Please share you blueprint measurements for those of us that have 2017-2018 Subaru. It would be especially helpful as to the slope measurements verification. Bonjour Becky was asked for the same and never replied. Can you help? Thanks so much. Your vids are awesome!
girl, i’ve been watching you for YEARS and have evolved from obsessed to minimalism obsessed just like you, and now you’re converting your Subaru at the same time i’m dirt-bagging in my Subaru!! so blessed to have such quality content from you, thank you!!
PRO TIP... buy the plastic storage containers *first* so you can measure how tall to make the platform so they fit underneath. I built a smaller platform for my SH Forester but I like yours better. Great video! 👍
Have a similar setup for my 2014 Toyota Highlander. Two differences: I removed middle seats and tied bed frame into seat tracks for safety reasons - accidents don’t like flat pieces of plywood flying around in your suv. Downside: tying into seat track with bolts/metal flange limits ability to fold up during day. Second, I used a piano hinge similarly to access spare tire well located in rear of Highlander. I didn’t want to have to unload bed and frame on rainy night (when else do u get a flat?) to get to spare. Also, in Highlander there is extra storage space in spare tire compartment for tools, etc. so piano hinge worked well there. Lastly, I screened a side window to get cross-ventilation with sunroof screening. Used magnets sewn into mesh nylon screening to affix to exterior of car after I’ve stopped for night.
My heart is about to burst. I've been dreaming about camping in my SUV. I've even made a list of what I'll need. I'll watch many more of your videos to see if I need to add more necessities to my list. Do you ever get frightened sitting by the fire alone at night? I'm ashamed to say I think I would be. Thank you very much for your inspiring videos. You have given me courage. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Hi, your bed frame can be made if you get some cheap or free kitchen wall cabinets - put them on their back on the floor of your van and you can put your mattress or foam on top (this would be on top of the cabinet doors) works for us and they have a lot storage space inside......with easy access inside .
Tip: for even more storage room (to allow you to bring along extra cooking equipment like a camping cooker) build it as a single and use a single mattress. If you’re bringing a dog and would rather they had their own bed, this works too!
I have a 2010 Honda Element I bought because of the fact it fits a larger mattress (Queen size) in the back and seats fold flat to create a platform (when I car camp with another adult). I purchased a trifold cot size 6 inch memory foam mattress (milliard brand) that could do double duty (it was also considerable cheaper). When I travel solo or with my medium sized dogs, it is the perfect size for half of my seats folded down or if I am just taking a nap I can fold down my back seat on one side and place my cooler under the place front seat would fold down and use 2 of the three panels to create a mini bed for napping in. I love the memory foam mattress so much I built a long term platform in my home to use it on as a guest bed, and it is perfect for camping trips when using for tent camping. An XL twin fitted sheet fits it well. I returned the first of November from a car trip across the mid and eastern states sleeping in my Honda with the exception of 2 days the car was in the shop for damages to my radiator when a bird flew into it. But with solar lights I can charge in my front window (they fold flat found them at a box store) Reflective on one side blacked on out on other side window covers for my back side windows and rear window (made those myself out of thick posterboard and lightweight reflective insulation found at a hardware store and some black duc tape (to join the reflective material and postboard) and a light blacking curtain (courtesy of my adult daughter) and clothes collapsible hanging pole that fits on my car ceiling handholds in front, makes my own little cave to crawl into any time and catch 40 winks before hitting the road again for long distance trips, also works great for doing driving with a co-driver who can rest while the other drives. My last road solo trip was 2,776 miles start to finish and had the most amazing time being able to park and sleep when I needed to and drive when traffic was at low point to get through major cities quickly without having to sit in traffic. Thanks for sharing gave me some ideas to build a back platform for extra storage since my rear seats are super easy to remove.
I'm doing this in my Tahoe (I'm 6'6"). Great video. I hadn't thought of using plastic bins (instead of building drawers) and mesh for the sunroof. One piece of advice - when you go camping, bring along some short sections of 2x6 so you can level the car if your spot is not flat enough. Just put them where you need them and drive up onto them. Thanks! Oh and if anybody else is wondering if they can use a futon mattress instead of a foam mattress like I used in the past - foam mattresses are much, much more comfortable.
I love this. My husband is not adventurous, and his business has him busy most of the summer. I had mentioned this to him, and he is all for it. I can visit him out in the field. He is 6'2"
Good job young lady... You do a good job of explaining what your viewers are seeing. I would suggest that when you use your circular saw that, for safety's sake, you always adjust the blade so that it hangs below the bottom of the lumber as "minimally as possible". The less blade exposed, the less damage you can do to car parts or hand or leg or foot parts with the blade... i.e. a 1/8 inch deep cut will heal much faster than a 2.5 inch deep cut. Also... very good suggestion to find similar projects. Better to "modify" the wheel than to "re-invent" the wheel... especially for novice builders. Keep up the good work.
