Subaru Forester Camper Build: Scary Solo Road Trip Ahead

[@innergoof19]

I have this exact car, and your video has shown me that i dont need to wait to purchase a van to camp in my car. Thank you for showing your build and inspiring me!

[@ashaslaw]

So happy to read this :) You definitely don't need a van! I recently made my way all the way from the East Coast to Alaska while car camping in my Forester and I wouldn't swap it for a van if i had a choice. Good luck and safe travels!

[@TomboiTravels]

The access and ability to use a public workshop space is amazing 💚💚💚

[@weekendrver9525]

I watch loads of KZbin videos and your fresh style is invigorating. Do keep up the work. I know it’s time consuming but it’s worth the effort. You are a great storyteller-w

[@ashaslaw]

So nice of you to write it... you can't even imagine how much it means to me. Thank you so much.

[@chad2886]

Cool build. A tire plug kit and decent quality air compressor might be a good option if you can afford it. It would allow you to fix a puncture without having to remove the tire from the car and you wouldn't be stuck running the temporary spare donut tire. Safe and happy travels.

[@ashaslaw]

That’s a really good idea, thank you! Will definitely look into it.

[@bobmccaslin2040]

You are such a talented, eager to learn, can do it person. This is so impressive! Bob from Spokane Valley, WA USA

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much - your comment means a lot to me.

[@jamespazera3038]

Pretty cool..😊😊😊

[@rrrevered]

I have the exact car. My 2004 Subaru Forester XT (was 2.5L) now has a used donor engine (2.0L) turbo engine. Fun car! Especially good for dirt, ice and snow (with the right tires of course). I am excited to find your video and will study it. Thanks Asha! I am subscribing before even watching your video :) Blessings and safe travels to you, and yours.

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you for such a nice comment and hive five to having the same car - those Foresters are awesome! I'm actually on my way to Alaska now, so glad you discovered my channel :)

[@rrrevered]

@@ashaslaw Yeah, Asha. I watched several of your videos so I know [I believe] you went on a long and winding North America trip! And, you just recently [right?] left for your Alaska tour. It will go well (check that oil, and plan your gas consumption - Gas Buddy App). And, I watched the safety video you made (thanks good advice). I am 61 just after this full moon, and appreciate what you teach us. I like the heater for a cup of liquid!! Thank you for being you, and blessings to you on your trip. May your trip be filled with peace and love, sister. :). I found you by searching for 2003-2008 Subaru Forester camping or something like that. Mine is red too! 2004. Keep us posted. I will follow along. HAPPY TRAILS 🌱

[@cameronburrell5651]

The jointery with your platform is so well done

[@ashaslaw]

Thx!

[@Coolcatz2500]

That is so kick ass that you got that certificate to use the woodshop share space!!

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you - learned a lot and had so much fun in that woodshop :)

[@johnzee691]

looks good. great that you had a shop to use. layout and construction looks very nice, hope it works out. 👍

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much! I posted a video update with my thoughts about the build after using it for 12,000 miles, so feel free to check it out :)

[@anneparrish2247]

Really like your build. I drive a forester too, it’s a 2012. So your fitting yours to be a camper car is that much more of a wow factor.

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you! It took me a while to design the platform and figure out how to do it properly but I must say that I’m super happy how it turned out.

[@TheCreateOutdoors]

Great video Asha! The second gen Forester is definitely on the small side but you utilized the space well! Good luck with your trip!

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you for a nice comment! I actually love everything about second gen Foresters - size, mechanics and appearance :)

[@TheCreateOutdoors]

@@ashaslaw I agree! I love mine a lot

[@CarlRRogers]

Beautiful job with the build! Thanks for sharing!

[@ashaslaw]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@BuddyTerry.]

And you found it in Portland! Woohoo! What a find! Beautiful vehicle, congratulations and great build!

[@ashaslaw]

Thanks! I was only looking at Foresters in Oregon, East Coast is ruuuustyyyy

[@wildeescape]

You did an awesome job on the build! I like the cubbies, and shock cord has so many uses it's shocking more people don't use it. Safe travels!

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you! I must admit that the idea to use the shock cord in so many places was my best idea so far :)

[@lukekao8136]

Please stay safe on your travels by youself seeing the beautiful country. Have a great time, Asha! Take care!

[@HowieBaldman]

So cool. I have an Forester 2003 XT and are thinking the same. thanks for your info and great work you done.

[@ashaslaw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@innergoof19]

Mine is a 2004 XS. Definitely inspired!

