Why I Converted an Old Subaru Forester XT Into a Camper: Best SUV for Camping

[@WayWordWay]

A small tip from someone who's father was a petroleum engineer. That suggested oil viscosity and brand are rated for someone who lives in Chicago Illinois and thus make little sense as far as the cold flow viscosity across much of the warmer parts of the USA. Also, if synthetic oil is recommended it means that the car was designed for running a lean mix, and after about 60 thousand miles, they then tend to burn oil. It's funny that stacking things to pass EPA pollution regulations lead to more pollution down the line, but this is American I guess.

[@zg4685]

Hi Asha. Found your channel while researching a build for my much beloved manual 2001 Subie! Neither are quite as fancy as your setup, but I love the visibility and small size. Just over 104,000 miles (a baby really, lol), so should get many more years of adventure. The only new car that has any possible interest for me is the Rav4 hybrid, but as I told my mechanic, $40 grand in maintenance will keep my baby on the road for a very long time, lol!!! Love your videos, you're inspiring this 68 year old :-)

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much for such a lovely comment. You are super lucky to own a manual 2001 Subie with such a low milage - those cars have soul! I bet it will serve you many more years and take you for some amazing adventures. Good luck with your build - enjoy every second of the process!

[@zg4685]

Unfortunately I've been waylaid mid-build by a kidney stone! Ouch!!! Truly horrible experience. Hoping it will pass soon so I can finish. Planning to move back to southern Utah at the beginning of the year, so will have unlimited opportunities for exploring together!@@ashaslaw

[@rbuenafe100]

Just happen to stumble upon your video. I absolutely love Subaru's. I'm currently on my third one. I've driven them on snow, sand and deep mud with no issues. Very dependable and reliable vehicle. Love your videos and want to follow your journey. Subscribed from the concrete jungle of NYC!

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you, so glad you liked my videos :) Keep cool in NYC - heard it's brutally hot over there now!

[@meredithlove9722]

I love that I found your chanel! I also have an Forester, mine is a 2003 model that I've converted into a camper for my solo trips. It is the best car ever! I drove it to Alasa last summer (10,000 miles!) and she never had a problem. It's good to see other solo female travelers out there. Good luck with your adventures!

[@ashaslaw]

So nice to find a fellow female traveler in an older Forester (they truly are the best!). I am super curious about your Alaskan trip! If you don’t mind me asking - which route did you take there (and back)? And did you carry a jerry can or there were enough gas stations along the way?

[@meredithlove9722]

@@ashaslaw I started in Oregon and drove up through the Canadian Rockies (banff and jasper), then hopped on the actual Alaska Highway on the way up. I spent a couple of months exploring around Alaska, and then drove back home on the Cassiar HWY. I did carry 3 extra gallon of gas on the back of the car, but never used it and it was more of a hassle to deal with it then it was worth, except if I had needed it for an emergency. There were lots of gas stations, and the largest gaps were only 100-150 miles ( my car has a range of 400~ miles). Super cool trip, one of the most amazing places in the world for sure. I went May-July and that was perfect, the bugs didn't get too bad until early July and the weather was really nice.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Scotty Kilmer has a KZbin channel. Excellent channel and very honest. He has been a mechanic for over 50 years. Talks about vehicles and repairs. He says manual transmissions are better then automatic. The earlier Subarus had head gasket problems. All Wheel drive vehicles use more gas then front wheel and rear wheel. Also if one tire goes bad on All Wheel Drive then all tires need to be replaced. If you love older vehicles mine is a 1996 Crown Victoria. Bought it used in 2003 with 86,000 miles, 4th 0wner and has about 124,000 miles on it now for $5,000.00. The worst part is finding parts for older vehicles. Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@ashaslaw]

I will definitely check out his channel, thanks for the recommendation. Yes, this particular model of Subaru has a head gasket problem, yet you can prevent any leaks by replacing it every 100k miles. And I do appreciate older vehicles as they seem to have soul. 1996 Crown Victoria is a cool car - well done with your purchase! :)

[@MVsFavorites]

A Forester is a perfect choice of a vehicle!

