I Turned My SUV Into A CAMPER | Easy DIY Platform Build

Рет қаралды 750,618

3 жыл бұрын

Come along with me as I build my SUV into a camper!
•Adventures on INSTAGRAM / photoallison
•10% off at Squarespace: www.squarespace.com/allisonand...
Thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring this video.
The blog post I based a lot of this design on: www.bonjourbecky.com/how-i-tu... Thanks Becky, this was so helpful!
My website: www.allisonanderson.com
Business inquiries: allison@allisonanderson.com
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MATERIALS - these are links to the exact products I purchased but anything like these will work. There are tons of ways to build these platforms so get creative and have fun!
- (2) 4' x 8' x .75" plywood sheets bit.ly/3iQkh8e
-1.5" wood screws bit.ly/3h3z3rB
-30" piano hinge bit.ly/3iRabE3
-Gorilla Glue wood glue bit.ly/2Fw0Xi6
-1" x 2" x 8' board - stolen from my Dad's garage, sorry Dad
-Circular saw bit.ly/2PVZ3JB
*You will want a 40-tooth blade for cutting plywood, this is the one I bought to fit my specific circular saw: bit.ly/3g2Jryo
Adhesive carpet squares: amzn.to/32359gG
4" twin folding mattress: amzn.to/3iNTQjn
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The gear I use to shoot my videos: allisonanderson.com/camera-gear
Some links in this description are affiliate.

Пікірлер: 498

@allisonanderson 3 жыл бұрын

This was such a fun project and honestly SO easy. If this is something that piques your interest, go for it!

@AvinashSingh-vj3rk 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video

@kdmaccount 3 жыл бұрын

Please share you blueprint measurements for those of us that have 2017-2018 Subaru. It would be especially helpful as to the slope measurements verification. Bonjour Becky was asked for the same and never replied. Can you help? Thanks so much. Your vids are awesome!

@moses777exodus 3 жыл бұрын

Best wishes, Lord-Jesus-Christ com

@dustykidphoto 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Allison, did you thought about removing the back chair for extra room?

@kre8504 3 жыл бұрын

It's what I'm looking to do to my Ford Escape XLT. I got the idea in my head awhile back: Nice to see someone with a similar idea.

@PinkAmour21 3 жыл бұрын

girl, i’ve been watching you for YEARS and have evolved from obsessed to minimalism obsessed just like you, and now you’re converting your Subaru at the same time i’m dirt-bagging in my Subaru!! so blessed to have such quality content from you, thank you!!

@allisonanderson 3 жыл бұрын

That's so cool! It's the perfect time for car adventures, that's for sure!

@thebassclarinetist 3 жыл бұрын

I've camped in the back of my forester for the last few years and love it! You've made me consider building it out. Especially when you're camping in hot locations, a mesh for a window is a must.

@tatemitchell1479 2 жыл бұрын

Tip: for even more storage room (to allow you to bring along extra cooking equipment like a camping cooker) build it as a single and use a single mattress. If you’re bringing a dog and would rather they had their own bed, this works too!

@VKSgtSLaughter 3 жыл бұрын

PRO TIP... buy the plastic storage containers *first* so you can measure how tall to make the platform so they fit underneath. I built a smaller platform for my SH Forester but I like yours better. Great video! 👍

@IroncladCat-wx4tt 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great looking build! I love tat you added the measurements to your build in the video, so that it could be helpful to other Subaru Forester owners. This is actually inspiring me to do this in my 2017 Subaru Forester XT Touring with a little tweaks to the design, so I may put it away after I'm done sleeping for the night. Extra teardown at the campsite, but I'm ok with that to get the extra comfort and usability of the space. Wonderful build! Love to see more, Forester buddy!

@chrismaupin 3 жыл бұрын

There is always something so exciting, so empowering about doing something like this. Why is it so exciting to break out of the everyday conventions of housing? Thanks for making this.

@derekzimmer6335 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Your step-by-step walkthrough was excellent. Greatly appreciated how you offered your thoughts driving your design.

@dancercofd 3 жыл бұрын

My wife and I have been talking about how to do this in our forester for a few months - love this idea and the execution looks awesome!

