My Subaru Forester Build-Out: I Downsized to Living in a Car!

[@NotYourNetwork]

All of these comments about how disappointed folks are in Bob 😂. People grow up. He's a grown man with the right to make choices that work FOR HIM. If downsizing to the SUV fulfills HIS needs and wants, I'm sure the good Lord will be okay with it and keep blessing him. He's had all types of experiences living in diverse circumstances, and at this point, he knows what he wants for now. Heck, it could change again, which would be awesome cause more content. Some of you think that just because Bob is older, he should be acting a certain way (like a stick in the mud). He never has, and he never will. Bob, to the end of your days, keep doing what YOU want to do. I think it's wonderful to see you not afraid to try other modes of living and being frank about something when it doesn't work for you any longer. Hope your furball is doing well. Look forward to seeing more.

[@GeekFreeek]

I don’t understand why they are even disappointed! It seems like he did what’s best for him and is happy about it. I just don’t get WHY people have a negative thought about what’s best for him. I’m actually glad for him and the reliability he will get with the new car

[@Frantic618]

WHY would anyone think that THEIR opinions are more important than Bob's??? IT'S HIS VEHICLE!

[@brendan817]

Literally 99% of the comments are positive...

[@mrj-charles6383]

People that have followed him a long time will know he has gone through many different vehicles. He was driving an F150 with a cargo trailer when I first saw him. He has land and his son. So he is probably transitioning to a more part time living in the car.Really does not matter as long as he still had Cody. 😀

[@JamesGreenier]

Better for the environment too.

[@VEWNZ]

Bob has the ultimate setup. OWNS LAND that can retreat to. OWNS a vehicle that can park & drive anywhere.

[@volvo850rex]

He has places to hang his hat up too.

[@beckyrose9135]

That he worked hard to get!

[@lochnessamonster1912]

The land will come in handy. Having a permanent address may save him from the work camps.

[@userer4579]

@@lochnessamonster1912 What work camps?

[@blnunya6689]

​@@lochnessamonster1912 Work camps? Good God just stop.

[@moregrouchy]

There's a flood of Americans moving into their cars. This is perfect timing to help people that have no clue what to do. Thanks for the hope and sense of humanity, Bob.

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

Great point!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

all of them brown

[@glenneric1]

@@SilverScarletSpider put your sheet back on and go sit in the corner

[@breakdownbill1]

Bob looks like a kid that just bought a big wheel and is doing show and tell to everybody😂 I’m so happy for Bob and his new purchase he deserves every second of it

[@sandytthomas2667]

I'm so happy for him. He is... Doing something challenging.. yeah .. Are you?

[@jbwhitebirch6620]

I can see him putting tassels on his handlebar caps and a playing card on his spokes:)).

[@endah9692]

LOL YES

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Big Wheel… lol Bob, and the rest of us silver haired understand the reference

[@timothysexton1532]

Hi Bob! I wanted to let you know how much you have changed my life. I found Cheap RV Living (the blog) almost 10 years ago when I was in the depths of despair and depression, and it started me on a path to hope and freedom. Since then, I've consumed hundreds of your videos, and I've outfitted my beloved Prius and gone on many camping adventures. In a few short years, my children will be grown; in the meantime, I'm working on becoming more financially independent. When the time is right, I'll hit the road--hopefully for good! For now, I'm loving my shorter excursions, enjoying a life of minimalism, simplicity, and nature-based spirituality. I'm currently reading "Wisdom From the Road," and so much of it resonates with me! Thank you, thank you, thank you for having the courage to be your true self and live your dreams. Your courage and love of helping others has made a huge impact on so many lives--including mine. I hope somehow I'll meet you and thank you in person some day, but if that doesn't happen, I wanted to make sure I get this message to you. Keep up the great work! (And for what it's worth, I LOVE the Subaru!!)

[@IMSiegfried]

Awe, such a sweet message from one awesome sounding person. I'm happy for you! We all have our cross to bear. Glad that you've managed to find joy amid such suffering. Cheers and happy holidays!

[@magpyeminifree5612]

My 2004 Honda CRV just got a new lease on life. I'm 72 but I think I could do that if I borrow some tools from my son. For two decades I've been watching people live van life and hoping to do the same. A sick husband kept me from it for a long time and lately it's been a house full of junk that has to be dealt with before I can get my old step van converted. But now I can see jaunting off for a few days here and there in my Honda. I have the same tiny fridge and some solar panels. Thanks for the years of inspiration, Bob.

