Subaru Forester Camper

[@ThatsFarked]

I’m about to pack up and do this. Vanish from everything here and find a new town to call home which has work. Bring on the good times. You only live once👌🏼👌🏼

[@duanetrivett750]

Killer set up ! The Forester is taller than the Outback , good choice .

[@Stormbrise]

You sound like my father when you say measure 3 times and cut once. I should buy some of this reflexive for our bedroom window. Next week the sky will start getting light at about 4:30 AM, and bird song at 4ish. Freezing nights and too. Much light…the joy of living in Scandinavia. Lucky you that flipping it to the other side window. When I am back in the Pacific NW, I want to get my dream camping in car an outback. I just hope my husband will fit! Though I may be in need of a Forester. I want to get into long distance backpacking. I am getting to the point that I am no longer carrying so much body weight. Beautiful camping location.

[@sunsationalfan13]

I have watched so many videos on this. And I almost never comment. This video was hands down the best video I’ve ever seen for so many reasons… I am so glad you did this. I’m so impressed by literally everything you did and how you made the video . Bravo

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Wow, thank you!

[@matthewkummerfeldt9795]

I'm only 25, but this is what I want my retirement to look like

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Don’t wait! Look for ways to make what you have now, work for you! I had a Toyota Siena and never realized that I could turn it into a Camper and get out more at that time of my life! Above all else, enjoy your Journey and Your story!

[@debrabelz]

do it before you get old. knees give out

[@kriskabin]

Why wait for your retirement? Do it NOW.

[@Brabant076]

JUST DO IT

[@jonothandoeser]

The most expensive part is buying the SUBARU FORESTER!!!

[@HamidRHariri]

I absolutely love this build. Simple and functional. Picked up some useful ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@suesspeechstreamsully5085]

Agree!! 😊

[@mudhens4ever]

I’m very impressed with the job you did! I have a 2011 Forester. At 72, it’s not any easier crawling in the Subaru than it is crawling in the tent. I’ve decided a walk-in tent will be my choice. I don’t know how old I’ll have to be to actually stop camping.

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Totally understand “crawling in the tent”, that’s why I hammock when not sleeping in the car. I have investigated Tents that attach to the suv trunk so you just slide back to sleep and have the rear of the vehicle to stand, cook and live. I have seen videos of one other Subaru owner that uses a Gazelle Pop up Tent and Cot. So There are plenty of years left to camp. Old is ten years beyond your current age anyway! 😂

[@100white4]

72? Still young

[@geoffcrumblin9850]

I agree. At 77 I just purchased a quick-up, walk in tent. Just sold my snow tent, my bones are slowing down.

[@Anonymous-ji4sb]

I lived in my 2010 Subaru Forester in college. I originally was gonna buy a used outback but they talked me into leasing the new forester. I don’t regret haven’t it, it served me well.

[@royaltyb1837]

This was an awesome show-how-to video. I never heard of using an SUV for camping before , but when you think about it..why not. ⛺️ Absolutely Ingenious!

[@rebeccaketner816]

Fantastic! Cool little table you have set up there, also!

[@Dsquaredforever]

Did something similar for my 2012 Forester, but decided to make it shorter for a little more headroom. A cot sized air/foam mattress fits perfectly on the passenger side. Nice work! My next mod is some way to open the hatch easily from the inside.

[@QuillBleu82]

My partner and I have a Forester we LOVE and we want to do this conversion so we can car camp. We basically want to live in our car and travel everywhere and just have our house as a home base when we need to re-up on supplies and plan our next trip. Love this conversion and we’re so stealing it. Awesome work! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@bottomless666]

This conversion is only suitable for a single person. I also wouldn't recommend it for long-term camping/van life, tbh.

[@timdeatherage4465]

I love the simplicity. Well done!

[@slowalaskan]

Converted my forester and traveled with my dog all over alaska this summer. Was great.

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Wow, Alaska would be wonderful to travel and see in a Subaru!

[@barbaramandy8708]

I'm driving solo to Florida with my pup as a companion. I don't plan on staying in hotels so the shade idea is one I'll use. I'm sure more economical than what I've been seeing on Amazon! Thanks for this.

