Hi all. After releasing this video, I started receiving requests for more details about my Subaru Outback car camping setup. So I put together another video with design details and construction tips. Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html. Keep it simple!
Thank you so much for this video and some great ideas. My wife and I are buying a Subaru Outback with the intention of doing some road-tripping. I love what you're doing with yours! Thanks again:-)
Yours was the FIRST bed build that I've seen that simply suspends the forward section of the bed from the front passenger seat headrest, rather than trying to devise an intricate leg system to balance it on the floor. This is actually a game-changer for me in thinking about my own possible setup. Thanks!
I really like this scheme, but I live in Hawaii, so no part of the island is more than an hour away. It's just easier to drive home. I like the way you've hooked up your tarp. I think I'll copy that for rainy days.
In Australia your bungee cords are called "ocky straps". And can be quite dangerous, as the hooks on the ends can easily take out an eye- as a friend of mine discovered! All you have to do is bend the hooks closed as much as practicable. Safe travels 🙏
Thanks for the safety tip Emma. These cords can store quite a bit of energy when taught, and the ends can really fly if they come loose. Here is a good article on the problem: www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20000502/bungee-cords-eye-injury I like your suggestion of bending the hooks more closed, if your cords have metal hooks. I have some cords with plastic hooks that have a little "wing" at their base that sticks out further to the side than the tip of the hook, so the wings cause the hook to defect away before the hook can dig into your eye. Bungees with carabiners instead of hooks might also be safer. These look pretty interesting (and length adjustable!): amzn.to/3CnAFYk
This is poppin' off my man, love the set up. Clean, fluid, and simple! Best way to go about it, you have just enough build to give yourself some structure. Really well done, and great for sharing, you've got some good ideas about you
Great setup! Simple but functional. Just what I'm looking for! Not some over complicated build that costs more than the car and requires complex engineering techniques to create. Thank you!
The idea comes from storing camping gear up in the very ends of my sea kayak ... in areas difficult to reach. Tie one end of a cord to the thing and leve the other end of the cord near the hatch. Then you can use the cord to pull the thing towards the hatch when it is time to unload the kayak at camp.
Really smart . Neat tidy and lots of storage..good ceiling hight in those subaru allowing floor storage . Tarp and bungee clever as is the rear seat table to chill at.
Really nice setup that gave me some great tips/ideas. Also maybe the confidence to do a little flexible wood build like you did. I love how it adds additional storage underneath the frame. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful! If you haven't already, check out my follow-up video where I share more details on that wood build: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
Love your setup! I have a 1998 Subaru Outback which I lived in for 5 weeks and imagine more "down the road." Thank you for showing us how to keep our footprints SMALL... xo
love your simple "quick and dirty" design. I like the idea with the ropes to pull out the deeper totes. The rain guards are great, I still have to order mine. I can see how you used that other guy's desk idea. IFor some reason I like this because it is simple but usually I really like the high quality carpentry projects. The wood looks simple and practical but very functional but the deeper you get in the video the more you see you've actually done a lot of work to prepare this, like the tarp. I don't have any suggestions because mostly I've done stealth camping and I'm not sure it applies. Obviously your focus is not living in the car, rather it's using the car as a base for doing photography. I really like it. I wouldn't want a cramped space like that for working but obviously it works for you and it did for that other subaru camper guy. I've crossed paths with too many donuts to make that kind of thing work. haha. Plus I need a more elaborate work setup or I wouldn't be able to get distracted by interesting youtube subaru camping videos.
Thanks Peter. Yes, simplicity was my primary goal. I want something that comes in and out easy ... or I would be less likely to actually use it. I'll probably switch to some kind of camper van someday, but this simple Subaru setup uses the car I already have, works great for 2-4 day trips and let's me cut my teeth before the larger investment of a camper van. Happy camping!
i personally prefer to have high head room for sleeping side. So I would make the sleep side as low as to allow it to be flat. Double deck the storage side or even upto full height.... or as high as back seat. But depending on weight and balance which driving, i would prefer the sleep side to be on driver side. If spare fund is allowed... those root cargo box for large volume items or wet items to be tossed in to, like wet tarps. I also do like to setup tarp like yourself directly off the vehicle. What I prefer is bit more larger tarp to fully make a wall on one side if I ever want more privacy. As for bungee cord, I only use about 24" of bungee cord attached to a paracord. A lot cheaper when you need a longer line.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Yes, lots of trade-offs. For me, the minimum requirement was enough head room to crawl on the sleeping platform plus mattress on hands and knees and for sitting upright on the mattress on the sleeping platform. There is plenty of room for that (I'm 6ft 2 in). So, "enough" head room with bonus of significant under-bed storage. I decided to leave the storage side just a flat platform, which gives me lots of flexibility on how I use the space. Building a storage structure, such as multi-level shelves (which I had drawn up), starts to restrict how to use that space. Right now I am much happier with the flexibility of a flat platform. If I start to see a pattern in how I use that space, then I could build a structure to optimize around. Sleeping behind driver's seat (40% side) would leave more width in storage area on passenger side (60% side), but my sleeping mattress fits perfectly on the passenger side (60% side) and would be too wide for the driver's side. Can always add storage pod on top of car if need more storage. I used long bungees thinking that the greater length that they could absorb between hatchback door open versus closed the better. But in actual practice, it turns out that not much stretch is really needed. 24" would probably be plenty, like you suggest. I like your tarp side wall idea for blocking wind-blown rain. Always fighting the rain around here. I've got all 3 size Kelty tarps and 2 poles, so will work that out. Happy camping!
Yes, they sure are pretty popular around here. I'm pretty happy with mine. Wish they had better mileage, but I have the more thirsty 6 cylinder model for pulling a little pop-up tent trailer.
One fella removed the back seats and gave himself lots more room. I just bought a 2001 subaru outback L. L. Bean edition for 1,200 bucks,good condition. can't wait to start fabricating things for it.
Yea, I felt that removing the back seat was not a good way to go for me personally. A bit too much work for the shorter 3-5 day trips that I typically make ... and using the vehicle as a family car in-between. But it could be a good option on longer trips and you don't mind the hassle of removing the seats ... or if it was a second car. Would give you some more room to work with. I love the Subaru's. Happy camping to you!
Right on! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. And be sure to check out this video ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html for more details on the platform build.
I had the police called on me for camping in my Subaru Forester this week... I was still within the 14 day limit for the National Forest campground. Turned me in for living in my car in the National Forest and being homeless. I'm not homeless and even own 17.2 acres of land near by. I was within 20 miles of my residence. I'm 64 years old and more comfortable in the woods than at home. I do own an RV but I'm more comfortable camping in my Subaru than in the RV and it's less expensive to run. I also use the same area for day use so this woman turned me in for being there too many days in the National Forest when the majority of the time when she saw me I was only there for a few hours during the daytime hiking, fishing, and even watching TV on my cell phone eating lunch. My my Subaru is set up with an inverter so I have 110 and I like to sew so I use a hand cranked sewing machine and my car looks like a workshop. The thing is I wonder if this woman would have been so discriminatory if she knew the truth that I'm just an old woman who likes the woods better than the home that's 20 miles down the road... For the next few months I think I'll make it a point of being there every time she comes through so I can enjoy the wilderness. This is not finished and I'm so tempted to defile and online complaint with the justice department for discrimination. I have to talk to the forest service again they are investigating because the woman said she was working for the forest service when she wasn't. She works for a local conservation group run by a bunch of do-gooders and never once have I seen her pick up a piece of garbage or trash by the road like my dog and I do when we're cruising the back trails in the forest... Subarus make the best car campers thanks for the wonderful video!
