Time to make changes

[subielivin]

Hello everyone, 

My name is Justin and the idea of living out of my car has been on my mind consistently for a few weeks now. Before I go into that, I'll tell you a little about myself. 

I'm 22 years old, currently living in Virginia Beach, VA. I recently graduated with a degree in Environmental Biology and a minor in Chemistry...I like science quite a bit. Although, my passion for nature came far before my love for the science behind it. Even when I was a young kid, I strived to be outside as much as possible. With a better understanding of Environmental Science, I caught myself thinking about the problems faced by the earth and the people inhabiting it more than ever. I found myself feeling guilty of my everyday actions, which I often disregarded in the past. One of my professors I was lucky enough to have gave a lecture on the toxicity tradition has brought to the world. So many people are caught in the tradition of getting a depressing day job to pay bills, eating three meals a day, going to sleep in the same spot every night....and so on. Often times, unfortunately, this problem stems from parenting...no I don't have kids, but parents feed their children before they have the ability to make conscious decisions. If a kid is fed three meals a day and told meat is a necessity their entire childhood, those children will grow up and most likely pass the same traditions to their kids. It isn't because these parents don't love their children, it's simply caused by ignorance. My parents love me and I love them, but without this lesson on tradition, I don't know if I would have ever started to deviate from the ruts I was already in because they live the classic American lifestyle, and I've lived it the past 20 years of my life as well. 

This brings me to why I'm here; I'm not happy with my lifestyle right now, only comfortable. When I noticed this tradition so many of us are caught in, I realized I would be much happier if I avoided the ruts and made my own path, so I plan to move out of my parents house in late September (have to be here for my Dad's retirement from the Navy) and most likely to Northern Virginia near the Potomac River. 

I own a 2001 Subaru Forester with 130k miles that I plan on converting into a vehicle I will be able to sustain myself out of. I am currently working on landing a job within my field of study in that area to gain experience before I eventually move out west for grad school. I have slept in my car numerous times and it makes me wonder if Subaru made this car purposefully to be used as a bed as well, I have yet to have a bad sleep. 

Things I need before the "move in": 

1. Roof basket for extra storage
2. A way to crack the windows for air circulation without bugs/rain getting in
3. Solar energy source (I won't be charging much more than my phone, computer, and ipod) 
4. Mosquito netting/shade cloth to drape over hatch (screened in porch) 

what else?...haha

I also have all of the gear to backpack for weeks, so cooking and water purification aren't a problem...as well as sleeping pad/sleeping bag

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Justin! We have a few experienced car dwellers, here, and I think at least one that lives in a subaru. I'm sure they'll check in an comment. In the mean time there's plenty of information both on the forum and on Bob's webpage with regard to setting up a car that should help.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[RollinWOT]

SubieLivin, welcome. Sounds like you an I have the same feelings. I'm also a 22 yr old man, two kids and a wife though. I completely understand wanting to shake off the mos and become less traditional in my way of living. Sounds like you have a good future ahead of you. Please allow me to make a suggestion on your subie if you don't mind. I'm a mechanic and I see lots of subies that have coolant an oil leaks from the cylinder heads. I personally woulldn't worry about the oil leak unless it was catastrophic, but Subarus are notorious for having bad cooling system integrity. Before you set off on your mobile lifestyle, take it to a REPUTABLE mechanic in your area, and have them go over it with a fine tooth comb. Timing belt, coolant leaks, and oil leaks are your main concern. All that being said though, subies are great cars. If I ever owned one, I would suggest keeping an extra quart of oil, extra gallon of coolant, and a can of radiator stop-leak. Aside from that, you should have no worries. Another user Requ21 is building a Forester like yours for living too, so check out the "living in a car" threads. Cheers!

 

[subielivin]

SubieLivin, welcome. Sounds like you an I have the same feelings. I'm also a 22 yr old man, two kids and a wife though. I completely understand wanting to shake off the mos and become less traditional in my way of living. Sounds like you have a good future ahead of you. Please allow me to make a suggestion on your subie if you don't mind. I'm a mechanic and I see lots of subies that have coolant an oil leaks from the cylinder heads. I personally woulldn't worry about the oil leak unless it was catastrophic, but Subarus are notorious for having bad cooling system integrity. Before you set off on your mobile lifestyle, take it to a REPUTABLE mechanic in your area, and have them go over it with a fine tooth comb. Timing belt, coolant leaks, and oil leaks are your main concern. All that being said though, subies are great cars. If I ever owned one, I would suggest keeping an extra quart of oil, extra gallon of coolant, and a can of radiator stop-leak.  Aside from that, you should have no worries. Another user Requ21 is building a Forester like yours for living too, so check out the "living in a car" threads. Cheers!

Thanks for the welcomes! I recently had timing belt, water pump and all pulleys on front end replaced. As for coolant issues, I haven't had any up to this point, but I am aware of the possibility. I do most of the maintenance on my car and pay close attention to fluids and they have also all been normal...burning about half a qt of oil every ~4000mi, full synthetic...sometimes closer to a qt

 

[SoulRaven]

Greetings & Welcome!

Screens held on magnets keep the bugs out well.

I believe I might try for one of those pre-made hatchback tents.

If you're not staying in one place too long, I'd just charge my electronics while driving.