[@tq6407]

I’m 70 and I would like to try this before my health gives out too much and people who are ragging on this gentleman should stop it

[@FitnessLitnessTV]

It’s about having fun with your life, do it before it’s too late! 👍

[@danarzechula3769]

😂❤

[@katherinemcilwain8025]

"Cardboard aided design"...Bob, I love you soooooo much! 😂😂😂

[@talkinghorse55]

Look up videos for “DIY scribing tool” to make it easy to draw the contours of walls onto a sheet of cardboard or plywood.

[@DavidDrivesElectric]

That phrase is iconic

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

Wasn't that hilarious?!?! Love it!

[@IMSiegfried]

Glad you emphasized what Bob said because somehow I missed that part and only heard him say the first part, re; CAD. Lol. Bob cracks me up! 😂

[@Kiwiwanderer]

Bob is fantastic at changing to suit his needs for each chapter - he looks 20yrs younger , his passion and joy is inspiring

[@TC2020-w8u]

I dont think he own suit. He live in car.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

I was impressed with how spryly he sat back there in the wheelwell of his Subaru.

[@Mhel2023]

​@@TC2020-w8u suit (verb) - be convenient for or acceptable to

[@David-w8j4u]

@@TC2020-w8u LMAO!!

[@brianwest5348]

In trucking we strap the microwaves down so they don't fly around in an accident. I have a bubble wrap envelope i put the glass tray in while driving as the rattling gets annoying. Love the build for traveling.

[@telcobilly]

Exactly! That rattling tray would drive me nuts. Never get regular dishes either, the rattling will drive you nuts! I'm retired from trucking now..

[@ggebhard1]

Get a smaller microwave without a moving tray.

[@ScottBlackwood-d4h]

Great idea! That would have prevented mine from breaking, possibly. The cup of coffee that I forgot in there didn't help, for sure . Opps.

[@texasgirl6000]

​@telcobilly , a simple wash clothes sandwich in between the plates, and any other dishes, solves that problem.

[@IMSiegfried]

​@@telcobillyplastic dishes instead?

[@MarcillaSmith]

Mr. Wells has done so much good for so many, my heart just sings to see him doing what he loves and enjoying it :)

[@anniemack4282]

Absolutely

[@bradchoi9679]

I've always wondered why vanlifers insist on using 3/4" plywood and 2x4's for building stuff in a small space. 1/2" plywood and 2x2's would be PLENTY strong for those short spans, and would save weight while taking up less space, too. Just an observation. Great idea for a build. I love that L shaped counter!

[@nmartin5551]

Brad- i have always thought it reflected that application of brick and mortar concept to these small spaces by folks who dont understand the physics of it. Then others who see it try to “make it stronger” because of the vibration of the road. Although, in this build in particular, I think the 3/4 platform is to create a surface that can take a fastener.

[@williamsnyder1324]

Go with 5/8 A/C plywood for extra strength and stiffness if you really want but, 3/4" plywood is definitely overkill and extra weight for van applications.

[@ronmoore3987]

Take a fastener ,yes yes.At 9:32 love it when he says L brackets are cheap and easy and The Lazy Man's way 😂

[@alariaesculenta8177]

@bradchoi9679 These aren't stationary houses. Driving on dirt roads for those who do, forestry roads, off the beaten path, requires strong materials. I was flabbergasted when my 1rst build broke down even though I had used strong material. For my second vehicle I took that shifting factor into consideration and have had no problem (5/8 for some components, & 3/4 for other areas where I know there will be torque or tension)

[@the_weed_in_your_garden9319]

I have lived in a few trailer houses and that is the basic frame work of the walls in those (with minimal insulation) definitely enough for car camping

[@penelopegreenland3537]

Bob the builder!

[@kelkilkat]

😁😀🙂

[@msdmckay]

He needs a cooktop so he can make Bob's burgers!

[@ScottBlackwood-d4h]

​@@msdmckay and sishkabobs

[@melaniemarloe9274]

I am sooooo happy for you Bob! Time is short for all of us seniors. We can't settle for a life poorly spent. Time to serve up what's right for you Bob. You've served others well and I know you will continue, but you got to do what you got to do. In this moment of time. Not in anyone else's moment of time. But in your moment in time. Good for you. I support your courage , because I don't have to tell you, it takes courage to live outside other's expectations.