Sorry to hear about your troubles. That would be very frustrating. I can't imagine why there would be any limitations on number of days of day use. And I can't imaging why there would be any limits on camping in a car versus tent versus RV versus hammock versus bivy sack versus just laying on the ground, not exceeding 14 days or less in one location (though there could be some one-off exceptions such as requiring hard-sided vehicles in Yellowstone griz country). Seems to me that having the capability to be outdoors on public Forest Service lands should be a basic right where it doesn't interfere with the rights/opportunities of others and where it doesn't result in damage to the local environment/wildlife. Us humans are part of the animal kingdom too and the outdoors is still our true biological environment.
@@susanshaver912 ,❤️ yep she's a busybody. I did find out who it was and it turns out she has a few restraining orders because of her harassing a couple of women in the area.
They are great cars. I've bought a 1999 model, and then the 2013 model and really love them. Be sure to check out the follow-up video with more details on my camping setup here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html Also, other commenters mention that the newer Outbacks apparently have some mirror illumination lights that stay on when the hatchback is open. This can cause battery drain. There is a solution to that problem here: ruclips.net/video/bbS1Um-6Qq4/видео.html Happy camping!
So many of these car camping set-ups on youtube...and this is one of the best I have seen. Do you have a video of you making the wood platform? Thanks a million.
Hi Robert. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments. Yes, this video (ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html) goes into more detail on the construction of the sleeping platform. Should help you get started.
AWesome , we have something very DIY similar as far as the platform and we use under bed sheet bins that pull out. so we have two long ones vs 4. easy to make. and removeable.
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Be sure to also check out ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html, which provides more detail on how I built out this camping setup.
Thanks for commenting. Glad it was useful.. I recommend long bungees everywhere except where the corner of the tarp attaches to the roof rack (which doesn't even need to be a bungee). Longer bungees give the tarp the greatest flexibility.
Nifty! My Outback rear seats do not lie flat like yours do, but this has given me some more ideas for me, my dog & my Outback. I especially like your containers on a string - how clever! is that? (Seriously, I do not believe I have seen anyone else do it.) Ditto the tarp and bungees. I visited your home page - your photography is inviting - now I can see some impressive views and tours of the Northwest in all its wet glory from the warmth of my New England home. (I especially liked the Pica - how cute! Grins!)
Thank you for your comments. Regarding the containers, I found it really helpful to find containers that were just under 5-1/2 inch tall, so that they would fit under the sleeping platform made using 1X6 lumber on edge (which of course is actually 3/4 X 5-1/2 inches). The Northwest isn't always wet. It's fairly reliably dry July to mid-September. Happy camping.
The string idea comes from sea kayaking. If you stuff a drybag into the extreme ends of a sea kayak, it can then become very difficult to reach them from the hatch when it comes time to unload the boat. Attaching a string to the drybag allows you to pull the bag from the hatch instead of actually having to get your hand on the bag itself. So I just applied the same principle to the containers for car camping. 👍
I love this build. I plan to buy a new outback this year and do lots of car camping. I’ll probably use my rooftop box as well for added storage. Do you have a link for storage bins and dimensions for plywood. I realize the height is not tall in a outback. I already have a four inch Exped blowup pad, so not sure if that’d be too high after you factor in the height of the platform. Thoughts?
Thank you, that’s a good setup and I particular like your tarp and that head rest table for the backseat. I’ve the exact Subaru Outback and have camped in it without a platform, and with a cooler supporting the front of the bed - your version is superior. Storage areas are also smart. How long is your bed platform? I’m 6’4” and am fairly crammed. I used to have a 4Runner and it wasn’t any better. I’m contemplating building out the bed like your table in the back and sleeping with the hatch open. Thanks again for that good presentation.
Thanks for watching the video and for your kind comments. My platform is 79 inches long (6ft 7in). I am 75 inches tall (6ft 3in). So it is a perfect fit for me. The platform is mostly about getting a nice level sleeping platform with under-bed storage. The two part design makes it easy to assemble into the car, as well as to store in the garage. Happy camping!
Looks like for shorter people, forester had higher head clearance for car camping. But for taller persons, outback though less head room when lay down, but is slightly longer.
Sounds about right. In the 2020 models, Outback's cargo floor is 7.5 inches longer than the Forester's, while its height is 2.7 inches shorter. However, longer sleeping space can be made by sliding the front passenger seat all the way forward, angling the seat all the way forward and then extending the sleeping platform into that opened up space behind the front passenger seat. I provide more details on my sleeping platform in this video: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html. You can see that the forward end of my sleeping platform hangs from the front passenger seat headrest. So using this arrangement, you might be able to get a fairly tall person into a Forester as well. The 2.7 inches of extra headroom sure would be nice.
How you install thee pull straps on plastic tots without cracking thee plastic sides on tots and they brake so easy I had Many of them. For me they crack easyly and bend alot and Always Crack badly !
Hello William. I think you are asking about how I attached the pull strings to my under-bed plastic totes. First I drilled two holes in the bottom of the tote near the corners. Hard plastic can shatter when a special kind of drill bit is not used, but my totes are relatively soft plastic and so I had no problem using regular drill bit. The hole diameter is just a little larger than the string. Then I passed the end of the string through the hole and up into the bottom of the tote. Then I passed the end of the string through a steel washer and tied a knot in the string large enough so that it cannot pass back through the washer. So when I pull on the string, the knot pulls on the washer, which is too large to fit through the hole in the plastic tote.
One question, how tall are you? I love the setup, especially the ingenious pull ropes on your storage so you can maximize the space and not have to fumble around in the black hole to pull out the storage unit. The reclining bed is also a cool addition. I would unfortunately lose the nice chair to sit in when car camping with my husband. Just want to make sure he fits, of I would have to step up to the Forester. Though the Outback has been my dream Pow Wow highway car for over 2 decades now. Oh and thank you for showing me the beautiful Pacific NW, I am really home sick for the forests, the rivers, the mountains, and the beaches. I am an Oregon girl, been transplanted by my husband over here to Denmark. I have been stuck with not going home for 2 years because of COVID and working on my thesis. I miss my mom, my family and my Tribal cuz’es. Do you have a website for your photography? Oh and Denmark is relatively flat,the forests are over managed. The fir trees are pretty much Norwegian. I miss the trees. Another question. I have been out of Oregon really the past two decades with only visiting once every 18 months. I have noticed an invasion of hanging moss on trees, is that happening up in the Olympic Peninsula?
Hi OR girl. Thanks for leaving a comment. I'm 6ft 2 in. Outback is just the right size for me. Check out www.bradmitchellphoto.com to see my photography, mostly in WA, but also more and more OR. The Olympic forests do have a lot of hanging lichen and mosses, but I'm not aware of any changes or anything out of the ordinary. I hope you have a chance to get back to your OR homeland soon. OR has some wonderful places. I love the coast, the Gorge, the Cascades, and am just discovering the beauty in its deserts. I'm making this reply to you from La Grande, OR.
Hi great setup! 2 questions:1. What do you use for refrigeration? 2. Do you have a solution to locking your car while sleeping? As a female I’d like to lock my car overnight. I can lock my Subaru Outback whilst inside before turning the engine off, but how to unlock whilst inside?
Hi Jennifer. Thanks for watching. I am not currently using a refrigerator, as my trips have been in winter. And I just use food that does not require refrigeration. See Juanell Lemon's comment below from about 2 weeks ago. Juanell plans to report back here from a trip to Oregon Painted Hills on use of a cooler. Regarding locking the car, I simply use the keyfob to lock doors and arm the alarm while inside (engine off), and to then unlock it and disable the alarm again in the morning to get out. My 2013 Subaru Outback's alarm system is triggered by opening doors while the alarm is armed (not triggered by car motion). I have accidentally triggered the alarm in the morning by opening the door from inside before deactivating the alarm with the keyfob, so now I store the keyfob in my shoe while I'm sleeping in the car so I don't forget to use it to unlock the doors and disable the alarm in the morning before trying to get out of the car. Happy camping!