[@janetchapman8784]

Awesome setup!! I just bought a 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness and you completely inspired me!! I had built out my 2014 Honda Fit with a pretty simple build kind of similar to this (I did a KZbin video of that build) but I'm doing your setup in my Forester and adding a slide out table and maybe even a slide out on the other side for a basin sink! I'm taking pictures along the way. You photos and details have been VERY helpful!! ❤

[@gboltonatrail1099]

@@janetchapman8784 The Wilderness Looks awesome and so glad you found this build helpful. I have gone to a 2005 Prius for the milage and ability to use the hybrid power / Battery. I also upgraded the Tarp into an SUV Hatchback Tent that opens into a Tarp over the rear like the old one, but has a bug screen so the hatch can stay open when not stealth camping. I keep learning new tricks but still loved the first time shown on the video! Enjoy your adventure!

[@viniciusmaltauro]

Tha looks cozy! Nice job! And now you joined the club of helpers of forester owners like me who haven’t done their camp conversion yet. Thank you!

[@Doc1855]

I like the idea of car camping, but at my age, “roughing it “, is a Holiday Inn close to hiking trails or a fishing hole.

[@chanelli6242]

Yay! Another Fozzy camper! I just made my 2016 Forester a bed platform as well, just a tad bit lower profile than yours since I don’t need the storage underneath the trunk, I have a cargo box for storage. I get to sit comfortably on the bed without having to hunch my back. Then again, I’m only 5’4” 😅

[@Alniemi]

Oh man lucky being short for a car camper, must be nice :p

[@TheGrayWolf81]

Fetal position is the only thing that works for me 😂

[@suesspeechstreamsully5085]

Great explanations!! One of the best. Thank you. And you seem such a nice guy it's a shame I couldn't catch you for a coffee continents away. Really appreciated the quick but careful detain. Bravo you. I'm going to hv2 try something for my 2009 forester. I've had the board for a year but too scared to put it together -and no tools. Never mind. I'll get there. Me n the dog are only 73.. well one of us 😄

[@NicMor4]

Awesome video, will be following in your footsteps my friend

[@deecee6810]

I have 2 subaru foresters... I sleep in them all the time. I have tinted windows and have slept everywhere. I never park or sleep where there are no other cars. I put a 2.5 inch camp mat down, throw a sleeping bag rated for outside weather and I'm done. My head is toward the back. I put a water container where your feet should go and it supports my feet. My storage is on the driver side. I have a organizer with velcro that sticks to the back. I've been up to the Yukon, Labrador, and all over the US. No problems. I even stay at Rest Areas. My rule is that there are other cars and especially truckers. Never an empty or dark parking lot. Sometimes I don't put my tent up cos it's extra work. But I like your slide out and the tent over the rear hatchback. Showers in campgrounds, state parks, etc. Great build, but I haven't built anything....

[@belle6071]

Sweet!!! May God bless you and keep you safe on your adventures!

[@mryan3123]

Very nice! I've been looking for ideas to get out with my Forester more and this may just be it.

[@skylernicholas5429]

Anyway to email the plans for your sleeping platform, that thing is awesome!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

I looked but no longer have the plans I drew up. So sorry.

[@ireton3]

Thanks for the video! I just purchased 2021 Forester and I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. I'm thinking this would be a great setup for car camping and/or setting up at the trailhead. I'm taking notes and plan to do something very similar.

[@somethingelse25]

I like your set up and I've been watching various Subaru Forester camping videos a well as how they handle on trails and in the snow since I have a 2020 Forester now. You have a channel and the video was well done! I wouldn't mind going camping in mine.

[@roshanbhandari1668]

Thank you for sharing this video. Planning to get a forester might do similar work onto it.

[@vthobo802]

Wow great idea. I made a VW jetta into a rolling bed, but not a lot of room. Yours looks great

[@johnblood4614]

Thank you for this wonderful design! As others have written, probably the best I've seen for my needs. I operate a ham radio (or two) and so having availability of the back seat and a back of driver's seat desktop is all I need for the radios and content creation, if I'm up for it. I am adding a slide-out table like yours for cooking, but will use some perforated L-rail and felt glued on strips I saw in another build for that. This is just the most intuitive design and so easy to assemble. THANKS AGAIN!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Thanks so much and glad you found some useful ideas from it. I have seen some methods to hook a “desk-counter-platform” to the back of the drivers seat pushed all the way forward. You may want to look into that and see if that meets your Ham Operating needs.

[@wendyholmes6074]

About to buy a Subaru outback - so valuable resource to make my adjustments for a flat sleeping platform. And loved the underfed storage and table extension. Many thanks

[@nmarbletoe8210]

i think the outback seats fold flat?