[@jeffvirgil7486]

Exactly ... and may I add well said !!!.

[@SweetFLGuy1]

Wow I'm impressed. He built in the back what he needs to live in less than 4 days since showing his brand new car video. He ain't wasting no time.

[@SeaNicStudios]

Bob, you have no idea but you encouraged me to be brave, so I built "no build" camper in my minivan. The freedom to go so many places that I couldn't in my rv has been so wonderful. Thank you!

[@trippin6118]

I'm starting car life in 2025. I'm not even considering a van so I am right there with you. My car (hatchback) will be paid off and my gas mileage is really excellent. I am a very short person and don't require a lot of space and things

[@johnniesturgeon4167]

I'm so excited I had to share. I've been watching you for years. I went on the road for 4 months living out of my 01 jeep Cherokee to see if I would like it enough to make it full time. I loved it and so I went back to my starting point, a friend's place got a part time job at Walmart night stalker. Love it, I liked I could transfer with Walmart and after a year of working there I could buy a van and transfer to the mountains. Well, it's two months from a year I've been here and now in two months I'll be buying my van and moving to the place I love, with a 4 night a week job I don't hate. I can camp every day and enjoy my life to the fullest. Thank you for getting me prepared for a beautiful journey!!!

[@IMSiegfried]

Sounds amazing! Good for you. Enjoy!

[@dl777]

Since plywood is so heavy, I drilled 4 inch holes about every 2 to 3 inches apart on areas where I would just be sleeping on and not putting a huge amount of force. It looks like you used pretty heavy duty plywood so you could save a lot of weight doing that.

[@scottwright388]

Also will help with ventilation.

[@katydidnt3906]

I was just going to make the same comment! And I used peg board for my bed platform for air flow. Strong enough. 5 years in, and no mould

[@VanessaMallia]

Also needs holes under mattress!

[@Pnanasnoic]

His mpg is so improved I don't think he's worried about a few pounds in this case.

[@maryvalent961]

Wouldn’t it allow cold to come up?

[@CharlesGann1]

This is a testament to a real experienced pro van dweller! He has seen and done so many builds that no wondering and worries.

[@juliedeloe8778]

A thought on securing your microwave on to the shelf: drill 4 holes corresponding to the legs of the microwave so they go into the holes. The microwave will not move in any direction. This was how our microwave was set up in our boat and it never moved.

[@gowenrv3762]

I appreciate that you are showing what you are doing... instead of making a big commercial of selling items to us.. Too many other RV'ers are reducing their channel only to sell items and are not showing their daily living. I realize you need to make money on KZbin... but some people go over board. I appreciate your video. Great Job !! LOve the Subaru.

[@1pipandgoose]

I've stopped following several because their videos were just infomercials.

[@gowenrv3762]

@@1pipandgoose yeah… I am about to on some.

[@BeverlyManier]

Bob knows what he is doing, saving on gas expenses, which is a smart move. You go Bob. Love your vour videos.

[@BryanKale777]

You started this whole van life thing and it's good to see you going back to your roots because you are a true stealth camping vehicle dweller. It's awesome to be able to disappear in a city anywhere you want I did it for a year in my truck camper and I could go anywhere and sleep overnight nobody would even blink or look twice

[@ReeseL4D]

Bob said he will put 300W solar on the roof. His new subaru is for off-roading.

[@amyd1549]

So happy to see yoy happy Bob. You deserve so much for helping SO many find their way to safety and freedom!!!

[@shadowband70]

My thoughts exactly 👍

[@robinhoode6516]

These comments are really funny I don't think people realize that he's a very wealthy man from making these videos now and he can go and do pretty much anything he wants and I believe that the build-out on this Subaru is to help people because that's what he's all about

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Agree 💯

[@carolinasoulshine8949]

Agreed❤

[@msdmckay]

Who is disappointed? I was surprised and skeptical he's gonna find it viable for a forever home but it's Bob....if anyone can make it work, it's the guru santa of nomad life. Come on. Looking forward to seeing him move in and hit the road!