[@KingSolrac]

Great build! Chase Christopher is awesome!

[@ashaslaw]

He really is! Thanks!

[@grtchldy6561]

Great build. One hint. When using bungee chord (elastic) I’ve found it helps to tie a knot at the end so the toggle stoppers don’t come off. I use them a lot for my home made outer wear (fleece jackets etc).

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you!

[@robpeabo509]

I am glad I found this channel! Very well thought out and constructed Asha! It looks like you have worked with wood before. One never gets things 100% the first time. It will take a few trips to have it set up to how you like it. Even then, you will see things or go in different environments and will want to make minor adjustments to your setup to suit. The challenge is to make sure you do not go overboard and have so many ideas or whatever that causes you to change to a bigger vehicle unnecessarily.

[@blues_trails_xklndr1026]

I’m so impressed of how creative you are, thanks for your channel

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much! Thanks for watching!

[@gailjohnson6670]

Awesome woodworking skills and build. Lots of excellent ideas. Thank you for the video and build. Blessings to you.

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you very much!

[@alwaysgoodinthewoods]

Very nice Forester and buildout! Subscribed👍 I have an '06 N/A that I think about building out.. I love the size and fuel mileage compared to my van 😅as you mention the stealth is nice especially in my old lady spec foz, just a bit more cramped than I can handle long term.

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you! To be honest I was a bit worried that I will feel too cramped in my Forester but it actually feels perfect! Probably would be different in winter... But I also don't carry too many things with me - only gear I use on a daily basis. Summing up - if I were you, I'd totally give it a try! :) Good luck!

[@alwaysgoodinthewoods]

@@ashaslaw You have a good setup and made really good use of space! and once you are on the road you realize how little you really need day to day. Just need that 6 foot of horizontal space for sleeping and some storage really.... I have slept in my forester a few times on the passenger side, but even with the seat fully up it is a bit tight at 5'11" 😅 I already built out my van and based my channel around it but I am attached to the forester! and will gain inspiration from you in the event I sell the gas guzzler, the funny part is the forester is better off road then my 4x4 van 🤣They are awesome vehicles!

[@dlim1984]

Subscribed! Love seeing builds using space efficiently. Hope your trip is going well ✌🏼✌🏼

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you!

[@zameerpactyan]

Nice build, all the best with your trip! Your video gave me some ideas for my build.

[@ashaslaw]

I’m so happy this video surves its purpose and you found it inspiring. Good luck with you build!

[@billybert3506]

Good On Ya, Asha. 🙋🏻‍♂️ That looks to be a solid build-out of your vehicle.

[@briantodd4887]

Wow! Great job, I love watching Chase Christopher and his build. I have a 2024 Outback Wilderness- and planning to car camp. I use the Xped MegaMat for the mattress- so comfy! Safe travels to you

[@ashaslaw]

Thanks for a nice comment. Good luck with your adventures!

[@courtneymessina1708]

Beautiful build

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you!

[@Flux_Flow]

VERY GOOD JOB ! I mean, now you've inspired me to do something similar in my 2024 Outback Wilderness. Subscribed.

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much :) Have fun converting it and exploring the world!

[@brettrohlfingvideo]

I hope you will come to Colorado, so much beautiful scenery and so many Subarus! I liked it so much that I moved across the country to live here.

[@ashaslaw]

Colorado is on my list!

[@MVsFavorites]

Awesome! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@robertjacobsfishing]

Great build. I am on my second Forester. Keen to apply a few of your ideas here on my build.

[@ashaslaw]

Thanks! Good luck with your build!

[@LifesAdventures58]

I am in the process of trying to figure it out. You did a great job.

[@moisestakeout7406]

Keep up the awesomeness ❤🙌🏽

[@ashaslaw]

Will do! Same to you!

[@jorn3706]

coooooooooooooooooolll ! Greeetz from the European Roads in my Outback 😊.

[@ashaslaw]

I own an old Subaru Impreza GT (‘96) in Europe so maybe one day we'll bump into each other on those European roads :) cheers!

[@tinabeane]

Well done, subbed. Thanks for sharing in the SUV group, we look forward to hearing about your travels.

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you!

[@Z_question]

Nice work, I have an 04 FXT and have been wanting to turn it into a incognito camper. I've never driven across the US before just the state around me. Thank you for the ideas.

