If you’re a Subaru Crosstrek owner looking to convert your car for camping, you’re in the right place. Car camping is an increasingly popular way to enjoy the outdoors without the expense or hassle of a traditional RV.
A versatile vehicle like the Subaru Crosstrek is perfect for the task, offering a blend of ruggedness, size, and storage space. In this post, we’ll go over how to create a functional, cost-effective car camping conversion.
This guide is inspired by Mitch, a seasoned car camper, who shared his experience converting his Subaru Crosstrek. He designed his setup to be both modular and practical for solo and two-person trips, keeping costs low and repurposing materials.
Let’s take a deep dive into how you can achieve the same with your vehicle.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Plan Your Design
1. Modular Setup: The ability to switch between configurations for solo or two-person trips is crucial.
You’ll want to make sure you can easily convert your car based on your specific needs.
2. Accessibility: Your setup should allow easy access to the car’s built-in storage compartments—such as the glove box, center console, and spare tire well.
Too many designs out there force you to remove the entire conversion just to get to essential items, which can be frustrating.
3. Tailored Fit: Design your conversion to fit your existing gear, like an air mattress, stove, cooler, and other essentials.
Having specific spots for each item minimizes clutter and maximizes usable space.
Step 2: Gathering Materials for Your Build
Mitch’s setup was created with minimal cost, using materials he had on hand from previous projects. His conversion primarily consists of plywood and wood left over from a decking project.
If you want to replicate or modify his build, here are the core materials you will need:
– Plywood: A ¾ inch top sheet of plywood provides a sturdy base for the sleeping platform and storage areas.
– Pressure-Treated Wood: This was used to create the support structure under the plywood top sheet.
– Hinges and Hardware: You’ll need several hinges to allow parts of the platform to fold, giving you access to storage compartments below. Mitch used two hinges for the back and three more for other parts of the support structure.
Mitch’s setup is economical, mainly because of the repurposing of wood and storage items like plastic drawers from his college days.
Using what you have on hand can keep costs low while adding a personal touch.
Step 3: Building the Two-Person and Solo Configurations
Two-Person Setup
For a two-person configuration, Mitch kept the passenger seat installed. This allowed him to inflate one side of the mattress for the second person.
The setup remains comfortable and practical for two people without compromising storage space.
Solo Setup
For solo trips, Mitch removes the front passenger seat. Doing this adds an extra 6 inches to the sleeping platform, providing crucial room for someone who’s 6 feet tall.
Removing the seat is easier than you might think—it’s held in place by four bolts (two in the front and two in the back) and a few electrical connections.
Once the seat is out, you’ll have significantly more room for both sleeping and storing gear.
For detailed instructions on seat removal, you can refer to Mitch’s video guide, but the key takeaway is how much of a difference this makes for a solo setup.
Step 4: Maximizing Storage Space
Mitch’s build emphasizes smart use of space, particularly in how he stored kitchen supplies, jumpers, and camera gear.
Storage Around the Hatch Area
The rear of the Crosstrek houses a critical part of the setup—easy access to the spare tire and jack.
Many car camping conversions overlook this, but Mitch designed his so that everything is hinged, meaning you don’t have to dismantle the entire structure to get to your tire.
This is a huge time-saver, especially in emergencies.
Front Seat Storage
Even with the passenger seat removed, Mitch maximized the front storage area by including plastic bins for various items.
These bins are used to store kitchen supplies, electronics, toiletries, and even a small trash can. If you want to replicate this setup, think about what items you’ll need quick access to and place them accordingly.
Open Storage Areas
Mitch left the sides of his conversion open. While this might seem like an unfinished design, the open space allows you to stuff extra items into otherwise unused areas.
Whether it’s small gear or food supplies, these spots are ideal for things you don’t mind storing loosely.
Step 5: Adding Personal Comforts
Subwoofer Integration
One surprising inclusion in Mitch’s design is his subwoofer. While it’s not a typical part of a camping setup, Mitch incorporated it because he values the sound quality during his trips.
Plus, the subwoofer doubles as a structural support when strapped down, showing that you can seamlessly integrate personal luxuries into your conversion without sacrificing functionality.
Sleeping Gear
Mitch uses an inflatable mattress for sleeping but has multiple options depending on the season.
He also has a foam roll-out pad and an inflatable winter sleeping pad for colder trips.
If you plan to camp year-round, consider investing in weather-appropriate sleeping gear.
Sleeping Gear
Mitch uses an inflatable mattress for sleeping but has multiple options depending on the season.
He also has a foam roll-out pad and an inflatable winter sleeping pad for colder trips.
If you plan to camp year-round, consider investing in weather-appropriate sleeping gear.
Step 6: Additional Gear and Accessories
Step 6: Additional Gear and Accessories
Step 6: Additional Gear and Accessories
A well-thought-out car camping conversion isn’t complete without considering external storage and accessories.
Mitch added a Thule cargo rack for extra gear storage. During winter, it holds his snowboards, camping pad, and table.
He also has a hitch cargo basket for additional cargo space, although he doesn’t always use it.
Privacy and Ventilation
Mitch also uses sunshades or privacy screens that can be stored underneath the bed to keep them flat. When it comes to ventilation, he sleeps with his head toward the front of the car, allowing condensation from his breath to escape through the sunroof—an essential detail for comfort during colder trips.
Final Thoughts: Lessons and Future Improvements
If you’re inspired by this build or have suggestions, don’t hesitate to experiment with your setup. The beauty of car camping conversions is that they are customizable to your needs and can be improved over time.
