A Clever Subaru Outback Camping Setup (SUV Camper Build)

[@darylbernard2616]

I sleep in the back of my Outback all the time. Parks, churches, rest areas, campgrounds, marinas, state forests, wherever. I use a 3” memory foam mattress, but put it directly on the base of the car (not raised as in this vid). You didn’t touch on warm weather scenarios where mosquitoes might be an issue. I bought vinyl screen, cut to fit each window (oversized a bit), and attach them with fridge magnets. Then I can roll down my window, get airflow, but not get bugged all night. I have camped in my car in as low as minus 17F (Sault Ste Marie, Michigan) and have enjoyed nights in the 70s comfortably. Heading on a road trip to explore North Dakota tomorrow, and won’t spend a dime on lodging.

[@parkercummings1906]

I appreciate your use of the mattress on the base of the car but I do prefer how the storage can be hidden under his mattress. But on his I didn't like the idea of folding that large plywood over to get use of his seats. I was wondering Daryl if a low raised cot could serve as the bed, which could then easily be folded and put away? What do you think of this idea?

[@heidih6516]

@@parkercummings1906 My Coleman camp cot fits perfectly in my Outback. With the added 3-inch memory foam, it's pretty close to the ceiling, but it works.

[@parkercummings1906]

@@heidih6516 I am glad to hear your reply. I thought something like this would work. www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Ready-Lite-Cot/dp/B01L3U19ZK/ref=sxin_11_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?cv_ct_cx=cot&dchild=1&keywords=cot&pd_rd_i=B01L3U19ZK&pd_rd_r=40b2dfb2-9b62-462b-8dd8-7ff6753078fe&pd_rd_w=Zn4YT&pd_rd_wg=z8877&pf_rd_p=bdaff03e-e2e6-4d0a-96ed-05f1bace8b61&pf_rd_r=B9GDT06A2XZN782NBFR7&qid=1626511875&sr=1-3-a8004193-6951-43f6-852a-aff7dbba9115-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMUQ0SEYzM0RJQTdFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjAzNjMzMTRGR1AzVlFITTVFViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODUyMTQwTlY4QjgwVTdNRDVCJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3Bfc2VhcmNoX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== It is easily stored away or left out you can still store stuff under it. Thanks for your reply.

[@bandstuff303]

Hi, I'd rather put my mattress straight on the base of the car and not raised, as I really need the head room, but how does it feel with the angle over the back seats, since they don't fold down flat? Thanks!

[@darylbernard2616]

@@bandstuff303 I’ve never noticed anything in terms of odd angles, etc. maybe because the 3” memory foam mattress negates minor unevenness.

[@Deanna52ish]

No nonsense, minimalist set up! I love it. Every trip I go on, I decide what I can eliminate for the next trip. Watching this really helps. Thank you.

[@nuggethikes]

There is a quote that you reminded me of: “Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

[@waynelb5805]

I admire the ambition to work with what you have to make a functional camping vehicle, and getting outside!

[@waddyhirshy2989]

My roommate from college and I went on a 7 month 30k+ mile road trip in the fall of 2020. We took the semester off from school and lived out of our vehicles. I have a 2010 Subaru Outback with a roof top tent mounted on a Yakima cross bar system that supports up to 700ibs. I have a Yakima bike rack mounted to the cross bars as well. I tinted the windows for when we where in the desert and upgraded the fog lights. I also put on the Falken wild peak AT tires for better off road performance while maintaining good drivability on the highway. The roof tent was necessary as the inside of my outback was completely packed out with food, clothing, skis, and camping gear. Not the most economical of builds but it was certainly comfortable. It was better suited to driving for a day or two and then camping in one location for a week or so. Thankfully I was able to see most of the country at only 19.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks for the shout out at the end!! You’re car camping set up is epic Isaac!

[@RS-gq1fi]

