Five Mods You Should Do FIRST On Your Subaru Outback Wilderness

Wondering where to start on your Subaru Outback Wilderness build? This video was created to help cut through the uncertainty of making an off-road-ready Outback Wilderness by supplying you with the first five modifications I would do to mine if I could do it all over again. These modifications have been essential to our overland travels and long-distance family trips. Hopefully, this information will find you before you end up down a rabbit hole of unknowns while trying to build the perfect all-around adventure vehicle.
✅ Follow on Instagram - / roamingwithjosh
📪 Sign up for our newsletter - bit.ly/3ZZYl0z
🙌🏻 Sign up for members-only content - bit.ly/44lha0b
Product Links -
Bumper Bar - bit.ly/457L9cd
Ironman Suspension Kit - bit.ly/3OkfxKn
Auxbeam 6 Gang Light Controller - bit.ly/3r3v2Nv
Rallitek Skid Plates - bit.ly/470igz7
Rigid 4" Lights For Bumper Bar - bit.ly/3snyDHe
Underhood Compressor Mount - bit.ly/3MdcGBt

[@austinmoore7853]

The under hood compressor is cool, but I'd recommend just using a battery jumper compressor combo. It takes up room to store, but it works if the car doesn't, and carrying a jumper/compressor combo can help more than one person and theres no restrictions on jumping someone with a dead battery on an impasable trail. Plus most combo kits u can buy with a biult in inverter for charging 12volt appliances to save your battery on your car

[@roamingwithjosh]

Good info! Thanks for the comment!

[@palerider7171]

Thanks for refining this list and keeping us updated with good advice not fluff. I real appreciate it.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Anytime, my friend!

[@Databyter]

I already have a hi flow compressor, and it has heavy duty clamps that go right onto the battery which is nice to feed it with direct source power. And I already have the STOCK skid plates, which many will argue are not as tough as some aftermarket. But I would argue they are plenty tough enough. I'm not talking about the Engine skid that comes with the Wilderness. I have a full 5 piece set of optional skids sold by Subaru (made in China tho). The thing is, a lot of these super bullet proof aftermarket skids made their bones on body on frame trucks and 4x4's. You could jack up the vehicle with those skids. Our Wilderness is a unibody un build. It's strong, but it's not designed to have undentable skid plates hammering on the mounting locations which can deform and push up these areas if abused. The OEM recommended plates are Thick where they need to be and hard where they need to be, but they are also designed to deform and take some of the shock, both because of their mounts, which can push and deflect, and because of the armor itself, which is touch, but also designed to absorbe shock via deformation. Think of old bumpers from the 40's vs new bumpers of today. Two different stategies. So I got two of these 5 in the bag. Nice. The Aix controller, I just don't need it,.. yet.But if it's cheap, maybe I will look into it. It would be nice to have some camping ambiance lighting. Lift,.. I'm so happy with what I have now, that I am afraid to mess it up. I have always thought that as my struts wear out, I would replace them with flatout struts that are more capable down the road, but I am not sure an actual lift is needed for the kinds of things I do. But that bar in front. WOW. What a great idea. I have engineered many solutions in my head for how I would use those two front tow points together, but this is the best solution I have seen yet, and it is always ready to go, and looks great as well. Solves so many problems, and can be used to mount lights if I ever feel the need to go down that road, which I likely would, if I bought this bar. So thanks! I'm definitely going to check out that front bumper bar. I'm glad I cought this video. Databyter

[@Knivess]

I just picked mine up on friday! Took it into the Tonto basin a little bit today just to stretch its legs. Your videos are all so informative and amazing. Thank you for this list you have.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Anytime! Congrats on the new ride and let me know if you have any questions in the future.

[@deltabravo1257]

I just stumbled across your channel. SWEET BUILD! (I subscribed) I've had a 2013 Crosstrek since 2017. The Crosstrek Wilderness is what I thought I wanted until I saw a video yesterday comparing the Outback Wilderness and Crosstrek Wilderness side by side, and I saw that the Outback Wilderness is Turbo. I had no idea the OBW model had the 2.4 Turbo, simply because I have never looked at any details of the OBW.

[@roamingwithjosh]

The turbo is the main reason I have stuck with this car. It makes a huge difference in the mountains.

[@abstract35mm_]

Your advice on building my OBW have been invaluable by making the process easier and by sharing your real world experience with the parts.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Glad to be helpful!