Jennifer: This video on RUclips (ruclips.net/video/neo07e70ISw/видео.html) reviews the Alpicool C20 fridge, powered by car and Jackery power bank. The author says it consumes 2% of power bank per hour on Jackery 500. So that would last about two days. The Jackery 500 can be re-charged from your car 12V outlet in 7.5 hours. So, if you drive at least 3.25 hours/day, you should be able to keep this fridge running off the Jackery 500. In other words, charge the Jackery 500 while driving, and run the fridge off of the Jackery 500 (or similar 500Whr power bank). Driving 3.25 hrs/day is questionable for my style of travel. If I'm covering lots of ground on a longer trip, this could work. But most of my trips are not that long.
Yes, the 2013 Subaru Outback has a 60/40 split. I fold down and sleep on the 60 side (passenger side in USA), and leave the 40 side upright. It is a simple but effective setup comfortable for a few nights of camping in the Subaru. I use a thick self inflating sleeping pad.
I used a 9x9 tarp. There is a link down in the video description. Note that these tarps have a diagonal seam running between two diagonally opposite corners. This is the seam designed to take the most tension, so should run front-to-back as your tarp's ridgeline. There are two lines from these corners for staking out the pole. The other corners of the tarp one have single lines for staking those corners out the sides lower to the ground. Happy camping!
Awesome videos. Thanks for being matter of fact. Very interested in your tarp setup. Where did you get the pole? Does it come apart. Also would like to see any other tarp setups you have. Interested in reliable, safe and low cost. I'm retired. Looking forward to spending more time outdoors.
Here are the tarp poles I use: REI: snp.link/a8be432f Kelty: snp.link/a06eb2f8 Yes, they are 3-section poles. Two of the sections may be connected by elastic cord. The third section (bottom) can be completely removed. One section (middle) can fit within the bottom section. Funny you should ask about any other tarp setups. Since I have received a lot of interest in this topic, I just outlined a video this last weekend that I'll make dedicated just to the tarp setup, including: detailed setup of the system I already showed in my Subaru car camping video (rain mode), an alternate configuration for nice weather (shade mode), as well as a segment on bungee cord safety (e.g. mitigating bungee cord eye injuries). I have a lot on my plate right now, so not sure when I can get this video made, but hopefully soon. Happy camping!
How do you keep the little lights on your side mirrors from coming on. Subaru calls them approach lights. When my hatchback is up those lights stay on the whole time which drains my battery. The dealer doesn’t seem to know how to turn them off🙁
Hi Pam. My 2013 Outback doesn't have these mirror lights. However, someone else commented with the same question about 3 weeks ago. Here's a video we found that might help you out: ruclips.net/video/bbS1Um-6Qq4/видео.html
I was worried about head room, so purchased the shortest plastic tubs I could find at Container Store. The plastic tubs are 5-1/2 inch tall (with lids), so I made the "legs" 5-3/4 inch tall, which is easy to do with 1X6 inch wide lumber (which is actually 3/4 X 5-3/4 inch wide). Note that the carpet wraps around the bottom of the legs, which gives a slight amount of additional height between them. Here are the Container Store tubs that I used: Qty 3 10023020 "Boot Box" 22-1/2 X 14-3/4 X 5-3/8 Qty 1 10077706 "Medium Modern Bin" 15-1/4 X 11-3/4 X 5-3/8 This web page has a lot of the 2013 Outback interior dimensions, but always check dimensions by measuring your actual car: www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2013.html
I am a 74-year-old lady in GA who has wasted 3 years watching videos of weekend camping & wishing I had the courage to try it. Well now is my time. I’m going to try it next month before it’s too late. I have a 2018 Outback 3.6R and info, photos, maps, etc. + essential gear and simple, comfy setup with my rear seats down. I’d appreciate thoughts on one question- for overnight camping in my car, what’s my best safety measure if I feel threatened? Alarm system? Or other ideas? Thanks for any input and wish me luck!
Hey, good for you! Regarding safety, your car alarm is probably good first step to make sure you awaken right away if anyone tries to force a door open. A large dog would also work as a great deterrent, but they would also take up space in your car. I usually carry a can of bear deterrent spray with me when I'm out exploring solo here in Washington (solo = quiet = more wildlife encounters), but this could also disable you if you used it from within your car. I suggest to start off car camping in campgrounds that have plenty of other people, so that a car alarm or some yelling could attract attention of others. I usually sleep with my car locked and my rear passenger windows down about 1-2 inches for ventilation. I have rain guards on my car windows that keep rain out, and I made mosquito nets that cover the window openings to keep bugs out. The mosquito nets stick to the frame around the window with magnets (I should make a video on that). Regarding camping with car doors locked, my Subaru alarm will go off even if I open the door from the inside. Of course this is startling to me and wakes up any other campers, and so I put my car keys in my shoes while sleeping. If I have to get up in the middle of the night to pee, having the keys in my shoes helps me to remember to unlock my car before opening the door. But you can also use this feature to force your car alarm to sound. If, for example, someone might be trying to get into your car from the left door, you could quickly open/close the right door to make the alarm go off and attract attention. Good luck and I really hope you enjoy your camping experience!
@@BradMitchellPhoto Thanks for this great info! You are so generous to share your own safeguards and advice about protecting myself. I have been planning for this and collecting basic necessities for about three months, and I expect to go out in the last week in March. I found a very nice campground in north GA, only 75 miles from my house as I didn’t want to go too far on my first trip. I’m sure I will learn a lot of do’s and don’ts as I go. Thank you again and best wishes on your continued travels. Please stay safe!
The headrest and seat all feel pretty solid to me. My front seat is leaned forward when the bed is fully extended for sleeping, and so the forward edge of the sleeping platform is also up against the back of the seat and leans on it a little. Also, I don't put my full weight on this hinged portion of the sleeping platform when getting on/off. There is more detail about the build of the sleeping platform here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html Happy camping!
Nice. I’m taking off in my 2019 outback for my first camp trip. Oregon painted hills etc. appreciate your practical approach. Very much like I did mine without the rain guards or tarp which are great solutions. The only thing, you don’t use a cooler. How does that work out?
Hey Juanell. Painted Hills is on my To Do list. I hope you have a great time. I have not needed to use a cooler yet, as my trips have been in winter. Also, I am a backpacker by nature, so often just don't bring food that requires cooling. But on a trip to Painted Hills in the eastern Oregon desert, I can see where a cooler would be desired for sure, if nothing but just to avoid warm drinking water. One approach would be to use the car to power a small fridge and re-charge something like the Jackery power supply while driving, and then use the Jackery to power the fridge while not driving. But I'm thinking that this would take several hours of driving every day to be sustainable over more than just a couple days. This is something I may try out this summer, using a very small very energy efficient refrigerator to just keep 1-2 days of drinking water (not cooking water) chilled, maybe along with some fruits or veggies. An ice chest is the other obvious answer. Maybe keep it outside the car in the shade if camping on hot day, perhaps with a wet towel draped over it for evaporative cooling. Just be sure to keep it in the car or rooftop box when unattended to avoid animals getting in it. Maybe report back here on your Painted Hills experience? Would love to hear how you deal with the cooler question.
Juanell: This video on RUclips (ruclips.net/video/neo07e70ISw/видео.html) reviews the Alpicool C20 fridge, powered by car and Jackery power bank. The author says it consumes 2% of power bank per hour on Jackery 500. So that would last about two days. The Jackery 500 can be re-charged from your car 12V outlet in 7.5 hours. So, if you drive at least 3.25 hours/day, you should be able to keep this fridge running off the Jackery 500. In other words, charge the Jackery 500 while driving, and run the fridge off of the Jackery 500 (or similar 500Whr power bank). Driving 3.25 hrs/day is questionable for my style of travel. If I'm covering lots of ground on a longer trip, this could work. But most of my trips are not that long.
