What I liked about the car camping setup for Donovan's Subaru was that Donavon isn't self-concious like a lot of people would be, and because of that presents people with what were some really good ideas for converting things for better power applications, camping storage available spots, and privacy for when rest is whats important. The basics plus would be what Donovan can take credit for. It was a very deliberate presentation, direct & outlining of what works.
Interesting if it's solely a play thing. If it's also your daily automobile, the day will come when you need a front seat. We are not 25 forever (unfortunately !!!) , so removing seats etc is great if you have a real car and a fun car. Outbacks by themselves are pretty easy to manage camping in.....On my 2019 3.6R Limited, I just grab my Thule cartop box and put stuff in there. You can camp in your car easily then with loads of room....and then when it's time to go out to dinner, or to a play, or family event....your Outback is also a very nice automobile.
RD S it’s been over a year since I removed the seats and I haven’t needed them once. But the nice thing is replacements are easy to find and only a few minutes to install.
I literally just bought this same exact one for $1500.00 no body damage with 179,484mi and from one owner with all subaru maintenance records since 2002. They replaced timing belt/water pump at 140,000mi too and its the same year, same two tone colors though mine is the 5 spd manual. It just gave me so many damn ideas I dont know what to think now. As soon as you whipped out a fuckin pump for shower I was like whaaaaat this dude haha...very creative and the cargo rack up top will definitely be something I implement as well. Thanks for the video and hope for an old wagon in this new age. I just subscribed to you and your dogs channel. Take care
I picked up an excellent condition blue over silver 2003 H6 Outback with X-pack for £2,000 with full Subaru service history. Back then a 17 year old car with 15,000 mi on the clock. My girlfriend drove it 6 miles and reversed into a cop car at the super market... !
Oh jeez i mustve been ripped i bout the same car for 3,500$ and it had 15,500 miles on it, its got a rough exterior, got some rust spots, but damn bro you got a hella nice deal
@@We_silly did you mean to say 15,000 or 150,000? If you paid 3500 and it only had 15k miles that's one hell of a deal! I'd rather have that deal haha. 🤙🏾
@@gl4989 The newer engines don't overheat anymore. I have a 2020 CVT Boxer Turbo. This station wagon kicks ass. Great safety features and variable wheel load on rough roads. Yep...Im going to camp in this Subaru. Your build is superb. I too have a Weimaraner named Remi. Your girl is beautiful!
When I worked in the mountains of California every other 4X4 was a Subaru and if one word could describe them owners would say RELIABILITY. Donovan's Subaru is sweet! Without spending an exorbitant amount of money you've created a machine that most of us want for our own overland vehicles. I've been working on my Jeep Compass for a couple of months and I watch videos like this one to acquire ideas to incorporate into my conversion. My wife and I debated between this Compass versus a full sized SUV. Being retired economy was a major deciding factor and after a trip to Key West we were elated with our decision. We refueled only twice in the thousand mile trip to the tune of about $55. Plus we ran with the big boys without any problems...80 to 85mph, in total comfort. Anyway, we've decided on a roof top tent rather than hauling a small trailer with a pop up tent. My concerns are wind noise and drop in fuel economy. but there are sacrifices with every decision. Your hacks are great ideas including the ceiling net. I love how your dog figured into the conversion. Well done!
Hands down the best off road build I've seen in a lot time. Thanks Donnie and Tireside for showing off this incredible build that most of use can afford. I never know I had a rear Aux power supply in my wagon.
I love the process to remove all the seats, build custom boxes, invent a way to have a waist level table...but running wires from the engine bay to the shower pump is too much work. Awesome build. Budget-focused, achievable comfort for the road.
This is exactly what I've been looking for for my 09 Outback. I've been on a couple month long trips from Maine to San Diego and back, and this....this is gonna be a game changer.