[@CurtGodwin]

Interesting to see how your thoughts on some of these items have changed. I'm considering the brush bar and lift... and I regularly go on Forest Service roads in the Georgia Appalachians, so I'm sure I'd make use of them. Thanks for the update.

[@roamingwithjosh]

It's tough because a lot of times I really don't need the lift, but those time when it comes in handy it's hard to justify not having it. Thanks for the comment!

[@tomkoetting5954]

LOL - first thing I did was upgrade those crappy speakers. FOCAL INTEGRATION speakers are super efficient and run well with the factory amp. Just drop 'em in and enjoy!

[@roamingwithjosh]

Great tip!

[@suchjeff]

Thank you for the Outback wilderness videos! Very informative. I haven’t upgraded mine yet but this definitely helps point me in the direction I want to go.

[@stephenbyrne3778]

Heads up, the bumper bar is super expensive for what it is. What I did was get a 2nd recovery eye bolt and rigged up a bar to span the 2. It helps that I’m a welder but (chasing adventures) rigged one up without welding. I got a light bar and put it on that. Love it (it does block the front camera though.). Also get better fog lights and reverse bulbs. You can get some of the best from diode dynamics

[@roamingwithjosh]

No worries!

[@jeckt5555]

Great video. I would suggest adding offroad tires to that list.

[@roamingwithjosh]

The reason I didn't is because a lot of people really like the GEO lander tires and if you only do light trails on forest roads then I wouldn't waste the money. That's my two cents at least. Appreciate the comment!

[@ox66123]

That bumper bar should come new covers to replace the original gold ones

[@roamingwithjosh]

That would be cool!

[@ericl20881]

@@roamingwithjoshcan you put a bumper bar on any outback trim or does it work best on the wilderness?

[@Databyter]

@@ericl20881 The Wilderness has 2 tow points at each end (unless you have a tow hitch which deletes the rear ones). I'm not sure all the Subaru Outback trims have 2 tow points in front. If you did have a trim that had two, they would have to be the same distance apart. I would contact the bar company to answer this one, they may be able to produce the offset you need. But the main thing is that you have 2 connection points. Most cars have only one point on each end.

[@messmeister92]

This is timely, I just ordered one today!

[@roamingwithjosh]

Congrats!

[@user-cl2es9iu1j]

Thanks! All good words from the wise! From Oklahoma

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thanks!

[@JasonWh]

Take a look at Garmin controllers. It allows control from the phone and it can run from their tablets. I have two modules with 11 lights and it works flawless. I have a tricked out Power Wagon with Carli Pintop King suspension, 37's, dual ARB air compressor as it fits in the storage compartment behind the front seat! I also have the GoFastCampers full kit and that's been working incredibly well! I'll pick up my 2024 Outback Wilderness used with 14k miles this week and am going to trick it out as well. I always start with underbody protection. Period. Nex for me is the rear-locker.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thanks for the info!

[@paulbowman5477]

Great info…thanks Josh. Have you noticed a difference in the ride with the lift kit? Just picked up a ‘25 OBW and I’m shocked at how smooth it rides…don’t want to screw that up if I don’t really have to. I have a mountain cabin that has a goat trail essentially and I’ve always had 4x4’s with high ground clearance.

[@roamingwithjosh]

The ride will definitely become less comfortable. If you want to keep the ride quality then this is the suspension the go with over iron man adventurerigshop.com/collections/suspension-lifts/products/outback-wilderness-flatout-suspension-lift-kit

[@ralkros681]

Aftermarket pitch stop! Changed it out on my 2020 forester sport and the difference in the throttle feel is substantial

[@roamingwithjosh]

Link?

[@K03sport]

is there a Group-N mount? Subaru part but not as stiff as 3rd party pitch stops.

[@dpp898]

I bought a 24 crosstrek put a primitive racing suspension with king springs skid plates ditch lights wildpeak tires black rhino wheels roof rack and plan on a spare tire hitch mount and possible a winch and thats my build

[@roamingwithjosh]

Right on!

[@herk8240]

Great vid as always. Ill look into that bumper guard. I have minimal mods on my '22. Primitive Racing plates, K02's and the "tool box" air compressor. I appreciate you doing all this so I don't have to lol

[@roamingwithjosh]

lolol it's my pleasure. Glad it can be helpful and save you time and money.