I've been camping in my 2016 Subaru and it's perfect - simple, safe, and easy to setup. If you don't like dealing with setting up a Tent, the outback is a perfect alternative. Plus if you have a newer model with a motorized push button tailgate, it adds a level of luxury and security. Spent 2 weeks travelling through Southern Utah/Arizona and I'm now going around California. The Outback is very versatile and can get to locations large vehicles cannot. I understand that storage philosophy by building the bed structure but it's not entirely necessary in my opinion plus you sacrifice head room. All that is needed is a twin/double air mattress and youre done. I store all of the items he has in my Yakima Roof Box or in a tote under the car while camping. For a fridge, I use a cooler with Ice since in most circumstances you are close to a ice source and a 7lb bag will last a couple days if kept out of the sun. Alternative a medium/light duty truck would also work well but you're fuel economy suffers. Larger van setups are nice but again fuel economy suffers and you can't exactly get a larger non 4x4/AWD vehicle into locations the Outback can reach. You could sleep 2 in the back of an Outback with a double. Alternatively, I always have a tent just in case. I also warn against the expensive rooftop tent - in windy situations they just don't do well. Plus you lose the roof top storage. The cons out weigh the benefits. I'm planning to build my own shelter/canopy in the future by either securing to the back of the tailgate and/or similarly to the side of the vehicle. This definitely helps in those exposed sunny locations and makes it more comfortable in general if in the rain. I'd like to come up with a better option for water storage. I currently use a 5 gallon purchased at Walmart but it's a bit clunky and the shape takes up space. If you want to get really sophisticated, Yakima sells a roof box with a solar panel for ~$1200. This would be nice to have for extra lighting and charging.

[@SUVRVing]

Huge thanks to Isaac for sharing his Outback with us! Be sure to check the video description for links to the gear mentioned in the video and more (including his buddy who makes custom van builds: kzbin.info/door/blE9bB30z5gJi98t4uCXnw)

[@MrJbarreda]

Love all you guys do, I myself am a tent guy, I use the Gazelle 4 Overland, 5 minutes, pops into place, great materials, YKK zippers, love it. I like the fact you can stand up inside, I believe up to 6”2, I’m 5’8, so it’s a castle

[@anotheramy71]

Excellent simple build! Any of us with crossovers and hatchbacks can replicate this.

[@janaspencer6008]

Another smart young man enjoying the great outdoors! Thanks so much!

[@ExploringIntuition]

Nice little setup. You can never see too many of these because each one is slightly different and always some new information or ideas there that can be applied to one's own rig.

[@WillN2Go1]

I like the Astroturf. I'm guessing it also provides some ventilation under the mattress which is needed to stop the trapping of moisture and the growth of mildew. For your 1/4" plywood I might suggest 1/2" luan from Home Depot. It's cheap, very light weight. I made a bunk for my Prius V (the rear seats don't fold flat). I glued two 1" strips 3" in from the sides along most of the length. Gives it more than enough stiffness. My 'bunk' is only 24" wide for a tri-fold memory foam mattress I got on Amazon that is very comfortable. The awning/tent room is nice. Roof container: I've had one of the cheaper (narrower) Thule ones for almost 20 years now. Still works great. Kept it outside so the surface is rough like an alligator - still rain tight, durable. Thule said leave it. The Yakima's cost more have a seal - I've been in some gnarly weather - never had a leak in the Thule so save your money. I lube the moving parts and the lock with graphite and it still locks and unlocks exactly like it did brand new. What's nice about the Thule is if fits so much stuff so the inside of my car is less jammed up with stuff. Skis and snowshoes go in the Thule keeping the inside of my car dry. I think they all open up on the right side of the car - so you'd probably have to swap over your awning. I've got the smallest cassette toilet sold on Amazon (whatever the main brand of these is). Works great. Zero stink, zero hassle. Pour in some fluid in the bottom, a little in the top, add some more water in the top.. this is to flush it. To empty it - zero muss - Just pop out the bottom pour it into any toilet - you're done. Cassette toilets are a real game changer for RVing. I wouldn't bother with anything else. I like to travel with a beach chair, comfy, you sit low so out of the wind. I bought a second one with a high back - a real plus. You can nod off in it and your head doesn't flop over. You always want to get things like this that fold up into cylinders, not flat - they take up a lot less space to store . You could even leave it on one part of your bed and never notice it. Hope this helps and I know Tristam really knows this stuff - I might've got some of my ideas from him.

[@kathleenmahoney6657]

Simple. Organized. Comfortable. Great build!

[@saginawdan]

Half the fun is creating a build. There's a lot of trial and error and problem solving involved, which is followed by a feeling of honest accomplishment. Good job! 👍

[@93samsam]

Dude what an awesome build. I'm building my ascent in a very simplistic manner so restroom and shower were a concern but this awning solves that problem!!! Super cool!

[@stanbyme7874]

Have the ARB awning & awning room attached to my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. It’s a total game changer. My only "cons" are: awning room is heavy for this 60 yr old lady & if you want to move anywhere you have to pull whole thing up. Buying a separate tent for Summer 2021. I absolutely love my Crosstrek for adventures. Great gas mileage. Just enough room. Perfect. Enjoy & keep sharing the world.

[@iflanzy]

That's also what I think the biggest downside is. I was not expecting these awning rooms to be so heavy!

