A lot of people have asked what it’s like to camp in a Subaru Forester, or how they too can take on adventures in their own rig; After years of doing so, and periods of full-time living in my 2013 Forester, I figured it was time lay things out; So I am going to share my Forester camper conversion that can easily translate into many other SUVs. Head on over to my travels, and I am willing to bet you’ll find a few photos that feature my Subaru (Sugar).
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Does my vehicle need a lift?
First things first I guess..
My honest opinion is – no, you do not need lift a vehicle to be able to camp in it. You see it all the time, but in reality, the camping mods I have done to my Forester are super lightweight, so structurally, it is unnecessary. Even if your excuse is that better clearance is better for off-road. Well, you might be right, but I promise I have probably taken my 2013 Subaru Forester with OEM exterior settings much further than ever thought possible. Am I suggesting to take a low-rider out in the wilderness? No. But you don’t need to lift your car to ladder-height just to get off-grid. Keep it simple, stupid.
Exterior Camping Modifications
For a long while I drove with a cargo crate on the roof of Sugar. I used it miscellaneously for things like firewood, a bucket, and rigged my bike rack to it. In reality, it looked a lot “cooler” than its function.
But the piece of equipment that truly made this Subaru camper conversion come to life (in my opinion) was the trailer hitch cargo basket. As you can see, I installed an all-weather storage box to the basket as well, where a bunch of my gear sat when not in-use. And super conveniently, when the gear box was all closed up, I could easily use it as my kitchen counter, or even a standing desk for when I had to hop on the computer for a bit.
Plus, a little bonus function of how this all worked out.. The leftover space on the cargo basket gave me plenty of room to leave muddy boots outside of the vehicle, and off the ground. Or simply hauling firewood and other random camping materials.
Since the original build, I acquired a Yakima SpaceCase (similar in size to the SkyBox 18), which has pretty much become the sole thing I use for storage, as an “attic” to my camper conversion; Giving me the option to leave the trailer hitch cargo carrier behind, or bringing it along for strictly hauling things, and having a place off the ground to leave some equipment (ie: cooler, muddy shoes).
Interior Camping Mods
My Subaru sleeping platform and interior storage modifications saw many different changes throughout the years. At first, I followed what I saw online and thought looked cool. Only to soon realize the unnecessary bulk and weight. Simply by refining, and spending time actually using the SUV as a camper, I was able to think about how I wanted things to change/look. Landing me with what was most functional for me at the given time.
I would say the most important thing for me was privacy. I fashioned curtains that ran along either side of the interior of my Subaru Forester, and grabbed two sunshades to block out the front and rear windshield. Privacy is key. I could have had the most comfortable bed in the world, but I’d be awake all night if I didn’t feel safe/private in my “home”.
Originally, I had designed a “book shelf” of sorts to work as my interior storage when out traveling and camping. Honestly, it worked great. But where it failed was in the amount of storage it actually offered. The top worked more as a junk drawer (we all have one, no?), while the bottom was a place to secure my cooler, and store some foods that don’t need cooler insulation, along with food storage containers and other miscellaneous items.
Everything was lofted on a 2×8 base, providing added storage underneath both the book shelf, and the Subaru’s sleeping platform. In these areas, you’d find mainly my kitchen supplies (coffee tools, stove, pots/pans, dishware, silverware, seasonings, propane, etc.). Like I said, changes were made that actually eliminated the loft, lowering the sleeping platform and storage (actually eliminating the book shelf entirely); leaving storage to the creative mind, but also eliminating the “cluttered” feeling.
Right in front of the bookshelf (towards the driver’s seat), you can see I have a large storage container. This basically held all of my in-season clothing, and some regular-use gear (headlamps, lantern, spare batteries, journal, etc). This soon switched over to a duffel bag, which didn’t cut it because of the soft sides; Made everything wrinkled from being smashed together. So eventually settled on a suitcase or hard-sided duffel, absolute game-changer and worth the switch.
“Sleeping in a Subaru Forester?? How?!”