I've camped in the back of my forester for the last few years and love it! You've made me consider building it out. Especially when you're camping in hot locations, a mesh for a window is a must.
Girlllll I have to say THANK YOU!!! I used this is my Subaru Forester and it was magic. Worked out perfectly. My partner (at the time) and I followed your template with the measurements and it was super helpful. We did our trip at the end of 2020 and crossed west from NYC then south. We hit so many national parks. Loved this so much and thank you again for such a helpful video ♥️
There is always something so exciting, so empowering about doing something like this. Why is it so exciting to break out of the everyday conventions of housing? Thanks for making this.
Seriously, i love this video! The way you demonstrated every step so clear and how easy it is to follow, ugh, THANK YOU! I’ve been debating whether to purchase a camper or convert my suv into a small camper and you just helped me decide. I’m so motivated to build mine now! 💚
I am impressed with your build as well as you are, and I must try it. I drove my Sister's SUV to Florida, and if the weather here in the Sunshine State was cooler, I would have taken her SUV camping with this same build as yours. I have all the items needed in my garage. The only change would be to place the bed behind the passenger seat and into the center, avoiding having to move the driver's seat forward. I sleep in one spot, so I don't need a wide bed space. Doing this will allow me additional space and storage for other things. Not to mention quick access to the driver's seat if necessary 😧. My Sis may not get her vehicle back...lol. I will be borrowing it again. Thanks for such great info. Safe travels. Namaste.
Beautifully designed bed. I have already designed 2 sets for my TOYOTA RAV4, 1996. I am not happy with the storage space. The main modification I did is that I split piece 2 and piece three in half. This way I could make one bed or go for a double, if me and my wide go out together. It also helps if one of us is tired and wants to rest during the drive. I have used piano hinge for linking piece 1 to piece 2 also. This way the piece 3 folds downward. This way u cannot have a sloped sitting set up, but it makes ur setup more fixed.
I have a ford territory and I did the same thing. I was looking for a caravan just like you did but everything was very expensive so I decided to turn my ford into a camper van and it worked great because your car has the same dimensions that the ford territory has. The seats fold back just like your SUV so it looks great but I added a few more good looking things to the design. I put a computer system and two solar panels on the top and run actual power boards to it.
She doesn't use the back seats as seats. So, to do that, the whole thing has to come out. Then you keep it in your garage or wherever you store large things
Great job! I have a 2002 and would love to see this with drawer rails that allow two long 40" pull outs from the back (peg board bottom drawers can minimize weight). So you have these drawers to pull out in order to maximize the space under the bed. Even on a road trip, it's a pain to just stuff it in where it fits in, and then go back and try to find what you need. This way you stuff the drawers and then just pull out, pick what you need and push back. You don't have to slide containers in and out to get stuff stored at the back, etc. I love that the sun roof becomes an amazing sky light - I'd be scared a nosey raccoon or cat would drop down on me at night! 🦝 😆 😸
Hi Allison. Thanks for the great walk through. In the original blog by Becky, she said the entire platform setup stacked in the boot area, so she could drive around with passengers in the rear seats. Where you able to do this? Is the 2nd platform with the hinged piece folded up, able to sit onto of the 1st platform in the trunk area with the rear seats up? Would love to see a photo of this!
OMG!!! I was looking into turning my SUV to this! Then I saw this video. We have the exact 2018 Subaru Forester Touring!!! I saw on your other vlog that you have RTT. I would love to buy one, but you are right, they are pretty pricey!! So, if you are looking into handing this SUV set-up to someone ( I know you did spend so much work and effort on it), I would love to buy it from you! I am just a handyman, but I love camping!!! Enjoy watching your videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Good job & design. I did exact same yeas ago for my Toyota PU. Now I also have a 2018 Subi Forester, so will duplicate your plans.!! Add drawers under platform. And add solar on roof! (See Ford mini-van conversion). When COVID subsides we should have a Subi boon-dogging meet-up!
Great idea. I see what I want to do with my Subaru. All put 3/4 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. White PVC Sheet Panel and 2'' x 8'' x 8' Recycled Plastic Lumber. This way it's a lot lighter in weight vs wood lumber. Cut to fit.
This is a great looking build! I love tat you added the measurements to your build in the video, so that it could be helpful to other Subaru Forester owners. This is actually inspiring me to do this in my 2017 Subaru Forester XT Touring with a little tweaks to the design, so I may put it away after I'm done sleeping for the night. Extra teardown at the campsite, but I'm ok with that to get the extra comfort and usability of the space. Wonderful build! Love to see more, Forester buddy!