[@PurposeBetweenSeasons]

That tent is amazing. My mom had to sleep in her suv when we camper in pouring down rain in the fall. She has use the restroom 2x’s nightly and shes not small enough to manage that from inside her suv so its been hard getting her to take to suv camping on the whole. This tent could be a game changer!

[@JR-kk6ce]

Thanks Isaac. That was a great presentation.

[@wildeescape]

Sweet build. I think most of us with smaller SUVs are all in the same "boat." It's still nice to see what others are doing as I'm always getting new, and oftentimes better, ideas. Side note. Hope to see you next month too!

[@davidmason1043]

Very cool simple build! I love the awning/tent room.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Ditto! And made in Oregon.

[@tamie341]

​@@sandeedobberstine5591We eat Californians for breakfast! They soft and entitled bruh :)

[@TheDenisedrake]

Isaac! Great job. We did a similar simple setup in our Jeep. For a toilet, I like the Reliance foldable toilet with 2 8-gallon scented trash bags (double bagged) with the Eco Gel packs. We also like having the Mr. Heater Buddy set up in with the toilet for chilly mornings.

[@cw1881]

Only been using it for a 1,5 year. I’d say that’s a good amount of time to know what you’re taking about ! I chuckled at first seeing the astroturf, legit reason using it. Great setup and video for a newbie. Thanks!

[@platersmom]

Thank you for your great ideas,we are lucky to live in Idaho,so many great places to enjoy.I have added a zodi water heater to my set-up,and can't wait to try that out. I also got some pool noodles,to put anywhere something rattles or squeaks,and to minimize scratches to paint. Awesome job,travel on!!😊

[@TheSunGoethDown]

I like his Subaru....very nice build. And Issac seems like a nice man. Glad he is getting in on the adventures!

[@einzgeisha]

that's a comfortable build. it's very nice of Isaac to promote his friend, too!

[@Morongobill]

Brilliant build, Isaac! Thanks Tristan.

[@dudebro2241]

Excellent video and a nice functional build by Isaac as well. I like how the outside is unassuming, except for the awning. Personally, I value headspace too much to ever consider a platform; that being said, this is a good looking platform. The green carpet gives a fun, colorful touch too.

[@davidjohn9006]

Very good. I’ve a Nissan Xtrail (aka Rogue) 4x4, 2016…. Fitted out for extended road trips, inc. roof top cargo box, and can carry the OzTent Rv3 for a full-size tent/room + extra awning walls, for that extra rooms/space for longer campsite stays. Those side mounted car awnings are very popular in Australia and are easy to buy, from several companies/outlets. Anyway, I fitting out a hatch/suv car, for me, is based on economy (and mileage per litre/gallon), flexibility, comfort, on & off road, and convenient for the long haul camper/traveller. Keep-on keeping on you folks 👍🏽✌🏼🔥🇦🇺

[@stevethompson8154]

I like the cargo net on the ceiling

[@danielwnorowski2553]

Dude: simple inexpensive and highly functional!

[@MarkOrwoll]

Thanks, Isaac. Love what you've done and you explained everything really well!

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Way to go Issac! Great rig, thanks Tristan.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Isaac, sorry for the misspelling!

[@notme3252]

The net idea is a good use of those hooks!

[@LouGrant999]

Genius.. My two dachshunds and me would love this add on in my Outback..

[@cherilynclark5671]

Our 2 shih tzus would too.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Not only impressive is his build with simplicity, Isaac is impressive. He knows his vehicle well and knows what other improvements he can make to improve his quality of life on the road. Don, softroadingthewest channel, lost his Subaru in an unfortunate accident and now drives a Nissan pick up which he is converting into a camper. I can see Isaac taking up the Subaru niche. He speaks well and there's a great underlying personality. A husky would draw thousands of us who travel with our pets. C'mon Isaac, take the plunge! Great interview, Tristan!

[@iflanzy]

While my job has me working with KZbinrs on a daily basis, I don't think I'd be one to enjoy being in front of the camera too often.

[@nuggethikes]

Nice young man. If you read this, just add a 1/4” plywood to yours. You will then have 1/2” plywood for your bed base. Happy trails.

[@iflanzy]

You know, that's quite logical. I think I'll do that once I get my table saw back up and running.

[@MrJbarreda]

I have the Yakima Slim Shady, no modifications required, clamps on to your crossbars, and you can lock it with the locks that come with.

[@iflanzy]

The Slim Shady was out of stock everywhere when I was in the market and it's over $100 more expensive.