[@hansolo7205]

We had a Honda CRV and I travelled in it for 3 months to FL. I removed the spare tire, placed a water bladder in that cavity and have a full size tire on the hitch/bike rack.

[@WalterPidgeonsForge]

That brown thing sticking up in the rear floor looks like an inertia sensor.. this is what feeds the motions of the car to the computer for your Airbag module, stability control, ABS, Traction Control and any OnStar collision response.. Do not change its orientation or allow it to be contacted by any of your mods. Also.. Those brackets will not keep that microwave from taking your head off in a frontal collision.. the weight of the microwave will (in effect) at least quadruple in a 30mph crash. Be safe with you Bob, I hope to be enjoying your content for another decade..

[@idee7896]

Thank you! I was wondering about the hold on the microwave, and you just answered it.

[@Frantic618]

Strap it down for travel?

[@stanbyme7874]

Good points. I lived in Oregon & travelled up/down mountains to see how things moved & weight redistribution. Helped alot with build. No use surviving accident & dying from microwave crushing skull.

[@rdeanmurray8139]

@@Frantic618 Metal straps could be left in place semi-permanently even while using the micro.

[@joephillips7612]

If rear-ended by a large vehicle, I would want a cross beam of some sort behind my head.

[@bethparker1500]

60-70 years ago, Dad always did something creative like this for our camping vacations . Bob had such a wake-up voice 😊

[@rca-in-glasgow6781]

Your explanation for switching to a car made perfect sense to me when you clarified it was about FREEDOM, ie financial benefits. That’s really at the heart of what matters, survival.

[@derrick1964]

It’s fun to see you practice what you preach.

[@eugeneschopen4867]

Ha Bob, Jeepsy Gene here. I like the new you. I got you by a couple of months. I turned 70 August 10. just a few days before my wife Died. Im a free man now and planning out my new adventure into the Nomatic life style. I have a 1996 jeep grand cherokee i gutted out just like your Subaru. I liked your set up especially your L table. Good idea. I think that is gona work for me too. Good to see you back in the car again. Can't wait to shake your hand. youv'e been a very inspiring factor in my life.

[@jeffcokenour3459]

I honestly have no idea why anyone would live in a car, but I also gave up camping when I left the military. However, you are very ingenious and can build things I wouldn't dream of. Bless you!

[@TruthQuest4700]

I'm excited for you, Bob! Have you considered charging your power station with a Bluetti 560-watt charger1 alternator? It charges about 6x faster than plugging into a cigarette lighter. It simply attaches to the car battery and connects directly to your power station. The complete kit with proper cables costs about $249.00.

[@carlosdiaz3518]

I just asked the same question before I read your comment/question. Seems like a good solution.

[@noreenn6976]

​I bet your comment will be helpful to others, thanks for sharing!

[@dianaj3139]

Our family is "anti microwave" so we would all vote to pitch it out.. it's big and bulky and there are MANY other ways to heat and prepare food. I like watching that RN guy that lives in his SUV... he cooks on a little hotplate I think.. anyways he eats healthy and is a "stealth Camper" ... Love your new car!!

[@Jerrodbasketball]

I’m also super anti microwave. Terrible for your health.

[@karennorris6135]

I have found microwave items don’t stay warm as long. I’m an anti too

[@IMSiegfried]

Each to their own. There was a time when Bob didn't have a microwave and he said that he sorely missed not having one so ya, no. Nothing wrong with one of it works for you because everyone is different! Cheers!

[@alberthowell5246]

I've been watching mr bob since he started in his blue Ford pickup i hope he enjoys his new adventure

[@janetjacoby9507]

Im happy for you. You have helped so manh people. More than you can imagine. Been following you for 6 years. 8 months before i started this lifestyle i watched your videos religiously and took notes so that when i started out i had very few questions. Best decision i ever made. God bless you and enjoy every nickel you make.

[@micheledelnigro9259]

Bless Mr. BOB, he has been living a amazing life. Many of us follow him fir yrs. He has every right to change his lifestyle in a suv. Keep enjoying your travels. Stay safe..

[@RussellNollenMusic]

I understand that priorities change. For example, I now appreciate time-outs and naps. Thank you for sharing this inspirational video! ❤

[@joesprague1464]

I was not expecting a two tier structure in such a small vehicle,ingenious design.