[@33Jenesis]

@@nmarbletoe8210 I have 2016 outback. Seats do fold flat. I layer area rugs, cardboard, and space blanket to lessen the cold from underside. So far I use foam mat and my backpacking air pad but may get a mattress topper later. One trick I learned from another car camper is sheepskin. I have 2, one is for camp chair to keep back and butt warm and the other goes between air pad and sleeping bag.

[@thewinterwoods]

thanks for the in-depth bit on the window covering, that was helpful and I couldnt find this elsewhere

[@Learned.Redneck]

Nice! Good camera work & narration. Short & sweet!

[@marymedal8665]

Oh my! I have been looking for this exact type of video. My new ventures in my GMC Terrain can have almost exactly the same build. You did a quality and functional job. Thanks for sharing.

[@rlhunter6200]

This is fantastic. Thanks for sharing. I’ll come back here when I build mine hopefully later this year.

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Please do!! I did another build but returned to this one! It just works well!

[@DanTheManIOM]

I have an o3, just need to be able to sleep in it for now... reflectix, and the platform, leaving THursday AM, brake pads just came this morning...I better get going ! thanks for the video

[@wookieeshideout1216]

Nice work! I really like your setup! Happy trails.

[@chocie8341]

This is one of the best SUV camper building videos I've seen. Thanks for sharing!

[@robduncan599]

You did a great job . I simplified this idea ! Instead of sleeping with gear in boxes/ bags under the platform, i simply leave in the parcel shelf and store all camping gear and sleeping on the floor. I might be lucky my seats fold flat (Citroën birlingo ) . So i get the max room with only my legs tucked under the parcel shelf. In the morning or travling i simply put all my camping and stuff on the floor after a night sleeping. This arangement works super easy ,it almost makes me feel as if i am cheating ? I also find soft bags rather than boxes work better especially if you need to rearrange some stuff off the parcel shelf. Hope you enjoy your car-camping .

[@westkootenaywild7658]

I just bought a wilderness Subaru 2022. I want this exact build out. I’m pretty sure I can’t do it myself lol. But this is really fascinating thank you!

[@LC80776]

Very nice little build. I have an old forester, and love the places it can get me too, and your set is super sweet. I now have more plans...

[@cassidymalott225]

This is perfect! I just got a Forester and I'm interested in camping, I never thought to use the car to sleep in like this!

[@JoshuaGoudreau]

This is the best Forester build I've seen so far. Simple and easy to make. As a disabled person I can't sleep in tents but a pad on the flat, raised platform looks like I'd be nice and comfortable. Thanks for showing the build, so many builds are overly complicated but this one isn't :D

[@gboltonatrail1099]

I have since purchased a Trifold Memory Foam Mattress from Amazon. It is an even better sleep than the air mattress!

[@JoshuaGoudreau]

@@gboltonatrail1099 Ooh, good idea. The wife and I were planning on an air mattress but that sounds easier to set up

[@markbaker42]

Good on you mate. Not only a really clear video but I was happy to see you out there with the set-up on your maiden voyage! Some good tips and I can't wait to put my old Subi out on the track like you! Cheers buddy.

[@CT-lo9ot]

Great idea to carpet the wood pieces. Looks nice and protects the car interior.

[@jakeimpson47]

I think a pup would accompany you nicely. 🙌🏼🐶💕⛺️

[@SamwiseOutdoors]

This is really similar to how I set up my "camper" setup in my T100. I love a thoughtful mobile backpacker basecamp setup.

[@tydontdy3459]

Very thorough and thourough. Looks like she works well! I will be trying out my version tomorrow.

[@minutte]

Nice. This inspired me, I made a variant: folding plywood plates half the width only and with folding legs under, so it folds fast and small before/after use, rest of trunk as usual with my stuff and easy access to spare wheel well. Windows blinds I juse cardboard clothed with a dark fabric on outer side. What I am considering is some small diesel heater setting for winter. Forester SG2 2006.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Excellent video I was trying to figure out which way to go on minimalist adventure this setup great

[@stephenravenscroft3636]

Very neat work. Cheers from 🇦🇺

[@TC-ch4ee]

Nice transformation

[@swahilijs]

I used cardboard cut outs for windows in our town and country van, I finally bought weather techs window coverings, they are well worth the money. I suppose I could use them as a template for this insulation. Good job.

[@garyabc]

I was wondering if I should buy the weather tech blackout panels. Glad to hear that they work. Might be more fun to make my own, but I like how they roll up into a storage bag.

[@RS-gq1fi]

Nice setup!