Surprisingly, my camper conversion was VERY comfortable. Even being a 6’ ~200lb man, I found it to be enough room for comfort. As I mentioned before, the original sleeping platform inside my Subaru was lofted 8” from the base of the interior. Although this gave me a little storage underneath, I eventually opted for more head room, lowering things down to the base level, and cutting out my own trunk liner to match with legs – leveling out the back area [the seats in a Subaru forester (2009-2013) do not lay flat. It gets quite uncomfortable after a while]. I could have removed the rear seats to really open up the space and potentially even things out, but I wanted to keep things full-functional.
The re-design gave me versatility that not only let me comfortably sleep, camp, and sit up inside my Subaru, but also was light and compact enough for an easy transition to “passenger mode”. That way I could go from camp-mode to seat-mode in less than 5-10 minutes, allowing for me to carry passengers!
Oh, and did I mention HEAD SPACE?! The removal of the 8” loft on the sleeping platform provided just that! I said it before, and I’ll said it again – comfort is key – I could sit up (for the most part) in bed! Claustrophobia really sets in if it feels like you don’t have room to breathe. Give that head some space!
You’d be surprised by the convenience and room offered with this setup. The sleeping platform extended to a total length of 6’6”! This is with me sleeping on the 60% side of the 60/40 split, with the passenger seat moved all the way forward. In 3 separate pieces (per side, 60/40 split), I had the trunk leveled out, the back seats covered and even height, and then fashioned two ‘headboards’ that rested on the headrest of either back seat, and hung via paracord and carabiners around the front seats.
Below each headboard was plenty of room for additional storage where I would keep my different footwear, my work pack (holding computer, additional camera gear, notebooks, etc), and a 40L drybag that works as my laundry bag (the air-tight seal of a dry bag also keeps odors in, and out of my living quarters ;).
And the finishing touches that really made this possible was the addition of no-see-um window covers for both back windows. This allowed me to have my windows open to whatever amount I wanted, allowing for air circulation, and keeping out the pesky bugs!
Rounding the Subaru Forester Camper Conversion
The front seats were left open for additional storage, or space to keep things on-hand; In addition to obviously being able to fit myself when driving. Typically you’d find a plastic storage bin at the foot of the shotgun seat, holding my daily water bottles, snacks, power packs, camera and mounts, and other frequently-used electronics. Oh, and I’ll always keep a microfiber towel or two on-hand. This let’s me wipe down windows when the internal humidity steams things up, or keep my hands dry/clean throughout the day.
You might find yourself changing things around, and that’s completely fine! Each person has their own personal preferences and items they use the most. This is the camper build that worked best for me. The things placed throughout my Subaru were done in a way that was most convenient for myself. And if you’re worried about the actual travel.. I promise that a good driver well outweighs a fancy rig. I’ve driven my 2013 Subaru Forester around the country twice! And yes, a TON of that was off-pavement.
In Conclusion
The Subaru Forester (and all Subies) is an all-wheel drive vehicle that I have personally taken through some quite rough terrains. Obviously I was not doing anything SUPER strenuous like rock-hopping, or hardcore off-roading, but Sugar got me through so much; Feet of snow, ice, dense mud, forest trails, hill climbs, etc. Oh, and that one time that should’ve flooded her during a river crossing.
Sorry Mom and Dad
The only real camping modifications that need to be done to make your Subaru a true camping machine are really focused on the interior. Aside from having a good set of all-terrain tires, and rain/wind guards that line all 4 windows, it comes down to knowing what you are doing in the backcountry. A smart driver will always out-compete even the most capable rigs out there. Of course, being properly prepared with recovery gear and know-how is a nice safety net as well!
Would I love having the extra space of a bigger vehicle? Yeah, probably. But make do with what you got! Too many times have I heard the excuse of “I’d love to do something like that, but it doesn’t make sense with the vehicle I have”. Check out this camper! – in and out of a Prius! Plus, I like my MPGs just like the rest of you. And the added bonus of being able to look out of the Forester’s panoramic sunroof while laying in bed is superb.
Do what feels right. Start simple, and make adjustments as you go. Years later, and I still find ways to make adjustments that simplify or improve things. Just like life. Be open to change.
Questions or comments? Drop a comment below, or head over here to shoot me a personal message. I am always open helping others get outside and beginning their own journey!
Cheers!