I hope this tip works for you and your husband, I also had this same issue with sleeping while being tall. When you move your seats forward to unfold your makeshift bed. Fold the seats forward as well, but instead of having your feet towards the trunk, flip around, and it would also be a good weight barrier since people are top heavy and the trunk area should hold the weight of two people. 🤍 hope this helps!
Your video inspired me to finally do this to my SUV. I just got done and it is amazing! Modified your design because I took my back seats out to give more storage space, so instead of spines running along the back seats, I made a table with 4 legs and frame for support. It is super sturdy and fits my car perfectly. Excited to take it out on the road and try it out, thanks Allison!
I like your build , the only thing I would like for myself is a quicker exit. With the seats forward and couple other steps it would take a little more time to do if need be without getting out.?
So glad you made this video. Showed it to my hunney and roommate and said "let's do this today." I have an impreza and the measurements are only a couple inches different from the forester! Got everything to make it and hoping to finish tomorrow and head out for a trip this weekend!
You could easily run a inexpensive ratchet strap under the fold down rear seats and attach it to the underside of your sleeping platform with a couple eyebolts for the security during a wreck that others mentioned. It would have the added benefit of holding your platform flat for you without the additional weight laying on top of it.
Brilliant Alison!! Thanks for sharing... Been looking for 6 months for camper type vans to convert but the prices are so high now. I had a thought this morning that an SUV would be an alternative. So I found your great video. I have a Mazda6 saloon at present which although have put a mattress in it, an SUV is something I need to purchase ASAP. Looking forward to seeing your off grid electrics video
I watched several of your videos and I wanted to say, thank you! These videos are informational, great quality, and inspirational; I subscribed. I recently bought an SUV and I travel for work and I am excited to plan for SUV life/camping. I wish you all the best concerning your endeavors and adventures.
Just fyi: in 2004 I rolled a Forrester hard. It drove away. I mean it was totaled because of the roof but it looked fairly fine aside from the roof. GREAT Car choice. BEAST car
I have the same mattress in my Toyota Sienna Van. So comfortable. I Love camping out in the woods in my Van. I have built MANY bedrisers, and you did a fantastic job:)
Where did you get your tri-fold mattress. It looks like it fits perfectly. Thanks. I made the bed platform to your specs and it came so nice!! Thanks!!
We have been searching for a van for camping and all along we had it right in our very own driveway...we have a 2018 Subaru forrester (and it even has a sunroof for nighttime stargazing and ventilation!)and never thought of a conversion until seeing your video. Thank you for the very specific directions!
Thanks so much for this. Quite apart from the fact that this was a useful project to observe, it is a pleasure to see a video that is shot so well, and to the constituent pieces of the build explained so clearly and articulately.
Stumbled on this looking for a way to do this in my wife's 2020 Subaru outback! THANKS! It's a few years old and you end the video talking about all the plans you have to jazz this up. I can find those by going through your posted videos? Do you have / think a page on your website would help listing all the videos you did / what the end result is? THANKS!
just bought a 98 tahoe project for this purpose more or less. Great start! i think that having the setup like this will leave lots of room for improvement as you see fit. There is a huge community dedicated to fully outfiting the vehicle THEN going on the trip, but this type of build will let you decide what you need when it comes to mind, and still have space to execute it.
I have watched your video for several years, subscriber from Macau. I am always surprised by you. Your videos topic always sync my interest(beauty, minimalist/declutter, life style, DIY camper). Can’t wait to see you do more DIY projects!!
I’m so excited to see where this takes you and I can’t wait for your upcoming adventures (and videos!) Please also do a camper tour video once you’ve finished setting up all the accessories you’ve mentioned!! I’m sure I’m not the only one excited to see it hehe
Hi Allison Serious congratulations. The thought you pit into the build video was so much better than most you may want to write a guide. Like you I’ve been looking for a good car/van/teardrop travel solution. I’ve also settled on the Forester but that it for now. Hope to move from east coast to Colorado this summer to be closer to family, COVID permitting. At any rate, the real minimalism of your rig is compelling and obviously the build out and equipment will be a small fraction of other options. I also enjoyed the first trip and add one so looking forward to what’s next.