@@BradMitchellPhoto thank you! I see RUclipsrs’ Subaru getting platform but I don’t have tools to build. I am only 5’3” and like headroom. I can use one side for boxes and things and sleep next to the boxes.
Steve. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Here is info on the tarp: Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': snp.link/527b0b9e The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!). Tarp Poles REI: snp.link/a8be432f Kelty: snp.link/a06eb2f8 I use one to make a nice rain-shedding peak in wet weather. Two are great for making more of a shade style awning in sunny weather. I stake them out with bungee cords so that everything stays flexible but tight with the hatchback door opened or closed.
What system do you have for the table supports in the rear hatch? It's looks very simple. I was planning on making a wooden parcel shelf with folding/sliding extension to make a cooking table. For the sliding option, I was going to rest the table top on a length of 90° angle alu either side.
My solution is not so elegant. It was supposed to be temporary ... but I've been too lazy to upgrade it. I just trapped an aluminum bar between wood screw heads so that it can slide out and support an edge of the table from below. It used hardware that I already had sitting around. I'd prefer to have a short leg on the bottom of the table that folds down to rest on the car bumper. Guess I should get to the hardware store.
I am wondering… did you create the width of your platform in between the space that the tires take up? I am unsure the name of this but in the back of my Subaru, there is already a dent in that space and I do not know how to avoid making it worse.
Yes, the back part of my sleeping platform fits between the two rear wheel wells. I have more detail on how the sleeping platform is made and fitted on a follow-up video here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
I go in and out of the driver's-side rear door. I did install a hatchback release handle, but rarely use it. There is a small plastic cover near bottom center of hatchback on inside. Pop this off and you will see a little white plastic thing that rotates when you pull the hatchback release from outside. So I attached a wire to this and ran the wire to another plastic cover used to access the hatchback-mounted tail-light. I put a handle on the end of the wire here, and then just hide it behind the plastic cover. So if I want to get out through the hatchback, I can pop off this cover and pull the handle, which pulls the wire, which rotates the white plastic part, which releases the hatchback. I think I have actually only used it once.
@@rodbelding9523 Jimbo is asking because the Subaru doesn't have a way to open the hatch from inside. Thus, I modified the hatch door with in my own internal release cable (though I pretty much always go in and out the side door on driver's side).
Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': snp.link/527b0b9e The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!).
Thanks for sharing. I wonder how you avoid draining your battery if you leave the hatch open? I hav a Subaru Outback 2019 with automatic back hatch, and a car tent that requires the hatch to stay open which drains my battery. Any suggestions welcome !
Hi Eva. I turn off all of the interior lights at their switches. In fact, they are taped in the off position so that they don't accidentally get turned on. I then use a mini-carabiner to hang one of these battery-powered Goal Zero lanterns (snp.link/26a65b13) from various interior features of the car. I also installed adhesive hooks in the car at key places where I would want to hang the light (eg. on the hatchback above the fold-out table). I also have a battery-powered clip reading light. Both lights will run for several hours on their own batteries. Then I use a Jackery 300 battery system (amzn.to/3vTpToB) to keep them both charged. The Jackery 300 then gets recharged by the car anytime that I'm driving it.
@@BradMitchellPhoto thank you so much- I found a solution- when pushing the button to lower the automatic gate, I inserted an S hook into the locking mechanism, the gate stopped, and a few minutes later the lights in the side mirrors turned off, because I tricked it into believing the gate was closed. I have found no other way to make the side mirror lights to turn off when the rear gate is open.
@@BradMitchellPhoto Thank you! Love your kayaking adventures too - I bought an ORU last year to replace my Kevlar kayaks - I never got out anymore, because loading and unloading started being too cumbersome. So far, I love it.
Hi Steve. Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': amzn.to/39m0pHu The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!). Tarp Poles REI: snp.link/a8be432f Kelty: snp.link/a06eb2f8 I use one to make a nice rain-shedding peak in wet weather, as shown in the video. Two poles are great for making more of a shade style awning in sunny weather.
Hi Shravaka. Yes, they are 1X6, which are actually 3/4 X 5 1/2 inch. See more details on the platform construction here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html. These Container Store (www.containerstore.com) storage bins fit perfectly under the platform: Qty 3 10023020 "Boot Box" 22-1/2 X 14-3/4 X 5-3/8 Qty 1 10077706 "Medium Modern Bin" 15-1/4 X 11-3/4 X 5-3/8
Hi Martha. Here is info on the tarp setup: Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': snp.link/527b0b9e The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!). Tarp Poles: REI: snp.link/a8be432f Kelty: snp.link/a06eb2f8 I use one to make a nice rain-shedding peak in wet weather. Two are great for making more of a shade style awning in sunny weather. I stake them out with bungee cords so that everything stays flexible but tight with the hatchback door opened or closed.
I just turn off the dome light, and my 2013 Outback doesn't have those mirror lights that can drain your battery. Here's a video to deal with those pesky mirror lights: ruclips.net/video/bbS1Um-6Qq4/видео.html
Hi all. After releasing this video, I started receiving requests for more details about my Subaru Outback car camping setup. So I put together another video with design details and construction tips. Check it out here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html. Keep it simple!
Thank you so much for this video and some great ideas. My wife and I are buying a Subaru Outback with the intention of doing some road-tripping. I love what you're doing with yours! Thanks again:-)
Yours was the FIRST bed build that I've seen that simply suspends the forward section of the bed from the front passenger seat headrest, rather than trying to devise an intricate leg system to balance it on the floor. This is actually a game-changer for me in thinking about my own possible setup. Thanks!
It also provides easy angle adjustment. 😃
I really like this scheme, but I live in Hawaii, so no part of the island is more than an hour away. It's just easier to drive home. I like the way you've hooked up your tarp. I think I'll copy that for rainy days.
That would be so lovely!
In Australia your bungee cords are called "ocky straps".
And can be quite dangerous, as the hooks on the ends can easily take out an eye- as a friend of mine discovered!
All you have to do is bend the hooks closed as much as practicable.
Safe travels 🙏
Thanks for the safety tip Emma. These cords can store quite a bit of energy when taught, and the ends can really fly if they come loose. Here is a good article on the problem: www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20000502/bungee-cords-eye-injury
I like your suggestion of bending the hooks more closed, if your cords have metal hooks. I have some cords with plastic hooks that have a little "wing" at their base that sticks out further to the side than the tip of the hook, so the wings cause the hook to defect away before the hook can dig into your eye. Bungees with carabiners instead of hooks might also be safer. These look pretty interesting (and length adjustable!): amzn.to/3CnAFYk
I love how you organized things and added the rope to the bins.
Easy, no frill, comfortable DIY design which motivated me a lot!
This is poppin' off my man, love the set up. Clean, fluid, and simple! Best way to go about it, you have just enough build to give yourself some structure. Really well done, and great for sharing, you've got some good ideas about you
Thanks Kevin.
Great setup! Simple but functional. Just what I'm looking for! Not some over complicated build that costs more than the car and requires complex engineering techniques to create. Thank you!
"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler" -- Albert Einstein
08:09 A squirrel runs away behind you : )
While pretty standard as far as car campers go, the pull ropes for the storage boxes are brilliant. One of those "why didn't I think of that" things.
The idea comes from storing camping gear up in the very ends of my sea kayak ... in areas difficult to reach. Tie one end of a cord to the thing and leve the other end of the cord near the hatch. Then you can use the cord to pull the thing towards the hatch when it is time to unload the kayak at camp.
Really smart . Neat tidy and lots of storage..good ceiling hight in those subaru allowing floor storage . Tarp and bungee clever as is the rear seat table to chill at.
Thanks Shane. I think I'm getting plenty of camping function out of a relatively simple setup.
Thanks for the tarp idea.
You bet! Happy camping.
