How I Built my Subaru Camper: New Design

[@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.

[@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?

[@Summers1155]

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 ❤️

[@raimondssmith8460]

You should patent that design, license the production and sell this as ready for use in Outbacks - very smart design !

[@gypsydavy708]

I would buy one!

[@lauralake3209]

Its so hard to protect from liability with anything to do with cars...this is a genius build, though. This guy deserves to make some money off it!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I don't think you can patent furniture...lol

[@abeott5866]

He kinda is, check his website and you can buy the design

[@stellay7754]

@@gypsydavy708 it's hard to get insurance coverage for modified cars, that's why it's hard to commercialize it

[@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!

[@killersushi99]

Just wanted to share that Weather tech has window covers now for all the windows. Just pop them in. They can reflect heat out of flipped and hold heat in.

[@peterhering4114]

I like your dedication and craftsmanship there. Not too much fuzz, warm appearance, thoughtful use of space - this thing is ready for the industry (:

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Peter! I appreciate it😃

[@hiltonhowell3098]

I'd buy a smaller version for my Impreza. I don't have the tools or skills to make this myself

[@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👍

[@zanemcmillan]

Just wanted to say Thank You VERY MUCH for making this vid! I just watched three vids from your channel for the first time. Im a pro in AV and this is GREAT Content. Haven't seen any of your modern film yet, but this material was very well done when it was created, written, recorded, and edited. Perfect takes are VERY HARD! This is about as good as it gets for someone with your recording experience. Feel Awesome about it. GREAT JOB!!! Oh yeah also, I have a 2012 Outback and drive all over the US for my job. This is fuel for fire for how I could upgrade "my rig." NICE ONE

[@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!

[@phoenixgate007]

I’m so excited for your website! I’m really grateful that you took the time to put the plans up. I hope to modify them for my RAV4. I’m new to this whole car camping world and your videos are my favorite so far. Your build just makes the most sense to me: the fact that it’s modular, how stable it is, the storage. I think I’ll leave my seats in, so that will change things, but having a place to start is pretty awesome.

[@CheddahSlingah]

When you finish your modifications, I'd love to see what you come up with! I hope to do the same when I eventually get a Rav4. It's very daunting, but it looks so nice/practical that I'd love to be able to do it!

[@willar1338]

If you haven’t seen SUVRVing check it out. He has a RAV4 that he uses as a camper without taking the seats out. His ideas are very clever and look like they’d be easy to do.

[@CheddahSlingah]

@@willar1338 Thanks for the suggestion! That channel is actually what sent me down this road of discovery, and I'll definitely be using some of those ideas!

[@alexanderh.999]

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

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@lout1587]

You've inspired me. Thank you! You are generous with your gifts and a great explainer.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Lou! I appreciate the comment 🙏🏼

[@pokeypaul78]

Sorry about finding your channel so late, as I see this video is a year old! Awesome job on the planning and construction of your camper insert. A lot of clever solutions. One thing I would recommend (as an engineer who has performed a good number of crash tests) please install some tiedowns for your gear, especially your trunk. In a crash at city speeds, you can have accelerations of 50g+ so imagine your 30lbs trunk becomes 1500lbs and slams into the back of your passenger. Placing normal tiedowns holds everything together and if nothing else, absorb energy if things go sideways.

[@Stormbrise]

How would you install the tie downs? I am curious now, and safety minded.

[@djalexinthemixau]

Bro, I test drove an Outback today. And your video has inspired me. It's actually made my decision. So well thought out and planned. You are a legend !

[@MichelleTech]

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

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Chase, thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into sharing your designs, materials, tools needed, etc. through your channel and website. You've created a wonderful resource for others. Well done!

[@georgedanilov8898]

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

[@ulfsonarvidsson]

Such a nicely designed and well executed piece of carpentry. I live in my car since a few months (Skoda Octavia Scout) and your design has got me thinking. Very inspiring! ⭐️

[@DottieStanley]

Really nice build. That birch wood is very pretty! My Dad was a carpenter. You did a very good job on this build. You make it look easy!

[@tylerharlow7820]

this is the closest to what ive been looking to do in my crosstrek - thank you!!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

I loved the video and recognized your "after covid" video by your sleeping bag! I wrote it down because its a 4 season bag. Any who - your video and over all demeanor is perfect for a successful KZbin channel. All the best!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thank you very much, Rose!

[@user-bc5jk8rr3z]

Most excellent craftsmanship that I've seen; up there with the pros. Kudos 😍

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks!

[@Castrowoodworks]

That is so nice, I can't believe you made that perfectly to fit your vehicle

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks!

[@itsJoshuaSkyy]

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

[@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

[@ethanmcalpin2]

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

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Ethan!

[@jsdhornby]

Excellent video. Thanks! I love how it all seems doable with minimal tools.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gigielizabeth5636]

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

[@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 !

[@matthewdenboer1076]

Tip: wax the outside of the box drawers for smoother slides and and for them to last longer. Sweet build!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Good idea, thanks!

[@Vegetarian57]

I am a tradesmen, but not a Carpenter. You should sell these units. Or at least the plans electronically. Get yourself set up with CAD. You could sell these drawings for 100 bucks easy. And you would sell a lot of them. I would take them to a local cabinet maker and get him to do. This is the best design for a Subaru. I’ve seen in my life.