Hey Allison thanks for this content, I’m interested to build one for my Nissan rogue SV 2018 after seeing your video. I actually have an idea - we can have this project with easy-transport-option where we can fold platform as much as possible and have the legs and supports assembled whenever required. This way we can deploy only in need and can always have them in the car trunk, with seats upright. I’m gonna try this n will let you know. Thank you 😊
This is my first time to see an SUV turned into a cool camping car. This is what you call research. By getting a lot of ideas and come up with a better ideas. I gotta watch more of your van videos and I hope to see more of your van vlogs. ❤️❤️❤️
Wow I love this! I have a 2019 forester and have been thinking about doing this so I definitely holding onto this video! Also, what mesh covering did you find for your sunroof?! 😍
I found a magnetic mesh panel on Amazon, it's essentially just a sheet of mesh fabric with magnets sewn around the side so it adheres to the metal of your car from the outside. It's not quite big enough for the panoramic sunroof but if I don't open it all the way it will work (I think... we'll see!). Would also be an easy thing to DIY now that I've seen how simple it is.
@@allisonanderson that’s awesome, thanks!! I wonder if it would be easy to add something to keep bugs out.. I’ll have to see in a few weeks when we start building our conversion!
SO AWESOME! I am so glad to hear you say that you love the comfort of that folding mattress, because that's a big hangup for me. I have a bad back so I can't just have some uncomfy mattress substitute. What specific mattress brand did you use?
Great simple way to build a camper. what kind and size matress is yours. where did you purchase it? I am planning on converting my current suv to camper to enjoy first retirement adventure.
What a great video. I'm a longtime subscriber and I've always appreciated your positivity and general perspective on so much. Appreciating that you're still radiating those same ideals! Looking forward to the next video of your SUV "remodel""!
How do you cover the windows at night? Do you have bug screens for the ventilation window you leave open at night? How did you attach them? Do you cover the front windows?
I love how you designed this for yourself, to take independent trips without hubby = ) I hope you're having wonderful adventures and freedom in your new digs.
Nice project. Good job leveling the platform. A lot of people don't think about how uncomfortable it is to sleep on a slope. One thought for an "upgrade": Consider some sort of tie-downs to keep the platform from moving around in your car. Not sure if your Subaru has cargo tie-downs in it or not, but the movement and noise of a platform can get really annoying on even a short trip and it will cause more wear and tear on your vehicle.
Good job!! Wouldn't be too comfortable for me. My wife & I have a 2020 Subaru Forester, but I'm 6'5" and she is 5'1". Guess I might have to sleep outside on the ground.
This was such a fun project and honestly SO easy. If this is something that piques your interest, go for it!
Nice video
Please share you blueprint measurements for those of us that have 2017-2018 Subaru. It would be especially helpful as to the slope measurements verification. Bonjour Becky was asked for the same and never replied. Can you help? Thanks so much. Your vids are awesome!
Hi Allison, did you thought about removing the back chair for extra room?
It's what I'm looking to do to my Ford Escape XLT. I got the idea in my head awhile back: Nice to see someone with a similar idea.
Very nice👍⛄❄😷
girl, i’ve been watching you for YEARS and have evolved from obsessed to minimalism obsessed just like you, and now you’re converting your Subaru at the same time i’m dirt-bagging in my Subaru!! so blessed to have such quality content from you, thank you!!
That's so cool! It's the perfect time for car adventures, that's for sure!
PRO TIP... buy the plastic storage containers *first* so you can measure how tall to make the platform so they fit underneath.
I built a smaller platform for my SH Forester but I like yours better.
Great video! 👍
Have a similar setup for my 2014 Toyota Highlander. Two differences: I removed middle seats and tied bed frame into seat tracks for safety reasons - accidents don’t like flat pieces of plywood flying around in your suv. Downside: tying into seat track with bolts/metal flange limits ability to fold up during day. Second, I used a piano hinge similarly to access spare tire well located in rear of Highlander. I didn’t want to have to unload bed and frame on rainy night (when else do u get a flat?) to get to spare. Also, in Highlander there is extra storage space in spare tire compartment for tools, etc. so piano hinge worked well there. Lastly, I screened a side window to get cross-ventilation with sunroof screening. Used magnets sewn into mesh nylon screening to affix to exterior of car after I’ve stopped for night.
My heart is about to burst. I've been dreaming about camping in my SUV. I've even made a list of what I'll need. I'll watch many more of your videos to see if I need to add more necessities to my list.
Do you ever get frightened sitting by the fire alone at night? I'm ashamed to say I think I would be.
Thank you very much for your inspiring videos. You have given me courage.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Hi, your bed frame can be made if you get some cheap or free kitchen wall cabinets - put them on their back on the floor of your van and you can put your mattress or foam on top (this would be on top of the cabinet doors) works for us and they have a lot storage space inside......with easy access inside .
Tip: for even more storage room (to allow you to bring along extra cooking equipment like a camping cooker) build it as a single and use a single mattress. If you’re bringing a dog and would rather they had their own bed, this works too!