Really nice setup that gave me some great tips/ideas. Also maybe the confidence to do a little flexible wood build like you did. I love how it adds additional storage underneath the frame. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful! If you haven't already, check out my follow-up video where I share more details on that wood build: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
Love your setup! I have a 1998 Subaru Outback which I lived in for 5 weeks and imagine more "down the road." Thank you for showing us how to keep our footprints SMALL... xo
Right on! Keep life simple!
You’re the best. Thanks for reply. I was at REI as you replied.
Happy camping!
Really good setup and tips, thanks.
very cool!
Thanks for the visit. Happy camping!
I love this setup. Nice and simple, but really effective. Great stuff!
Thanks. Happy camping!
this is radical! I'm gonna copy this for my forester
Be sure to check out this video, which provides more details: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
Happy caming!
love your simple "quick and dirty" design. I like the idea with the ropes to pull out the deeper totes. The rain guards are great, I still have to order mine. I can see how you used that other guy's desk idea. IFor some reason I like this because it is simple but usually I really like the high quality carpentry projects. The wood looks simple and practical but very functional but the deeper you get in the video the more you see you've actually done a lot of work to prepare this, like the tarp. I don't have any suggestions because mostly I've done stealth camping and I'm not sure it applies. Obviously your focus is not living in the car, rather it's using the car as a base for doing photography. I really like it. I wouldn't want a cramped space like that for working but obviously it works for you and it did for that other subaru camper guy. I've crossed paths with too many donuts to make that kind of thing work. haha. Plus I need a more elaborate work setup or I wouldn't be able to get distracted by interesting youtube subaru camping videos.
Thanks Peter. Yes, simplicity was my primary goal. I want something that comes in and out easy ... or I would be less likely to actually use it.
I'll probably switch to some kind of camper van someday, but this simple Subaru setup uses the car I already have, works great for 2-4 day trips and let's me cut my teeth before the larger investment of a camper van.
Happy camping!
Very nice set up. Especially liked to the tarp over the rear door.
Glad you liked it!
Love the tarp ideas
Thanks mickme.
Going to definitely use the tarp idea
Great job
Thanks Jimbo.
i personally prefer to have high head room for sleeping side. So I would make the sleep side as low as to allow it to be flat. Double deck the storage side or even upto full height.... or as high as back seat.
But depending on weight and balance which driving, i would prefer the sleep side to be on driver side.
If spare fund is allowed... those root cargo box for large volume items or wet items to be tossed in to, like wet tarps.
I also do like to setup tarp like yourself directly off the vehicle. What I prefer is bit more larger tarp to fully make a wall on one side if I ever want more privacy. As for bungee cord, I only use about 24" of bungee cord attached to a paracord. A lot cheaper when you need a longer line.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Yes, lots of trade-offs.
For me, the minimum requirement was enough head room to crawl on the sleeping platform plus mattress on hands and knees and for sitting upright on the mattress on the sleeping platform. There is plenty of room for that (I'm 6ft 2 in). So, "enough" head room with bonus of significant under-bed storage. I decided to leave the storage side just a flat platform, which gives me lots of flexibility on how I use the space. Building a storage structure, such as multi-level shelves (which I had drawn up), starts to restrict how to use that space. Right now I am much happier with the flexibility of a flat platform. If I start to see a pattern in how I use that space, then I could build a structure to optimize around.
Sleeping behind driver's seat (40% side) would leave more width in storage area on passenger side (60% side), but my sleeping mattress fits perfectly on the passenger side (60% side) and would be too wide for the driver's side. Can always add storage pod on top of car if need more storage.
I used long bungees thinking that the greater length that they could absorb between hatchback door open versus closed the better. But in actual practice, it turns out that not much stretch is really needed. 24" would probably be plenty, like you suggest. I like your tarp side wall idea for blocking wind-blown rain. Always fighting the rain around here. I've got all 3 size Kelty tarps and 2 poles, so will work that out.
Happy camping!
Love it!
Subaru Outback is the car if the PNW
Yes, they sure are pretty popular around here. I'm pretty happy with mine. Wish they had better mileage, but I have the more thirsty 6 cylinder model for pulling a little pop-up tent trailer.
One fella removed the back seats and gave himself lots more room.
I just bought a 2001 subaru outback L. L. Bean edition for 1,200 bucks,good condition.
can't wait to start fabricating things for it.
Yea, I felt that removing the back seat was not a good way to go for me personally. A bit too much work for the shorter 3-5 day trips that I typically make ... and using the vehicle as a family car in-between. But it could be a good option on longer trips and you don't mind the hassle of removing the seats ... or if it was a second car. Would give you some more room to work with.
I love the Subaru's. Happy camping to you!
Amazing Tarp setup! I was thinking of doing something like this! thanks for the details in the video!
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. If you decide to use bungees in your setup, be sure to use eye safe bungees.
Awesome setup. Just built mine out and your video was really helpful!
Sweet! Happy camping!
Awesome, thanks for sharing!!! I'm doing this right now for my daughter in her 2020 Ford Escape. Good job, thanks again!!!
Right on! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. And be sure to check out this video ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html for more details on the platform build.
Thanks for sharing the possibilities. Nice and to the point video.
You bet! Happy camping.
Excellent set up. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I had the police called on me for camping in my Subaru Forester this week... I was still within the 14 day limit for the National Forest campground. Turned me in for living in my car in the National Forest and being homeless. I'm not homeless and even own 17.2 acres of land near by. I was within 20 miles of my residence.
I'm 64 years old and more comfortable in the woods than at home. I do own an RV but I'm more comfortable camping in my Subaru than in the RV and it's less expensive to run. I also use the same area for day use so this woman turned me in for being there too many days in the National Forest when the majority of the time when she saw me I was only there for a few hours during the daytime hiking, fishing, and even watching TV on my cell phone eating lunch. My my Subaru is set up with an inverter so I have 110 and I like to sew so I use a hand cranked sewing machine and my car looks like a workshop. The thing is I wonder if this woman would have been so discriminatory if she knew the truth that I'm just an old woman who likes the woods better than the home that's 20 miles down the road...
For the next few months I think I'll make it a point of being there every time she comes through so I can enjoy the wilderness. This is not finished and I'm so tempted to defile and online complaint with the justice department for discrimination. I have to talk to the forest service again they are investigating because the woman said she was working for the forest service when she wasn't. She works for a local conservation group run by a bunch of do-gooders and never once have I seen her pick up a piece of garbage or trash by the road like my dog and I do when we're cruising the back trails in the forest...
Subarus make the best car campers thanks for the wonderful video!
Sorry to hear about your troubles. That would be very frustrating. I can't imagine why there would be any limitations on number of days of day use. And I can't imaging why there would be any limits on camping in a car versus tent versus RV versus hammock versus bivy sack versus just laying on the ground, not exceeding 14 days or less in one location (though there could be some one-off exceptions such as requiring hard-sided vehicles in Yellowstone griz country). Seems to me that having the capability to be outdoors on public Forest Service lands should be a basic right where it doesn't interfere with the rights/opportunities of others and where it doesn't result in damage to the local environment/wildlife. Us humans are part of the animal kingdom too and the outdoors is still our true biological environment.
She sounds like a terrible busybody. I am 75 and find being in the woods to be so healing:)
@@BradMitchellPhoto I wholeheartedly agree!❤️❤️
@@susanshaver912 ,❤️ yep she's a busybody. I did find out who it was and it turns out she has a few restraining orders because of her harassing a couple of women in the area.
Nice setup. I have a 2021 Outback. Looking forward to car camping one day.
Thanks for watching, and I hope there's some good car camping fun in your near future!
@@BradMitchellPhoto hope so. I'll start off small and close to home.
I am considering getting an outback so thanks for the great ideas:)
They are great cars. I've bought a 1999 model, and then the 2013 model and really love them.
Be sure to check out the follow-up video with more details on my camping setup here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
Also, other commenters mention that the newer Outbacks apparently have some mirror illumination lights that stay on when the hatchback is open. This can cause battery drain. There is a solution to that problem here: ruclips.net/video/bbS1Um-6Qq4/видео.html
Happy camping!
