I Live in a Subaru Crosstrek | Simple Car Camping Build and Tour

[@thienqueue]

Also, I WILL learn to play the ukulele and you’ll see me jamming out on top of mountains!

[@LordxCupcake]

I’ve always wanted to bring a ukulele with me on my travels to jam out too!

[@yasminemeadows9700]

What type of fridge do you have?

[@thienqueue]

This one! Alpicool C22 Portable Refrigerator 23 Quart Vehicle, Car, Truck, RV, Mini fridge freezer for Driving, Travel, Fishing, Outdoor -12/24V DC with USB soc www.amazon.com/dp/B07FY8CNFH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_EQxy1LJvsVJU1

[@bryanlacy1555]

“If someone wants to get silly, I can get hilarious” 😂😂😂

[@thienqueue]

It’ll be a bad day for the both of us lol

[@amyduro1967]

Yes, I lol’d at that!

[@thirdeyeforward]

I’m totally stealing that quote. 😂

[@kingstonl8200]

I came here to leave this quote! It was a great line. Should put it on a T-shirt with a picture of a machete 🔥

[@koanikal]

Even if he hadn't mentioned the Army stuff, I'd've guessed he was former military based on that joke. For some reason reminded me of a Drill Instructor of mine saying "oh, you wanna play games? Well I've got more games than Milton Bradley" lmao

[@ColinAdventures]

I’ve been living in my ‘22 Crosstrek for about 9 months now. I love it! Have fun in yours!

[@Rkocuh]

damn thats crazy how the hell do you guys make money ya still have jobs? lol

[@MFWb00bi3s]

14:03 That carabiner trick for the open hatch is so useful, holy smokes

[@thienqueue]

Glad I can help!

[@rickmcbride6262]

I was impressed on how much stuff you got into your Crosstrek.

[@miyagi1775]

Lol. I still have that beige 1/4 zip sweater from the military, part of my road/overlanding and camping wardrobe. Thank you for your service 👊🏽

[@thienqueue]

It really comes in clutch in winter! It’s hank you for yours!

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

Cool, I’m watching this in my Crosstrek as I’m about the crash for the evening on the edge of some wealthy persons ranch, I’m on public land though, still hope I don’t get busted, lol. You’re fully decked out, good luck cheers.

[@thienqueue]

Haha I’m crashing at a trailhead tonight that’s a bit questionable, also hoping I don’t get the knock. Be safe!

[@seadave12]

Really impressive how much you can fit in that Subaru; and also how organized you keep it.

[@thienqueue]

And I’m still trying to find ways to downsize!

[@shurannei]

"And this is my machete; just in case somebody wants to get silly, I can get hilarious...." Ha. :D

[@thienqueue]

We BOTH gonna party

[@gabeevans10]

20:15 "Just in case somebody wants to get silly, I can get hilarious" The greatest quote I have ever heard

[@thienqueue]

Feel free to use it in your daily life :)

[@christophergallagher531]

Hey, just to be a ninney, I'd check to see if any of your gear will interfere with air bag deployment. LOL, I actually have gloves in the glove box! Thanks for the ideas.

[@koanikal]

Out of all of the tips I've been gathering from videos like yours, about car camping in a Crosstrek, one of the most vital, yet simple, is having a carabiner for the hatch. I'd probably be screwed if I didn't know about that.

[@thienqueue]

Glad it helped!

[@rohitvenu]

How does the hatch draw power? It's manual right?

[@KJGin213]

@@rohitvenu the car’s electronics (light/screen/etc) stay on because it considers the hatch like any other door, so it essentially acts like you’ve got an open door and stays on

[@amyduro1967]

Thanks for the tour! The carabiner trick is very good to know. I have a 2013 Crosstrek and love it. I don’t live in it (yet) but do camp a lot, sometimes with my spouse. I found that the Exped mega mat duo fits perfectly in the back in terms of width - it’s a little bit longer even with the front seats all the way forward so I just tuck it behind the front seats. The different level when the seats are folded down is the only trouble. That still leaves room on the floor in the passenger area. I also have the window screens (game changer!) and that same usb fan. I wonder if there’s a screen for the skylight. With a longer storage box on the roof, we can fit clothes and food/cooking stuff. I just use a cooler for a few things like creamer for the coffee. I love the rice cooker and kettle, but I’m not sure about getting the solar and jackery. Can you actually power those appliances with solar?

