2001 Subaru Forester modifications for camping

[Requ21]

So I've started doing so low price, and easily removable modifications to my 2001 Subaru Forester to make it a little better as a short term camper set up. It won't be stealthy, and it won't be fulltime ready.  It is my daily driver, and has been for almost 2 years.. I mentioned in my introduction thread that I was still waiting on finding the perfect van to buy, and someone recommended working on my current vehicle to be able to do some short term camping to test the waters of the dwelling life. As such, that's what I'm planning.

Alas, this is my starting point, it's a stock 2001 Subaru Forester S. It has almost 205,000 miles on it, and so far has been a dream to own.


That's a pretty mellow trail we happened across, you can't tell, but the back tire is off the ground. It's offroad abilities are however not important to the story.



So, the plans right now, since I'm currently not financially able to have the windows tinted. I'm planning to buy a roll of reflectix to make covers for all the windows (again, not stealth... It is essintailly replacing the tent portion of camping.  

I'll be laying the seats down and scooting the passanger seat forward to allow room for a mattress pad and sleeping bag in the passanger side. 

On the drivers side I'll be temp mounting a cooler and plastic storage tote (probably both with bungee cords).

I'm also planning to get one of those automotive clothing rods to hang across the hand holds to both hang a couple changes of clothes, as well as to hang a small LED lanturn.

That's basically the jest of my "modifications". Again, not a very impressive set up, but I'm still excited to get started both on the car, and on my new lifestyle.


In the spirit of asking questions, the reflectix rolls I'm finding at Lowes/Home Depot are listed as "unfaced" I'm familiar with facing on insulation from my time in construction trades.. However, having never worked with reflextix, will I need some sort of backing to make stable(esque) window blocks..


Thanks for any info and advice!
Requ21

 

[WriterMs]

Fantastic that you are planning simple ways to test the waters! In the newspaper business, there is a saying (relative to meeting deadlines) of "Go with what you've got." And that's what you're doing.

As you said, your vehicle is replacing the function of a tent at this point. I would suggest you can also be on the lookout for a used or new tent that can be an outside area to give you outdoor sitting space or kitchen space with some shelter and/or protection from bugs.

I have what I feel is a roomy van, but I carry a pop-up shower tent -- not for outside sitting but simply for showering. In 60 seconds, I have a privacy tent that provides a new function and it folds into a large "circle" that is only a few inches thick when not in use.

When I am able to full-time, I am considering one of the newer Coleman "instant up" tents that has full standing height inside yet takes only a couple of minutes to erect because of its integrated outside frame. Just another idea to think about.

You'll here this from others, too, but we love to see pics of how it works out to do the simplest possible conversion.

 

[Requ21]

Fantastic that you are planning simple ways to test the waters! In the newspaper business, there is a saying (relative to meeting deadlines) of "Go with what you've got." And that's what you're doing.

As you said, your vehicle is replacing the function of a tent at this point. I would suggest you can also be on the lookout for a used or new tent that can be an outside area to give you outdoor sitting space or kitchen space with some shelter and/or protection from bugs.

I have what I feel is a roomy van, but I carry a pop-up shower tent -- not for outside sitting but simply for showering. In 60 seconds, I have a privacy tent that provides a new function and it folds into a large "circle" that is only a few inches thick when not in use.

When I am able to full-time, I am considering one of the newer Coleman "instant up" tents that has full standing height inside yet takes only a couple of minutes to erect because of its integrated outside frame. Just another idea to think about.

You'll here this from others, too, but we love to see pics of how it works out to do the simplest possible conversion.

I will definitely get pictures as I go with it!

I have thought about the outdoor sitting area, I'm considering buying some mosquito netting and putting small weight in one end, then attaching small magnets to the other end, to create a bug proof sitting area around the rear hatch... plus it will allow the car to air out.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Not sure what your budget is.  Just in case you didn't know about this:  http://www.amazon.com/Sportz-Dome-t...211&sr=8-1&keywords=station+wagon+tent+Subaru

Regards
John

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

So, the plans right now, since I'm currently not financially able to have the windows tinted. I'm planning to buy a roll of reflectix to make covers for all the windows (again, not stealth... It is essintailly replacing the tent portion of camping.  

I'll be laying the seats down and scooting the passanger seat forward to allow room for a mattress pad and sleeping bag in the passanger side. 

On the drivers side I'll be temp mounting a cooler and plastic storage tote (probably both with bungee cords).

I'm also planning to get one of those automotive clothing rods to hang across the hand holds to both hang a couple changes of clothes, as well as to hang a small LED lanturn.