Very inspiring! Great job, Donovan. So much attention to detail, convenience, comfort AND practicality! Thanks for taking the time to show so much. If your power hose ever bites it, Tractor Supply's brasswand pump sprayers are amazing; great spray patterns, consistant pressure, and super economical on h2o!
Yes, I like your simple set up. Not destroying the car and building boxes inside of it. It's designed with storage! Thanks for showing the way you utilized the original storage!
This car symbolizes freedom for me - I can drive anywhere with my dog, not worry about needing a hotel or campsite, great for driving to those remote campsites & gets 25+ miles to the gallon on the highway fully packed. I never want to get rid of my Subaru - even if that means rebuilding it part by part. So I wanted to ask if others feel that way about theirs.. What makes your Outback 2003 special enough that you choose to restore it rather than trade it in for a newer model? Aside from totaling it - what *would* be the deciding factor to push you to trade it in rather than repair it?
Frame rust. It's why I got rid of my 2003 Outback 5 speed. That and I got a 2004 ML500. Far quicker, more reliable engine, real body on frame SUV, more room inside to camp, more off road capable, far quieter and more comfortable on the highway. Downside of course is gas mileage and handling (high up SUV).
Nice set up, I had the same car. My wife and I traveled all over in it. Two things I did different was take the rear seat out completely and made a half inch plywood platform with a hinge and 2 inch frame to access my storage where the seat was. I also added rain guards above the doors and homemade screens for the back seat windows. You can also use foiled bubble wrap insulation for inside the windows. Have fun on your adventures.
I also have a 2001 Subaru and on that back hatch to have more privacy get you some verical tape and stick it on the inside so it doesn't get stuck between the locks on the latch when you shut the door and use a shower curtain one of the dark shower curtains because if it's raining there waterproof plus it gives you privacy so if you need to use the restroom
dude!This is a hell of a rig!I fucking love that!This is for sure one of the best,smartest,not "over doing' way to rig up a subi for the outdoors i have ever seen!
You should consider getting mosquito car window net covers for the rear door windows to allow better airflow/shade and keep bugs out when you roll your windows down. I have a '16 Outback and they work great!
I have the 2001 VDC in the same color. I love it. It's not worth anything on the open market, but priceless to me as an adventure vehicle. When I take people to my hunting camp through think sand and drive it back to back with my other 4x4's people just can't get over how seemless it goes through sand with no drama when the larger trucks have to spin the tires to do the same stuff. And unlike the part time 4x4's the AWD on the the Sub makes it safe and secure for travel on rainy or snowy mountain roads. I've tried and it's indeed has high capabilities. With the seat down out back I can sleep well and stretch out great. Mine has the trailer hitch too and I've towed my motorcycle with no issue too. I run the basket up top, but for longer trips I have the lockable box I put on the roof, but fuel mileage goes down a bit. I recommend the Rallitek springs on the KYB struts for these. It's worth the cost.
3 years late but I’m looking into buying an older outback (2000-2004). Have you experienced any big issues or has consistent maintenance paid off for you?
Got 225/70r15 cooper at3 4s on black rhino rumble wheels on my 05 forester xt they do fine in winter took it through a blizzard ‐20 icy and blowing was a little washy feeling at times but far better than my general grabber apt on my ram.
Possibly the most capable and versatile car I've ever owned. 2002, 2.5 Auto, with VDC, dual sunroof, leather, climate control, cassette and CD player. It had done 130K, when Igot rid of it. Apart from the petrol costs it was a cheap and reliable car to run. It went everywhere. Totally miss it. The only reason I had to sell it was due to a complete exhaust replacement. Could not afford it. Even tho there was very little rust underneath (or anywhere), the exhaust just didn't last. Replaced it with a manual 2006 legacy. Even tho it was better built and nicer leather, satnav, etc. The traction control system was no where near as good as the older Outback.
I've just got the same vehicle and will get it on the roads a bit later in year, great to see someone else using one of these. I know these are a great cars and looking forward to heading into the bush doing camping next summer. Nice video mate, it's always good to see what other people have done with their vehicles.