[@ashaslaw]

You are very welcome! I find older Foresters perfect to serve as incognito campers. Hope you'll have a chance to turn yours into one and drive across the US one day - it's an unforgettable experience.

[@MyLittleFarmhouse]

What an awesome build 👍🏽😊🇦🇺

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you! :)

[@EricSable]

This is amazing, I'm about to start on a similar project on my 2008 Subaru Forester Sports X. Thanks so much for sharing all this ❤️

[@ashaslaw]

So happy to inspire a fellow Forester driver! Good luck with your project! 💫

[@Jesskox]

Chase is also one of my fav KZbinr! Great build, excited to see your adventures. Subscribed 👍🏽

[@joeszeto310]

Awesome built!!! Can't wait to see more of your videos and adventures. And yes, Liked and Subcribed. Have fun and stay safe!

[@CastleJane]

Great build!

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you!

[@scottaustin7237]

Great job. Happy travels.

[@mannybravo237]

Very nice ride! I dig that hood scoop! Have Fun doin' your Adventures!

[@Alignwithmia]

So cool!!! cant wait to see your magical adventures! ❤

[@ashaslaw]

Owww, thanks ❤️✨

[@AjsIsland]

Awesome build thank you for sharing 😊

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you! :)

[@eugenef0zzy]

Beautiful car, and beautiful build, very inspiring. I found my dream forester here in the PNW as well. Have a good trip loving the fozzy life!

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much!

[@julisman2011]

Good idea. Would you share the plans or measurements? Thank you

[@geeg7202]

Can you please show how you hung your window covers up by the ceiling and also after you get everything in there what it looks like or what all fit

[@ashaslaw]

Sure! I’m currently working on videos showing my full setup and the gear I’m using. They should be on my channel in a week or two :)

[@dougchambers9859]

Recent subscriber...So happy to find your channel. What an awesome job with your Subaru camper build out! You're quite an inspiration... Hope to construct a similar build inside my 2017 Forester. Thank you for your tour and your ideas. Two questions: Since you did some backcountry camping on your travels, did you upgrade the stock tires on your Subbie? If not, do you feel the stock tires performed well enough to your liking? Best wishes on your travels "down under". Can't wait until you're back in the States on your trip to Alaska. Looking forward to following along!! Happy travels...Be safe...

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much for your nice comment - it made me really happy to read that you found my videos interesting and inspiring :) I also can't wait to resume my road trip and go all the way to Alaska...! The previous owner of this car upgraded tires to Continental Extreme Contact DWS and they are performing extremely well. I will definitely buy them again. Good luck with your build - it's a fun and enjoyable process!

[@dougchambers9859]

I appreciate you reaching out so quickly. Thank you for your recommendation for the tire brand and model. Will certainly check them out. Enjoy your days ahead !

[@victoryepik]

Your Subaru Forester XT build is clean. Where did find that front splitter for the facelift Forester and the rims?

[@ashaslaw]

I didn’t - previous owner did.

[@pamspencer5733]

What's a front splitter?

[@monikastep5711]

Hello Asha! Just discovered your channel and subscribed right away seeing the beautiful work you did. I used to have a 2002 Forester and it was my fave car. I wish I never got rid of it... it was still in great shape even with 235Km. Congrats on an awesome built and acquiring some practical skills along the way. in your tour of NA will you be hitting Canada's east coast or staying more west since you are going to Alaska? Greetings from Cape Breton, NS.

[@AnnaS-t2t]

Good luck❤

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you ❤️

[@AGRECY]

Just wow…

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you :)

[@kismet19]

Your very smart where did you learn so much about woodworking please be safe

[@ashaslaw]

My Parents taught me everything :)

[@hermannvalsson4237]

Thank you for a great video. I would like to build my platform similar to yours, could you share the drawind of your platform and the shelwes which you use for your stuff. Best regards Hermann in Reykjavík Iceland.

[@ashaslaw]

Hi Hermann, I’m so glad you found my video useful! Unfortunately I’m on my way to Alaska now, and all my drawings are at my house on the East Coast, so I can’t share them now. But I will remember to do it once I’m back home (in a few months).

[@hermannvalsson4237]

@@ashaslaw Thank you for responding, good luck with your travel it is just great to "followe" you here via KZbin and learn from your expepence.

[@ashaslaw]

@@hermannvalsson4237 thank you! So glad you are enjoying my videos! Have a lovely rest of your summer!