I have a 2010 Honda Element I bought because of the fact it fits a larger mattress (Queen size) in the back and seats fold flat to create a platform (when I car camp with another adult). I purchased a trifold cot size 6 inch memory foam mattress (milliard brand) that could do double duty (it was also considerable cheaper). When I travel solo or with my medium sized dogs, it is the perfect size for half of my seats folded down or if I am just taking a nap I can fold down my back seat on one side and place my cooler under the place front seat would fold down and use 2 of the three panels to create a mini bed for napping in. I love the memory foam mattress so much I built a long term platform in my home to use it on as a guest bed, and it is perfect for camping trips when using for tent camping. An XL twin fitted sheet fits it well. I returned the first of November from a car trip across the mid and eastern states sleeping in my Honda with the exception of 2 days the car was in the shop for damages to my radiator when a bird flew into it. But with solar lights I can charge in my front window (they fold flat found them at a box store) Reflective on one side blacked on out on other side window covers for my back side windows and rear window (made those myself out of thick posterboard and lightweight reflective insulation found at a hardware store and some black duc tape (to join the reflective material and postboard) and a light blacking curtain (courtesy of my adult daughter) and clothes collapsible hanging pole that fits on my car ceiling handholds in front, makes my own little cave to crawl into any time and catch 40 winks before hitting the road again for long distance trips, also works great for doing driving with a co-driver who can rest while the other drives. My last road solo trip was 2,776 miles start to finish and had the most amazing time being able to park and sleep when I needed to and drive when traffic was at low point to get through major cities quickly without having to sit in traffic. Thanks for sharing gave me some ideas to build a back platform for extra storage since my rear seats are super easy to remove.
I'm doing this in my Tahoe (I'm 6'6"). Great video. I hadn't thought of using plastic bins (instead of building drawers) and mesh for the sunroof. One piece of advice - when you go camping, bring along some short sections of 2x6 so you can level the car if your spot is not flat enough. Just put them where you need them and drive up onto them. Thanks!
Oh and if anybody else is wondering if they can use a futon mattress instead of a foam mattress like I used in the past - foam mattresses are much, much more comfortable.
I love this. My husband is not adventurous, and his business has him busy most of the summer. I had mentioned this to him, and he is all for it. I can visit him out in the field. He is 6'2"
You’re going to be my inspiration for a 2015 Subaru forester, thank you for the easy to follow plan!
Good job young lady... You do a good job of explaining what your viewers are seeing. I would suggest that when you use your circular saw that, for safety's sake, you always adjust the blade so that it hangs below the bottom of the lumber as "minimally as possible". The less blade exposed, the less damage you can do to car parts or hand or leg or foot parts with the blade... i.e. a 1/8 inch deep cut will heal much faster than a 2.5 inch deep cut. Also... very good suggestion to find similar projects. Better to "modify" the wheel than to "re-invent" the wheel... especially for novice builders. Keep up the good work.
Great video! Do you have a link for the mattress?
I've camped in the back of my forester for the last few years and love it! You've made me consider building it out. Especially when you're camping in hot locations, a mesh for a window is a must.
Girlllll I have to say THANK YOU!!! I used this is my Subaru Forester and it was magic. Worked out perfectly. My partner (at the time) and I followed your template with the measurements and it was super helpful. We did our trip at the end of 2020 and crossed west from NYC then south. We hit so many national parks. Loved this so much and thank you again for such a helpful video ♥️
This is the best and easiest platform I've seen so far and the only one my DIY skills would allow me to attempt. Thank you!
There is always something so exciting, so empowering about doing something like this. Why is it so exciting to break out of the everyday conventions of housing? Thanks for making this.
Thanks Allison! I helped my niece Kate build one today. I encouraged her to send you pics of the finished product!
Seriously, i love this video! The way you demonstrated every step so clear and how easy it is to follow, ugh, THANK YOU! I’ve been debating whether to purchase a camper or convert my suv into a small camper and you just helped me decide. I’m so motivated to build mine now! 💚
So glad I could help!!
I am impressed with your build as well as you are, and I must try it. I drove my Sister's SUV to Florida, and if the weather here in the Sunshine State was cooler, I would have taken her SUV camping with this same build as yours. I have all the items needed in my garage. The only change would be to place the bed behind the passenger seat and into the center, avoiding having to move the driver's seat forward. I sleep in one spot, so I don't need a wide bed space. Doing this will allow me additional space and storage for other things. Not to mention quick access to the driver's seat if necessary 😧. My Sis may not get her vehicle back...lol. I will be borrowing it again. Thanks for such great info. Safe travels. Namaste.
Beautifully designed bed. I have already designed 2 sets for my TOYOTA RAV4, 1996. I am not happy with the storage space.