So many of these car camping set-ups on youtube...and this is one of the best I have seen. Do you have a video of you making the wood platform? Thanks a million.
Hi Robert. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments. Yes, this video (ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html) goes into more detail on the construction of the sleeping platform. Should help you get started.
Lot's of great ideas. Thank you.
👍
AWesome , we have something very DIY similar as far as the platform and we use under bed sheet bins that pull out. so we have two long ones vs 4. easy to make. and removeable.
Awesome! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Happy camping.
Nice setup :)
Thanks. It is a simple place to start and has been working for me so far.
Love the setup!
Thanks Hayley. Keeping it simple.
Good ideas!! 👍
Thanks. Trying to strike a practical balance between functionality and simplicity.
so excellent. i’m considering a similar set up for field recording
Awesome. I made a follow-up video with more details on the build: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
Thank you. Very helpful!
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Be sure to also check out ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html, which provides more detail on how I built out this camping setup.
Very nice setup. I like your idea with the tarp and bungee cords...I might have to use that one :-)
Thanks for commenting.
Glad it was useful.. I recommend long bungees everywhere except where the corner of the tarp attaches to the roof rack (which doesn't even need to be a bungee). Longer bungees give the tarp the greatest flexibility.
Great setup 👍
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
those outbacks are nice...
i really enjoyed the video! i hope to have a setup like this someday
You can do it! Check out this video which has more details on construction of the sleeping platform: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
Nifty! My Outback rear seats do not lie flat like yours do, but this has given me some more ideas for me, my dog & my Outback. I especially like your containers on a string - how clever! is that? (Seriously, I do not believe I have seen anyone else do it.) Ditto the tarp and bungees.
I visited your home page - your photography is inviting - now I can see some impressive views and tours of the Northwest in all its wet glory from the warmth of my New England home. (I especially liked the Pica - how cute! Grins!)
Thank you for your comments.
Regarding the containers, I found it really helpful to find containers that were just under 5-1/2 inch tall, so that they would fit under the sleeping platform made using 1X6 lumber on edge (which of course is actually 3/4 X 5-1/2 inches).
The Northwest isn't always wet. It's fairly reliably dry July to mid-September.
Happy camping.
The string idea comes from sea kayaking. If you stuff a drybag into the extreme ends of a sea kayak, it can then become very difficult to reach them from the hatch when it comes time to unload the boat. Attaching a string to the drybag allows you to pull the bag from the hatch instead of actually having to get your hand on the bag itself. So I just applied the same principle to the containers for car camping. 👍
Excellent . Thanks
You are welcome! Happy camping.
👍
I love this build. I plan to buy a new outback this year and do lots of car camping. I’ll probably use my rooftop box as well for added storage. Do you have a link for storage bins and dimensions for plywood. I realize the height is not tall in a outback. I already have a four inch Exped blowup pad, so
not sure if that’d be too high after you factor in the height of the platform. Thoughts?
you mean chase christopher?
btw great setup you have there!
Yes!
Thank you, that’s a good setup and I particular like your tarp and that head rest table for the backseat. I’ve the exact Subaru Outback and have camped in it without a platform, and with a cooler supporting the front of the bed - your version is superior. Storage areas are also smart.
How long is your bed platform? I’m 6’4” and am fairly crammed. I used to have a 4Runner and it wasn’t any better. I’m contemplating building out the bed like your table in the back and sleeping with the hatch open.
Thanks again for that good presentation.
Thanks for watching the video and for your kind comments.
My platform is 79 inches long (6ft 7in). I am 75 inches tall (6ft 3in). So it is a perfect fit for me.
The platform is mostly about getting a nice level sleeping platform with under-bed storage. The two part design makes it easy to assemble into the car, as well as to store in the garage.
Happy camping!
@@BradMitchellPhoto Thank you. Now I've no excuse but to build it!
Looks like for shorter people, forester had higher head clearance for car camping. But for taller persons, outback though less head room when lay down, but is slightly longer.
Sounds about right. In the 2020 models, Outback's cargo floor is 7.5 inches longer than the Forester's, while its height is 2.7 inches shorter. However, longer sleeping space can be made by sliding the front passenger seat all the way forward, angling the seat all the way forward and then extending the sleeping platform into that opened up space behind the front passenger seat. I provide more details on my sleeping platform in this video: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html. You can see that the forward end of my sleeping platform hangs from the front passenger seat headrest. So using this arrangement, you might be able to get a fairly tall person into a Forester as well. The 2.7 inches of extra headroom sure would be nice.
How you install thee pull straps on plastic tots without cracking thee plastic sides on tots and they brake so easy I had Many of them.
For me they crack easyly and bend alot and Always Crack badly !
Hello William. I think you are asking about how I attached the pull strings to my under-bed plastic totes. First I drilled two holes in the bottom of the tote near the corners. Hard plastic can shatter when a special kind of drill bit is not used, but my totes are relatively soft plastic and so I had no problem using regular drill bit. The hole diameter is just a little larger than the string. Then I passed the end of the string through the hole and up into the bottom of the tote. Then I passed the end of the string through a steel washer and tied a knot in the string large enough so that it cannot pass back through the washer. So when I pull on the string, the knot pulls on the washer, which is too large to fit through the hole in the plastic tote.
Smart
Thanks for watching. More details about construction of the sleeping platform here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html.
One question, how tall are you? I love the setup, especially the ingenious pull ropes on your storage so you can maximize the space and not have to fumble around in the black hole to pull out the storage unit. The reclining bed is also a cool addition. I would unfortunately lose the nice chair to sit in when car camping with my husband. Just want to make sure he fits, of I would have to step up to the Forester. Though the Outback has been my dream Pow Wow highway car for over 2 decades now.
Oh and thank you for showing me the beautiful Pacific NW, I am really home sick for the forests, the rivers, the mountains, and the beaches. I am an Oregon girl, been transplanted by my husband over here to Denmark. I have been stuck with not going home for 2 years because of COVID and working on my thesis. I miss my mom, my family and my Tribal cuz’es. Do you have a website for your photography? Oh and Denmark is relatively flat,the forests are over managed. The fir trees are pretty much Norwegian. I miss the trees.
Another question. I have been out of Oregon really the past two decades with only visiting once every 18 months. I have noticed an invasion of hanging moss on trees, is that happening up in the Olympic Peninsula?
Hi OR girl. Thanks for leaving a comment.
I'm 6ft 2 in. Outback is just the right size for me.
Check out www.bradmitchellphoto.com to see my photography, mostly in WA, but also more and more OR.
The Olympic forests do have a lot of hanging lichen and mosses, but I'm not aware of any changes or anything out of the ordinary.
I hope you have a chance to get back to your OR homeland soon. OR has some wonderful places. I love the coast, the Gorge, the Cascades, and am just discovering the beauty in its deserts. I'm making this reply to you from La Grande, OR.
Hi great setup! 2 questions:1. What do you use for refrigeration? 2. Do you have a solution to locking your car while sleeping? As a female I’d like to lock my car overnight. I can lock my Subaru Outback whilst inside before turning the engine off, but how to unlock whilst inside?
Hi Jennifer. Thanks for watching.
I am not currently using a refrigerator, as my trips have been in winter. And I just use food that does not require refrigeration. See Juanell Lemon's comment below from about 2 weeks ago. Juanell plans to report back here from a trip to Oregon Painted Hills on use of a cooler.
Regarding locking the car, I simply use the keyfob to lock doors and arm the alarm while inside (engine off), and to then unlock it and disable the alarm again in the morning to get out. My 2013 Subaru Outback's alarm system is triggered by opening doors while the alarm is armed (not triggered by car motion). I have accidentally triggered the alarm in the morning by opening the door from inside before deactivating the alarm with the keyfob, so now I store the keyfob in my shoe while I'm sleeping in the car so I don't forget to use it to unlock the doors and disable the alarm in the morning before trying to get out of the car.