[@BWT599]

Nice setup. I just purchased the Thule awning that attaches to my existing Thule racks with a low profile Thule ski box. Using the awning with my Mitsubishi PHEV Outlander for kid's motocross race season as I don't have enough room to bring a family tent and a 10 x 10 tent to work on bikes or seek shelter.

[@wildandloudmama]

That’s awesome. I am researching awnings. Great video

[@gracesimplified3860]

Great idea with the net on ceiling👍🏻

[@kimsargeant8126]

I like that CVT. Much nicer than my tarp situation.

[@Zeldagirl64]

Simple and was informative based on his needs! This was great because he did how too funny n a couple of things Useful to me and how

[@Zeldagirl64]

Usefully to me

[@shauns1294]

Great job Issac! This has me considering an awning.

[@TheDenisedrake]

We love our awning. They are so handy for sun, rain, snow, etc.

[@teslah2997]

nice guy, nice rig setup! thanks for showing this, Tristan

[@jamibeaumont3565]

I love the Subaru build!😊

[@annettegray1843]

Love the awning! Nice build!

[@allieb1621]

Nice, neat and efficient use of space - well done! Thanks for sharing. That Car Cigarette Lighter Socket in the rear compartment is great and I think it should be a standard in all cars. Thanks for sharing.

[@EvieVermont]

Love the awning/tent!

[@ssphoto66]

Looks like my car! Just need to move west where they have lots of open land.

[@kkdee9961]

Kudos. Very livable

[@tedzilla5826]

Thanks for sharing fellas

[@fishthruit]

Very Nice build,thanks for sharing that with us!

[@janernn]

Nice and simple setup. That awning is great!

[@istj777]

very nice !!!! Thx for sharing. Great interview & tour.

[@johnm1585]

A very informative and interesting video. I have tried renting a class B and C RV for camping. Now I want to try car camping. First I need a new car anyway so I'm looking at Subarus and Toyotas. This video was helpful to see what an actual setup would look like.

[@ianhayden2839]

Hey, great video. Keep up the great work. I have one question. In an earlier video, you made your very own diy solar "generator". Do you still use that with the solar panel mounted on the top of you Rav 4, or do you stick to commercial brand for everyday use like the jakery 1000. Thanks

[@carolzabel8234]

Very creative use of space 👌 and functional. Didn't realize there were some places you could order accessories for vans and SUV'S.

[@reneecopeland1095]

Nice setup!

[@yachtsteve]

I enjoy seeing "small" builds. I have to add a disclaimer I have a large camper "Astro van"

[@lauraburbach3706]

I have that same fridge and Jackery 500. I have a Honda CR-V. Maybe I can give a tour of my camper conversion 😊😊

[@norsefalconer]

Thanks for sharing your rig Alex! It's already nice, and I'm sure it will get better as, like you said, you find out what works and what doesn't. I also drive a smaller vehicle, so weight is always my focus. If you upgrade to a 1/2" platform, some of that weight can be offset by drilling a bunch of 1"~ 2" holes in the 2x frame. Placed/spaced correctly, they won't compromise the structure. Another solution might be to build "I-beams" out of the 1/4" ply platform (you'd be removing) and some of the 2x frame material (do an online search for plywood I-beam and/or floor joist) These will also reduce weight. Wishing you many years of fun and safe travels!

[@redstone5149]

Nice setup! That awning is really sweet👍

[@kaelisaac]

Nice one

[@obedevert28]

Excellent set-up.

[@allancarn7863]

Hi Isac You did a nice job. I wish I could show you what I just did to install my awning at 195cm height instead of the 170cm height when attached to the factory bars with L brackets. You simply extend the L brackets and attach a piece of angle with a wing nut so you can tilt the awning over and rest on the cross bars during highway driving. Then at cano simply tilt it back in upright position and tighten the nuts. You get so much more room under I may make a u tube video ..not sure as never done it yet. Trust me you wont regret the modification. Cheers Allan

[@robcoles6288]

Allan. Thank you for sharing this idea. Brilliant.

[@mustdodiving5263]

Great set up... very practical and effective...

[@magdaindiaan4235]

Nice auning. Enjoy your trip

[@donnamount151]

Ps...check out Chases outback build...awesome

[@RDK210]

Great job brother !!!

[@dixxebell]

Very sweet set up, works perfectly.

[@lornabartlett2744]

Thanks for sharing, 💓🇨🇦🕊🌍🙏🇺🇲Living Bravely with SUV ADVENTURES

[@donnamount151]

I put astroturf ib my pickup. 😁

[@Vex916T]

I like the astroturf mod, just wish it came in different color.

[@freedomdove]

That looks like a good weekend warrior rig. 👍

[@terrylazarou7075]

Great tour. Thanks!

