@@SatchDean I have had a Permit for years so yes, I often have one. However, it’s tough because some States, Like New York have strange laws that I don’t like to deal with. I also hiked the entire AT and often am backpacking in the woods and never carry while Backpacking. I have never really needed or thought about it. I usually feel the need n Cities and Shopping Malls during the Holiday. Honestly, Bear Spray, Pepper Spray, Mace is a better option for a car Camping, IMHO. PS. I also don’t wear high end clothes or Jewelry and try to look Homeless, 😂.

@@gwlane5509 The tarp is no longer available on Amazon and actually, you can get much better SUV Hatchback Tents currently. I would suggest those, because they are much more versatile.

@@janetchapman8784 The Wilderness Looks awesome and so glad you found this build helpful. I have gone to a 2005 Prius for the milage and ability to use the hybrid power / Battery. I also upgraded the Tarp into an SUV Hatchback Tent that opens into a Tarp over the rear like the old one, but has a bug screen so the hatch can stay open when not stealth camping. I keep learning new tricks but still loved the first time shown on the video! Enjoy your adventure!

It’s an old Amazon Purchase that I’m not sure is even available anymore. It was under $50 and I still use the poles and Suction Cups. However, I have gone to an SUV Hatch Tent similar to this: www.amazon.com/Hasika-Tailgate-Awning-Travel-Waterproof/dp/B08MT3463Z/ref=sr_1_27?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MxnupZNcxwsHMhtJ-zLws_uHML1QoMVos8H0IhYqD1adws0Krea7ffKUVzg4QjiCiVGbz8Zyu__BMyakrbWhrMIjbJyxaIUR0VkOlZK_i0nO0OK7vPapUegu0-c2jBajHqDdcYst441fv10KUm-fBfGQLm6EuTsSd5nsCffZ4fCHGtIaC6slS4SxK5vWb-7z-3Y6Py5e5JPJy1LiBxURrtiRocA4VCU2Y-37r0ZORtMKf-tFCi54sKUo6jHkNVX91w4PODTDt4L6PufnnEJ5FbZDMkL_WJG2uEYDuP3KHGE.igMacYOurw1eiVjHlHGT8sfEsQhx3DpLS_gnDXTNYRE&dib_tag=se&keywords=SUV+Tents&qid=1718890719&sr=8-27

Wow, thank you!

I ended up taking the little square piece (cover thing) off and then I just stick my finger in the hole and use the trigger inside of there to open the hatch . It’s super easy like pulling a trigger If that makes sense ? Idk what it’s called to explain it correctly . But I promise it works ◡̈

I have one new Rain Gear video to make and probably will be doing an Update on the Toyota Prius I bought last fall, but slowing down a little with Life getting in the way. Thanks for asking though.

The awning was nice for it’s day, being an early suv tent. However, I wouldn’t and didn’t buy it a second time. Instead I purchased a Hasika SUV Tent for the same amount of money. It offers much more protection from the elements and better envelopes the car for sleeping. Of course there are even larger tents that are $200 - $400 Dollars. Just Google SUV Tents (although I purchased one for a Toyota Prius).

The head area is the third piece of the plywood to give the complete length of platform needed for my 6ft body. It is connected to what you are calling the middle section that fits between the sleeping platform in the back, over the folded down rear seats and the head area filling in the space behind the front seats. I built a U - Shaped notch made of 1 x's glued to the piano hinged head board that matched a 2 x 4 "leg" that wedged between the ply wood head-board and the floor mats. If you stop the video at the 8 minute mark, you will see what the underneath side of one of these sections of platforms looks like. So while there are three plywood pieces, there are only two sections - the back sleeping platform and the rear seat and folding head area section. The 8 1/2 angled down to 7 1/2 is for the sleeping platform only and I do believe I used a 2 x 8 which as you know is not 8 inches exactly. It doesn't have to be because the rear seat platform (what you are calling the middle section) is supported by 2 x 4 x ? varying lengths to level out the plywood. Again, the 8 minute mark will show these various supports. Don't worry, because if they are a little long to begin with, body weight will push the folded seats down slightly (So cut long and sand down if necessary). Believe me, I am not exact and simply used a level and ruler to get the "legs" measured and cut long. I always could cut more or sand down to get close to level. Hope this helps, I know it's tough to explain.

Thank you so much and yes this helps a lot.

I wouldn't think the measurements would be the same because of your much newer Subaru. I wish I could do another video, however, I traded in my 2010 Forester for a 2005 Toyota Prius that I am currently outfitting for future adventures. However, the front Section of the platforms were supported by 2 X 4 X ? blocks that were glued and screwed to the plywood. There was a second section of plywood that was piano hinged to open and fill the space between the folded down rear seats and the forward positioned front seats. This "head" area was supported by a 2 x 4 x ? that slide into a three sided 1 x 1 notch on the underneath side of the plywood and the floor mat. If you stop right at the eight minute mark of the video showing me attach the carpeting, you can at least see the underneath side of one of these sections. Hopefully that helps a little.

Yes they can, even with the reflectix on the inside and the window screen coverings. However, without air flow, condensation is a major issue just like being in a tent or the way windows fog up during winter driving. Campers have the same issue. I am currently researching car and camper dehumidifiers; as a matter of fact.

@@gboltonatrail1099 Using the rear hatch carabiner method, I have closed all the windows and there are no condensation issues. The rear hatch awning is different from others I have on Subaru's, who makes it?

@ a.co/d/cHG54Ij Not super expensive and not the best, but maybe the best for the money. It meets my needs for solo travel. Sorry, the one in the video is no longer available on Amazon and was just a Hatch Tarp. I replaced it with the one I just linked. Much more option than just a Tarp. Plus, I no longer have the Subaru because I have now gone with a 2005 Toyota Prius. Have to make a video for it.

On the underneath side, I used a “Window” Style Latch, 3 Total, one of which connected the sections to each other. However, I would probably use a different latch, possibly a “Door” style latch that is stronger and easier manipulate. I also was never in an accident, however, some builds also attach the platforms to “Bolted Rings” that exist in many Vehicles.

Thank you! I replicated your build best I could and have been out dispersed camping in it twice already. Very happy with it!

@@mikeackerman7160 That’s awesome! It’s all about getting into the Outdoors and having wonderful adventures! Keep following, because I have traded in the Subaru and am now setting up an O5’ Toyota Prius for future adventures!

Search Car window mesh screens in Amazon, $12.99 for a pair, that is specific to the vehicle and Front vs. Rear. I ended up purchasing both depending on where I am parking and how stealth I need to be.

Probably 6'3, but higher if the front passenger seat is removed and platform all the way to Dashboard.

Very Good Point. After this 1st Trip I purchased Window Shades made for the doors of the Subaru as well as Front and Rear Window Mesh Sleeves to keep bugs out. The combination allows me to have various windows opened at various lengths for airflow as well as some protection from the Rain provided by the Shades. However, the window coverings have to be bent down or not used for the screens and airflow to work.