[@BuckJones1909]

I’m very interested to see how you fit your essentials and you into your new build! All that really matters is that you, Bob, are happy! Taker care & be well!

[@jeffwright9431]

Good job! Most people who are perfectionist never actually do anything. Just do it.

[@jermaine-Yahservant]

The joy of working with your hands,especially when building a living space that fits your needs. Its healing as well and there is nothing like it🤗 Enjoy the process Bob.

[@dilloncurrier]

you're a great person for helping people through things like this.

[@rebeccalankford9810]

Consider using hinges on the wood to lift up for the spare tire. Are you going to use an air mattress for your bed? Easy to inflate and deflate. If possible, build a shelf to go behind the divers seat. Put the microwave on the bottom and fridge on the top. They may also have smaller microwaves. Do you have space on top for any type of cargo carrier with the solar panels? Yes, rear cargo is a great addition. Add vent visors over your windows and tent your windows to the maximum allowed by law.

[@larkhughes9740]

After Bob's hospitalization, he must've had a revelation as to what and where his priorities lie. Good for you, Bob. You are courageous and doing the right thing for you.

[@markwhitton8230]

Congratulations on your new purchase. Now you can go where other people can't for more privacy. I've extended my adventures by buying a Honda Trail 125 and Rambo Rebel ebike that fit on the back of my SUV. To add to your pleasure get a canopy for shade around your suburu. I'm ordering a RAV4 Hybrid Woodland that has a 120 volt plug in, so I can run an extension cord for a microwave in my tent or outside table

[@Scarletsky138]

Bob, just like the rest of us, loves adventure and creativity and change! Makes life fun and interesting! Also, from the beginning Nomads look for simplicity of living and the older we get the more simple and stripped down most of us want it. Thank you Bob Wells for taking us through your life as you ebb and flow from being a frightened recluse in a box truck to a super star on world networks to slowing down and dropping a couple of layers to lighten the load. Yay! You have given me faith in turning my CRV into a weekend camper.

[@francieanneriley7349]

I love your new downsized home. May the miles be easy and your life full!

[@NOGRID907]

*I'll build the **_L_** out of it, I'll teach it* This needs to be a tshirt!! Hello from Alaska bob!

[@JRGTEXUS]

I'm happy for Bob, he's done quite well with his channel, merch, amazon store and more, hats off to him. I'm the same age and I couldn't do it, like the crawl space for sleeping especially when the 3a.m. bladder alarm goes off. I'm grounded at a work camper location as caretaker due to my wife's illness. I've set up my F150 w/a camper shell for adventures, like Bob 300 watt panel mounted on the shell for my bluetti and cooler. Have noticed a significant decrease in MPG w/the solar panel. Bathroom and water in the backseat. I'm now noticing after climbing in and out of the truck, pulling out things for cooking, unpacking and packing, stuck in the cab during a rainstorm it's all starting to be more work than fun. I've been all through Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra mountains and can do the same with a van which I'm switching over to. We all know Bob as the ultimate minimalist, which I have great admiration for. Wish him much happiness in his new adventure.

[@EmmaKnightleyNo1]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the non-high-end approach. My kind of thing!!! Practical, cheap, comfortable for YOU! ❤

[@patrickmelson4745]

Looks great! Im thinking i would have left the carpet in to cover up the wires and for the insulation under the carpet...

[@rainedyani8505]

Hi Bob! I recently lived in a converted Astro van for almost 2 years. It was the nicest and coziest Astro builds I had ever seen, and sadly, there’s no video documentation of it. 😞 But the reason for my comment is regarding the sliding and rattling of your microwave. Rubber sticky mats are your friend! You know those rolls of rubbery shelf and drawer liners or the rubbery sticky mats for under rugs? That! I used it for EVERYTHING in my van - and I still use it for everything now! It’s got a million and one uses. You just cut it to size, and viola! No sliding or rattling! You’re welcome. 😊

[@terridibella5100]

You can also use those circle can opener pads made of the same waffle material for the same purpose. We use them between our dished, beneath water jug on the floor and more. They keep things quiet and in place. They do need replaced regularly as they do not work as well once dusty.

[@pookiecatblue]

Where do they sell the rubber sticky mats? What sizes do they come in?

[@IMSiegfried]

​@@pookiecatblueit's used as shelving material / mat for cabinet shelves and also to keep area rugs in place so search for those words. Probably found in the kitchen and rugs departments...