Thanks for any info and advice!
Requ21

Hey Requ21, I spent four years living for 6 - 8 weeks at a time out of a 2008 Subaru Forester (with a beagle even).  It is doable, but you will be living most of the time outside.  Being a guy, usually camping in the boonies, and sleeping in my clothes, I didn't bother covering the windows.

What i did is remove the front passenger seat ( 4 bolts, one plug), use a 65(?) qt and a 34 qt plastic bin to build up a platform, add a 4" foam mattress, and had plenty of room to stretch out.  You will be sleeping at a slight incline as the rear seat does not lay down flat (at least in the '08).  Moving from driving to sleeping required a lot of moving stuff around.  I used the two plastic bins for clothes, sundries, and camping gear (I carried along backpacking stuff).

In the back I had a cooler, plastic tote for food, plastic tote for cooking and eating stuff.  Other stuff was wedged into cracks and crevices in the vehicle.

I did not have any clothes hanging.  I used the dome light, flashlights and a headlamp for light at night.



Sorry, can't help with attaching the reflectix as I didn't use any window covering.

 -- Spiff

 

[Requ21]

Hey Requ21, I spent four years living for 6 - 8 weeks at a time out of a 2008 Subaru Forester (with a beagle even).  It is doable, but you will be living most of the time outside.  Being a guy, usually camping in the boonies, and sleeping in my clothes, I didn't bother covering the windows.

What i did is remove the front passenger seat ( 4 bolts, one plug), use a 65(?) qt and a 34 qt plastic bin to build up a platform, add a 4" foam mattress, and had plenty of room to stretch out.  You will be sleeping at a slight incline as the rear seat does not lay down flat (at least in the '08).  Moving from driving to sleeping required a lot of moving stuff around.  I used the two plastic bins for clothes, sundries, and camping gear (I carried along backpacking stuff).

In the back I had a cooler, plastic tote for food, plastic tote for cooking and eating stuff.  Other stuff was wedged into cracks and crevices in the vehicle.

I did not have any clothes hanging.  I used the dome light, flashlights and a headlamp for light at night.



Sorry, can't help with attaching the reflectix as I didn't use any window covering.

 -- Spiff

That's awesome! Those new Foresters are super nice!

I considered removing the seat and filling the void... I may through a twin air mattress in the back as a test fit, before moving forward, it would add a nice area for storage.

The window coverings are about 50/50 between privacy and heat... either way I think for my purposes they will be benificial... I'm not clear on how dispersed camping works, legally speaking, so I've been looking at free primitive campsites in my state for now.

 

[SoulRaven]

Having just helped set up a camper van, I highly recommend insta-cling window tint from Walmart. It's cheap, and a breeze to install, and much more durable than the other kinds of window tint. It's also removable.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Expressions-Insta-Cling-Window-Tint-Extra-Dark-5/16672493

Unless it's REALLY bright inside at night, you can't see in. We used a 36 LED UFO light on his ceiling, and it literally lit the interior up like daylight, and yet the windows remained totally dark from outside. You can still see out from inside though.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Reflectix is fairly stiff if you don't fold it the wrong way or mangle it. We have pieces carefully cut to fit some of the windows in our van by simply pressing into place around the trim (some have magnets glued on). Cut with a straight edge and razorknife or shears. 
We're using what we bought over 2 years ago so I'd call that cheap.

 

[Requ21]

Reflectix is fairly stiff if you don't fold it the wrong way or mangle it. We have pieces carefully cut to fit some of the windows in our van by simply pressing into place around the trim (some have magnets glued on). Cut with a straight edge and razorknife or shears. 
We're using what we bought over 2 years ago so I'd call that cheap.

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Most of ours were patterned from the outside and trimmed as needed...especially the windshield
Check your trim on the inside to see if it will work out that way for yours.

 

[Requ21]

Most of ours were patterned from the outside and trimmed as needed...especially the windshield
Check your trim on the inside to see if it will work out that way for yours.

I cut some patterns out of cardboard, but then realized the way my window trim for the doors is, I can open the door, trace the size of the window, then if I cut it about a half inch smaller all the way around (except the bottom) I can close it between the window and the weather stripping at all 4 doors.

For the rear side windows (behind the doors) and the back, I am thinking I will hot glue small suction cups to the corners to hold them in place.

The windshield will probably be a commercial windshield cover, so that I can just leave it in the car when I'm not camping, and use it day to day.. the reason for this, is that all my side and rear windows are right around 17 inches tall, and Lowe's has Reflectix in an 18in roll (in multiple lengths) but the windshield is enormous and would require a joint in the middle... so for ease, I will spend the $10 and buy one premade.

 

[RollinWOT]

Requ21, I was just curious as to what you do for storage of larger items like food prep, propane burner(if you have one), and so on?