[@JC-iu8fh]

Wow! I love your genuine perspective of things we take for granted in this country. I just recently dove into the overlanding world and have been watching a few videos and came across yours. Keep posting these videos because coming home everyday from the grind to watch your honesty and views of things is really soothing.

[@ashaslaw]

Oh, thank you for such a nice comment 🥹 I genuinely think that USA has the most diverse and beautiful landscapes I’ve seen (and I’ve already been to New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and travelled all over Europe). Have fun overlanding!

[@lukekao8136]

The view is as beautiful as you, Asha. Safe travels, have fun and take care. :)

[@stereode1uxe]

Glaciar is amazing! Glad you got to experience it. I suggest heading up to Banff someday to be more blown away!

[@ashaslaw]

Banff is definitely on my list ;)

[@DaBinChe]

5w-40 is mainly a Euro cars and turbo thing, more recently is 0w-40. You can use any oil that is rated as 5w-40, which also happens to be full synthetic, dino oil can't have that wide of range. No need to limit to Motul only.

[@blues_trails_xklndr1026]

One more amazing video Asha ❤thank you again

[@lweleven3423]

Looks a fantastic trip , I’m selling my camper van this year and hopefully getting a outback , I. Hoping the miles are more enjoyable in a car than a van

[@ashaslaw]

Good choice! ;) good luck and safe travels!

[@mrjpls]

Just sold my sprinter van because I got tired of driving such a big vehicle. Constantly worried about how tall it was. Plus the maintenance and gas was crazy expensive. Got a Subaru forester and I can’t believe how much more fun it is to drive. Will do a similar camping setup soon. No more massive campers for me.

[@Alignwithmia]

Thank you for sharing this slice of natural heaven with us!

[@ashaslaw]

❤️❤️❤️

[@MatthewBrennan]

found your channel while giving my 2006 forester xt some upgrades. You've got an awesome setup, and great videos!

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much - so happy you found my videos interesing! Good luck with build! 💫

[@lisalisa9071]

Hi Asha, hoe many miles does you’re Subaru have on the odo? I love the way you talk about you’re car. I think the same about my own. Greetings from the Netherlands…

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you so much for watching my video and dor such a nice comment! My car has around 130k miles. Have an amazing weekend!

[@Momshobbies24]

I have just found your videos , kindred souls . Thank you for sharing! Enjoy your content . Besafe see you on the road . 2018 Subaru Forrester 6 speed .

[@ashaslaw]

Thank you for a nice comment Sara, it means a lot to me. I really wish my Subie had 6th gear… good luck with your adventures and see you on the road!

[@feelingsugoi]

I don’t like buying cars over a certain year but I wouldn’t mind buying anything around the 2005- 2008 model years. my limit for year of cars is 2005 but it’s getting harder and harder to find cars (especially a forester) in good condition for that year so I’m looking into getting an 08 and with a manual transmission. Those are the best ones in my opinion. Love your videos by the way… glad I came across your channel

[@ashaslaw]

Yes, unfortunately older Subarus did not have a good corrosion protection, so it is more and more difficult to find a clean one. If you get a chance to buy 08 Forester with manual transmission, don’t think twice - I genuinely think this was the best generation of Foresters. I don’t know where you are planning to drive it but I’m in Alaska now and most of the Subarus on roads here are those older Foresters which tells a lot about how reliable they are. Good luck! Oh - and thank you so much for your comment! I’m really happy that you enjoy watching my videos :)

[@feelingsugoi]

@@ashaslaw I will be driving mine up here in Canada and I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska since it’s here in the North… might have to drive up there one day once I get a forester to camp in and you’re welcome too. keep up the great work on your videos 😊

[@bertverstraete2832]

Living the life 😁

[@ashaslaw]

Oh yeah! ;)

[@lukekao8136]

It's been forever since I've seen you, Asha, I can tell because your hair looks so long. heehee. How's your trip so far? safe travels I hope?

[@drukarztheroots]

🙏❤

[@musiconly7447]

you know your scoobies