My Car Camping Rig (2019 Subaru Crosstrek)

Whenever I go on a hiking or climbing trip I car camp to keep it simple and be close to the trail. Over time I got a bit frustrated with some of the annoyances, and build the insert I'm showing off in this video to fix those.
The car is a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, but the ideas from this plan could be used in just about any hatchback or SUV. It's not quite van life, but I'm pretty impressed with how well it came out.
#subaru #campingcar #carcamping

[@Uncommonsensetoo]

I already built a bed platform with pull out drawers for my Forester but I want an additional storage box to replace the backseats. The Fusion 360 method looks awesome. Great tip. BTW my fridge sits in the same spot behind the passenger seat. Had to build a little platform for it as well. Gives awesome access to cold drinks while driving and provides support for my head board as well.

[@luftstolle]

This is really awesome, planning to do an almost identical thing for my Forester. Thank you so much!

[@chandlersadventures212]

Good luck! I’m sure it’ll come out great

[@Sir_tibbles]

I'm definitely interested in that fusion file! But I'm more curious how you scanned and uploaded that 3D image of your car into fusion 360. I'm only able to get a mesh file to upload and it comes out messy.

[@chandlersadventures212]

I believe I used Polycam 3D Scanner (there was a 10 day free trial back when I made this), but there is several apps that will work. If you have a newer phone with LiDAR you will get better results, however my phone doesn’t have it and it came out okay. I would recommend just trying out several applications. I also uploaded a mesh file, I’m not sure there’s any other way to go about it. Good luck!

[@alexanderschulz5088]

Maybe a Roofbox would be a good Idea to make Room for the Fridge, works great for my Crosstrek 👍

[@stephieruud]

Really cool setup. I’m looking to get a Subaru soon to do roadlife!

[@Uncommonsensetoo]

I'd recommend a Forester like I have or an Outback. Gives you 50% more room. The Ascent even more. I built a great bed platform with pull out drawers for mine. Love it.

[@andrewdufault430]

Impressive!!

[@chandlersadventures212]

Thank you!

[@BriannaBomi]

This is fantastic great build! Would love to build something similar for an upcoming road trip:)

[@jaybohnsack7382]

I would definitely like access to your build dimensions. I will be buying my 2024 crosstrek. In January. I will be having it built as I’m a amputee and would have difficulty doing it myself. Thank you , great video and I have scribed to this channel.

[@chandlersadventures212]

Thanks for reaching out! Here is the link for the file, if you have any problems don't hesitate to ask. a360.co/477alRw The file only includes the chest. For the back "Table" section it is simply a piece of plywood the same length as the chest, reinforced by the french cleat on one side and a 2x4 at the other. For the legs just use regular hinges. Getting the curve for the trunk door correct is tricky, I used a sheet of cardboard as a stencil and cut off pieces until it fit snug. Good luck!

[@nomaderic]

Great build. I love the ones like yours that are able to make a platform from the trunk. I'm unable to do so with my vehicle so I have my sleeping area in the back seat and everything I have with me is in compartments in the trunk. Have you thought about making sliding drawers that you can pull out from the trunk? Just seems like it would work with your build. Kinda like Mavs camper

[@Kad3nSJ]

Looks good! I too have a crosstrek and I had the same dilemma with the refrigerator. What I did is I purchased one just big enough for me to use which was a 23 quart and it fits perfectly when the front seat is pushed all the way up and even the back is pushed up. I keep it in that passenger seat and then I keep dry goods in the foot well. It works well because the food is all in one place and pretty easy access. I don’t have to move anything off the fridge to get to the lid. Also, I finally caved and got a rooftop cargo box and I’m telling you man that will change your world. All your equipment and shit can get thrown up there and you don’t have to worry about it being in the way or if it’s dirty or whatever.

[@frankfrankenstein5933]

I have a 2020 Crosstrek Premium and absolutely love it! I enjoyed your video and subscribed! Can’t wait to see more videos! ✌️👍😎

[@morgankarno7335]

Looks great! I am not so flexible so I think the forester would be my choice

[@mjones9683]

Cool set up! Just curious, what model/size Echoflow River do you use?

[@ShirtlessMenNetwork]

Pretty sweet setup. Thanks for sharing.