The main modification I did is that I split piece 2 and piece three in half. This way I could make one bed or go for a double, if me and my wide go out together. It also helps if one of us is tired and wants to rest during the drive.
I have used piano hinge for linking piece 1 to piece 2 also. This way the piece 3 folds downward. This way u cannot have a sloped sitting set up, but it makes ur setup more fixed.
Great vid, love seeing women building their own stuff!!! Badass!
I have a ford territory and I did the same thing. I was looking for a caravan just like you did but everything was very expensive so I decided to turn my ford into a camper van and it worked great because your car has the same dimensions that the ford territory has. The seats fold back just like your SUV so it looks great but I added a few more good looking things to the design. I put a computer system and two solar panels on the top and run actual power boards to it.
such an affordable and temporary way to try vanlife without committing too much to it. cant wait to see you outfit it it all!
Loved it. Question though: when you’re not using the bed and want to unfold the back seats, how do you store the part number 2? Thanks
She doesn't use the back seats as seats. So, to do that, the whole thing has to come out. Then you keep it in your garage or wherever you store large things
Yeah, I'm thinking you could modify and put another piano hinge for #2 and modify the spines on piece 2 to either have piano hinges or removable legs.
WOW! This is so cool, a great alternative to spending so much money for a sprinter or camper van!
Great job! I have a 2002 and would love to see this with drawer rails that allow two long 40" pull outs from the back (peg board bottom drawers can minimize weight). So you have these drawers to pull out in order to maximize the space under the bed. Even on a road trip, it's a pain to just stuff it in where it fits in, and then go back and try to find what you need. This way you stuff the drawers and then just pull out, pick what you need and push back. You don't have to slide containers in and out to get stuff stored at the back, etc. I love that the sun roof becomes an amazing sky light - I'd be scared a nosey raccoon or cat would drop down on me at night! 🦝 😆 😸
Hi Allison. Thanks for the great walk through.
In the original blog by Becky, she said the entire platform setup stacked in the boot area, so she could drive around with passengers in the rear seats.
Where you able to do this? Is the 2nd platform with the hinged piece folded up, able to sit onto of the 1st platform in the trunk area with the rear seats up?
Would love to see a photo of this!
OMG!!! I was looking into turning my SUV to this! Then I saw this video. We have the exact 2018 Subaru Forester Touring!!! I saw on your other vlog that you have RTT. I would love to buy one, but you are right, they are pretty pricey!! So, if you are looking into handing this SUV set-up to someone ( I know you did spend so much work and effort on it), I would love to buy it from you! I am just a handyman, but I love camping!!! Enjoy watching your videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! Your step-by-step walkthrough was excellent. Greatly appreciated how you offered your thoughts driving your design.
Good job & design. I did exact same yeas ago for my Toyota PU. Now I also have a 2018 Subi Forester, so will duplicate your plans.!! Add drawers under platform. And add solar on roof! (See Ford mini-van conversion). When COVID subsides we should have a Subi boon-dogging meet-up!
I already have a Sienna with a Coleman cot set up that I intend to go on a 1 week road trip in April but I love her video and watched the thing.
So awesome! Can you have part 1 in the trunk with the back seats folded back for use? thank you
Great idea. I see what I want to do with my Subaru. All put 3/4 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. White PVC Sheet Panel and 2'' x 8'' x 8' Recycled Plastic Lumber. This way it's a lot lighter in weight vs wood lumber. Cut to fit.
This is a great looking build! I love tat you added the measurements to your build in the video, so that it could be helpful to other Subaru Forester owners. This is actually inspiring me to do this in my 2017 Subaru Forester XT Touring with a little tweaks to the design, so I may put it away after I'm done sleeping for the night. Extra teardown at the campsite, but I'm ok with that to get the extra comfort and usability of the space. Wonderful build! Love to see more, Forester buddy!
I hope this tip works for you and your husband, I also had this same issue with sleeping while being tall. When you move your seats forward to unfold your makeshift bed. Fold the seats forward as well, but instead of having your feet towards the trunk, flip around, and it would also be a good weight barrier since people are top heavy and the trunk area should hold the weight of two people. 🤍 hope this helps!
Your video inspired me to finally do this to my SUV. I just got done and it is amazing! Modified your design because I took my back seats out to give more storage space, so instead of spines running along the back seats, I made a table with 4 legs and frame for support. It is super sturdy and fits my car perfectly. Excited to take it out on the road and try it out, thanks Allison!
Yay! Finally something I can do and ideas I can TOTALLY USE!
I like your build , the only thing I would like for myself is a quicker exit. With the seats forward and couple other steps it would take a little more time to do if need be without getting out.?