@georgiemccann2357 3 жыл бұрын

I'm slightly obsessed with this! Such a good idea! Can't wait to see the rest of you series on this to see what you do.

@michellekohn2130 3 жыл бұрын

Legitimately one of the best videos I’ve watched this year! I am so excited at the possibilities this could lead to. Well done. 👏🏻💕👍🏻

@melissalafarga7277 3 жыл бұрын

Seriously, i love this video! The way you demonstrated every step so clear and how easy it is to follow, ugh, THANK YOU! I’ve been debating whether to purchase a camper or convert my suv into a small camper and you just helped me decide. I’m so motivated to build mine now! 💚

@allisonanderson 3 жыл бұрын

So glad I could help!!

@stephaniedillard9706 2 жыл бұрын

That platform was well thought out, especially the hinge piece. And the storage is impressive too!

@thomasholley360 3 жыл бұрын

Have a similar setup for my 2014 Toyota Highlander. Two differences: I removed middle seats and tied bed frame into seat tracks for safety reasons - accidents don’t like flat pieces of plywood flying around in your suv. Downside: tying into seat track with bolts/metal flange limits ability to fold up during day. Second, I used a piano hinge similarly to access spare tire well located in rear of Highlander. I didn’t want to have to unload bed and frame on rainy night (when else do u get a flat?) to get to spare. Also, in Highlander there is extra storage space in spare tire compartment for tools, etc. so piano hinge worked well there. Lastly, I screened a side window to get cross-ventilation with sunroof screening. Used magnets sewn into mesh nylon screening to affix to exterior of car after I’ve stopped for night.

@anesthetized7053 3 жыл бұрын

just bought a 98 tahoe project for this purpose more or less. Great start! i think that having the setup like this will leave lots of room for improvement as you see fit. There is a huge community dedicated to fully outfiting the vehicle THEN going on the trip, but this type of build will let you decide what you need when it comes to mind, and still have space to execute it.

@MASep-bs5um 3 жыл бұрын

What a great video. I'm a longtime subscriber and I've always appreciated your positivity and general perspective on so much. Appreciating that you're still radiating those same ideals! Looking forward to the next video of your SUV "remodel""!

@hughseagraves7036 3 жыл бұрын

I'm doing this in my Tahoe (I'm 6'6"). Great video. I hadn't thought of using plastic bins (instead of building drawers) and mesh for the sunroof. One piece of advice - when you go camping, bring along some short sections of 2x6 so you can level the car if your spot is not flat enough. Just put them where you need them and drive up onto them. Thanks! Oh and if anybody else is wondering if they can use a futon mattress instead of a foam mattress like I used in the past - foam mattresses are much, much more comfortable.

@sweetpebz 3 жыл бұрын

I can’t wait to see the add-ons you’ve got planned for this camper. Great job!

@allentituspaz3241 3 жыл бұрын

This is my first time to see an SUV turned into a cool camping car. This is what you call research. By getting a lot of ideas and come up with a better ideas. I gotta watch more of your van videos and I hope to see more of your van vlogs. ❤️❤️❤️

@spiritofatree 3 жыл бұрын

This is so great! I wish I had a car but whenever I do, this is a great idea to let me travel easily on the weekend!

@VDO13 3 жыл бұрын

Yessss. My husband & I have been thinking about turning our Honda Element into a camper for some road trips, and I love how easy you made it seem! Can't wait to see the other videos you have planned :)

@Jenjenilou Жыл бұрын

This is the best and easiest platform I've seen so far and the only one my DIY skills would allow me to attempt. Thank you!

@bernicebenice4990 2 жыл бұрын

We have been searching for a van for camping and all along we had it right in our very own driveway...we have a 2018 Subaru forrester (and it even has a sunroof for nighttime stargazing and ventilation!)and never thought of a conversion until seeing your video. Thank you for the very specific directions!

@toddcooper4487 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Allison! I helped my niece Kate build one today. I encouraged her to send you pics of the finished product!