[@thienqueue]

Yes! As long as the appliance’s wattage draw is less than your power station’s output capability, it’ll be fine :)

[@shendri21]

What an amazing find. You had me at "to store rocks that I find". I bought a new Crosstrek Sport in February, 2023, for work. The Ford Transit Connect that I did a basic conversion on wasn't something I could drive coworkers around in, thus the car purchase. However, I plan to leave California and live on the road in the Southwest (eventually returning to New Mexico, which I LOVE), but I've been torn between selling the van and modifying the Subaru, or jsut keeping both. Thank you so much for this video. I think even with the dogs, living out of the Subaru is possible (we did a short trial trip to see the eclipse in Nevada, and they liked it better than the van). Thank you so much for this, and I will subscribe to see if you are still traveling.

[@thienqueue]

You’ll be happy to know I still am!

[@Baked13]

... nice set up , I went with the Forester , because being 70 and 6' I need a bit more room to enter the drivers seat as you do lol ... safe travels ...

[@thienqueue]

Thank you, thanks for watching! (You made the right decision with the forester lol)

[@cocomuhly]

Thank you for the tour. Sorry if I missed it but can you link the rooftop storage box? I’m looking got a “decently” priced one. Thule ain’t it. 😂

[@thienqueue]

Girl I feel ya lol Heavy Duty Hard Shell Roof Top Mount Car Storage Travel Luggage Box Cargo Carrier with Security Keys, 53 (L) x 34 (W) x 15 (H) Inches, Capacity 110 Pounds, 11 Cubic Feet (Tool-Free Install) a.co/d/gWR4sZK

[@cocomuhly]

@@thienqueue Thank you! 🙏

[@ijustfollowthesun]

Do you put your weights in the back when you travel? It’s giving me anxiety that it is on the floor next to the driver if you have an accident. Be safe and thanks for the video!

[@drk321]

I am planning on creating outdoor options if things go south but I could never live this disorganized. Two kinds of lotion? A microplane? Specialty culinary ingredients? YOU ARE LIVING IN YOUR CAR!!!!!! Stick with the basics. Sleep. Hygiene. A few cooking items (hibachi, couple of pans). The battery pack and solar panels. The sun shade, maybe a chair. I just imagine you rifling through this disorganized jungle of random stuff in every possible corner. Sorry, I have a hard time with chaos (slightly on the spectrum) no offense. This just triggered my need for order. Glad it works for you. Best of luck.

[@davidpalmer4210]

Well done Thien, thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@thienqueue]

Thanks for being here!

[@JamesLee-xn9bl]

Awesome video! Got me thinking about doing something very similar in my crosstrek as well. I cracked up when you pulled out that FAT jar of msg

[@thienqueue]

We believe in msg in THIS carhold lol

[@FlipMacz]

Best channel ever...subscribed🎉 May I ask where you got those sturdy water jugs? And have you made a vid about your reasons for going nomad? Great channel! I'm biased bc I have a Subaru Crosstrek :)

[@utahisawesomeofficial]

Cool build! Love to see the Arches NP sticker 👍🏻

[@thienqueue]

Utah is pretty awesome

[@norbutsering1318]

Excellent setup, bro! I am thinking about getting the new Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. What are your thoughts on that? Love your video!

[@fgonzalez1723]

Bro were u a November? Haha I got out and started van life. Went to school in Utah. Now I’m out in South Carolina. Awesome bro

[@thienqueue]

How did..how did you know? lol

[@fgonzalez1723]

6:08 😂😂 Goodfellow px has similar ones with just the squirrels haha I was like wait a second. I’m pretty sure my wife has the same one you do from her time in Maryland

[@thienqueue]

@@fgonzalez1723 insane cause i got it in Maryland lol

[@ecovango6675]

Oh wow I thought a Subaru outback was small. Congratulations on making it work! Looks like you’re having fun.

[@thienqueue]

Haha it helps that I’m short.