[@62WILDCAT]

WOW ! that's awesome how you are showing each step. 10 years ago , I probably could have done this with minimal assistance. Kinda wishing I had ! Time has passed & now I will just enJOY watching your adventures !

[@penelopegreenland3537]

We use seatbelts to tie the build to the vehicle and went to wire kitchen shelving for weight reduction and the ability to change our build as we go. I really like the simplicity and common easy-to-use equipment in the build. Thanks😊

[@katydidnt3906]

Good suggestions

[@RobertDaniels-v9i]

That is awesome! I've been living in my travel trailer for the last 3.5 years. I wanted to be more mobile, so I put a topper on my truck. Tomorrow I put my camper in storage and try living in my truck topper. I'm excited and a little nervous.

[@wandacraig8286]

You say it's not perfect, but I think it's great! You have to do what works for you and makes you happy! I for one am excited to see what new adventures lay ahead for you! I know you are still recovering from your heart procedure, so don't push yourself too hard. Just have fun with it!❤

[@crysknife007]

Cardboard aided design! I love it. That is a strategy I employ frequently when working on projects, but now I'll start calling it this great acronym.

[@touringdan]

What Bob is doing makes a lot of sense to me. When my wife and I travel, we have a 66 Airstream towed by a 2008 Tundra. When I travel solo I go in my 2015 VW Golf. I have traveled by motorcycle plenty, so I have plenty of room in my Golf. I can sleep in my Golf or sleep in a tent. I have a fridge, rice cooker and plenty of room for storage. I removed the rear seats so I have a flat area for storage and sleeping.

[@OutToTheWoods]

2011 golf here

[@Morongobill]

@touringdan thinking of doing something similar with my 2013 passage. nice to hear that a lot can go into that space🤠

[@kristineshields6005]

Hi, Bob. So glad to see you so happy with your new build and your new forester. One thing I have always used to help. Keep things from sliding around in my Van. Is the phone shelfliner that you put in your cupboards? It works extremely well to keep things from bouncing around, and unless, of course, you're in some really rough terrain. But it definitely keeps things from sliding around Like your microwave. Congratulations, Bob. Haven't talked to you in a while. And I was really joyful to see you so happy.

[@flatbedtruckingsamrides.9355]

Did up a $800 99' Explorer drove home ten years ago and eveloved into this really comfortably. Being able to sit up and put feet in footwell behind drivers seat is golden. Drop in a removable deck passenger seat for dog bed. Pulled out my center console and opened up a lot space and ease to slip into drivers seat. Double tiered wire rack (light weight) shelves in the window space, supported from above, top shelf goes across with ample leg room below. 15 gallons of water on roof in 4" ABS pipe. Still tons of room for supplies, necessary tools. SUV has been the very best from Class A, travel trailer, truck camper experiences. You figure out how to make it work and is quite enjoyable. A rear hitch platform welded to inverted drop hitch (raised for ground clearence) is a necessity for utility hauling, a place to put a beach chair and be up off the dirt under the shelter of the hatchback, as well as a general purpose platform to work off of.

[@RemotelyNews]

I like your interior design, Bob. When I travel, I use my 2007 Ford Edge, and this design will work for me too. In my case, I don't remove the back seats. After investigating the process to remove them I decided busting my kneecaps would be less painful, than removing those seats. The side benefit however is that my rear passenger seat in my Edge, reclines! With the front passenger seat flipped forward and that rear seat reclined, I can relax with my feet up, working on my laptop, watching videos or whatever.

[@rubikmonat6589]