[@DrewPeabawls]

Man I don’t know about the advice you give on using the bar as a recovery point. If it’s not engineered to do so by the manufacturer, you might be giving negligent advice as recoveries can turn lethal. The website does not make any mention of the bar being good as a recovery point.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Yes, all recoveries can turn dangerous immediately. However having a dual point for recovery VS one will ultimately lead to more strength. Everything has it's limits.

[@bradmacdonald7626]

The integrity of the bumper bar as a potential recovery point depends entirely on the material used. All metals and alloys vary in their tensile strength, so it’s a big assumption that it could be used as a recovery point, if the metal used is not designed for heavy duty towing.

[@Keillan5480]

If it were designed and rated for recovery, they would absolutely have plastered that fact all over their website and advertising for the bar.

[@keilmillerjr9701]

It's a tow point. The bumper bar itself could be a weak point. It's dependent on quality. Rear axles are not engineered to be a recovery point, but I have towed many vehicles out of snow and mud doing such. The manufacturer is not going to say everything you can do because one idiot will mess it up and sue them.

[@stephenreilly4762]

Perhaps, do some sort of an unofficial test?

[@thewiredfox2691]

A "Tow Point" is not necessarily a "Recovery Point." You should not really recover from a tow point, but you can recover and tow from a recovery point.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Unfortunately there's no "recovery point" on the front of the vehicle. If you're stuck you can either stay stuck or use the tow point. Your choice.

[@thewiredfox2691]

@@roamingwithjosh I get it, but there should be some attempt to differentiate the two.

[@HeimataSq]

I just picked up a 2024 Outback Wilderness today and see there is one recovery hook underneath on the passenger side. On the side just past the skid plate. Looked underneath before purchasing vehicle.

[@RoamRoadless]

I get that the tow points are recovery points. But is the bump bar rated for recovery. If not then using it as one can cause damage and injury.

[@roamingwithjosh]

The bar will outlive the threaded slots in the bumper. That's my personal opinion.

[@Devilhog1981]

You keep saying the Iron Man 2" kit for the wilderness. It's not 2" for the wilderness. It's 2" for normal outbacks but the wilderness comes with longer struts from the factory. Your getting .75-1 inch max for the "iron man 2 inch" kit on the wilderness.

[@deanc.5984]

Love the CAtuned brush bar, skid plates id go with ADF for a cleaner seamless fit.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thank you!

[@fkjeep1]

How did you installed the Auxbeam 6 gangs? which firewall area did you used for the wiring? I have 2024 OBW

[@roamingwithjosh]

I didn't go through the fire wall. I went through the rubber grommet on the driver side door into the fuse box area. I did the same thing on my 2024.

[@tasdrouille]

Nobody makes a 3/8 skid plate for the OBW. Some will be 1/4, most 3/16, but Rallitek is 1/8, same as the OEM skid thickness.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thanks!

[@lightning7582]

Subaru needs larger wheel wells and a stronger cvt with a low range. I'd prefer a reel gear box manual or eight speed auto. Subaru is not listening unfortunately. I also dont like all the electrical do dads. To me its more stuff to tear up.

[@roamingwithjosh]

I would have to agree with you.

[@andrewanderson5297]

Sage advice as always.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thanks, dude!

[@Andrew-jh5uv]

Josh great vids, have you done a vid on diff locked Subaru yet?

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thank you! I have not. I don't have one and honestly probably never will.

[@kiethlowry2862]

I have watched recover videos those videos really pushed for not using the tow mount sockets for recovery of vehicle the tow spots can/will fail. The tow plugs are not designed for recovery of a stuck car . But they also said nothing about using the brush guard mounted in the tow sockets.

[@roamingwithjosh]

If you truly get yourself stuck and a shovel or traction boards cant get you out, you're left with pretty much only one option and that's to us the tow points. I agree that it shouldn't be your first choice, but sometimes you have no options.

[@kiethlowry2862]

@@roamingwithjosh Agreed and I did invest in soft shackles tow rope and boards .

[@lewis376]

This was very helpful. But just a comment, there's way to much talking. I have ADD its hard to follow. Keep it more simple and get to the point after you get the sales pitch out of the way.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thanks for the comment!

[@HalfBit360]

I agree!! If ya have a video listing things, I clicked for the list! Not the first 3 minutes of repetition

[@rontopp]

So you have a problem but want this guy to change everything up just for you?