[@tranthanhtung362]

ah ơi, so với outback thì xe này setup cho 2 người ngủ chung trong xe được ko ah?

[@young5gun9]

thank you. I sold my rv and am saving money for a crosstrek right now to do what you're doing... this was very helpful

[@thienqueue]

Thanks for watching, good luck!

[@fighters.flight]

I can't believe I sat through all that 23 min to learn all that information just in case one day there is a rare chance to me living offgrid. 😂😂😂

[@thienqueue]

Listen, you just never know!

[@MrMikeDao]

Nice, a fellow Vietnamese in this lifestyle

[@monkeySP33D]

Love this bro!!!! Definitely going to be living through you and keeping up with all your posts!

[@thienqueue]

Yoooo! Thanks man. I appreciate you!

[@ryandonnelly2661]

Surprised you didn’t go with a rooftop tent - any thoughts on doing a rebuild in the future? Granted your space now is freaking sweet so I imagine it would be tough to change if you wanted too

[@thienqueue]

My set up now is a little different than what I showed here and it works way better. Didn’t want a rooftop tent cause it would be awkward popping it up in a city 💀

[@ijustfollowthesun]

“I can’t be ashy in public” 😂 I felt that lol

[@FemaleVillageElder]

Enjoy your travels and stay safe.

[@mh5315]

What is your trunk organizer resting on?

[@EvieVermont]

Propane storage in hot weather can be tricky...otherwise, great ideas in your crosstrek

[@thienqueue]

I haven’t had one explode on me yet! (I hope to keep it that way)

[@TheSassyNomad]

I’m going to be doing this soon also in a cross trek.

[@thienqueue]

You’re gonna love it!

[@TheSassyNomad]

@@thienqueue I work remotely and my main concern is keeping my laptop from being destroyed by the cold but I’m having a sleeve custom made for it because it’s 20” and I can’t find one plus silica packets and maybe a buddy heater. My work just told me yesterday that I can travel the US all I want and still work (I’m Canadian) which is awesome so I’m digging out my passport to renew it while I still have this mailing address.

[@marianwhit]

Great vid, just the video I was looking for!

[@thienqueue]

I couldn’t find your question but here’s the step thing! TOOENJOY 2022 Adjustable 5 Gear Extra Protection Car Door Latch Step No Assemble Foldable Heavy Duty Car Gadgets Stand Pedal Ladder for Easy Roof Rack Access, Universal, Max Load 400LBS(Medium) a.co/d/fLsj6HA

[@gizzelleboccia1806]

Where did you buy that machete

[@deeoh3708]

Nice to see how much you can get into a smaller Subaru.. I have an XV and am looking forward to weekend camping.. we just gotta get out there! Have made a half platform which can also be a full platform, for more underneath storage, so should be heaps of space. Thanks Thien

[@thienqueue]

I’m hoping you get to camp a lot this year!

[@ts4143]

Just in case my other comment is buried, why does an open rear hatch drain a battery, if the car is turned off and the dome light is also turned off? I can’t think of any other drain. BTW, watch out for high humidity levels inside the car, like from your exhaling all night long. I have heard of serious electrical issues as a result (not just Subarus either).

[@thienqueue]

Hi! From my understanding (via Subaru Facebook groups) the hatch still draws power even if the light is off, the dash light indicating a door is open is also on. I woke up to a dead battery cause I kept the hatch opened all night several nights while sleeping and that was the only thing I could think of that drained my battery. I also sleep with the windows cracked so humidity isn’t a huge issue. Thanks for watching!

[@sonnyrico]

If you dont have Johnnys seasoning your missing out. You guessed it, im from Washington

[@Carefreehwy]

Great tour. I also have a 2018 and worry about draining the battery when the hatch is open. I'm going to try your carbanier idea. Will it also turn off the light?

[@thienqueue]

Yes it does! Trust me, I’m paranoid about it after I was stranded with a dead battery haha.

[@cashonly6117]

I saw that too. Cool trick.

[@ts4143]

When my Crosstrek hatch is open it only turns on the dome light, which can be shut off manually. Why would an open hatch drain any power if the car is turned off???