I did a similar build in a couple of different cars, a couple of things I did differently that might help people with their builds, plus some random extra thoughts.... Rather than normal lumber for the verticals, I used two strips of half inch thick ply glued and screwed to each other and to the base in a T or L shape in places like corners or along edges, this takes less volume and can make little storage cubbies and is immensely strong... Polyurethane wood glue is amazingly strong and fills jagged cuts nicely, but takes some practice to use without making a mess... Coach screws into lumber can be used in the undoing direction to expand in place to jam supports against the metalwork to stop your base sliding, put a few spots of self adhesive velcro underneath where flat things touch and it will stick nicely in place... Once you've fitted your microwave like bob, take two of the brackets off again, and put self adhesive velcro between them and the microwave and screw it back down... Get a single small throw cushion and keep it in the microwave to stop the plate rattling, it comes in handy for comfort when sitting inside too, just throw the cover in with your washing occasionally (careful the crappy dye can stain your clothes)... Put a loop of rope or webbing through the spare wheel so you can stand straighter when pulling it out of the well... That cross bar shown at the end will significantly stiffen the shelf if glued and screwed which means you can have wider spans between legs, be creative... Build the entire contraption just with screws first to make sure you can take it in and out of the vehicle then strip and reassemble the final design with polyurethane wood glue... You can make custom tubs to perfectly fit in places with just plywood polyurethane glue and screws which will be strong enough to sit or stand on... Use exterior rated plywood, never chipboard or interior ply, it can stand more moisture without damage... You can get away with very light and thin plywood if it's thoughtfully boxed and braced with narrow doubling strips in key places... There's always room for a fire extinguisher... For CAD modelling complex shapes, you can cut it close, then apply lots of bits of painters tape across the gap to the bodywork, then draw on the tape with a marker, carefully peel the whole thing off and cut the tape along the line...I think that's it for now this isnt easy on a phone screen, thanks Bob, love your book so far.

[@GnomeInPlaid]

Thanks, I took notes.

[@lindamcdaniel8195]

I think people should live like they want to. Think outside the box is good ..to each their own ...no judgement here

[@okmmauh]

My favourite mattress is a Thermarest camping. I used it for the last 25 years. Light easy super comfortable

[@noreenn6976]

Thanks for sharing

[@bigjoe4020]

Its always a balance between being super comfortable in a massive motorhome with all the bells and whistles BUT can hardly go anywhere because its as big as a mountain and Bobs solutions here. For ME the answer is somewhere in the middle as I would like to be a tiny bit more comfortable then this. I am looking forward to seeing how Bob likes this in 6 month time.

[@tinlizzy39]

Hey Bob! Just a couple of suggestions for what it's worth.. the microwave, you could put some of that rubber shelf liner to keep it from rattling & slippimg, but are you concerned about it tipping the other way? I know you have the L brackets, but nothing in front or back that I saw. I was also wondering if you might drill some holes into your bed platform for ventilation and weight reduction. It is interesting to see all the different rigs you've had. I'm surprised you're going so small. It will be tight with Cody I think. But it's your choice! I really enjoy your videos still after I think 8 years? I/we (husband and I) were hoping to get to RTR this year to plan for our future travels, but I had a major health issue this year. So we'll see! But we need to get on the road soon! Take care! Safe travels ~ Lisa Z

[@jerrytalley802]

Bob, we look forward to seeing you travel in your new home.

[@HadassahLynnFoster]

I’m not disappointed in the slightest- I kept coming back to wanting just to be in a car for traveling. Everything else started to look like work.

[@jerrytalley802]

Bob, I love it. “I’m not a pro, it’s good enough for me, SO THERE!, lol. You go get em Bob.

[@nfyoutube]

Can't wait to see the video where you move all your stuff in and living happily ever after LOL❤❤❤🎉 I've been watching for many years

[@nancynurse]

Bob, wrap the glass tray, ect, inside micro with towels. No rattle. Orrrr, that roll of rubbery drawer liner stuff. Walmart!! Use that stuff to quiet/ secure stuff. Anti- rattling !

[@robb61887]

Inspiring me again, Bob. I just bought new sticks and bricks and am looking at vehicle options for next part-time adventures. I love the lack of consumerism and DIY that goes into your builds.

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

I think a jet boil instead of the microwave. It’s just a lot of space for a microwave. Nice job ❤ the L is super creative

[@GreenGranny]

I love this, Bob. This is why you're so knowledgeable. You are flexible and try so many different options.

[@MarkRVillano]

I don't know Bob, and can't begin to understand the how's and whys of what he does, but I do know that he's been a huge part of the Nomad Community for well over a decade; helping and financially contributing to the building of rigs for other less fortunate nomads. With that in mind, I wonder the he didn't enlist the help of the many dozens of people he knows who have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to turn out a first class build. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think they would have gladly done it for him for nothing more than the cost of the materials.

[@kenmarapese9085]

Bob, you make things so simple where I tend to completely over complicate. I need to work on that.

