MY SUBARU OUTBACK CAMPER

The back row seats in my Subaru do not go down all the way to flat.  There is a slight angle caused by a ~4-inch rise.  This creates the need to build a platform if you want to sleep on a flat surface. This platform can also provide extra storage space underneath if constructed with this purpose in mind. You'll see in the picture that I have three "zones" in the back of my car.  Underneath the platform is a storage zone holding several storage bins.  The left is the luggage zone held in place with a bungee cargo net.  The right is my sleeping zone consisting of an inflatable pad and my sleeping bag.

The platform is constructed of 3/4" sanded plywood and 1x6 boards.  Thanks to Brad Mitchell Photography for informing me that 1x6 boards are actually 3/4" x 5-1/2".  The platform is actually three pieces.  One large 40"W x 42"D back platform, one 25"W x 24"D passenger side platform, and one 17"W x 24" driver's side platform.  The passenger side and driver's side platforms have an additional 10" piece of 3/4" plywood attached to the top with a piano hinge.  This flips down and "hangs" over the leg room of the back seat to provide enough total depth of the platform of 74" (6'-2").

The picture above shows the three units. When traveling solo, I only install the back platform and the passenger side platform leaving the driver side rear seat upright. This provides me a spot to sit if I wish to sit in the car (like when it's raining). Sitting in the rear seat with the front seat moved all the way forward provides a similar level of comfort to a business class seat on an international flight (not bad).

The picture was taken when testing how the platforms fit inside the car. You may notice that the back platform has been angled to mimic the curvature of the rear of the car.  Additionally, the assembly holes have not yet been drilled in this picture.  Each section is held together by two 1/2 bolts (plus washers & wing-nuts).  Post-build, I also added a layer of indoor-outdoor carpet that was attached with adhesive spray and several carpet tacks.

You can see from the picture that a lot can be stored in the bins underneath.  These are the bins that are located underneath just the back section of platform.  I highly recommend that you buy the bins before constructing the platform to maximize the storage underneath.  If you take a close look at the supporting boards underneath the platform, the middle board is not centered.  Place the bins on the plywood before attaching the support boards to ensure the bins fit underneath as you like.  I've oriented the bins in the picture above as they fit underneath the back platform. Under the passenger side platform, I keep an air compressor (tires), first aide kit, tracking poles, and some other items (not shown). It's incredible just how much stuff can be stored in these bins.

The plastic boot boxes were purchased at The Container Store.  I cut off the plastic nubs on the bottom that help with stacking because I wanted the bins to slide easily.  Also, to access the bins pushed deep underneath the platform, I added a piece of paracord that is secured to some holes I drilled in the bin (another Brad Mitchell Photography detail).  The smaller bins are plastic shoe boxes I found at Wal-Mart.  All boxes are less than the 5-1/2" height dimension of the platform.

Additional notes:

I recommend you spend the extra money on 3/4" plywood instead of 1/2"  The 3/4" is very rigid and will not sag under body weight.  I cannot promise the same for 1/2" plywood.  I have seen builds by people who use 1/2" plywood and they say it works for them.  Also, I have seen people use 1x8 boards instead of 1x6 to provide even more storage space underneath the platform.  This is your choice.  I suffer from mild claustrophobia at times so I did not want to raise the sleeping platform close to the roof with 1x8 boards.  These are options you can explore based on your own personal desires.

For items too large to fit under the storage platform, I use a rooftop storage box.  Mine is a Thule Force XT (Large).  There are several brands, models, and sizes.  Choose what will work best for you.  My only recommendation is that, if you purchase a large or extra large size, spend the extra money for a model that opens from both sides.  Having this feature makes it easy to take advantage of all of the storage space since it is accessible from each side of the vehicle. After 4000 miles, I'm averaging about 1.0 mpg lower gas mileage with the rooftop storage box (this is a 6-cylinder Subaru).

For sleeping, you'll want to invest in some window shades.  Not only does this provide privacy and keep heat out of the vehicle, but it it will also block the early morning sunrise (assuming you  do not want to wake up with the 5:30am summer sunrise).  I've also learned to pay attention to which direction is east so that I can orient the car in a direction that will result in the sunrise occurring where I have window shades in place.  Many people make their own shades so save money.  I tried this and my limited artistic abilities resulted in shades that don't actually work so I went ahead and bought some from WeatherTech.  The Weather Tech shades have worked well for most of the windows but I do prefer a low-cost shade for my windshield because it folds up into a small pouch.  The Weather Tech shades need to be rolled or they will lose their structure.

I also have some Weather Tech rain guards installed on the rear windows.  This allows me to leave these windows open by about 1" at night to eliminate condensation buildup in the car while I sleep.  I have also found that leaving these windows open 1" and the sunroof cracked keep the car cool during the day (more so than by only cracking the sunroof).  I also purchased some inexpensive window nets for the two back windows to keep bugs out at night (they also provide some extra privacy).  

I have a smiling face in this picture while sitting in my Subaru Outback camper buildout because several others had taken the time to share what they have learned.  Please check out the following links to learn about their car camping experiences. 

Chase Christopher

Chase was the first Subaru buildout that I found while searching.  His videos have been very helpful in showing me what is possible with a buildout.  My design is simple compared with what Chase has done. I recommend that you check out a few of his YouTube videos to learn more.

https://www.chasechristopher.com

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKFLzUxvyHcVDccjQEY1M_XQMEFeH3-DC

Brad Mitchell

Brad's video helped me a lot with visualizing what would end up being my design.  He also provided some very helpful hints related to the storage bins. His two Subaru buildout YouTube videos are about 10 minutes each (and they saved me much more than that amount of time in headaches trying to figure out what to build).

https://www.bradmitchellphoto.com

https://youtu.be/aPhlI3WxBa8

Nikki Delventhal (& Camper Delventhal)

Nikki and her dog, Camper, have been living on the road for years.  Her videos are very helpful in explaining how to live the everyday while car camping.  She has some great videos on gadgets for your car camping experience and just generally fun topics.  I've linked to her YouTube video below on how to shower every day while on the road - I bet there is some methods in this video that you haven't considered before.

https://www.nikkidelventhal.com

https://youtu.be/KdTM3QOzwYU

Greg

Greg doesn't have a car camping YouTube feed or fancy website.  He's simply my friend. Greg allowed me to use all of his tools to build the inside of my camper and helped me when I needed it.  

Thanks Greg!