[@jechxy]

Loved that this was one of the first epis. A lot of the things I was wondering about were answered up front. Looking forward to living vicariously through your journeys Thien, thanks for sharing with us corp slaves ⛓️

[@thienqueue]

I’m glad!

[@cashonly6117]

I was going to suggest you getting a cargo net to hang inside from one side to the other, until you opened the trunk. Holy cow that's cramped. Lol

[@thienqueue]

Haha! I thought about that too but the crosstrek is tiny. Luckily, I’m not claustrophobic :)

[@rochellelively5119]

Great! Did you have to remove the back seats to fit it all in?

[@thienqueue]

I did not! They’re all intact.

[@Luvablejenn]

Tootin & bootin 😂 loving the Asian seasonings!

[@somethingelse25]

That's impressive! I saw another KZbinr that lived in his Forester used a carbon monoxide detector for safety, plus carbon in bags in a couple of places to deal with odor. I have a 2020 Forester, it's my mother's actually but I give her some money that helps with the payments and pay a couple of bills to boot. She just had a heart attack so she can't go camping anytime soon but maybe when I get a sub 1500 lbs trailer so she can be comfortable. I saw one with a bed, TV and fridge and outdoor kitchen mentioned on a website. Maybe I can get my brother to go too. He was in the army. I just did a little bit of civilian air force. I don't think I could do this sort of thing alone with my brain injury. Plus I'm limited in skills.

[@thienqueue]

Honesty, a trailer would be living in luxury haha

[@somethingelse25]

@@thienqueue haha yeah that bed in it looked good sized! She would be really comfortable!

[@Oliwolf78]

21:01 What is the name of the light? I have been looking for a light that will stay put in my crosstrek, but I can't find anything like this on amazon. Thanks!

[@thienqueue]

Hi! I got the light at Walmart in the outdoors section!

[@elsathal7359]

I use the same lotion awesome product!

[@michelleellis8201]

I have a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium and I just started car camping in December 2022. I am very interested in your bed platform. Mine just sits directly on the back seat when laid down but I think that the storage underneath may be a good thing. Time to search your videos for a bed build video! Safe travels!

[@thienqueue]

Thanks for watching Michelle! Unfortunately I don’t have a bed build video, but it’s just a sheet of 3/4 in plywood and 2x4s for support. I had Home Depot cut the wood to my measurements. Gave up headroom but I def needed the storage underneath.

[@DenaInWyo]

Hi! I'm Thien, and I am very limber! Just kidding with you ;) And a little jealous. ~~an old lady who definitely cannot accomplish your amazing feat of back to front seat like an acrobat but is working on an Outback car camper currently.

[@thienqueue]

Hah! Believe me my nimbleness is slowly going away!

[@DenaInWyo]

@@thienqueue Have taken my little Outback car camper on two trips so far, both to Medicine Bow National Forest in WY. I've always been a camper, but all the gadgets and tents and canopies and and...it was starting to become more work than it was worth! I've pared WAY down and everything now lives in my car. I can be ready to bug out in about 20 minutes because all I have to do now is fill the cooler and the water jugs! Thank you for your video. You and many others gave me so much info to put into my own set up. I am LOVING it! I do outpatient hospice nursing, and not gonna lie, I may now and then take a nap for my lunch hour just because OH HEY! I have a BED! ;) Heading out again this weekend, and both sister and adult son have set their cars up to camp too! I'm super jealous of my sister's head room in her Honda Pilot, but son has a Forester too. We're Subaru die hards.

[@blakekrym7437]

im thinking of taking this leap and doing it in my 2019 crosstrek, was there any anxiety for you before you did actually did it?

[@thienqueue]

I had the opportunity to do it for about three months during a road trip in 2021, so I already had a taste of it, but anxiety is normal for doing this!

[@Marnmo69]

Thien, awesome video. I'm not sure if this was asked but can you tell me the type of refridgerator you have? I didn't quiet pick that up. I have a 2019 Crosstrek and I'm so want to car camp within the next year before I'm too old :)

[@thienqueue]

Alpicool C22 Portable Freezer,12 Volt Car Refrigerator with Ice Tray, 23 Quart (22 Liter) Fast Cooling 12V Car Fridge -4℉~68℉, 12/24V DC and 100-240V AC for Outdoor, RV, Truck, Boat (White) a.co/d/dLnosrg It was this one!

