Drifta Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed for Your Next Overland Trip

Customising Your Drifta: Tips to Optimize Space, Power, and StorageDrifta trailers are built for rugged Australian conditions, but even well-designed camper trailers benefit from thoughtful customization. Whether you use your Drifta for weekend getaways or full-time overlanding, small changes can dramatically improve comfort, efficiency, and usability. This article covers practical, tested tips to optimize interior space, electrical power systems, and storage solutions—so your Drifta works the way you do.

Know Your Priorities Before You Modify

Start by listing what matters most: sleeping comfort, cooking setup, long-range power, gear capacity, or quick access to essentials. Customizing without priorities often leads to cluttered or underused solutions. Example priorities:

• Maximize sleeping and living space for two adults
• Reliable off-grid power for 5–7 days
• Efficient storage for camera gear, tools, and recovery equipment

Space Optimization: Make Small Spaces Feel Larger

1. Multi‑function furniture

   • Use fold-away tables and benches that double as storage. A bench seat with deep under-seat drawers can store soft goods while serving as daytime seating.
   • Consider a sliding or removable kitchen bench to free up walkway space when cooking isn’t happening.

2. Vertical thinking

   • Add cargo nets and shallow shelves to walls and internal cupboard doors to use vertical real estate without narrowing pathways.
   • Install slim, high-mounted cabinets for items used infrequently (seasonal gear, extra bedding).

3. Collapsible and modular gear

   • Swap rigid cookware for nesting, collapsible items (collapsible sinks, nesting pots) to reduce volume.
   • Use modular storage boxes that stack cleanly and can be reconfigured depending on trip length.

4. Smart sleeping arrangements

   • If you use the trailer primarily for sleeping, install a fold-down bed platform that converts to seating during the day.
   • Use a custom-sized mattress to eliminate wasted space; consider a memory foam topper for compact comfort.

5. Light, reflective finishes and lighting

   • Choose light colors inside and add LED strip lighting under cabinets and around the ceiling to make the interior feel larger.
   • Use dimmable lighting zones so you can create bright task areas and softer ambient light for relaxation.

Power Optimization: Reliable Energy for Longer Trips

1. Size your battery bank to your needs

   • Estimate daily consumption (fridge, lights, phone charging, water pump, lights). A typical conservative estimate: fridge 1.2–2.5 kWh/day, lights/charging 0.2–0.5 kWh/day. Add a safety margin of 25–50%.
   • Use deep-cycle lithium batteries for higher usable capacity, lower weight, and longer cycle life. Lithium batteries provide ~80–90% usable capacity compared with ~50% for lead-acid.

2. Solar configuration and placement

   • Fit solar panels sized to your daily need and roof area. For 5–7 days off-grid with modest loads, 300–600 W of solar is common.
   • Use a combination of rigid panels on the roof and portable panels that can be angled for better sun exposure when parked.

3. Efficient charging and power management

   • Install an MPPT solar charge controller for faster, more efficient solar charging.
   • Fit a smart battery monitor (e.g., shunt-based BMS) to track state-of-charge accurately.
   • Add a DC-DC charger when towing from a vehicle to properly charge lithium batteries from the alternator.

4. Inverter and AC planning

   • Choose a pure-sine inverter sized for peak loads (microwave, AC devices). For occasional small appliances, a 1000–2000 W inverter is typical.
   • Consider a separate AC circuit for high-draw appliances to avoid inverter overload.

5. Energy-saving appliance choices

   • Use 12 V fridges designed for low power draw and good insulation. Modern compressor fridges are far more efficient than older models or portable coolers.
   • Swap incandescent or halogen lights for high-efficiency LEDs.

Storage Optimization: Keep Gear Accessible and Protected

1. Categorize and zone storage

   • Divide storage into zones: daily use (kitchen, bedding), safety and recovery (snatch straps, jack), tools and spares, seasonal gear. Keep daily items near access points.
   • Use clear or labeled containers so you can find items quickly.

2. External storage solutions

   • Use drawer systems in the chassis for heavy items—these keep weight low and access easy.
   • Fit a rear or side-mounted gear tray for recovery gear and tools. Ensure trays are lockable and weatherproof.

3. Interior modular organizers

   • Install removable bins and sliding trays inside cupboards to access items at the back.
   • Use pegboards or MOLLE-style panels for tool organization on an interior wall or under a bench.

4. Water and fuel storage

   • Keep water tanks low and central for stability. Use multiple smaller tanks if needed to let you carry some potable and some utility water separately.
   • Store jerry cans for fuel and spare oil on external, ventilated mounts away from living spaces.

5. Protect fragile gear

   • Use padded cases for cameras and sensitive electronics and store them in dedicated compartments to avoid shifting damage.
   • Secure loose items with straps or netting to prevent movement during travel.

Practical Upgrades and Tips

• Insulation and ventilation: Upgrade insulation in walls/ceilings and fit roof vents or a small 12 V fan to control condensation and temperature.
• Weight management: Track the caravan’s weight distribution—keep heavy items low and near the axle to preserve handling.
• Quick-access essentials: Keep a small “grab bag” with keys, torch, first aid, and phone chargers near an easy exit.
• Ease of maintenance: Use quick-release fasteners for panels you’ll need to access for wiring and plumbing checks.
• Security: Add lockable storage and consider an alarm or GPS tracker for peace of mind.

Example Build: Balanced Overlander for Two

• Space: Fold-down queen bed, under-bed drawers, wall-mounted fold table, vertical pegboard for kitchen tools.
• Power: 400–600 W roof solar + 200 W portable panel, 200 Ah lithium battery, MPPT controller, 100 A DC-DC charger, 1500 W inverter.
• Storage: 1.2 m slide-out drawer for recovery gear, rear gear tray for jerry cans and tools, internal labeled bins for cooking and clothing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcomplicating systems without maintenance plans. If you add electrical complexity, also plan for fuse access, labeling, and documentation.
• Blocking access to critical items (spare wheel, jack, battery) with permanent fixtures.
• Underestimating weight: every upgrade adds kilos—measure and re-balance after major changes.

Customising a Drifta is about making trade-offs that match your travel style. Prioritise what you use most, keep systems simple and serviceable, and focus on low-center-of-gravity layouts and accessible storage. Small, thoughtful changes deliver the biggest gains in comfort and capability.