when we were in certain places we put certain walls up to keep the sun away. It means you don't have to put up a full tent annexe just to shade 1 part of the trailer. I have asked for them to make me 2 bags to store the walls in which they are doing now. If anyone goes to buy one I'd recommend asking for this.
The lighting around the bottom and inside the tent at night is excellent. The only place it is a bit dull is around the stove area. I found myself cooking with a head torch most nights. 2 options there are to run the tent pole and wand set up they sell or the modified LED strip lighting. I think I'll go the strip lighting route and rivet some sail track into the inside of the awning beam.
If anyone is looking at buying one I can't recommend them enough. From the build quality the team puts out to the after sale support is unreal. It's a well thought out trailer. Normally with stuff like this I will have a list of things I want to change or add but with this there wasn't anything bar the LED lighting over the stove.
Post by: jayjay on June 19, 2015, 02:24:42 AM
Post by: DOT38 on June 19, 2015, 11:05:51 AM
Post by: Aido on August 05, 2015, 10:07:13 PM
Had our DOT since November last year, done a few trips now and it hasn't disappointed one bit. If you are after a very practical no fuss, quick set up and pack up touring type CT then the DOT is worth considering, might be bias, but i would highly recommend it! I can set it up and pack up my self, love the flexibility of how much you set up or don't, from just folding the RTT out or putting all the walls and awning out/up. The kitchen is so simple to set up, but very versatile. I agree with DOT38's observation about the lighting over the stove, but i've overcome this with a tent pole and a KORR LED strip. We don't find the ladder an issue, you just need to set it on the right angle, which is easy when you can just adjust the height of the tent and or ladder. I got the team at Drifta to extend the draw bar to allow my rear door to open fully, something worth considering if you have that type of set up.
Post by: topcat on August 05, 2015, 11:28:35 PM
Hi all,
Had our DOT since November last year, done a few trips now .......
C'mon Aido - you know the score :worthles:
..... same goes for you DOT38
TC ;D
Post by: Aido on August 07, 2015, 04:43:42 PM
cheers
Post by: topcat on August 07, 2015, 09:15:05 PM
Tony
Post by: trngia on August 25, 2015, 10:54:32 PM
Post by: Ajhadley35 on September 03, 2015, 11:31:53 AM
I'd like to know from owners that have had theirs for a while how they are holding up, have they been reliable and solid? How have they gone off road, corrugations etc? Anything you'd change about the camper?
Thank you in advance for any replies.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Post by: The punter on September 03, 2015, 12:52:31 PM
I watched him set it up and it's quick. Very well made and has some handy ideas on it. Even the foxwing doesn't take long to set up.
While there are great pros about being off the ground, the ladder might become annoying, also not a lot of privacy for getting changed. They would suit many, and it would last for a long time, you just have to be ok with the ladder idea.
Post by: trngia on September 03, 2015, 12:59:28 PM
I have ordered mine now and they are incredibly easy to deal with and all my modifications were not a problem even one that needs to be customer made.
Of course I can't say what it's really like yet until I do a full review on our first trip however I couldn't find anything that could compare to the DOT.
Post by: The punter on September 03, 2015, 01:03:16 PM
My considerations were between a patriot, predator and the Dot. That was the design I was looking for with a rooftop tent. However after lots of research I kept going back to the DOT as have seen nothing like it in terms of features. Cheaper than the Patriot but in my view better. The real difference is having the actuators to raise the height of the roof top tent and creating real usable space that joins with the awning all the way around from tent to kitchen. No bending down trying to get into drawers etc. yes the DOT also has some other features which you won't see anywhere else such as the DRIFTA kitchen and little touches like the boot table on the tent and gutters for the awning, all custom made.
I have ordered mine now and they are incredibly easy to deal with and all my modifications were not a problem even one that needs to be customer made.
Of course I can't say what it's really like yet until I do a full review on our first trip however I couldn't find anything that could compare to the DOT.
It's a quality rig, you won't be disappointed. He even throws in a spare actuator
Post by: Ajhadley35 on September 03, 2015, 03:44:04 PM
They are very function over form, which is fine I just don't want something that may feel like it was built in a shed, do people get this impression when using it? How do the kitchens hold up over time? Anyone found the leaf spring suspension to bounce around?
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Post by: StrvnMrvn on September 03, 2015, 07:03:45 PM
I'm sold on the concept of the roof top tent as I already have one that goes on and off my ranger. I'd like a trailer to permanently mount it, and have a setup that's as easy as hitching the trailer. The lack of internal space is no issue as I'm up in Darwin.
They are very function over form, which is fine I just don't want something that may feel like it was built in a shed, do people get this impression when using it? How do the kitchens hold up over time? Anyone found the leaf spring suspension to bounce around?
