How I Built my Subaru Camper: New Design

Design Available: roadtoridge.com/
Facebook Group: / 392293478692434
My Instagram: www.instagram....
App for finding Camping Spots & Trip Planning: thedyrt.com/pro...
This is my new Subaru Outback car camper conversion that I built. The design is built to accommodate gear storage, work and cooking space, full length sleep platform and other features while maintaining a modular design that is easy to remove. A camper van would be great, but its hard to beat the mobility and efficiency of a small vehicle and you likely already have a car.
Tools: (Affiliate Links)
- Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/3h5RtZs
- Drill: amzn.to/3riCZuc
- Drill Bits: amzn.to/3heojrd
- Hole saw: amzn.to/2WBkyCE
- Drill 90* angle driver: amzn.to/3h9ahqT
- Skill (Circular) Saw: amzn.to/37EXpW8
- Skill saw Rip Cut Jig (used instead of table saw): amzn.to/37BiWz2
- Jig Saw: amzn.to/2WwTpRm
- Sander: amzn.to/3h9fdvH
- Sand Paper: amzn.to/3mE5gHR
- Framers Square: amzn.to/3h8jUWX
- Large Square: amzn.to/3mE5XRt
- Straight edge or level: amzn.to/2LOC4RK
- Clamps: amzn.to/3auUd1c
- Measuring Tape: amzn.to/3nGphie
- Pencil: amzn.to/37B3qU0
- Full Power Tool Kit: amzn.to/34xwHwJ
Materials:
- ¾” Birch plywood: Local Store Only
- 1 ¼” Screws: amzn.to/2WDS5fK
- ⅜ bolts: amzn.to/2Kw0Dmj
- ⅜” T-Nuts: amzn.to/3nJJHqC
- ⅜” Washers: amzn.to/2Jbovec
- Table hinges: amzn.to/3mIykhB
- Long Bed Extension Hinge: amzn.to/3ayZJ2V
- Drawer handles: amzn.to/2JbF9KK
- Polyurethane: amzn.to/3h92Rnz
- Wood Glue: amzn.to/38ur5oe
- Carpet:(I recommend going to your local Store) amzn.to/37Gj7Jy
- Carpet Adhesive Glue: amzn.to/37LyIYx
Gear:
-Portable Battery: amzn.to/2Pa8XXD
-Multi Charger Cord: amzn.to/3iREkn8
-Bug Nets: amzn.to/3fd0qgU
-Fan: amzn.to/39Izrci
-Roof Rack: (similar to mine) amzn.to/43uoO7V
-Cargo Box (similar to mine): amzn.to/3iA5Sgm
-Awning: amzn.to/3oBvNrH
-Storage Box: amzn.to/39H5JnG
-LED Lights: amzn.to/370lLIG
-Reflectix Window Covering: amzn.to/339KutM
-Mattress Foam Pad: amzn.to/3l04Yu9
-Sleeping Bag: amzn.to/2GiYs2R
-Camp Chair: amzn.to/33zkAPd
Kitchen Kit:
-Jet Boil Stove: amzn.to/2CRuTV1
-Pot: amzn.to/3jV4aYj
-Pan: amzn.to/2DfOZYI
-Coffee Grinder: amzn.to/2RtmNFx
-Coffee Press: amzn.to/2ExFwwC
-Food Seasonings: amzn.to/3hNd2gE
-Coffee Cup: amzn.to/3iAg5cF
My Camera Gear:
-Camera: amzn.to/312uw1I
-Lens: amzn.to/39IPy9x
-Tripod: amzn.to/2VYqtBw
-Gimbal: amzn.to/3n3zK7g
-GoPro: amzn.to/34mKU0a
-Drone: amzn.to/3pCZeKx
For business inquires: [e-mail]

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks for everyone who has commented and reached out over the past six months. I hope this video and the website ( www.roadtoridge.com ) help you in your camper build process! Also, sorry about the upside down footage. Not sure how that happened 😂

[@lauraottaviano7282]

@Chase Christopher...I like your videos. They are both informative, and the scenery is awesome, especially with the snow capped mountains in the background. Are these taken in the Rockies?

[@RVingwithG]

SWEET FRKN BUILD! Love the "L" at 17:22 How much for your old build.. LOL I'm in the RENO area.

[@ronpandullo1155]

My wife and I live on a fixed income. Due to the increase in our rent recently, we may have to live in our Subaru for a while. Ours is a 1994 Legacy. Your specs would not sit ours, but your video has given me encouragement. Thank you so much and God bless you,

[@abigfishinabarrenswamp]

wishing you both great luck ❤️

[@jesf570]

Literal genius. Full articulated, fully thought out so deeply, so well done. One of the more impressive auto related builds on the net.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@alexanderh.999]

As an outback owner I love watching your videos and watch the possibilities with this car

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks for watching!