Happy camping!
Jennifer: This video on RUclips (ruclips.net/video/neo07e70ISw/видео.html) reviews the Alpicool C20 fridge, powered by car and Jackery power bank. The author says it consumes 2% of power bank per hour on Jackery 500. So that would last about two days. The Jackery 500 can be re-charged from your car 12V outlet in 7.5 hours. So, if you drive at least 3.25 hours/day, you should be able to keep this fridge running off the Jackery 500. In other words, charge the Jackery 500 while driving, and run the fridge off of the Jackery 500 (or similar 500Whr power bank).
Driving 3.25 hrs/day is questionable for my style of travel. If I'm covering lots of ground on a longer trip, this could work. But most of my trips are not that long.
Does this Outback have 60 40 split back seats? If so which side is your sleeping area on? Nice setup.
Yes, the 2013 Subaru Outback has a 60/40 split. I fold down and sleep on the 60 side (passenger side in USA), and leave the 40 side upright. It is a simple but effective setup comfortable for a few nights of camping in the Subaru. I use a thick self inflating sleeping pad.
Great setup, I was wondering what size tarp you were using. I would like to buy the same one for my Outback.
I used a 9x9 tarp. There is a link down in the video description. Note that these tarps have a diagonal seam running between two diagonally opposite corners. This is the seam designed to take the most tension, so should run front-to-back as your tarp's ridgeline. There are two lines from these corners for staking out the pole. The other corners of the tarp one have single lines for staking those corners out the sides lower to the ground. Happy camping!
Thank you. The 9x9 will work great for my car too@@BradMitchellPhoto
I have my tarp on order and now need to purchase an adjustable pole. Can you tell me where you got yours.
What size tarp and what brand do you use. Thank you nice set up
Hi. 9X9 Noah. There is a link in the video description.
clever...
Thanks for watching and thanks for leaving quick comments.
Awesome videos. Thanks for being matter of fact. Very interested in your tarp setup. Where did you get the pole? Does it come apart. Also would like to see any other tarp setups you have. Interested in reliable, safe and low cost. I'm retired. Looking forward to spending more time outdoors.
Here are the tarp poles I use:
REI: snp.link/a8be432f
Kelty: snp.link/a06eb2f8
Yes, they are 3-section poles. Two of the sections may be connected by elastic cord. The third section (bottom) can be completely removed. One section (middle) can fit within the bottom section.
Funny you should ask about any other tarp setups. Since I have received a lot of interest in this topic, I just outlined a video this last weekend that I'll make dedicated just to the tarp setup, including: detailed setup of the system I already showed in my Subaru car camping video (rain mode), an alternate configuration for nice weather (shade mode), as well as a segment on bungee cord safety (e.g. mitigating bungee cord eye injuries). I have a lot on my plate right now, so not sure when I can get this video made, but hopefully soon.
Happy camping!
@@BradMitchellPhoto Thank you for your fast response. I'm following you so I'll see the tarp video when it appears.
How do you keep the little lights on your side mirrors from coming on. Subaru calls them approach lights. When my hatchback is up those lights stay on the whole time which drains my battery. The dealer doesn’t seem to know how to turn them off🙁
Hi Pam. My 2013 Outback doesn't have these mirror lights. However, someone else commented with the same question about 3 weeks ago. Here's a video we found that might help you out: ruclips.net/video/bbS1Um-6Qq4/видео.html
What is the hight of those legs to fit those containers under? I have the same car.
I was worried about head room, so purchased the shortest plastic tubs I could find at Container Store. The plastic tubs are 5-1/2 inch tall (with lids), so I made the "legs" 5-3/4 inch tall, which is easy to do with 1X6 inch wide lumber (which is actually 3/4 X 5-3/4 inch wide). Note that the carpet wraps around the bottom of the legs, which gives a slight amount of additional height between them. Here are the Container Store tubs that I used:
Qty 3 10023020 "Boot Box" 22-1/2 X 14-3/4 X 5-3/8
Qty 1 10077706 "Medium Modern Bin" 15-1/4 X 11-3/4 X 5-3/8
This web page has a lot of the 2013 Outback interior dimensions, but always check dimensions by measuring your actual car: www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2013.html
@@BradMitchellPhoto thank you very much!!
I am a 74-year-old lady in GA who has wasted 3 years watching videos of weekend camping & wishing I had the courage to try it. Well now is my time. I’m going to try it next month before it’s too late. I have a 2018 Outback 3.6R and info, photos, maps, etc. + essential gear and simple, comfy setup with my rear seats down. I’d appreciate thoughts on one question- for overnight camping in my car, what’s my best safety measure if I feel threatened? Alarm system? Or other ideas? Thanks for any input and wish me luck!
Hey, good for you!
Regarding safety, your car alarm is probably good first step to make sure you awaken right away if anyone tries to force a door open. A large dog would also work as a great deterrent, but they would also take up space in your car. I usually carry a can of bear deterrent spray with me when I'm out exploring solo here in Washington (solo = quiet = more wildlife encounters), but this could also disable you if you used it from within your car. I suggest to start off car camping in campgrounds that have plenty of other people, so that a car alarm or some yelling could attract attention of others.
I usually sleep with my car locked and my rear passenger windows down about 1-2 inches for ventilation. I have rain guards on my car windows that keep rain out, and I made mosquito nets that cover the window openings to keep bugs out. The mosquito nets stick to the frame around the window with magnets (I should make a video on that).
Regarding camping with car doors locked, my Subaru alarm will go off even if I open the door from the inside. Of course this is startling to me and wakes up any other campers, and so I put my car keys in my shoes while sleeping. If I have to get up in the middle of the night to pee, having the keys in my shoes helps me to remember to unlock my car before opening the door. But you can also use this feature to force your car alarm to sound. If, for example, someone might be trying to get into your car from the left door, you could quickly open/close the right door to make the alarm go off and attract attention.
Good luck and I really hope you enjoy your camping experience!
@@BradMitchellPhoto Thanks for this great info! You are so generous to share your own safeguards and advice about protecting myself. I have been planning for this and collecting basic necessities for about three months, and I expect to go out in the last week in March. I found a very nice campground in north GA, only 75 miles from my house as I didn’t want to go too far on my first trip. I’m sure I will learn a lot of do’s and don’ts as I go. Thank you again and best wishes on your continued travels. Please stay safe!
Is headrest of passenger side strong enough to support your bed (pillow area)
The headrest and seat all feel pretty solid to me. My front seat is leaned forward when the bed is fully extended for sleeping, and so the forward edge of the sleeping platform is also up against the back of the seat and leans on it a little. Also, I don't put my full weight on this hinged portion of the sleeping platform when getting on/off.
There is more detail about the build of the sleeping platform here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
Happy camping!
Nice. I’m taking off in my 2019 outback for my first camp trip. Oregon painted hills etc. appreciate your practical approach. Very much like I did mine without the rain guards or tarp which are great solutions. The only thing, you don’t use a cooler. How does that work out?
Hey Juanell. Painted Hills is on my To Do list. I hope you have a great time.
I have not needed to use a cooler yet, as my trips have been in winter. Also, I am a backpacker by nature, so often just don't bring food that requires cooling. But on a trip to Painted Hills in the eastern Oregon desert, I can see where a cooler would be desired for sure, if nothing but just to avoid warm drinking water.
One approach would be to use the car to power a small fridge and re-charge something like the Jackery power supply while driving, and then use the Jackery to power the fridge while not driving. But I'm thinking that this would take several hours of driving every day to be sustainable over more than just a couple days. This is something I may try out this summer, using a very small very energy efficient refrigerator to just keep 1-2 days of drinking water (not cooking water) chilled, maybe along with some fruits or veggies.
