Playing with my Subaru

[Sentient Loon]

I took the 97 Subaru Outback that was graciously gifted to me and I am having a blast with it! I removed the rear bench, threw in some gear including my Exped Megamat (77.6in x 30.3in), and have gone on some epic adventures. I am really impressed how my “large” bed makes the tiny interior surprisingly comfortable, especially since I love to sprawl out in my sleep. My previous camper was a spacious minivan, but it had the frustratingly low ground clearance of a skateboard. I’m having so much fun exploring forest roads with the Subaru that it almost has me sold on getting another one, but the inability to fully sit up in bed is a deal breaker. I could utilize part of the rear bench to sit in, but then I’d lose quite a bit of storage space. Maybe a mid-size Crossover/SUV will be my next adventuremobile / mobile office.

I guess the best way to figure out what you truly need is to go out and have some experiences!

 

[RVTravel]

The Forester may give you that headroom.

 

[user 13531]

Agree with RVTravel, forester is way taller, particularly in the newer model years. The newer outbacks are much larger than your 97' as well although head room is still limited in comparison to the forester. I've had 2013 outback, 2014 crosstrek and currently a 2017 outback. I use the front passenger seat for computer time/office set up. I employ a 1/3 - 2/3 split in the back using the smaller 1/3 space behind the driver seat for cooler, stove, clothes, etc.. The larger 2/3 side behind the front passenger seat is made into the bed area, i use a thermolite self inflating pad with a quilt for a base layer to take out some of the undulation, works good but I'm not full timing in it...

 

[Sentient Loon]

Isn't the Forester shorter than the Outback? That'd be really cool if it can stretch 6.4ft. The small SUV's I've looked at so far don't go past the 5.5ft mark. I'm also planning on a house battery system so I am concerned about having enough storage space. Thanks for the tip though, I'll look into it.

 

[user 13531]

I carry a 6' ladder inside my outback with the front seat still up right, I do slide it forward a bit. Not sure about the forester. Since the outback has a nice rake to the front of the vehicle, I sleep with my head at the rear hatch, I've had my son with me a couple of times and at 6'1" he does ok... I've seen some guys build a little portable platform to fill the void between the folded down back seats and front seat area to give yourself a nice size sleeping area...

 

[drbill]

I have an 02 Subaru Forester that was given to me and I am building it out still. I have not camped in it yet. I have 4-20 Watt solar panels bolted to the roof rack. A 30 amp SunForce charge controller. A Xantrex 2000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter. A deep cycle marine battery I am going to get another to match. I think I want one of those 12 Volt refrigerators for behind the driver's seat. The back seat is coming out and plywood going in so I have storage under. Reflectix all around except  the driver and passenger doors. A curtain is going to go behind the front seat. It will be just the 2 of us Me and Mylo T. Cat (the T stands for THE.
As for headroom it is a bit tight and I don't see much more than 4" of memory foam for a bed and no platform. I just wish there was a way to open the hatch from the back. I am not very agile at 64 so that might be a problem for me.

The Car Was Free and that's ok BUT,
I am going to be saving money like a Demon so I can get a Van.

 

[Ballenxj]

I have an older Legacy Wagon. Have not used it for camping yet, but it's 4x4 ability kicks booty! With proper snow tires on it, I was amazed while watching other vehicles get zero traction.  Enjoy yours. 

 

[forest_explorer]

Just moved into my Impreza, and hope to upgrade to a Forester. I added used Forester struts to the Impreza and now it's 2" higher! Congrats.  :heart:

 

[Ballenxj]

 I added used Forester struts to the Impreza and now it's 2" higher! Congrats.  

 I've heard you can do the same thing by putting Forester shocks and struts on a Legacy.