[@vegasgamedude4379]

Definitely like your generator & fridge setup! I finally decided to ditch my donut spare tire because you can't use it on the back wheels (and like you said, you have to move your stuff out of the way). Put a full spare up on the roof rack.

[@chandlersadventures212]

That fridge is awesome, totally ties everything together. I also thought about ditching the spare a lot, but decided risking needing it outside of cell range was too much of a risk. Stay safe!

[@MrTechRat]

Nice video and cool setup. Looking into doing something similar in the near future and I’m glad to see so many people finding way’s to make it work.

[@chandlersadventures212]

It's amazing how much you can fit into a car this size, thanks for watching!

[@vickonstark7365]

👍🏼

[@ideaguy4195]

Great stealth setup One of the most clever i’be seen .

[@chandlersadventures212]

Thanks a lot! Stealth was definitely high on my priority’s with it

[@raymondeargle8653]

I would change the size of refrigerator taller ones are on market great lay out like the bug guard and storage.

[@BrandonAbernathy]

What did you use to scan the interior for fusion?

[@christinemmac]

Very cool build/setup! I’ve been camping in my 2016 Crosstrek for a few years and it works well but a little more headroom would be nice, and I’m only 5’1 😂, so I’ve never considered a platform Too bad I need my backseats regularly. Great, super informative video!

[@chandlersadventures212]

I was definitely worried about the headroom at first, but my goal is to only spend time in the back when I'm sleeping, so it turns out to not be a problem at all. Thanks for watching!

[@lizsteilkie]

Plans for your platform? I'm going to use a droppable hitch mount spare and the room for storage. Did you take your vacation seat out?

[@happydays9613]

Love the simplicity of your well thought out build, even down to the side storage bags each side of the bed. Love it. Could you not put the fridge in the front passenger seat for diving? Solo female micro camper 🇬🇧

[@chandlersadventures212]

I thought about it, but having the seat available and the fridge also working as my headrest was too perfect to skip, thanks for watching!

[@Chubbydippin]

This is a smart setup. Curious how you feel about your Crosstrek? It looked like a manual transmission too. Any thoughts on how a manual transmission Crosstrek has worked out for you? I've been considering this car with that transmission for a while. Since you camp by yourself, I wonder about taking the front passenger seat out too. It might just give you a place to sit upright facing the rear during inclement weather. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing. Safe and happy travels.

[@chandlersadventures212]

Thanks a lot! The manual is great, I get about 33 mpg with it, just a pain in traffic as you’d expect. I considered taking the passenger seat out, but I haven’t missed the extra room and being able to take a passenger is really useful.

[@heidimariebee]

Are you shorter than 5'5? I am unsure how anyone could sleep in the back of the crosstrek if you are taller than that

[@chandlersadventures212]

5’9, before the insert I slept with my feet hanging over the edge, but now with the extra 18” from the fridge I have a bit of extra room even.

[@Cowdog1]

10 lbs of crap in a 5 lb bag.😅

[@tomd1914]

Very nice. I’d love to build something like that for my Crosstrek. This is one of the best I’ve seen. But for now, I need to keep my back seat in there.

[@chandlersadventures212]

Thanks a lot! Taking the seats in and out is pretty easy, once you figure out how to do it its just a 10 minute process, definitely a pain to figure out where to put them and all.

[@ironman1518.]

VERY NICE!!

[@cormacsage7126]

Interesting

[@hilltopperblog]

Nice! #savethemanuals

[@chandlersadventures212]

When I'm in stop and go traffic I try to think back to the times it saved me when I was off roading, or in deep snow ha, thanks for watching!

[@hilltopperblog]

@@chandlersadventures212 I just got my Subaru Crosstrek with a manual and admittedly it is harder to drive then previous manuals I have had. But I am only 800 miles in so I imagine it gets easier. Otherwise, keep up the good work.

[@cindynichols27]

The claustrophobia would kill me.

[@nomaderic]

You have windows all around you so you don't even really notice it. I'm in a smaller car than this and I don't feel any claustrophobia. I mean all you have to do is open your door and step out if you need to

[@newconor]

The bags on the side is pretty clever 🤌🏼

[@chandlersadventures212]

Thanks! They’re really useful, great way to use up a little bit more space