[@rin-chan3017]

This is soooo clean! Great job! I just bought my forester and am in a middle of transforming it into a camping van ... your video helped a lot, thank you!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

You can do it! Enjoy the process and glad this helped.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Sweet! Form follows function. Simple build and very low maintenance! Folks, we have a Winner!! Haven't committed to window covers yet, insulation is important and not really sold on the reflectix material. Saw some thin pink board material in HD. Closed cell insulation. I had a 96 Outback. Now I camp with a 02 Envoy. It can be a challenge for a 66 yr old moving about inside. Certainly keeps me limber!

[@davidmillerd7631]

Well executed project and tutorial, great use of the foresters limited space and economically made , thanks for posting enjoyed your video : )

[@ItalianOnlineSchool]

Thank you! very nice. Hugs from Italy

[@jacksonboyd]

Why is this so relaxing to watch?

[@patriciacooper1308]

The window covers are great I'm going to have to do that right off. I have a 2003 Subaru Forester and I haven't bothered to make a platform bed yet. And I've had a lot of Subarus and never bothered to make a platform bed. Your bed is really nice and now I'm going to have to contemplate about whether I really need a platform bed in my car. I'm short I usually just sleep on the seat and the dog gets the back...😎

[@gboltonatrail1099]

I say, do whatever works for you. Yet, I do think having an actual sleeping “bed” improves a nights sleep.

[@patriciacooper1308]

@@gboltonatrail1099 yeah I'm older now, a bed would be nice at times. I kept on looking at the ones that you just blow up and put in the back but I have a Dingo dog and I don't think it would last. I'm short and I looked at crib mattresses they seem to be the least expensive. But a platform to put it on with storage underneath that is a great idea. I work out of my car. Thanks for such a good video I enjoyed it a lot. Have safe journeys ❤️

[@Lunchladydoyle]

Thank you for such and informative video. Kind of you to include all the measurements and supplies needed !!

[@garyb5889]

You inspire me! Enjoyed your video. Well done brother.

[@GlenB1963]

You don't need to spend big$ to have what you need, and a great time. Bet you feel like a king while you are away in your subie. Nice video.

[@michaelthomson5101]

Nice build. Simple and well finished. Thanx for some good ideas.

[@lilisagaser970]

I plan on converting a SUV and taking a year off just for traveling in it. This video is very very helpful!

[@OdinsRaven5]

That's fantastic! Could you please pop a link to the forum posts in your description?

[@gboltonatrail1099]

I am not sure what forum you are speaking about. I just googled SUV Car Camping or Subaru car camping. Also clear SUV car Camping on Facebook.

[@bergeracvandamme]

This looks like a great setup. Nice work and well explained.

[@RainWHW]

Well done sir. Great modification on the Forester. I’m 6 foot and will follow your lead. Cheers and thanks

[@thermann9]

Great work! You should make these conversion setups on the side.

[@shaunbrowne3963]

You have done an excellent, inovative solution fr modifying this tremendous vehicle Well done!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Opening the hatch when inside is an issue for Subaru's. I always exited out of the side door on the drivers side. Although when I used a carabiner to trick the hatch, I would hook it to a second carabiner and latch and unlatch the two carabiners to exit out the rear hatch .

[@jajabrownie1]

I ended up taking the little square piece (cover thing) off and then I just stick my finger in the hole and use the trigger inside of there to open the hatch . It’s super easy like pulling a trigger If that makes sense ? Idk what it’s called to explain it correctly . But I promise it works ◡̈

[@japanunfound]

Awesome job. Great video. I'm a MTBer and Legacy overlander and loving it. Surprisingly good sleeping.

[@justinbray2773]

Great video…looking at doing something like this in my 2013 Forester

[@largesizejellyfish3014]

Very impressive. I camp outside of my forester but this video has given me some ideas.

[@ANOLIPA]

Congrats!!! Have a nice trips!