[@Marnmo69]

@@thienqueue Thank you so much! I see you've been to Grandfather Mountain :) I used to lived right near there!!

[@thienqueue]

@@Marnmo69 I have, twice! My “cold weather” fur hat you see in the video is from the gift shop there haha

[@Marnmo69]

@@thienqueue that is awesome! It's such a beautiful place. I'm glad you've gotten to visit there a couple times. I sure do miss that area.

[@wanglee21]

What are those crossbars you are using? Those have a nice shallow profile

[@thienqueue]

These ones! Roof Rack Cross Bars Fit 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Crosstrek & 2017-2022 Impreza with Side Rails, Car Cargo Roof Racks Rooftop Luggage Kayak Bicycles C www.amazon.com/dp/B08LG2NC46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_kG21Yjiwycnr2

[@wanglee21]

@@thienqueue Thanks! I'm looking for some low profile one on my Outback that don't pop out like 2-4inches. Those are nice and flush!

[@donnguyen2421]

Thanks for sharing. Where did you get 12v rice cooker?

[@thienqueue]

Amazon! Mini Rice Cooker, 1L Small Rice Cooker 2 Cup-uncooked Travel Rice Cooker 12V for Car with Steamer, Auto Keep Warm Suitable For 1-2 People a.co/d/6GuNbZN

[@dillong4513]

Oh nice! Where is this filmed? New Mexico? Utah?

[@thienqueue]

This was in New Mexico!

[@dillong4513]

@@thienqueue Very nice! It’s a great place to explore and do all sorts of outdoors activities away from the crowds! I’d love to live it up in a SUV like that!

[@isaiahcardenas520]

wait...where are you red pants from in the beginning of the vid? They look comfy!

[@thienqueue]

They are! There were from target. 4-way stretch :)

[@gizzelleboccia1806]

How much money do you need to start this up?

[@ViolentGnome97]

Where did you get the tan waffle knit sweater from the beginning of the video?

[@thienqueue]

They were army issued :)

[@jairochavez5905]

Did you do any suspension upgrades for the extra weight you are carrying.

[@thienqueue]

I did not! Everything is still fine.

[@NoZenith]

What was the beanie? You said to support them?

[@thienqueue]

Caffeine & kilos!

[@NoZenith]

@@thienqueue I'll look them up

[@Luigi13]

Hello Thien, you have a very packed car and you made use of every inch available in your it. How has been security wise while travelling through cities or campgrounds has it been all good? Do you live full time out of your vehicle or just temporary? How is the gas mileage reasonable? Cheers.

[@thienqueue]

I live out of my vehicle full time! Gas mileage is great, just under 30mpg but it’s a crosstrek. Security has been fine for the most part (no physical danger), but I have had things stolen from my campsite when I’ve left to explore. Thanks for watching!

[@kateling9421]

Do you have the links to all the must haves?

[@thienqueue]

Hi! I updated the description of this video with links to my favorite items. Check it out :)

[@diaperdood1]

what do you do for air conditioning while you sleep

[@thienqueue]

Hi! I have a fan if it gets too hot, but I just go up in elevation and it’s usually cooler.

[@peterpacciani666]

First thing :tint all the rear windows 5% then add another layer after 1 week Second thing: enjoy the privacy and stealthness

[@VincentWoo-ph8uz]

Awsome life style, and it's my dream life style

[@thienqueue]

Make it happen!

[@roxywyndham]

I live in my Subaru crosstrek and I’m a Marine Vet 😂

[@thienqueue]

You have good taste!

[@FlowJunkie65]

Hey, Thien. First-time visitor. Subarus are great for carcamping - I own a Forester. Man, your Crosstrek is PACKED, and being an understandably paranoid Angelino, I'd worry about all my stuff getting stolen from my car unfortunately, and forget about owning/safely storing a bike and a larger musical instrument like a keyboard and amp. 😳

[@thienqueue]

Hey Sean, thanks for watching! Your paranoia is valid because thefts can happen! It happened to me a while ago so I try to stay away from heavily populated areas to minimize the chances, but as long as I’m safe, material things can be replaced :)

[@adamrecon]

Any regrets so far not going bigger like the OutBack?

