SUV Camper Conversion for under $100: Subaru Forester
Car camping is one of the best ways to explore the outdoors with comfort, flexibility, and affordability—and with a few simple modifications, your Subaru Forester can become the ultimate adventure vehicle.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how we built a sleeping platform, insulated our windows, and optimized our setup for maximum comfort. Whether you’re heading into the mountains for a weekend getaway or embarking on a cross-country road trip, these tips will help you turn your car into a cozy, functional camper.
Check out the video above for a step-by-step breakdown!
What You Need for Your Forester Micro-Camper
Before jumping into the build process, here’s a basic checklist of what we used to transform our 2021 Subaru Forester into a camper:
✅ Custom wooden platform extensions (detailed below)
✅ Reflectix window insulation (for warmth & privacy)
✅ 2-inch foam pads OR the EXPED inflatable mattress
✅ Sleeping bag, blankets, and pillows for the best sleep experience
These items helped us create a simple, lightweight, and modular setup that works for both stealth camping and full-on outdoor adventures.
Building the Sleeping Platform
The key to a good night’s sleep in your Forester is a flat, stable surface for your mattress. While the rear seats fold down, they don’t create a perfectly level surface—but with some simple modifications, we made it work.
How We Built Our Sleeping Platform
• We crafted two wooden platform extensions that rest over the front seat headrests.
• These platforms help level out the sleeping area, providing a solid base for the mattress.
• We opted for two separate pieces instead of one large platform—this makes it easier to set up, remove, and store when not in use.
Measuring & Fitting the Platform
Before building your platform, take precise measurements of your Forester’s interior.
• If you want to keep the platform set up while driving, make sure your front seats are positioned comfortably before measuring.
• Adjust the platform height based on your storage needs—you can create extra space underneath for gear, shoes, or even a small fridge.
What It’s Like Sleeping in the Forester
With the platform in place, we laid down a foam mattress pad (or an EXPED inflatable mattress), added blankets, and settled in. The key tips we found:
✔ Head towards the front seats for a more natural incline.
✔ Add extra padding to smooth out small bumps in the sleeping surface.
✔ Keep essentials like water, a headlamp, and your phone within reach for easy access at night.
Window Insulation for Warmth & Privacy
If you’re camping in cold weather—or just want a stealth setup—insulating your windows with Reflectix is a game-changer.
Why Use Reflectix?
• Keeps warmth in & cold out – Acts as a radiant barrier, helping to regulate temperature inside your car.
• Provides complete privacy – Essential for stealth camping or when you need to change clothes in a campground.
• Easy to install & remove – No adhesives required—just cut to fit and tuck into the window frame.
How to Cut Reflectix to Fit Your Windows
1. Place the Reflectix against the inside of your window.
2. Use your hands to press it into the corners of the window frame.
3. Mark the outline with a marker.
4. Cut slightly larger than your outline so it fits snugly without adhesives.
💡 Pro Tip: Store your Reflectix covers flat or roll them up when not in use—they’re lightweight and easy to stash in your car.
Making Your Forester Adventure-Ready
With a solid sleeping platform and insulated windows, our Subaru Forester has become the perfect micro-camperfor weekend trips and extended adventures. The best part? This setup is completely customizable—you can tweak it to fit your specific needs.
Your turn! If you build your own Forester camper setup, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment on the YouTube video, or send me a message via the contact tab—I’m always looking for new ideas to make car camping even better.
Happy camping! 🚙🏕