[@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!!

[@bencinnamon]

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!

[@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! 👍

[@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

[@1hjehje]

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

[@stevecunningham936]

I am a carpenter and you did an awesome job with minimal tools!

[@chogan2128]

Genius! Subaru needs to hire you..

[@FirstLast-on1mv]

I can see them selling kits like this, it's a great idea and someone should suggest it to them

[@Cfreeman91]

Thanks for sharing! I really like that Circ Saw guide...that’s been my obstacle for talking larger projects.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

You bet! Same here, it’s been a game changer.

[@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👍

[@kapnrex]

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

[@danschiltroth1576]

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

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Right on! Have fun👍

[@peggytravels793]

The very best DIY build out camper…excellent quality work!

[@stevearita3267]

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

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks Steve! My pleasure.

[@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.

[@KristieSue89]

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

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Kristen!

[@margiereyes3640]

Love the design and simplicity of the build

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Margie!

[@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! :)

[@andyrichey1192]

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

[@jeremymacdonald5584]

Thanks Chase. This video helped me a ton as I am barely a rookie builder and also a visual learner. Appreciate it, and best of luck camping this summer!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@jtart8210]

This is an awesome build, been wanting to outfit my CRV. this is what I had in my mind but it was great seeing it in action!

[@kathydelong1164]

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

[@corinastephenson6268]

Great job...I’m impressed! I wished I had seen this video before I did my build on my 2017 RAV4 because I would have added the slide tables into my build. Thanks for sharing. 😌

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks! 👍

[@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,

[@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.

[@fizishn]

Thanks for all the information and so much detail including the links to purchase all the tools and materials! You are awesome.

[@trailandtravel]

I’m in love with this build out! I might have to give it a try. Hopefully the 2022 outback is similar dimensions?

[@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!

[@Ogstylze1972]

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

[@gloriamariadc7757]

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

[@ChaseChristopher1]

You’re welcome!

[@VWnutMalibu]

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

[@357egs]

brackets with 90 is awesome. wow!

[@Esther-ps3vx]

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

[@majortom8851]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@MothShadow]

Chase... sorry, but just another random person to comment, to say... YOU ARE FORKING AWESOME! Very extremely impressed with your talents, be it photo/video, carpentry, etc., and so humbly sharing all with us. And yea,,, the website, greatly done. I am acquiring a '12 OB 3.6R, and will be building your design soon as can, and be outdoors more too (Ozarks). Again, thanks Chase!

[@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!

[@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!

[@coreylavin1260]

congrats on the website man. checking it out now. love all your stuff so far

[@CitizenJane-]

Great video, thanks. You answered every question I had on How to go about this sort of project.

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Great to hear, glad I could help!

[@troywargo9882]

You did a GREAT JOB!!!! Thanks!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks! You bet.

[@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

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

Great video and setup👍. I wonder if you could countersink extra slim telescopic rails into the sides of the left drawer? The material you use look thick enough to be able to minimize the space taken by rails?

[@dellishart9535]

Great design and very easy to understand video 👍🏼🇦🇺

[@brooklynprepper718]

This is dope I can tell you put some thought into this setups and builds like these are ver realistic and affordable

[@debslifesimplified6406]

I like your new set up. I am surprised you didn't not angle your cabinet for the back rest. I have some news, I am in the process of purchasing a Ford Transit Connect. I hope to pick it up on Monday. It had to go to the shop to get new tires and a tail light. so hopefully it will be ready. It has seats in the back which I'm taking out, I've seen a version of what I want in one of the many videos I look at. I am getting a 12 by 24 storage shed on Wed next week as well. 62 inches of it at the back will be made into a off grid living space, and the front part will house tools, van, and storage. I'll be sharing it on my you tube channel as well. I don't know if you remember I have the Chevy Tracker but it was just to small for me.

[@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.

[@kennethshiba8295]

thank you for sharing your build, very well designed and thought out

[@randipeters5386]

Chase thanks for posting your design. I am a 64 year old female that likes to camp. I had a Subaru forester that a bulit using most of what you did. It turned out great and i went out west. I sold my forester and bought a outback so i cold also tow a small cargo trailer if i wanted to. With my design i am able to get to my spare, have more storage under the seat area and i feel all the weight is not all on one side. Also i was worried if i got hit in the rear with your build i would be pinned against my seat. With my build i think i may be it would beak up so i could get out if i was still alive and able. Thanks for helping me with my build. If i post on facebook or KZbin i will give you credit for what i learned from you.

[@Ramblergambler11]

Love this. Will this also work for a hatchback Subaru?

[@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.

[@omarpastrana9891]

lots of clever engineering done. awesome!

[@xxkevin01]

I love your channel bud!

[@ChaseChristopher1]

Thanks, Kevin!

[@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.

[@spencermccall7863]

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

[@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. ☺

[@Greg_M1]

Wondering if your shocks bottom out when the vehicle is fully loaded. Good build.

[@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!

[@manny-perez]

Great video, I just subscribed to your channel can't wait to see the next one!

[@kathleencomyn5228]

Wow that kit is awesome 😍

[@ScottLe]

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

[@AmeriCreed]

Awesome video! Great ideas. I'll go to the website and get all the details.

[@bikeninja956]

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