So glad you made this video. Showed it to my hunney and roommate and said "let's do this today." I have an impreza and the measurements are only a couple inches different from the forester! Got everything to make it and hoping to finish tomorrow and head out for a trip this weekend!
Allison this setup is awesome! Well done. Can't wait for your next vid. Best wishes from the UK.
I’m so excited to see how your channel has shifted to what you love doing! Thank you for taking us with you. Safe travels!
Thanks for following along!
You could easily run a inexpensive ratchet strap under the fold down rear seats and attach it to the underside of your sleeping platform with a couple eyebolts for the security during a wreck that others mentioned. It would have the added benefit of holding your platform flat for you without the additional weight laying on top of it.
Brilliant Alison!! Thanks for sharing...
Been looking for 6 months for camper type vans to convert but the prices are so high now.
I had a thought this morning that an SUV would be an alternative. So I found your great video. I have a Mazda6 saloon at present which although have put a mattress in it, an SUV is something I need to purchase ASAP. Looking forward to seeing your off grid electrics video
I’ve watched this video several times and I’m super excited. I want to attempt something similar in my suv.
I watched several of your videos and I wanted to say, thank you! These videos are informational, great quality, and inspirational; I subscribed. I recently bought an SUV and I travel for work and I am excited to plan for SUV life/camping. I wish you all the best concerning your endeavors and adventures.
Just fyi: in 2004 I rolled a Forrester hard. It drove away. I mean it was totaled because of the roof but it looked fairly fine aside from the roof. GREAT Car choice. BEAST car
Turned out so good, where did your purchase the mattress?
I’ve got an 09 and I can’t wait to try this!!
I have the same mattress in my Toyota Sienna Van. So comfortable. I Love camping out in the woods in my Van. I have built MANY bedrisers, and you did a fantastic job:)
Where did you get your tri-fold mattress. It looks like it fits perfectly. Thanks. I made the bed platform to your specs and it came so nice!! Thanks!!
We have been searching for a van for camping and all along we had it right in our very own driveway...we have a 2018 Subaru forrester (and it even has a sunroof for nighttime stargazing and ventilation!)and never thought of a conversion until seeing your video. Thank you for the very specific directions!
I'm slightly obsessed with this! Such a good idea! Can't wait to see the rest of you series on this to see what you do.
You are marvellous, Allison. Step-by-step process reminds of the days in kindergarten, cut&paste, haha. Thanks.
Thanks so much for this. Quite apart from the fact that this was a useful project to observe, it is a pleasure to see a video that is shot so well, and to the constituent pieces of the build explained so clearly and articulately.
I am amazed with your creative workout for camping needs.
Great vid! I just did this in my ‘15 Forester, except I built in a craft studio for creating on the go 💖 Thanks for sharing this!
Fyi watch how much you leave your hatch up, it can drain your battery. It’s a Subaru thing on some models.
Stumbled on this looking for a way to do this in my wife's 2020 Subaru outback! THANKS!
It's a few years old and you end the video talking about all the plans you have to jazz this up.
I can find those by going through your posted videos?
Do you have / think a page on your website would help listing all the videos you did / what the end result is?
THANKS!
Well, I already have the Forester. Love this idea for a few short trips I have planned. Why stay overnight in some hotel?
just bought a 98 tahoe project for this purpose more or less. Great start! i think that having the setup like this will leave lots of room for improvement as you see fit. There is a huge community dedicated to fully outfiting the vehicle THEN going on the trip, but this type of build will let you decide what you need when it comes to mind, and still have space to execute it.
It actually looks really comfortable. I’ve been wanting to do this to my Jeep. You totally inspired me to actually look into it 😄.
I've done it in my jeep and it works really well!
You totally should. A Jeep is perfect for overland adventures!
That platform was well thought out, especially the hinge piece. And the storage is impressive too!
I have watched your video for several years, subscriber from Macau. I am always surprised by you. Your videos topic always sync my interest(beauty, minimalist/declutter, life style, DIY camper). Can’t wait to see you do more DIY projects!!
Nice set up! Thank you for your video. Whit that much wattage, why dine you get a small electric refrigerator?
I’m so excited to see where this takes you and I can’t wait for your upcoming adventures (and videos!) Please also do a camper tour video once you’ve finished setting up all the accessories you’ve mentioned!! I’m sure I’m not the only one excited to see it hehe
Hi Allison Serious congratulations. The thought you pit into the build video was so much better than most you may want to write a guide. Like you I’ve been looking for a good car/van/teardrop travel solution. I’ve also settled on the Forester but that it for now. Hope to move from east coast to Colorado this summer to be closer to family, COVID permitting. At any rate, the real minimalism of your rig is compelling and obviously the build out and equipment will be a small fraction of other options. I also enjoyed the first trip and add one so looking forward to what’s next.