[@adavalle]

Picking up my OBW this Saturday. I’m new to this off road augmentation of trucks and SUVs. Dumb question…do these mods void the vehicle warranty? Al

[@roamingwithjosh]

That would be a question for your dealer. I don't want to make assumptions based on my experience and lead you down the wrong path. I personally have never had issues with warranty coverage with the modifications I made.

[@paulbowman5477]

Folks elsewhere as well as my dealer told me that it only “voids” claims made for parts that are damaged resulting from the mods or activity involving them. As in, the engine, transmission, etc., wouldn’t be voided if it was a suspension issue.

[@tigerlu8518]

Good to know these. What type of gas do you use for your Outback wilderness? The manufacturer says regular, but I heard many people use premium. Thanks.

[@roamingwithjosh]

I use regular

[@jkinney5]

Any thoughts on the Torq locker?

[@roamingwithjosh]

I personally don't think it's necessary.

[@MattMOhio]

wow a video on a car that's mostly just your face

[@roamingwithjosh]

You're very welcome you overly kind soul. Hope you enjoyed every second of it.

[@timflaherty2731]

Have you done a video about those rock sliders?

[@roamingwithjosh]

No, I wasn't their biggest fan.

[@norbertmaron3635]

Josh would like to know why you wouldnt buy RALLIETEK SUSPENSION KIT VS IRON MAN KIT( like on your previous OBW)?? Is it the price or is it the cheap ness of the suspension kit!! aaahhhh you know what i mean..i really appreciate your no beat around the bush approach to what your doing to making your family adventures more safe and fun!! Thanks from a future 2024 OBW guy who is retired and will be doing some off the beaten path camping and site seeing,way way out west like some of the states you've been,but not as extreme as you've been doing,iam from south Florida ft.lauderdale area!!

[@roamingwithjosh]

I don't have any issues with the rallitek kit, i've just never used them before. I appreciate the comment!

[@MissionRun]

Thanks!

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thank you very much! That was extremely kind of you.

[@XxXenosxX]

Getting mine delivered end of November, keeping it stock until 100k 😅

[@roamingwithjosh]

I love it!

[@sgallagher1988]

The rigid Industries lights tdid the effect the camera for lane assist? The one on the top of the windshield?

[@roamingwithjosh]

No they didn't

[@dennytrulane6639]

Just wondering, do you think the increased CV joint angle caused by the 2” lift would cause increased wear in the CV joints?

[@roamingwithjosh]

It's definitely a possibility. Any change in any angle could impact wear and tear.

[@deltabravo1257]

Are you still considering selling your OBW to get something different? I watched your more recent videos later last night and saw mention of likely selling it.

[@roamingwithjosh]

I am going to sell it soon and wait for the 2025 to come out.

[@deltabravo1257]

@@roamingwithjosh I see that Subaru is unveiling a new vehicle on the 11/16 at the LA Auto Show. Let's hope it's a new Outback. It could be a new Ascent too, which I don't think has changed since it was introduced, but with the Outback being the flagship Subaru model, I think it will be a new Outback that gets unveiled.

[@_juzzou_]

Will the bumper bar have the tow points like it does in the photos?

[@roamingwithjosh]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@itsvictorrivera]

Can some of these apply to the Forester?

[@roamingwithjosh]

I would say so.

[@jamesmarcinkowski4339]

I love this car it just does not have enough power

[@roamingwithjosh]

Keep in mind it's a station wagon with a 4cyl

[@fuglong]

In what world is nearly 300 HP and torque not enough?

[@oceanbeliever681]

Always legit and to the point.

[@roamingwithjosh]

You're the man!

[@Benito-l5k]

Is the bar only for the wilderness or can it go on the Onyx edition?

[@askor2000]

Miss my subie, but will never get one with a CVT. Good luck with your projects!

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thank you!

[@Heinz76Harald]

TLDL

[@dwaaziwaazi]

Rally Armor mud flaps

[@roamingwithjosh]

That's a good call. I don't have them and never have, maybe I just don't know what I'm missing. Thanks for the comment!

[@K03sport]

Definitely want something floppy. more forgiveness going over things vs rigid guards like OEM or RockBloks

[@northernlife6513]

You talk way too much to get your point across. Keep it straight and factual.

[@roamingwithjosh]

Thanks for the comment!