[@GoToAlps]

Well done man!!! I actually just finished building conversion for my outback but based on your first design, I just added slide outs in the drawer with DOMETIC 16F fridge and will make a vid closer to spring about it. Can share with you if you interested :) Really like your second build, it improves on the first version in many ways and just more smart storage and professional looking. Keep on going and I would be interested to see if you come with a solution: where else you can put your drawer inside of the car (e.g. front seats mount of some sort) and extending rear for 2 people bed. Thank you again for inspiration and ideas, Evgeny

[@tanyajohnston8262]

Just found you channel. I am Canadian and an almost 60 year old woman. I want to start car camping this spring so lots to learn. I have build an easy design bed and plan to start in the spring to ensure I like car camping before designing a wonderful car camper like yours. Thank you for the design and complete teaching about your build.

[@ottoleskosek8380]

This is the most practical and functional car camping setup I have ever seen. You have put a lot of thought into keeping it simple. Good on you. Thanks.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks for the comment, Otto. You’re welcome👍

[@jcoats5529]

I've been a professional carpenter/ cabinet marker for 30+ yrs. You did a very nice job right there.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thank you, I appreciate it! I’m sure I could learn tons from someone like you.

[@sinfullyblondie]

Absolutely good job.

[@420BLUNTLEY]

@@ChaseChristopher1 that make you feel good?

[@JulianJLW]

Really nice build, Chase, really practical and carefully designed, done with beautiful precision, and it looks good too. Well done, and well done also for the clear, comprehensive video, explained in just the right amount of detail. Thank you, both of you!

[@kapnrex]

Just bought a 2014 Outback. Thanks for the insight...You should host an Outback Car camping meet!

[@gigielizabeth5636]

I just bought a Toyota van and now I want Subaru. I love this !!

[@itsJoshuaSkyy]

Thank you! Im gonna try to apply this to my forester. Its gotta be pretty close to the same

[@georgedanilov8898]

What a great job for putting it together, with all the links etc etc Keep up the good work, and thank you!

[@davidkasparian3813]

I’m a mobile detailer and I wanted to do this and I remembered this video from back in the day😂my next diy is about to be a similar build love the videos !

[@MichelleTech]

Great attention to attention to detail throughout and use of vertical space with the cabinet!

[@ethanmcalpin2]

Wow, definitely top 3 favourite builds I've seen so far

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Ethan!

[@SiennaWeekend]

I need to get on this dude's level. This helped me get ideas. Nice work

[@ChaseChristopher1]

It doesn’t take much. Glad you found it valuable!

[@JamesJones-xk9xx]

I have the same basket! Mine is a Harbor Freight hitch basket that I put together without the center bar. I carry my recovery boards, my 2 gallons of diesel for my diesel heater, and a 3 gallon rotopax fuel can.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Sounds like a great settup!

[@kathydelong1164]

You are inspiring me to hire someone to do this to my Outback!

[@kathleendanley8508]

I love this idea, i know the Outback is a bit bigger than my Forester but I’m exploring possibilities. I’m new to this whole concept of car camping so i really need to try it when this crazy snow goes away. And then proceed from there. I’m not sure i would take out the back seats but it sounds like you have no problem putting them back when needed. I will have to look at the web site.

[@pamkopitzke4515]

Excellent craftsmanship! Clear and complete, although I missed seeing the tools you used. Don't stop experimenting or sharing. You are correct that you inspire those without professional training or tools to do professional-quality work.

[@notme3252]

This is REALLY amazing. I want an Outback and all of this is in my scope of expertise, so I really feel like I could make this happen! Thanks for sharing!!

[@n3tuf]

You did an excellent job on your build. I lease a 2023 Forester Touring Edition and would love to do a build like yours but with the 2' X 72" platform on the right about 6" high for more storage inside and leave the left side plain so I can use my totes for my camping and cooking equipment. I'd like to leave my rear seats in and keep the build as light as possible because of my 69yo back and multiple rotator cuff surgeries.

[@momobadilak]

Its a really sweet kit. thanks for sharing the parts list - and the walk through. I remember watching your backseat desk video a while back -nice design.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thank you! You’re very welcome👍

[@danschiltroth1576]

Just awesome. You've inspired me to make something for my 2 door Wrangler.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Right on! Have fun👍

[@TheOfficialUdiyo]

I’m going on my first solo camp trip next week. Been watching your videos like crazy. I’m a little scared because I don’t have all the gear like you but hopefully I learn as a go. Thank you so much!