 

[Requ21]

Requ21, I was just curious as to what you do for storage of larger items like food prep, propane burner(if you have one), and so on?

The plan as of now is as follows.

Behind the drivers seat (the back seats will be folded down) by the door will be my cooler, loaded with all the cold goods.

Behind that, still on the drivers side will be a large (I forget the actual size) plastic storage tote, which I'm hoping will contain essentially everything I need... I will only have simple things, basic cutting board, cutlery, a couple pots/pans, plate bowl etc... I hope to find some small pots/pans from a goodwill store or something of the sort.

The Subaru has 2 little cubby holes in the rear which should each fit one of those small propane tanks (I want to store them somewhat separated from everything else) however.. I'm still deciding between buying a 2 burner camp stove, vs buying a grate that will just sit over a fire pit... pros and cons as I see them.

Camp stove- better control of heat. convienience factor. Could be used later when I upgrade to a van, and am able to stealth park in urban areas.

The negative is really just initial investment.. plus I've never used a camp stove.

Fire pit rack- Cheap. Simple. Usually a larger cooking surface.

The big negative is I would hate to have to pass up a beautiful spot due to it not having a fire ring constructed... It usually takes a decent sized fire to use the racks I have had in the past.

Anyways, input on that would be appreciated.


I'll post pictures as I get everything ready to go.

 

[WriterMs]

... I'm still deciding between buying a 2 burner camp stove, vs buying a grate that will just sit over a fire pit... pros and cons as I see them.

I have a very portable one-burner Coleman propane stove. It does have a large footprint but is very stable for holding pans or skillets. So it is smaller than the two burners but gives you propane control.

To simply boil water, I do have a tiny fold-out fuel tab stove as well. Oh, and with sunlight, I often warm up things that are already cooked (Hormel meals or a can of chili) using my silver sunshade (fashioned in sort of a cone) in the front van window if the sun is out strong. Instant solar oven.

 

[Almost There]

IMO it's not wise to depend on wood burning for cooking at any time.

During the deep heat of the summer we end up with fire bans all over North America.

Depending on where you're camped gathering and chopping/cutting firewood consumes a lot of time and energy.

If you're looking for something small take a look at the single burner camp stoves used by hikers - they come in all sizes, shapes, types of fuel and price.

 

[LeeRevell]

How about both?  A fire ring grate (assuming a thin and light design) and a single burner propane stove?  Very compact and easily stored.  Then you use whichever fits the needs at the time.  I rarely use my two-burner stove, finding the single burner fits my simple cooking needs quite well.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Being a backpacker, I have a number of stoves.  When camping in my Forester, I carried two: a MSR Pocket Rocket and a MSR XGK.  The Pocket Rocket is very small, fuel readily available, will not handle large pots and pans, isobutane is moderately expensive.  If stormy, it can be carefully used inside the vehicle, although you will get a lot of condensation.  Haven't needed more than one burner.  The XGK was a backup (cuz I have it).

I found it most convenient to store my cooking stuff just inside the back hatch while traveling and moving the cooler, food bin and utensils bin to the side for sleeping.  That way I could stop, open the back hatch, fix a meal, and continue on without rearranging a lot of stuff.  Always covered my cooler and food bin with my sleeping bag; you will get a lot of sun in through the back window.

Campfires will be very iffy out west this year.  Lot of burning bans.

 -- Spiff

 

[akrvbob]

There are tons of little backpackers stoves that burn twigs and sticks that fold flat. They actually burn hotter and faster than a campfire:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...wood+stove&rh=n:3375251,k:portable+wood+stove

But I'd think seriously about a Pepsi can cooker burning alcohol. Google it and you'll get hundreds of plans/videos.

Overall, you have a great plan!
Bob

 

[SoulRaven]

For the rear side windows (behind the doors) and the back, I am thinking I will hot glue small suction cups to the corners to hold them in place.

School type glue sticks work well for securing suction hooks long term.

 

[SoulRaven]

I'm still deciding between buying a 2 burner camp stove, vs buying a grate that will just sit over a fire pit... pros and cons as I see them.

Camp stove- better control of heat. convienience factor. Could be used later when I upgrade to a van, and am able to stealth park in urban areas.

The negative is really just initial investment.. plus I've never used a camp stove.

Fire pit rack- Cheap. Simple. Usually a larger cooking surface.

The big negative is I would hate to have to pass up a beautiful spot due to it not having a fire ring constructed... It usually takes a decent sized fire to use the racks I have had in the past.

Anyways, input on that would be appreciated.


I'll post pictures as I get everything ready to go.

Another thing to consider in your choice is that many times especially in the summer, campfires are banned.