Tracks & Tales - Ford Ranger Camper with S8 Tommy Camper

Every Tommy Camper has a story. From tackling wild 4WD tracks, to staying at remote beach camps, clever modifications and builds, and hard learned lessons along the way. Each month, we highlight the story of one our legendary owners to hear how they’ve built their setup and where they’ve taken it.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this month’s Tommy Tracks & Tales.

Would you like to be featured in next month’s Tommy Tracks & Tales? Fill out the form here and we’ll be in touch!

Meet Chris’ Ford Ranger Camper!

Chris Reiken, the proud owner of a seriously impressive setup: an S8 Tommy Camper (#1053) sitting on the back of a 600mm stretched, GVM-upgraded Ford Ranger. Built for touring but still more than capable off-road, it’s the kind of rig that turns heads wherever it goes.

“I’ve built my Ford Ranger Camper for more of a touring style,” Chris says, “but it’s still capable of tackling the rougher tracks.”

The Ranger has a 3800kg GVM upgrade, a 2-inch adjustable Dobinson’s lift, and secondary load-assist airbags. The chassis was extended by 600mm by Ultimate Stretches, with extra bracing around the airbags for extra strength.

When Chris first picked up his Tommy Camper, it was almost a bare shell. Only a water tank and a smaller S4-style kitchen were installed.

“I wanted to figure out exactly how I’d use it before committing to a full fit-out,” he says. “It’s mainly set up for weekend trips and extended touring, so keeping the weight down and functionality high was the goal.”

Why did you choose a Tommy Camper?

Chris has camped just about every way you can imagine, from tents and swags to rooftop tents and vans. But after years of experimenting, he knew exactly what he wanted.

“The Tommy gives me the best of both worlds,” he says. “It’s got the space, storage, and kitchen setup of a canopy, which I love, but also the comfort of a van. Space to stand, get changed, and escape the weather.”

Tommy Campers #1053

For Chris, it’s all about practicality, and his Tommy Camper S8 is packed with clever details.

“I’ve tried to minimise weight wherever I can. It’s always a balance between form and function.”

On the passenger side, Chris has mounted a 60L and 30L draw fridge/freezer combo, one used as a fridge and one as a freezer for normal trips. He has also installed an auxiliary Anderson plug for a third fridge on longer adventures or larger group trips. This will then turn the 30L into a drinks fridge, the 60L into the food fridge, and the third into a freezer.

Chris has sized the electrical setup for this three fridge setup:

2 x 180W solar panels on the roof
Redarc BMS Manager 30
3 x 120Ah lithium batteries
3000W inverter
200A switched load unit

“The switched load unit controls all electrical items in the TC from a panel on the passenger side(cooking side). There is also a 30amp charging connection to the car. “

On the cooking side (passenger) next to the fridges is the load control panel along with USB-A & C outlets and 240V DGPO (from inverter). Next to that, he has a 12V fan forced oven from Hardkorr, and a 240V coffee machine

Below sits a 1200mm pull-out Kings kitchen that stores all the cooking gear. This is positioned to also provide a set up inside the Tommy Camper for the bed.

“I went with the smaller Tommy kitchen to make room for everything else. The drop-down table is great, but I might swap the pull-out tub for an induction plate to better suit how I cook.”

Chris has also made a few small mods that make a big difference:

A paper towel holder instead of the Tommy Campers storage boxes at the top. This is a Curtin rod and holder, allowing the rolls to be easily removed for use or replacement.
A Tommy Campers fly screen on the back door — “a must-have, should be standard!”
He has the spare wheel holder installed from Tommy Campers, but has removed this for the most part and will only be installed for his extended trips.
Chris installed a TAGE rubbish bag instead as it slides onto a sail track for easy installation/removal. This also gives him the option of installing a sail track to the kitchen side of the Tommy Camper, so the bag can be relocated to the kitchen side for easy rubbish dump when cooking and then put back on the rear for travel.

On the driver’s side, it’s all about smart storage. There’s a deep section at the front near the electrics and a three-shelf system running the full length. Inside, the same shelf setup is installed along the back wall, providing heaps of storage.

“I’ve added LED strip lights to the doors and deep storage areas that switch between white and orange and dim in both colours,” he says.

When it comes to setup time, Chris has it down to a routine. “Taking the Tommy off takes about ten minutes on my own, and putting it back on takes around forty-five. It’d be quicker with two people or if the legs had wheels for easier positioning.”

“The internal lights are a bit dull, so I’ll probably upgrade those in the future. But overall, the Tommy Campers is solid, built with quality and attention to detail, and I’m looking forward to years of enjoyment with it.”

Tips for New Tommy Owners?

“Do your research,” he says. “Check out how others have set up their campers and what’s available on the market. The biggest and shiniest isn’t always the best, and don’t just choose something because it looks good on social media. Think about how you actually camp and what you need.”

His biggest tip? Build in stages.

“It gives you time to figure out how you use the space and what works best for you. There’s no wrong setup, but there’s definitely a wrong one for your style of travel.”

For Chris, the Tommy Camper represents freedom, flexibility, and quality. A setup that grows with him, from weekend runs to big adventures across Australia.