[@andyrichey1192]

Wow that's super cool !! Need to design me something, four in the bed of my pickup truck . Appreciate you sharing. I'll keep watching for more

[@muhammadghalib2826]

great job, Chase. You just gave me confidence to convert my hatchback into a camper. I am working on it and will share pics once done. Once again, thank you for all the details and ideas. Keep exploring! :)

[@majortom8851]

Very nice. We have the same year and model Outback. This is a great project for my wife. LOL. Wish me luck.

[@nathanielcollins]

Timing of this couldn't have been better for me. Left my job a couple weeks ago. I'm in the process of converting my older Benz wagon into a camper for some extended travels around the country. Your videos have given me massive design inspiration for my build. I appreciate you sharing and look forward to your future content!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Sorry to hear about that, Nathaniel. I’m glad this found you at the right time. Have fun with your conversion! Share pics over in the Facebook group as you progress, we’d love to see them!

[@karlschreiber9286]

Perfect genious. You did better than I tried. ☺

[@ohhansel]

I've been a carpenter my whole life and I've got to tell you that is one clever design . You also did a very professional job with the tools at hand. I've come to love the Kreg system as well. Now get off their young man and use the heck out of that thing.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate the compliment. I have used and abused that kreg system and couldn't be happier with it. Will do!

[@ohhansel]

@@ChaseChristopher1 hey buddy one more thing. I couldn't help but notice some snowboards in the corner of your garage. I had a bad injury snowboarding about 4 years ago and have had to give it up since. I miss it so much. Would you do a run out there in my honor.

[@michaelk8414]

nicely done! i had watched your older videos. the new design looks great. happy to throw some money your way to support and maybe even take a crack at building it myself.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Micheal! I appreciate the comment and the support! It’s a fun challenge and is extremely rewarding in the end. Best of luck, and I hope you share your progress in the Facebook group (road to ridge: car camper conversions) as you go! 👍

[@troywargo9882]

You did a GREAT JOB!!!! Thanks!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks! You bet.

[@andyrichey1192]

That is a genius design ! Again appreciate you sharing. Gives me some ideas four in the back in my pick up truck

[@Avacarho]

I love your camping box build as it’s very ingenious with all the cubby hole/storage areas for your Subaru Outback, which is the kind of vehicle I’m looking to buy to replace my old Mercury Sable that I ended up car camping in during a high wind storm 6 years ago. I’m now disabled and would love this same set up for when I’m able to go kayaking and camping again. Btw, you forgot the most important tool every carpenter uses...a pencil!!! JK

[@brentbarcena6904]

Your cinematography is top notch and I dig all your content man! Keep it up. Thanks for sharing your world with us! What an escape!

[@stevearita3267]

Wow, I'm really impressed! Very nice! Thanks for doing the video.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks Steve! My pleasure.

[@1hjehje]

An excellent job! Thank you for all of the effort that you have put into creating this video.

[@duvessa2003]

I ❤ the cabinet and all of the storage.

[@jesf570]

Unbelievable build yet again, just unreal man. Your channel is hella hella underviewed, i know with time and constant uploads youll shoot to the top. Also, as I'm sure you know, you could sell these builds to people with outbacks, and make bank! Big time commitment however!

[@bvan1970]

I’m late to the party on this video, Chase, but just wanted to say. Nice Job! What a nice simple system and I really appreciate going over the tools that you used. I’m thinking of how I can adopt something like this for my 4Runner. I love the slide out tables. That’s my favorite feature. The kitchen box is cool as well.

[@margiereyes3640]

Love the design and simplicity of the build

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Margie!

[@JoseSanles]

Regarding your tires. If you're looking for a good upgrade, look at the Michelin CrossClimate2. Superv All season tires with a 3-peak snow rating. Cheers from a forester owner.

[@firehorseweddingphotograph3995]

I have been running sets of these for at least 5 years but switching to Goodyear Vector 4 season Gen 2’s as in recent tests, they are coming out higher rated/on top.

[@lauralake3209]

Kreg jig! My new favorite toy!!

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Talk about using the "k.i.s.s." principle! Your plans and build are brilliant! I was going to look into a GOOSE Gear set up for my 2016 Jeep Compass but doing what you've done with your Subaru would be far less costly. Although challenging, it would be fun to do. Being retired gives me all the time I need...just need patience. Thanks for sharing, Chase!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks Alexander! I’m glad that you are finding them helpful. Best of luck! I hope you share your build/journey in the Facebook group👍

[@wallace870]

Dude… you need to contact Subaru… and do a “patented” collab… and have Subaru “finance” and mass produce your design. It’s awesome how much room, nooks and crannies, you’ve created. Good job 🤩

[@forsakenpath4992]

Great build! Ever thought about removing the front seat for even more room? I know there's an issue with the wiring and the airbag, but I'm thinking there's gotta be a way to get around it.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks! I have not. I often am driving with a second person so it’s not a practical option most of the time. Good idea though!

