Your name: Chris Eddlemon - @topher406
Location: Montana
Nickname: Arctic Runner
Make & Model: 2021 Toyota 4Runner
HEST products: HEST Sleep System Wide, HEST Camp Pillow & HEST Dog Bed
Critical dimensions for your bed platform: iKamper Rooftop Tent (Skycamp 3.0)
Length: 82"
Width (at narrowest point): 77"
Height: 48"
Is this your daily driver or getaway car?
Both, I use this as my daily driver, as well as my travel rig.
What do you like most about your rig?
This rig is fully-built to sustain a remote working/nomad lifestyle. My favorite additions are: Roof Top Tent, Goose Gear platform, and solar power setup.
On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you?
I use the Goose Gear Stealth Sleep and Storage System for managing my gear, and mounting my cooler and power unit.
How did you navigate gear storage needs into your rig set up?
Here is a list of all the gear I have honed in on and would recommend for your set up:
iKamper Rooftop Tent (Skycamp 3.0)
Awning and Room Tent
Bluetti Power Station & Solar Panels
Dometic CFX55-IM Electric Cooler
RotoPax Water Containers (mounted on side windows)
Cooking Supplies (Camping Stove, Dish-ware, Dry Foods and Spices)
Tables and Chairs
First Aid Kit
Safety/Protection Items
Storage Totes - check out the HEST Tote 50L
Portable Toilet (5-Gallon bucket, and a snap on lid w/bags)
Shower Tent and Rechargeable Electric Shower Pump
HEST Sleep System Wide, Dog Bed & Camp Pillow - a must!
Down/Puffy Blankets
Heated Blanket
USB Fan
USB light strip in Tent
Garmin InReach Satellite Phone
Walkie Talkies
Any cool custom details you’re proud of?
There are a lot of items I have added to this build, and use for my overlanding gear. Some of my top big details would be:
-Tilting fridge slide for the Dometic cooler to easily pull out and tilt down for better access.
-KING suspension for more access to deep country locations.
-Goose Gear platform for gear and storage management.
-I added a lighting strip in the iKamper tent which helps me be able to work or read.
-Fabric steps for my rooftop tent, this allows my Husky to climb up to the tent.
Coolest place you’ve taken your rig to?
This is a newer build, but have taken this to most of the Central Montana mountains. I am planning to overland for the summer in the Pacific North West, and then heading towards the East Coast in the colder months. There will be future trips to Canada and Alaska as well.
Any projects in the pipeline to get your rig even more adventure ready?
I will be tweaking a few items here and there as my adventures progress, but overall I am happy with the current build. The next big project I will have is to re-gear my 4Runner for better driving performance.
Biggest challenge in your build out?
The Goose Gear was probably my toughest part to install. I will clarify, that this is not fully reflective of Goose Gear themselves or the build quality (because both were great), I just had a personal challenge with it due to some of my other accessories that were in the way. Once I had the custom fitted platform in the rear of the 4Runner, it was very simple to install the remaining sections.
The other challenge was deciding which gear to use, and how to keep it compact and minimal.
Tips for others looking to do the same to their vehicle?
First, I recommend you setting a budget that you want to stay within, and then building a list of the main features you need versus the preferred features/add-ons. Once you have decided your gear that you want to use, check for lead times with each manufacturer. For example, my Goose Gear Platform took 2 months to arrive, whereas my HEST Sleep System arrived within a week. It’s important to understand these dates so you can plan out your build.
Don’t skip steps when installing and putting together your build. I believe in the “Measure twice and cut once” theory. When I was installing my sleeping platform, I forgot to add a trim piece back on and now I can either deal with the spot that is not covered, or I am going to have to makeshift a solution. If I would have taken a few minutes to overlook my install progress, I could’ve caught it early on and fixed it.
Insure your items. You have just invested money into your overlanding equipment, so why not make sure you have eligible items covered. I called my insurance company to add some of my external items, such as suspension, tent, roof rack, and other items. The deductible went up a little bit, but now I’ve got coverage if needed
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