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Mate, Ive been through the build shed at Drifta and these trailers are built from the ground up! The guys put a lot of effort into the DOT.
Ask anyone here who has had or has a Drifta kitchen in their CT or tug and there will be little or no problems! If there is, I would be very surprised that Luke didn't take a vested interest in fixing the problem!
Post by: Ajhadley35 on September 03, 2015, 07:33:24 PM
Mate, Ive been through the build shed at Drifta and these trailers are built from the ground up! The guys put a lot of effort into the DOT.Thank you for the reply. It's very comforting that no one has a bad thing to say. I'm just trying to be sure, as like I said before there aren't too many owners reviews out there and we don't get chance to see many up here. I do get the impression Luke is very passionate and keen to get things right, a rare thing these days.
Ask anyone here who has had or has a Drifta kitchen in their CT or tug and there will be little or no problems! If there is, I would be very surprised that Luke didn't take a vested interest in fixing the problem!
Anymore owners impressions would be good?
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Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on September 03, 2015, 08:06:32 PM
My considerations were between a patriot, predator and the Dot. That was the design I was looking for with a rooftop tent. However after lots of research I kept going back to the DOT as have seen nothing like it in terms of features. Cheaper than the Patriot but in my view better. The real difference is having the actuators to raise the height of the roof top tent and creating real usable space that joins with the awning all the way around from tent to kitchen. No bending down trying to get into drawers etc.
[/quote
Thats the only prob i have with my viper- you have to bend down to get into several of the doors, and i honestly think putting up the wall kit on the RTT is useless to get changed etc- unless your 4 foot 10 !!!!
Post by: Kevlux on November 13, 2015, 09:30:51 AM
Post by: campingaroundoz on November 26, 2015, 08:31:20 PM
I was looking at the DOT after I got rid of my CT. I discussed with Luke some of the following:
1. The gap between the kitchen awning and the RTT. He was looking at putting in some form of gutter in there from one side to the other, I'm pretty sure he has but just check.
2. Adding an oztent RV5 for extra space. Luke said that they can make up attachments like the one on the rhino rack awning so that you can attach or zip that sort of tent on for an extra room.
3. For larger family's. Adding another awning on the other side of the trailer with the room attachments. I have three lil Strvys and whenever I go camping, other family members find out somehow and rock up for a few nights. That area could also be used for a storage area or shower change area when on longer trips.
There were other things that we discussed, but they were more like lighting and battery's.
Hope you work out what you want!! And when you do, ENJOY IT!!
Hi StrvnMrvn, did you ever go with options 2 and 3 as quoted above, I would like to have another room option on the dot for the kids during the longer stays.
Thanks
Post by: trngia on November 26, 2015, 08:35:11 PM
Has anyone installed a hot water system in their DOT trailer?
I have a Coleman hot water in demand that I used with the DOT on the last trip. I didn't have it plumbed into the tanks though which is my next job. There is an outlet in the pump box and going to use that to feed direct into Coleman system. That will make it much easier for showers and washing up etc. Will just need to keep an eye on the water when the wife is in the shower ;-)
Post by: StrvnMrvn on November 27, 2015, 05:08:33 PM
Hi StrvnMrvn, did you ever go with options 2 and 3 as quoted above, I would like to have another room option on the dot for the kids during the longer stays.
Thanks
I haven't taken any steps to get the DOT yet, but I would definitely look at getting the OZtent attachment! The extra awning on the other side you can get off the net pretty cheap with the extra walls.
There is a few other thing that I would get Luke to do for me which I have thought about if I was going to get one.
Post by: trngia on November 28, 2015, 06:48:18 AM
New Drifta DOT 6
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=45883
Rich.
Post by: Matt211181 on September 12, 2016, 08:23:39 AM
Just wondering if there's a Drifta DOT owner in Brisbane that would be kind enough to let a prospective future DOT buyer come around and drool over their rig?!
My wife and I are keen on the DOT, but we're just still a bit unsure whether or not it will suit us and our 2 young kids - so we're looking to have a play with one in the flesh before we consider purchasing. Things like storage space and sleeping area in the RTT would be great to see in person. We've emailed Drifta, and they've offered to show us one - but just thought I'd check to see if there's someone local before we head off on a 15hr round trip to Gloucester!
Thanks
Matt
Post by: PaulGC on September 27, 2016, 11:36:18 AM
You could try & message Tbone , doesn't look like hes been on lately but is in Brisbane.
See post - http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=45048.msg758251#msg758251 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=45048.msg758251#msg758251)
He may be able to help you out.
Post by: campingaroundoz on September 27, 2016, 03:28:54 PM
Post by: Jasjul on September 28, 2016, 06:45:08 PM
Drifta Fans Australia
I'm not affiliated, but have joined up because I'm a fan of there products.