[@kriskabin]

That's a sweet little economical stealth or semi-stealth camp car! Darn good thing you have a big moon roof in it, because it can get damn stuffy & hot inside a car when you're closed up in it & trying to sleep! I've turned my Toyota Highlander into a camper too, but I removed both back seats. This reduced weight & created A LOT more room. I wanted simplicity, minimalism & to maintain the low overall weight of my Toyota, so I decided NOT to build a platform. I layed in a rubber horse stall mat on the uneven floor & then a much softer/spongy mat on top of it instead. This smoothed out the bumps on the floor, & then I just layed my small mattress directly on these mats, this gives me a lot of head room. It also puts me below the windows when I'm laying down, so it feels more private at night. I can get up out of bed & stand on my knees to get most things done inside the vehicle too, something I couldn't do with a platform system. Overall, I like my totally empty & open "build," but on hot days or nights, ventilation is a problem since my Toyota doesn't have a moon roof. ( I just crack the windows & set up a USB fan, which isn't enough on really hot nights.) Thanks for your vid. You did a fantastic professional looking build. I hope you have years of happy travels with it👏😉. ****Less is MORE, is my philosophy. Looks like you've figured this out too. 👍🏞️

[@spellerlittlewing]

I would like to see your setup am doing this next year I love minimalist off the grid lifestyle

[@kriskabin]

@@spellerlittlewing Ya, go for it Gee. If you want to take the seats out, I recommend just finding a mom/pop auto body repair shop & wave some green backs under their nose to just loosen all the hard to get to bolts that hold the seats to the floor. (If you don't have the right tools & small hands this job is the only pain in the as* about a build like this.) Soooo worth it though to have totally open space behind the driver's & passenger seat! I can haul A LOT in there too when I'm not camping with it. Thx, give it a try!🏞️

[@bigboyeskrimador]

That’s so cool sir. I want to do the same thing for my Forester

[@i_eat_bug]

I also had a Toyota Sienna that I built out, now I’m using your video to make my forester just like yours !! Thanks a bunch boss!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

I also had a Toyota Sienna, but didn’t know about SUV or Van Camping at the time! Have fun in your Forrester!

[@lowcgrc3818]

Dude I've been debating selling my 2010 Subaru Forester, and this makes me want to keep it that much more!!!

[@renebleu8711]

Don’t sell! Make it a camper just in case we get a zombie apocalypse lol

[@overlandsubaruinternationa2378]

I have the same one but limited love it I'll do the same for the Window

[@faithfp]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I've camped in my prius but I do wish the prius was a bit bigger.

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Thanks for watching!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

I am looking at a Prius hybrid in the future. They run ac and heat at night while not running down the batteries. Many videos out there where people are camping in a Prius!

[@BlazingHot42]

Nice set up sir.. 👍👍👍

[@chenpickleball4739]

Great job. Looks comfortable.

[@nelsonmairena5158]

this was an awesome video!! picking up a forester from my friends neighbor and this was a perfect setup for traveling and backpacking

[@eddie451]

You Went To Long Showing Everything Don't Want To Hurt Your Feelings But If You Happy Iam Proud For You Be Safe.

[@ukelilly]

I have an old family van that I can't even give away so I am turning it into a camper van and I like your van build.

[@djkenny1202]

I want to do similar with a 15 XB. I considered a trailer for our Forester, but I like this best, really.

[@1961yoda]

Hey GBolt...thanks for the vids! Again.

[@AdventureLizz]

Would you mind sharing what you did for the screens?

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Screens are purchased from Amazon and are simply standard mesh sleeves that slide over the windows.

[@jacksonkolevich5328]

This is a great video. Thanks for the tips! I'm in the process of converting my Suzuki Grand Vitara into a camper and these sorts of videos give great inspiration!

[@colgatetoothpaste4865]

Looks so cozy and cool you caan sleep anywhere you want ❤❤❤❤

[@norm1815]

Awesome Build. Also some campers have removed the lower and or upper seat backs for more room

[@aniceguy8141]

best video so far. he went step by step in great detail. thank you so much!! i will be watching this video unitl i build mine. I will be living in mine for 1 year!!!! thx!!

[@deathofwar77]

So cool! Thanks for sharing

[@pingping3333]

Very good work

[@jeanieirwin4747]

Cozy nest . You have everything you need . Enjoy.

[@andrewblaine8647]

What a great job and I really appreciate you showing everything you did!! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@hakbug]

This is so awesome!!! Thanks for sharing

[@EmmieTuesday]

This is great. inspiring. my late husband created something similar for our old Toyota Previa Van . While we slept in it a few times, we mostly brought a tent for sleeping. What beautiful views you have! A marvelous set up! Enjoy.

[@gboltonatrail1099]

The Prius has more functional batteries for SUV camping. I have often thought of going to a Prius in the future. Good Luck!

[@Flux_Flow]

Good job ! This is one of the better videos on the subject. It looks great.

[@adrianbanks4487]

Great video. I’m in Sydney Australia and had a 2010 forester and only recently updated to a 2017 model. The forester is a very capable overlanding vehicle. I subscribed and look forward to your new videos