This guy must be about 4 feet tall if he can stretch all the way out in that car. I have an outback and sleeping in it was one of the most uncomfortable nights of my life. But with that being said I love his setup
Nice. Side awning mounted to your roof rack mate. They are cheap as chips here in Australia and everyone has them. Different sizes too. Adventure Kings is a cheap but ok brand here sold by 4wd Super Centre. URABUS haha
For the awning I bought one on eBay. Its an 8' by 8'. For 120 bucks its well worth it. Easy to install too. Its shade when its sunny and dry when its raining. And its durable. I laugh every time people come up and ask if thats where I put my skis lol. And btw nice subie man
Great walkaround video! Cool to see his setup; I follow him on IG. Love the Cooper Disco AT3 4Ss! I run them on my VW Atlas, and have found they do really well in the snow and off-road.
THE MECHANIC I was looking for an ll bean when I bought this. Couldn’t find one in the area. Shame, the extra power would certainly be nice on the hills lol
Ex Duck HUNTER,,Ridgerunner in some of the MEANEST Hills in TENNESSEE I HAVE A2005 OUTBACK AND A 1995 ZJ GRAND CHEROKEE!! AND IT'S A TUFF DECISION TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE TWO BEST OFF-ROAD UNITS MADE NO OTHER 4X4 EVEN COME CLOSE,BUT THE REAL STEAP TAILS THE OUTBACK SEEMS TO DO A LITTLE BIT BETTER BECAUSE OF THE 4X4 S DRIVE IT MORE EVEN THAN QUADTRAC IN JEEPS THAT'S MY TAKE,THE CHEROKEE IS A BEAST MAKE NO MISTAKE,SO YOU THINK YOU HAVE HILLS ,,COME TO TENNESSEE IF WANT A BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE,,KINDA LIKE SCOTLAND!!
Look into etrailer.com car tent. A tent that attaches to the vehicle easily, comes with a rain fly as well. Packs into a bag that’ll fit in that basket space you have there.
2:30 I've been wondering about a 5 tire rotation cycle. Could you say a little something about how you deal with the rotation of 5 tires? I'd be very interested in your opinion. Thank you.
Have you found a solution for circulating air in the outback while sleeping? The frameless door windows are really killing me and exceeding my ability for innovation. I know I can use regular mesh, but I also wanna think ahead and have airflow if it's raining too. Also my sunroof is broken so that's not an option either:(
Great job guys...love the DIY stuff...always cool to see. Seen the ride around Eugene. If not already a Member should check out MTNROO OREGON on FB.... saw the OSC decal....;) I am member on both forums. looking forward to more vids. if he didnt get Cooler installed yet shoot me a message, I am a Roo Mechanic...;)
Nice video, but you completely glossed over that snow shovel. He said something like "flat snow shovel" and went on to the next thing. Link to the shovel?
Scott Gayden that’s actually what it’s for. It’s a light bar mount that’s supposed to be for the front license plate. But it wasn’t sturdy enough because of the shape of the front bumper. So I put it on the back and use it as a grab handle now lol
So AGM's can indeed off gas Hydrogen that is a class 4 (the highest) flammable and you are venting it into the engine bay? The hottest part of the car where the temp can be 1200 degrees on some surfaces and there are ignitions sources. You should find a better way. Maybe a weather proof battery box with a 12 bolt heating pad if needed on the roof rack. better yet get a portable power station that uses lithium batteries and can be charged by AC/DC or compact solar panels and some of them cost less than a good AGM battery.
Pretty much every car's battery is under the hood where it's always venting gasses while charging. The chance of an AGM venting gas is very rare and would require the whole charging system to malfunction without tripping the circuit breakers. Mounting the battery in the roof rack, would require passing wires through the roof or the firewall just to run the accessories. Those portable power stations are neat, but for the same capacity as this system they cost nearly double.
