Home Away from Home

Wherever You May Roam

Starting off 2025, we're dreaming big about travel plans for the new year, with a beautiful camper setup. Chris Rourke brings us his 07 Tundra sporting a custom Tufport Medic canopy, which he has done an amazing job turning into a cozy camping setup for him and his family. Paired with the Tundra's capabilities, Chris has proven you can do some extreme glamping on a budget with some knowhow and elbow-grease.

Give us a quick INTRO- who are you? Where do you live?

Hey, I’m Chris Rourke, now based in Sherwood Park, Alberta

Give us a quick overview of your rig.

2007 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab long bed 4x4, paired with a Tufport Medic canopy converted into a self-contained camper – adventure machine to get the kids out biking hiking and camping trips with ease and some comforts. Unofficially/sarcastically named MeatVVagen – (part Ambo reference, part Westfalia inspiration) (the Canopy was fully stripped and custom interior with fridge stove sink water, heater, Solar, Big battery, Sleeps 3-4, etc)

Tell us about any special modifications that make your rig stand out.

This unit does not stand out that well, intentionally. It was a maintained, higher mile, hail damaged used truck. It has ballin’ factory steel wheels, All terrain tires, Bilstein coils and lift struts in the front and Old Man Emu lift leaf springs with Timbrens in the rear to handle the Camper and FSR travels very well. Intended to have all season camper van function with a real 4wd system on a budget, plain and simple. It is significantly nimbler than our previous truck camper setup, also not at all worried about pinstriping on the trails. I’d like to thank Dad for the hand in the camper build and my young sons for their helping hands.

What is the best road trip you’ve taken your rig on?

We built this setup last winter and spring, so it has been limited so far, This September it saw a great Kootenays Loop - Golden, Revelstoke, Trout Lake/Ferguson to Kaslo, Sandon/New Denver and the Gray Creek pass over to Kimberley and back up the Columbia valley to Nordegg area on the way home.

What would be your next dream road trip?

Get back to Baja, this time for months, and ferry over to the mainland and down to the beaches in Oaxaca state.

How long have you had your North Shore Rack?

4 years, and it makes road and bike trips so much better.

In your travels, what is your favorite riding location/favorite trail?

I have made some excellent memories at Panorama, and Jasper. The Boys love Kicking Horse.

Coffee, beer or tea?

All the above.

Shuttle/road trip essential tunes?

All over the place, but 80’s Metallica for sure, the kids NEED to hear Du Hast and Thunderstruck EVERY trip. Don’t ask.