[@dougheizenrader2280]

Very nice build, and some clever ideas! I'm starting a very similar build in my Tiguan (Low mounted sleeping platform to maximize headroom, and storage to one side), so watching this was very informative and inspirational. The main difference in my build will be including a 37Qt dual-zone frig/freezer and a 2K Watt-Hour power station. Will be a bit of a squeeze, but I think I can make it work! Thanks for the great video!

[@markj10]

Nice job! I’m done many Sprinter van conversations and keeping it simple is best!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Mark!

[@Texasishot105]

Great job, love your attention to detail 👏 How hard would it be for someone wheelchair disabled to boondock, what would be my biggest hurdle, no pun intended 🤣. I've learned a lot from your setup.

[@72motherearth]

Hi Christine- I am a dual cane/wheelchair sometime person. Hubby is a 50+ year carpenter (Yes, we’re old but still active.) I have been watching a million van builds. We are on a modest budget. Thus is all doable for handicap IMO, but obviously adjustments must be made. You need to watch and read everything you can and flex it to your personal situation. As you know, things are a little harder for us- and you really need to have a few able bodied people as backups if you get in a serious jam. Learn the Van-life, practice it in your or a friend’s driveway before you roll out full time. If you can drive, you can do this.

[@FirstLast-on1mv]

Very clean, practical, and completely stealth from the outside! Thank you

[@KristieSue89]

Nice work! That's a beautiful and creative design!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Kristen!

[@pablobartelotte4553]

What I find interesting is the lack of insulation. These car companies are cutting every little corner. In my 99 mountaineer if I take the seats out there is carpet and insulation underneath and my last car was a 2000 sable that had insulation under the back seat. Now just driving around and wearing your coat you wouldn't notice the chill coming from the cracks but on long journeys where you will probably take your coat off and get comfy you'll notice. Just a layer of reflextix and felt could save from heat loss and traditional heating when parked on blacktop.

[@saycheeez7926]

Hey Chase! I currently have a 2018 Rav4 on a lease. When I exchange it next may for a 2021 model, I'm gonna decide after 3 years that I'm gonna keep it and try and convert the back. Thanks for inspiring the idea. Always wanted to just travel across the country and camp in my car. And you've motivated me to do it and I'm getting great tips/ideas from you...thanks!

[@bluezklewz8351]

This is so great! I will definitely be checking out your website and trying to convince my dad to build this for his Outback

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thank you!

[@alleycat7115]

Nice attention to detail

[@trailfleamlangdon2260]

Great little camper,, I like the bed setup. How do you get to your spare tire? I have a Subaru Forster and i took out the big block of foam out from the spare tire well and have a lot of storage there,

[@profuy.]

Amazing! You may not be a profesional carpenter but your smarts are astonishing. Wish I had seen your work before working so hard on my mini camper. Miine is not attached to the body of the van but my furniture shows my lack of skills. 🤯 BTW, i'm a 69 year old female and made it all by myself. 🧓🏻 I'm from a small in Uruguay and unfortunally we don't have access to some of the materials and tools. However it works for me. 🥴

[@VWnutMalibu]

Wow! Great work and attention to detail!Thank you for sharing your build.

[@Ogstylze1972]

Nice job man awesome build definitely giving me some great ideas for my build Thanks

[@Esther-ps3vx]

Your website is so beautiful. Great Job. Also, your build-up is so practical.

[@Anberel]

If you don’t have room for drawer slides, try friction tape. It’ll keep it sliding smoothly and keep the wood from wearing.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks for the idea!

[@pablobartelotte4553]

Also, I recommend for durability using water based floor polyurethane it's super hard and dried fast.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks for the tip!

[@AafkeArt]

Omg, this one is even better!

[@francisniestemski2440]

I got as far as buying my 2011 Subaru Outback limited . Your videos Are interesting to watch.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, enjoy the new rig!

[@tmlucatube]

Thanks again for sharing, i took good inspiration and came up with something similar. I even have the same plano case from another built but i found it sooo fragile the moment you move it around.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

You're welcome! Right on👍 It isn't super robust, but I guess thats the price of having lightweight gear.

[@expectamiracle.406]

I really like your build.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks!