[@thienqueue]

All the time, but then again I never thought I’d be living out of it when I bought it lol

[@findingcaroline2032]

Did you take your back seats out?

[@thienqueue]

Nope! They’re still intact.

[@gabriellestrauss7968]

how do you see enough to drive?

[@thienqueue]

The army fixed my eyes. Jokes aside, i can see through all my windows!

[@SgtGold3]

Should I get the extended warranty when I buy my new Crosstrek?

[@thienqueue]

I didn’t, solely relied on the dependability of Subarus.

[@ts4143]

Yes, dependable. But if u can afford the Subaru Added Security warranty, get it. The cars are far more complex now, such as the Eyesight system. Take a guess what it takes to diagnose and fix that, at $170/hour labor charge? :)

[@je6017]

lol how did you light the roof on fire?

[@thienqueue]

I had my backpacking stove’s flame a little too high one time lol

[@LBC-PNW]

What rooftop storage container is that?

[@thienqueue]

Heavy Duty Hard Shell Roof Top Mount Car Storage Travel Luggage Box Cargo Carrier with Security Keys, 53 (L) x 34 (W) x 15 (H) Inches, Capacity 110 Po www.amazon.com/dp/B0821WZ7YL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Kj4FV1mjvEG11 This one!

[@inkstickart]

lol we get into our driver seat the same way :D

[@inkstickart]

also when you said "mess Kit' and "eyepro" i know you were in the military, haha. cant escape it

[@thienqueue]

No matter how hard you try!

[@inkstickart]

@@thienqueue I've been out two years now and I still say "solid copy" in emails. luckly alot of my clients are veterans so they don't judge me, HA

[@thienqueue]

@@inkstickart fighting the urge to say “roger”

[@NoZenith]

Lol I was thinking your car must be so much longer than mine (VW GTI) but then you said you're 5'5" 😂😅😢 I'm 6'1" Really like your simple setup.

[@thienqueue]

Haha the ONLY time being short works in my favor.

[@NoZenith]

@@thienqueue 😆🤗

[@Doc1855]

And where does your mate sleep?

[@thienqueue]

Nowhere! I’m single!

[@Doc1855]

@@thienqueue A young man like you needs a mate. 😁

[@ImaYam]

1.25x speed saves the vid

[@alallen2767]

Stay safe.

[@thienqueue]

Absolutely, thank you!

[@wlodzirej]

And then I have... And then I have... Aaaa oooo eee, and then I have ...

[@leilal8053]

I'm getting claustrophobic just looking.

[@thienqueue]

Haha fair!

[@lordcolinb]

😁👍👍

[@ajt0319]

I can get hilarious 🤣

[@thienqueue]

🥷

[@alandowney4458]

I served in the Army with a guy whose last name was Nguyen

[@thienqueue]

There are a lot of us out there. I hope the one you served with wasn’t a shithead!

[@alandowney4458]

Nope he was a standup guy.

[@kyleseeber2920]

Lotion next to the toilet paper, eh? Nuf said

[@thienqueue]

Okay I laughed 💀

[@ricksseniorlife]

Sorry, I wanted to see your s yup, but lost interested watching you take inventory of your stuff 😢

[@temamarshall92]

Why do people go thru all that hassle of showing what they have….people only want to see the set up. Not where you store your sun block. Smh

[@thienqueue]

FYI, you’re in charge of the media you consume, so you can just click off the video. Hope this helps! :)

[@chrislim7976]

Living in your car and posting it thinking it's cool isn't cool.

[@thienqueue]

Jokes on you I was never cool to begin with ;)

[@chrislim7976]

@@thienqueue Good luck whatever you're choosing to do.

[@paultaylor907]

@-Chris Lim; Now! Go get a life!

[@chrislim7976]

@@paultaylor907 So... you live in your car and think its cool? Get a life now indeed... LOLWUTT.

[@calebrobirds3002]

Your English is amazing!

[@calebrobirds3002]

Thank you >.< 0