[@JMaksym]

Przypadkiem ty trafiłem jako ze jeździłem wyprawowi 3 lata Foresterem SG. Fajna zabudowa na jedna osobę. Jestem ciekaw jak się będzie zmieniać z czasem. W ogóle czy mi się wydaje czy jesteś polka?

[@ashaslaw]

Tak, jestem Polką. Nie zamierzam jej na razie zmieniać - zabudowa jest mega funkcjonalna :)

[@alanmohn4146]

Spare tire access? Do you carry one and how do you access it without taking everything out. Great ideas.

[@ashaslaw]

I do have a spare but in order to access it I have to remove the platform - which would take me 10-15 minutes.

[@renee6807]

Hello I just subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to your adventures! 😊

[@bernardcohen3245]

Wow

[@ashaslaw]

:)

[@theonly1film]

great channel you got my sub

[@ekaiewoi759]

Not XT but Sg5 second generation. Nice job.

[@ronaldseitz3677]

Hello,buy lots of blanks sleep bags Will do ok

[@overlandsubaruinternationa2378]

loof really like mine

[@Dinamic1032]

Can the windows be closed completely at night without ventilation problems ?.

[@ashaslaw]

Yes! I mostly camp in areas with bears (both black and grizzly), so I sleep with my widows completely rolled up. Never felt like I don’t have enough oxygen to breathe. The only problem may be a condensation in cold weather.

[@lindaabuhasou2635]

Does the foresters back passengers windows roll down completely?

[@ashaslaw]

Unfortunately, they do not roll down completely.

[@jophillips2868]

Great video your an amazing woman.

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

Can I ask why did you pick that specific Subaru, what was it about that particular make and model that you just had to have it ? I ask because I have a Subaru outback but its quite new and was wondering why you picked such an older model ?

[@ashaslaw]

Of course! There are many reasons why I decided to buy this particular model, including the fact that this car is considered a Unicorn. There were also many practical reasons to it, i.e. I find older Subarus really reliable. I recorded a whole video explaining in detail why I bought this particular car and why I decided to convert it into a camper, so feel free to watch it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXisoXmDp7uaec0.

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

@@ashaslaw ok cool thanks I'll watch that now..

[@leilal8053]

WHY buy a vehicle clear across the country and put all that milage on it....just to get it home? Add to that the airfare to get to it......I don't get it......doesn't make sence 2me....🤔 Great job on the build.....just curious why you didn't usd the space on either side of the wheelwell opposite the cabinet 4 even more storage like alot of people do? Happy Travels.😊

[@ashaslaw]

This vehicle is unique, so it is really difficult to get. Old Subarus also rust really fast, so buying it on the East Coast wasn't an option. I dived deeper into this topic in one of my videos (the one with views of Glacier NP), so feel free to watch it if you need more explanation :) Regarding your second question - I simply don't need more storage.

[@lukekao8136]

Who drives manual anymore? hmmm? Asha, that's who!

[@ashaslaw]

And will drive manual forever!

[@lukekao8136]

Have fun and safe time in your travels, beautiful. @@ashaslaw

[@karlmurray2225]

Most of us drive manual in Ireland. It's very easy 😎

[@andreafly610]

great beautiful vehicle😍😍😍! I'm an Italian guy who converted his old '99 Subaru Forester SF, I'm also thinking about taking a solo trip! if you like we can stay in touch :)

[@drukarztheroots]

🙏❤

[@manvanross]

Bravo! Sub’d.

[@ashaslaw]

Thanks!

[@lemoh2006]

Subscribed

[@herbway7758]

The insulation is made from recycled what? I couldn't understand what you said.

[@ashaslaw]

Recycled jeans

[@yipyipoman]

How tall are you?

[@ashaslaw]

170 cm

[@witoldsienski1709]

Amazing :)

[@ashaslaw]

Thanks! ;)

[@thistle.thieves]

💚💚💚💚💚

[@ДимаДемидов-э9у]

🔥💪👍❤

[@thunderrode1744]

Hi whatcha up to hope all is well sending up prayers 4 healing and unspoken and 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping and happy day everyday in name of the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall always and keep praying and keep on keeping on pushing forward one step at a time and cool cool car build u did great job and smile 🕊🦅👍👍💪🙂👍👍 🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖

[@overlandsubaruinternationa2378]

check mon build love your

[@billdo4134]

marry me

[@toyo6966]

Czasem nie jesteś Polką ? 😃

[@ashaslaw]

Jesteś :)

[@ashaslaw]

Tzn jestem :D

[@louripp1533]

Do you drive barefoot)