[@ShaggyCrew87]

Excellent!!!. Thanks Chris

[@omarpastrana9891]

lots of clever engineering done. awesome!

[@sarahchambless3186]

This is awesome! Great job fine tuning the design! I would love an adapted version for sleeping two people and a golden retriever.:)

[@cheririley1013]

Yeah!! Can’t wait to check it out.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

👍👍

[@jwade1968]

Totally love it and would be doing my Subaru. Thank you

[@Cookies205]

Awesome job Chase!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thank you!

[@wvsubaruwrxstiusa8585]

Great information, thank you! Removing my rear seats in my STI in the morning!

[@spencermccall7863]

Your Subaru is awesome man, and I love your videos. Keep them coming!

[@mikecassley3800]

Great vid dude I've just got myself an estate with hopes of turning into a camper! Super helpful info! Love your Su man it looks epic!

[@markrichards3747]

Very nice! I'm sharing this with a friend who voluntarily lives in his car. BTW, I've had 3 Subies and Nokian Hakkapillitta snow tires worked great in the Michigan winters.

[@gloriamariadc7757]

So super rad!! Thank u for the amazing details!!!👌👌👌🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@ChaseChristopher1]

You’re welcome!

[@codyf.3369]

I absolutely love your build and your videos, thanks for making them! Have you ever had to pull your spare tire out while the platform was in? That's been my issue in my Impreza build without going with a hitch mounted spare

[@kalansadlier9631]

I absolutely love your channel my friend! You inspired me to turn my 2007 Mercedes GL 450 into a GLamper. Are used a lot of your suggestions and now I will be beach camping in Maui for as long as I can! Do you help make my dream come true! 🌴🏖🤙🌈 Mahalo

[@joakimolsson1024]

Best and cleanest setup i have seen so far! Great job! Just be careful of "loose" stuff in case of an accident. I have the same model (and same beautiful green color) trying to figure out a decent setup. However i would probably like to keep the back seats mounted, since i will only sleep in the car occasionally.

[@kathleencomyn5228]

Wow that kit is awesome 😍

[@ScottLe]

Thanks Chase your videos always inspire me to work on my BH9. Cheers man!

[@ruthbartonico7531]

Intelligent design....very clear and good english....😊

[@bikeninja956]

lot's of good thinking in this man, thanks for sharing! Currently working on my SUV camper setup and this is really helpful!

[@seanbradley3314]

Awesome job man!

[@bluejeans8001]

Thanks for sharing. Clever design and build

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Bill!

[@garyvarner6351]

Will order plans after watching the video. Hoping I can modify your plans for my Crosstrek and get close to the same concept AND save me a bunch of time in the details. Joined, but not seeing info on the plan (just the ordering part), but you may explain that in the video. Good stuff Chase!

[@estherstephens1858]

Thank you for being so detailed!!!! I appreciate all the work you put into your video content. Stay warm. Stay safe.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

You’re welcome. Thanks, I appreciate that! Take care.

[@TheDISSHonoredOne]

first thought...luv your patriotism. Nice design!

[@jensupercooper]

You had me at LaCroix :)

[@kes_____]

Really clean setup! Would you mind telling me more about how you lock your peli when leaving your camera gear in a car? Of course, if you do leave and lock at all :)

[@conniedodson6868]

I have considered what you are doing. I would put a 12 VDC refrigerator-freezer behind the passenger seat, not too tall so it would not interfere with your platform extension. Maybe 12 VDC/110 AC,:I do have a cooler that will run on 12 VDC/110 VAC. I would not build higher than window height, to be a little more discreet. I suppose more lift-out flooring could be for cubbies, if you really use it. Thank you for showing your materials and tools, as well. Nice! I looked at your channel. I subscribed, just to see your adventures.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Sounds like a good plan, Connie. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@Ай_Яй-щ7ш]

Hey! very cool turned out!) and functional!

[@LoneWolfExplorer]

Great build, best I’ve seen for the outback. How do you access the spare wheel in the event of a puncture out on the trail?

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks! I just unbolt the platform and lift it up

[@Minimag-nq4xd]

Thank you soooo much for the details on the materials and proces！！

[@ChaseChristopher1]

No problem!

[@forsakenovercast0067]

Awesome video! I definitely want to try building something similar when I get some free time

[@abeott5866]

This is dope, thanks for doing it!!

[@stewshore5508]

Great video…liked your idea of removing the seats to give you more space. Unfortunately, I live in a apartment Condo and I have limited storage 3’ x 8’ chain link cage, Insufficient for seats, so they will stay in the vehicle. Like some of your cabinet and table ideas. Thx.

[@xxkevin01]

I love your channel bud!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Kevin!