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

Simplicity for the win.

[@GodorWhatever]

THE BIG SHELF IS AN EXCELLENT IDEA.

[@brianwalker1933]

Great idea Bob. You are to be commended for your enthusiasm and your ingenuity with your simple and effective build, in your nice new Subaru. They are a world-renowned vehicle for their practicality, reliability and longevity. I'm sure you will be very happy with your new vehicle. I wish you all the best for your future. Regards, Brian...Watching from Australia. 🇦🇺

[@jazzloonz101]

I’ve followed you for decades and look forward to your sharing! You are the definition of inspiration! Thanks to you lots of people have found their hearts’ desires!

[@ckhaira]

You really inspired me with this build Bob. I thought, "Hey, I can do that too!." Thank you!

[@djyhemme]

What a downsize !!! I perfectly understand the "why" and I am in total agreement with his philosophy, but it's SO SMALL ! I sure hope that Bob will be able to enjoy a "more free" life for years to come, he is an inspiration. All the luck to you sir 🤙

[@kathyharmon2093]

He’s done this way of life for so long I’m certain he got EXACTLY what he wants and needs

[@OzRoyce]

I admire the courage to downsize this way. Couldn't do it myself. Bad enough in a class B when it rains

[@susanvaughan4210]

Embracing creativity and change is what keeps us healthy, young, and growing. Bravo Bob!

[@QurVgn]

YYYEESSSS!! I have a 2003 Forester with 100k miles, and bought a Transit van with a build/kitchen/oven/blah blah for travel…..and I’ve used the Transit 3 times, because I hate driving it. 🤦‍♀️. So, going to sell the Transit and will do a little build for the Forester. If you’re in the North Bay Area please say hi, so that I can bribe you into helping! 😉

[@blowinshtup6553]

for the loose microwave, drill a hole in the wood shelf at both of the long ways ends and run a NRS 6’ camstrap around it and through the holes. very easy and cheap fix.

[@johnniemontgomery6682]

All I know is that I had not come across Bob’s videos I would have never camped in my Toyota Sienna van. I know physically I cannot live in my van long term but when we road trip and camp I enjoy it. I have some mobility issues that being said it could save you from being houseless. I appreciate you Bob. I also own a 2017 Subaru Forester. We love it. We road trip with it but we don’t camp in it.

[@user-vg6pn6oq3m]

Bob, I look forward to your next video on your travels in your new car. It's so nice looking & you built it out really nice🎉

[@user-xp5qx8wg9x]

Hi Bob, maybe slide a short piece of garden hose or the cut off fingers of a glove over the L brackets that hold your microwave to pad them so they are snug and don't rattle. Always enjoy your vids. Take care.

[@deeoh3708]

You go Bob! More freedom.. your block, your ambulance van, your go anywhere Subaru.. well done!! Enjoy your new life. :)

[@smokey11a1]

I lived in a car camper for many many months. I was advised to do it for a health reasons. Apparently by making life a little bit rough for yourself, help switch on protective genes. Sure enough my heart problem dramatically improved. And then went to a small van. I'm still living off grid at the moment, and loving every minute of it. It's amazing what you can do with a small space. And in my car camper I could fold out a double bed and had a pullout kitchen in the rear hatchback that I had made myself. The car camper was a lot of fun. Very compact, incredibly cheap on gas. And she really do get used to a small space, and having to maneuver in that small space can really keep you fit.

[@morphergaming0531]

Im finding this exciting and again its the minimalism that really gets geta the juices flowing. It makes me aware of how easy it is to get trapped in objects owning my soul again.

[@markbreij]

The guy is back to the basics still setting an example of how you can make it. Everyone should be thanking him for the go round and welcome back Bob.

[@gisellegonzalez4677]

I’m so glad you’ve found what brings your joy back. The biggest regret I have is selling my cargo van. Build it out and get back to do what you do best explore. Take care

[@jasonbouchard9233]

Great re-invention of your life, Bob. Fresh ideas, and positive energy! Right on!!

[@hi-z]

It's funny that when I follow van lifers on KZbin over the long term, lots of them go from small vehicle (all they can afford) to a big rig, ten back to a small vehicle for the simplicity and economy

[@letitiahenry6113]

Thanks for this video Bob! I’m sure youve helped a lot of us. I know it’s helped me!