An ice chest is the other obvious answer. Maybe keep it outside the car in the shade if camping on hot day, perhaps with a wet towel draped over it for evaporative cooling. Just be sure to keep it in the car or rooftop box when unattended to avoid animals getting in it.
Maybe report back here on your Painted Hills experience? Would love to hear how you deal with the cooler question.
@@BradMitchellPhoto I will check back after painted hills. A jackery is on my list too
Juanell: This video on RUclips (ruclips.net/video/neo07e70ISw/видео.html) reviews the Alpicool C20 fridge, powered by car and Jackery power bank. The author says it consumes 2% of power bank per hour on Jackery 500. So that would last about two days. The Jackery 500 can be re-charged from your car 12V outlet in 7.5 hours. So, if you drive at least 3.25 hours/day, you should be able to keep this fridge running off the Jackery 500. In other words, charge the Jackery 500 while driving, and run the fridge off of the Jackery 500 (or similar 500Whr power bank).
Driving 3.25 hrs/day is questionable for my style of travel. If I'm covering lots of ground on a longer trip, this could work. But most of my trips are not that long.
Is it necessary to install platform? I have a 2016 Outback. After the seats folded, the back is rather flat.
No, a platform is definitely not necessary, but a platform gives you more storage space and a longer sleeping surface for taller people.
@@BradMitchellPhoto thank you! I see RUclipsrs’ Subaru getting platform but I don’t have tools to build. I am only 5’3” and like headroom. I can use one side for boxes and things and sleep next to the boxes.
jolik centimetrů má vaše postek na délku? děkuji Břetislav Horák
75 inches
Great setup. What size is the tarp.
Steve. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Here is info on the tarp:
Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': snp.link/527b0b9e
The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!).
Tarp Poles
REI: snp.link/a8be432f
Kelty: snp.link/a06eb2f8
I use one to make a nice rain-shedding peak in wet weather. Two are great for making more of a shade style awning in sunny weather. I stake them out with bungee cords so that everything stays flexible but tight with the hatchback door opened or closed.
What system do you have for the table supports in the rear hatch? It's looks very simple.
I was planning on making a wooden parcel shelf with folding/sliding extension to make a cooking table. For the sliding option, I was going to rest the table top on a length of 90° angle alu either side.
My solution is not so elegant. It was supposed to be temporary ... but I've been too lazy to upgrade it. I just trapped an aluminum bar between wood screw heads so that it can slide out and support an edge of the table from below. It used hardware that I already had sitting around.
I'd prefer to have a short leg on the bottom of the table that folds down to rest on the car bumper. Guess I should get to the hardware store.
@@BradMitchellPhoto Hey if it does the job, and you repurposed what would have been scrap, it's a win win.
I am wondering… did you create the width of your platform in between the space that the tires take up? I am unsure the name of this but in the back of my Subaru, there is already a dent in that space and I do not know how to avoid making it worse.
Yes, the back part of my sleeping platform fits between the two rear wheel wells. I have more detail on how the sleeping platform is made and fitted on a follow-up video here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html
Thank you so much for your response, Brad. Your videos are super helpful!
I do have a question. If you close the hatchback, how do you get out in the morning?
I go in and out of the driver's-side rear door.
I did install a hatchback release handle, but rarely use it. There is a small plastic cover near bottom center of hatchback on inside. Pop this off and you will see a little white plastic thing that rotates when you pull the hatchback release from outside. So I attached a wire to this and ran the wire to another plastic cover used to access the hatchback-mounted tail-light. I put a handle on the end of the wire here, and then just hide it behind the plastic cover. So if I want to get out through the hatchback, I can pop off this cover and pull the handle, which pulls the wire, which rotates the white plastic part, which releases the hatchback. I think I have actually only used it once.
Im sorry, not to be rude, but I laughed at this question lol. Obviously you just open the door.
@@rodbelding9523 Jimbo is asking because the Subaru doesn't have a way to open the hatch from inside. Thus, I modified the hatch door with in my own internal release cable (though I pretty much always go in and out the side door on driver's side).
@@rodbelding9523 fair shot, I would have replied the same way if I had the chance.🤣
@@BradMitchellPhoto cool thanks. I am 6'4". I guess I could use rear door if I slept with my head to the rear
QQQ What size tarp is that? Great video thank you for sharing. 💜
Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': snp.link/527b0b9e
The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!).
@@BradMitchellPhoto For sure i have a gorilla tarp
10 by 10 Thank you.
Thanks for sharing. I wonder how you avoid draining your battery if you leave the hatch open? I hav a Subaru Outback 2019 with automatic back hatch, and a car tent that requires the hatch to stay open which drains my battery. Any suggestions welcome !
Hi Eva. I turn off all of the interior lights at their switches. In fact, they are taped in the off position so that they don't accidentally get turned on.
I then use a mini-carabiner to hang one of these battery-powered Goal Zero lanterns (snp.link/26a65b13) from various interior features of the car. I also installed adhesive hooks in the car at key places where I would want to hang the light (eg. on the hatchback above the fold-out table). I also have a battery-powered clip reading light. Both lights will run for several hours on their own batteries. Then I use a Jackery 300 battery system (amzn.to/3vTpToB) to keep them both charged. The Jackery 300 then gets recharged by the car anytime that I'm driving it.
@@BradMitchellPhoto thank you so much- I found a solution- when pushing the button to lower the automatic gate, I inserted an S hook into the locking mechanism, the gate stopped, and a few minutes later the lights in the side mirrors turned off, because I tricked it into believing the gate was closed. I have found no other way to make the side mirror lights to turn off when the rear gate is open.
I don't have an automatic gate or lighted side mirrors on my Subaru, but that sounds like a perfect solution Eva. Happy camping!
@@BradMitchellPhoto Thank you! Love your kayaking adventures too - I bought an ORU last year to replace my Kevlar kayaks - I never got out anymore, because loading and unloading started being too cumbersome. So far, I love it.
Eva. Check out this video, which solves the Subaru battery issue in similar way you did: ruclips.net/video/bbS1Um-6Qq4/видео.html
Doesn’t your back trunk door open automatically?
No, not on my old-school 2013 Outback.
What’s your tarp ? Poles ?
Hi Steve.
Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': amzn.to/39m0pHu
The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!).
Tarp Poles
REI: snp.link/a8be432f
Kelty: snp.link/a06eb2f8
I use one to make a nice rain-shedding peak in wet weather, as shown in the video. Two poles are great for making more of a shade style awning in sunny weather.
Hey Brad, Are those 1X6's you used to elevate the platform?
Hi Shravaka. Yes, they are 1X6, which are actually 3/4 X 5 1/2 inch. See more details on the platform construction here: ruclips.net/video/j3WfndwWjJo/видео.html.
These Container Store (www.containerstore.com) storage bins fit perfectly under the platform:
Qty 3 10023020 "Boot Box" 22-1/2 X 14-3/4 X 5-3/8
Qty 1 10077706 "Medium Modern Bin" 15-1/4 X 11-3/4 X 5-3/8
What's the tarp? It's perfect!
Hi Martha. Here is info on the tarp setup:
Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': snp.link/527b0b9e
The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!).
Tarp Poles:
REI: snp.link/a8be432f
Kelty: snp.link/a06eb2f8
I use one to make a nice rain-shedding peak in wet weather. Two are great for making more of a shade style awning in sunny weather. I stake them out with bungee cords so that everything stays flexible but tight with the hatchback door opened or closed.
How do you keep the hatchback up and not drain your battery?
I just turn off the dome light, and my 2013 Outback doesn't have those mirror lights that can drain your battery. Here's a video to deal with those pesky mirror lights: ruclips.net/video/bbS1Um-6Qq4/видео.html
Well done 👍🏽🪃✌🏼
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
To everyone not car camping by choice
O. ,,l
.A
Great set up !
Thanks for watching!