Anything attached to your roof is a potential target for thieves.

Good Luck!

 

[RollinWOT]

Good to know theres still people out there who can do their own work! +1 on the screens and magnets. Those things are a blessing in spring when the bugs are out full swing! I noticed you wanted solar, and Goal Zero makes a good foldable solar panel with built in USB charger called the Sherpa, as well as a bunch of other solar/USB stuff at reasonable prices. What are your plans as far as cooking/food and doing laundry while away from home?

 

[Theadyn]

Wanted to pop in and say Hi, and Welcome!!

 

[subielivin]

For cooking and food I'll have a single burner propane stove to save some room. My diet consists of mostly fruit and vegetables, rice, beans and nuts so I won't have to cook quite as much as the normal person. I plan on shopping every 3 days or so to keep fruit and veggies fresh. Laundry won't be a problem, my girlfriend lives in northern Virginia, where I'll be moving to so I'll most likely be staying with her a couple nights a week and do laundry there

 

[sillysal54]

Congratulations Justin. I have a Dodge Caravan and I took apart an old tent for my screen for the back when the hatch is up. I clip it to the rubber gaskets with those big black office clips and it works like a charm. I also have one of those hatchback tents for when I am staying put for several days and highly recommend it. I use the clips to secure it a little better then just the bungee cords that come with it. Anything is possible using your imagination. That's the beauty of being a non-conformist!

 

[subielivin]

That's a great idea, didn't think about that. I was mostly avoiding buying a tent that goes over my hatch because of the cost, but I guess constructing one would eliminate that problem a little

 

[MikeRuth]

2. A way to crack the windows for air circulation without bugs/rain getting in

Vent Visor, available everywhere. won't keep the bugs out per se, but screens in addition will.

http://www.lundinternational.com/products/avs/window.

If interested google them for a ton of sellers.

 

[Requ21]

Welcome to the site! As was mentioned, I'm slowly working on a 2001 Forester as well! Excellent vehicle!

Something that I'm thinking a lot about, is that for every piece of gear you put in, or on, your car you will be adding weight. While I love the Forester, it doesn't have a surplus of power on tap. So, packing and converting using light weight materials will benifit you!

You mention that you've slept in your car multiple times, what do you do to work around the small hump created by the top of the rear seats when folded down? I've had a couple ideas, but just wanted to check if you have a simple work around for that issue!

In any event, this site is excellent, and the members are helpful, knowledge, and friendly.... which is a rare combination with online forums.


Requ21.

 

[subielivin]

I have a thermarest sleeping pad that I use while backpacking and over top of that I put two or three folded blankets. I haven't had a problem getting comfortable with that setup, but before I sleep back there more frequently I plan on getting a twin size memory foam mattress pad and cutting it to fit. Are you talking about the hump right below the head rest? If so I just put my pillow right on it and don't notice a thing.

It's nice to hear from a fellow Subaru owner, looks like we're in it together lol

 

[subielivin]

Just put my roof basket on so storage isn't much of an issue, and it makes it easy to put up a makeshift tarp awning, giving me a place to sit outside in a little shade and allowing my rear windows can be down in the rain.

I've also been looking at the vent visors and I think I'm going to get them after a little more research and pondering.

 

[Requ21]

I have a thermarest sleeping pad that I use while backpacking and over top of that I put two or three folded blankets. I haven't had a problem getting comfortable with that setup, but before I sleep back there more frequently I plan on getting a twin size memory foam mattress pad and cutting it to fit. Are you talking about the hump right below the head rest? If so I just put my pillow right on it and don't notice a thing.

It's nice to hear from a fellow Subaru owner, looks like we're in it together lol

Yes that's the hump I was referring to. Placing the pillow over the hump is what I'm going to try, it just cuts my vertical space by quite a bit... I suppose it's a small price to pay for comfort!

 

[subielivin]

How tall are you? I'm 5'8" so this setup works for me pretty well. Also you can take the headrest off the folded down seat and flip it around. It'll stick in about an inch, but if gives a base for a pillow and extends the "bed" a good foot, although this causes that hump to be a problem, but luckily two pillows on the headrest instead of one solves it

 

[Requ21]

How tall are you? I'm 5'8" so this setup works for me pretty well. Also you can take the headrest off the folded down seat and flip it around. It'll stick in about an inch, but if gives a base for a pillow and extends the "bed" a good foot, although this causes that hump to be a problem, but luckily two pillows on the headrest instead of one solves it

I'm right around 6ft, I have discovered the reversed headrest idea, this week when I'm off work (Wednesday and Thursday) I'm planning to work on sorting out some storage and sleeping arrangements!

 

[Jana]

As far as cooking goes, a wide mouth thermos and a small pressure cooker will give you a whole lot of bang for your buck. The pressure cooker will let you cook beans in minutes. You can put rice or grains in a thermos with some boiling water and let it sit for a few hours--a great way to have hot oatmeal for breakfast or rice for dinner.

 

[akrvbob]

I'd really love to see some pics of what you guys are doing! Any chance you can post some?
Bob

 

[Requ21]

I'd really love to see some pics of what you guys are doing! Any chance you can post some?
Bob

I've only just begun working on mine. I have a thread in the Cars subforum in the Choosing the right vehicle section. I've got info on my plans, and a few pictures so far.

Requ21