[@bugikraxn]

Nice minimalistic built ;-)

[@airmakay1961]

Very cool, well done!

[@thebigmann81]

I have a sleeping bag layed out then blankets layed on loop of sleeping bag if not to cold I use only blankets if very cold I get in the sleeping bag

[@teodoryovev6103]

wonderful video

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you so very much for sharing! 👍😊

[@kyfisher3662]

Can you see out the sunroof while laying down?

[@teslah2997]

woohoo, Tristan.....97.9 k followers!!!

[@bambihargrove6499]

Great set up 👍

[@susans7091]

Unfortunately I discovered that I don't feel comfortable not having enough headroom in my Outback if I put anything other than 1.5 inches of padding to sleep on. Even then I can't sit up straight. Guess I wasn't meant to be a sardine! That sure cuts down on storage space:) Plus I have a large dog. We are definitely squishy in our Outback. But I discovered I actually sleep better there than in my own bed at home!... Shocker for sure.

[@ruabadkitty]

Great job!

[@sandiv.2388]

CVT 55" Pioneer Awning Walls (tent room) has been discontinued. Bummer!

[@kellyphelps8673]

Can you link the side walls for the awning?

[@katherinesidener7049]

I live in Seattle area. I am a petite older woman who is not handy. I would love to have the awning and wall you showed. Can you recommend an installer for me?

[@donnamount151]

Smart boy...

[@vannemocilac274]

Can the doors lock while you’re sleeping inside? I’m in a Honda crv 2019 and cannot lock myself inside with the key to sleep.

[@pambancroft7469]

I have a 2015 Subaru outback and cannot get the little lights to go out on the side mirrors, also known as approach lights. With the hatch up as I’m camping I have had battery drainage problems. I have noticed yours are not on, how do you get them to stay off. Oh I took my car to the dealer and they didn’t even know how to do it🤷‍♀️

[@wendeemason6268]

I have a 2018 Subaru outback with the same problem. I learned from the Subaru forum that if you take an Allen wrench you can insert the end of the wrench in the hole and push the lock in the door all the way up and it will disconnect the door lock from the battery. I’ve been camping for weeks with the door up and I’ve never had a problem. To put the door down again, you need to push the button from the inside multiple times to get it to lock. I ran my car when I put my hatch back down. I also have a portable 80 W solar panel that I connect directly to my battery to keep it charged. In addition, I also have a battery cut off mechanism That is permanently installed on my battery and I can disconnect my battery with a simple turn of the knob when I am camping.

[@judyberen4126]

How is wind resistance

[@KevinLangford1]

This was a very helpful video. I like the retractable awning, and $275 seems like a reasonable purchase. Did it come with the light strips or did you add those in yourself?

[@yydsyyds]

Does your 13 Outback burn oil?

[@punktexas]

I'm disappointed Isaac didn't set up the awning room. There are 100s of videos showing platform builds and none (?) showing an awning room set up on a small SUV.

[@iflanzy]

It was cold and wet that day, and I had to get back home to get back to work, so not much time available to set it up and take it down. However, I am heading out camping this weekend and was planning on doing a short walkthrough of the tent room setup while everything is fully rigged up. Planning on posting it on Tristan's facebook page early next week if you're interested.

[@tpseeker3367]

@JonDZAdventuring did one

[@punktexas]

@@iflanzy Thanks.

[@punktexas]

@@tpseeker3367 I've been a subscriber of his for a while. Can you link me the video. I only see the DIYI awning video.

[@tpseeker3367]

That might be the one @@punktexas . kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnvCe2OOiMmUbLM Where he stresses needing 3/8 inch rope to slide the wall into the end of awning groove. @venture4wd put his up One time if I remember right as well.

[@howdydo7320]

Nice!

[@agpawpaw5912]

Why to build that platform? Unless 2 people will sleep in. 2015 Outback has flat floor, isn’t your have flat too?

[@jackiedecoma4637]

Clever

[@kellyname5733]

Great video! I looked up those tent walls from the link in the description and they are discontinued. What??? You just posted this video today.

[@lornaperalta3189]

If you go back to that web site and click on "parts and pieces" you'll see them.

[@iflanzy]

I just clicked the link from the description and they're still available. Definitely not discontinued.

[@eufemiarakstang1692]

What is the brand of your mini fridge?

[@SUVRVing]

It's linked in the video description 👍

[@MrJbarreda]

So, when is your gear coming back in stock, been waiting for a while for the cargo net for the Subaru?? I’m on the waiting list, for a while.

[@SUVRVing]

No ETA yet

[@MrJbarreda]

@@SUVRVing is it on the works??