Where did you find your mattress?
Hey Allison thanks for this content, I’m interested to build one for my Nissan rogue SV 2018 after seeing your video. I actually have an idea - we can have this project with easy-transport-option where we can fold platform as much as possible and have the legs and supports assembled whenever required. This way we can deploy only in need and can always have them in the car trunk, with seats upright. I’m gonna try this n will let you know. Thank you 😊
This is my first time to see an SUV turned into a cool camping car. This is what you call research. By getting a lot of ideas and come up with a better ideas. I gotta watch more of your van videos and I hope to see more of your van vlogs. ❤️❤️❤️
Wow I love this! I have a 2019 forester and have been thinking about doing this so I definitely holding onto this video!
Also, what mesh covering did you find for your sunroof?! 😍
I found a magnetic mesh panel on Amazon, it's essentially just a sheet of mesh fabric with magnets sewn around the side so it adheres to the metal of your car from the outside. It's not quite big enough for the panoramic sunroof but if I don't open it all the way it will work (I think... we'll see!). Would also be an easy thing to DIY now that I've seen how simple it is.
@@allisonanderson that’s awesome, thanks!! I wonder if it would be easy to add something to keep bugs out..
I’ll have to see in a few weeks when we start building our conversion!
@@allisonanderson you have a link to the magnetic mesh please?
I made this today and modified the measurements! You rock!
Allison, we love your set up! Where did you buy your comfortable mattress?
My wife and I have been talking about how to do this in our forester for a few months - love this idea and the execution looks awesome!
I am just about to buy a forester and was hoping to do this! Perfect timing, thanks for the video🙂
Nice! Welcome to the Forester fam! I love mine.
This is such a good idea! I've been camping in my rav 4 plenty of times but it's never really comfortable or organized haha, this is a game-changer.
SO AWESOME! I am so glad to hear you say that you love the comfort of that folding mattress, because that's a big hangup for me. I have a bad back so I can't just have some uncomfy mattress substitute. What specific mattress brand did you use?
I have a forester and will be doing this. I really wanted a teardrop but this will do.
What a fun video! I love how creative and unique your videos are.
Very resourceful young lady.
I have an Outback, so may build one of these.
Thanks!
she does such a wonderful job describing everything.
Agree ! even if she never did another travel vid, she would be wonderful just at explaining how to make/build things.
Great simple way to build a camper. what kind and size matress is yours. where did you purchase it? I am planning on converting my current suv to camper to enjoy first retirement adventure.
What a great video. I'm a longtime subscriber and I've always appreciated your positivity and general perspective on so much. Appreciating that you're still radiating those same ideals! Looking forward to the next video of your SUV "remodel""!
This is the exact setup I have to do. I knew this 9 months ago. To see it done. Priceless.
How do you cover the windows at night? Do you have bug screens for the ventilation window you leave open at night? How did you attach them? Do you cover the front windows?
Very cool!
Measure the windows and make or buy some simple curtains. Use velcro strips so you can remove them while you're driving. :)
it's nice and neat and simple and looks comfortable.
Heck yes, I love my forester! (2009 and still going strong!)
Whoo hoo! Subaru Club!!
I love mine too!
I love this so much gal! I just bought a 2012 Forester and will definitely be following this guide.
Literally about to do this - thanks so much for the video. Anything you'd change if you were to do it again?
That is really cool and looks super easy. I’m excited to try it on my 2017 cx-5. Thanks for the vid!!
This is so great! I wish I had a car but whenever I do, this is a great idea to let me travel easily on the weekend!
It turned out so well! Super excited for more SUV travel vids!!
My mouth is open with these awesome ideas 💡. I love it. My camping trips are going to be epic
i would love to see a travel vlog when u put the camper to the test!! How do you find safe places to park?
I love how you designed this for yourself, to take independent trips without hubby = )
I hope you're having wonderful adventures and freedom in your new digs.
Love this! Steve Wallis would love this, go girl.
Nice project. Good job leveling the platform. A lot of people don't think about how uncomfortable it is to sleep on a slope. One thought for an "upgrade": Consider some sort of tie-downs to keep the platform from moving around in your car. Not sure if your Subaru has cargo tie-downs in it or not, but the movement and noise of a platform can get really annoying on even a short trip and it will cause more wear and tear on your vehicle.
Good job!! Wouldn't be too comfortable for me. My wife & I have a 2020 Subaru Forester, but I'm 6'5" and she is 5'1". Guess I might have to sleep outside on the ground.
What is the brand of your foldable mattress and where did you get it, smart they put a darker cover on it.
you are seriously one of the best youtubers!