What to Expect on Install Day (and How to Prepare)

Installing your Madix Drift camper is an exciting milestone — it’s the moment your truck officially becomes adventure-ready. To help the day go smoothly, here’s a simple guide on what to expect, how to prepare, and a few helpful tips from the Madix team.

Before Install: How to Get Your Truck Ready

A little prep goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend before your install appointment:

Remove Bed Covers or Racks

If your truck currently has a tonneau cover, camper shell, or aftermarket bed rack, go ahead and remove them beforehand. This ensures we can place the Drift directly onto your bed rails without delays.

Clear Out Your Truck Bed

A tidy truck bed makes for a clean, efficient install. Remove loose gear, tools, and anything that might roll around or get in the way.

Clean Your Cab Windows & Bed Rails

Not required — but helpful. Giving your truck a quick wash before install keeps dirt from getting trapped under the camper.

We recommend wiping down your cab windows and bed rails specifically, since these won’t be as accessible once the camper is mounted. You can remove the back sliding window later if you ever want to clean your cab windows again, but it’s easier to take care of now.

During Install: What Happens Step-By-Step

Install Time Expectations

The physical install itself typically takes less than 30 minutes — the Drift is lightweight and easy to mount.

However, we usually spend around an hour total with the customer to make sure everything is aligned, secured, and that you feel fully set up and confident using your camper.

Positioning the Camper

With 3–4 people, the Drift is easy to lift and set onto your bed rails. We’ll place it gently and begin the alignment process.

Visual Alignment

We take a few passes around the truck to make sure the camper is sitting perfectly on your bed rails. This is a visual process, and we double-check alignment from multiple angles before securing anything.

Securing with C-Clamps

Once alignment is dialed, we install the heavy-duty C-clamps that anchor the Drift to your truck.

Clamp Requirements by Bed Size:

• Short Beds: At least 3 clamps per side

• Long Beds: At least 4 clamps per side

These clamps keep your camper stable on the road and on the trail.

We Provide All Tools

You don’t need to bring anything.

We handle the full installation process and bring all clamps, tools, and equipment needed.

Full Walkthrough

After the camper is mounted, we’ll walk you through the entire setup — features, operation, best practices, and answers to any questions you might have. We make sure you leave feeling confident and ready for your first trip.

After Install: Final Steps Before You Roll Out

Connect the 3rd Brake Light

The Drift’s 3rd brake light connects directly to your truck’s rear brake light wiring. Madix does not perform this connection to protect your vehicle’s warranty.

We recommend having a certified shop or dealership complete this wiring so everything stays compliant with your truck’s factory requirements.

Organize Your Gear

Once you’re home, load up your essentials, dial in your setup, and organize your storage the way you like it.

First Month Checklist

As you drive, the camper will naturally settle into its gaskets. This is normal and expected.

We recommend:

• Checking clamp tightness weekly for the first month

• Tightening each clamp a half-turn at a time

• Stop tightening when the clamp no longer moves by hand

This helps the camper seat properly and ensures long-term stability.

Hit the Road

That’s it — your truck is officially adventure-ready. Whether you’re headed out for a quick weekend campout or a long-haul trip, your Drift is built for wherever the road (or trail) takes you.