@Callixen 3 жыл бұрын

Your video inspired me to finally do this to my SUV. I just got done and it is amazing! Modified your design because I took my back seats out to give more storage space, so instead of spines running along the back seats, I made a table with 4 legs and frame for support. It is super sturdy and fits my car perfectly. Excited to take it out on the road and try it out, thanks Allison!

@missohon4721 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so happy and excited for you! My current situation doesn't allow me to do this but your video has inspired me so much I will definitely want to experience this in the future! Love all your videos, looking forward to your adventures! Love from New Zealand xx

@joylim7926 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so excited to see where this takes you and I can’t wait for your upcoming adventures (and videos!) Please also do a camper tour video once you’ve finished setting up all the accessories you’ve mentioned!! I’m sure I’m not the only one excited to see it hehe

@keniview 3 жыл бұрын

I have watched your video for several years, subscriber from Macau. I am always surprised by you. Your videos topic always sync my interest(beauty, minimalist/declutter, life style, DIY camper). Can’t wait to see you do more DIY projects!!

@ohitsROME 3 жыл бұрын

WOW! This is so cool, a great alternative to spending so much money for a sprinter or camper van!

@estherstephens1858 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve watched this video several times and I’m super excited. I want to attempt something similar in my suv.

@miagrundy4990 3 жыл бұрын

I love this so much gal! I just bought a 2012 Forester and will definitely be following this guide.

@wandawas2 3 жыл бұрын

I am impressed with your build as well as you are, and I must try it. I drove my Sister's SUV to Florida, and if the weather here in the Sunshine State was cooler, I would have taken her SUV camping with this same build as yours. I have all the items needed in my garage. The only change would be to place the bed behind the passenger seat and into the center, avoiding having to move the driver's seat forward. I sleep in one spot, so I don't need a wide bed space. Doing this will allow me additional space and storage for other things. Not to mention quick access to the driver's seat if necessary 😧. My Sis may not get her vehicle back...lol. I will be borrowing it again. Thanks for such great info. Safe travels. Namaste.

@katherinesudbrook 3 жыл бұрын

It turned out so well! Super excited for more SUV travel vids!!

@aras6004 2 жыл бұрын

I watched several of your videos and I wanted to say, thank you! These videos are informational, great quality, and inspirational; I subscribed. I recently bought an SUV and I travel for work and I am excited to plan for SUV life/camping. I wish you all the best concerning your endeavors and adventures.

@GreenGoddessCreative Жыл бұрын

You’re going to be my inspiration for a 2015 Subaru forester, thank you for the easy to follow plan!

@mick1416 3 жыл бұрын

And the Winner is Allison, Wow you are Smart, I watch all the other suv camper builds but yours was perfect for my SUV. I was trying to find a Mattress and Fold out Mattress I would never thought of 🙂 and I love the Nice touch adhesive carpet squares. The Piano hinges Giving that extra room with the seats moved forward should be enough room as I am 6ft 4 Tall. and the legs that's holding up the Fold down part with the 4 smaller squares keeping them in place was a Great idea.

@Lauren_aida 3 жыл бұрын

This is such a good idea! I've been camping in my rav 4 plenty of times but it's never really comfortable or organized haha, this is a game-changer.

@michaelhare6489 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Allison Serious congratulations. The thought you pit into the build video was so much better than most you may want to write a guide. Like you I’ve been looking for a good car/van/teardrop travel solution. I’ve also settled on the Forester but that it for now. Hope to move from east coast to Colorado this summer to be closer to family, COVID permitting. At any rate, the real minimalism of your rig is compelling and obviously the build out and equipment will be a small fraction of other options. I also enjoyed the first trip and add one so looking forward to what’s next.

@CKT222 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so excited to see how your channel has shifted to what you love doing! Thank you for taking us with you. Safe travels!

@allisonanderson 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for following along!

@dantecelle 3 жыл бұрын

This is the exact setup I have to do. I knew this 9 months ago. To see it done. Priceless.

@somsubh 3 жыл бұрын

I love all of your videos soo much Allison! You have the best videos and your travel videos are my favorite! 💛💛

@drutgat2 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this. Quite apart from the fact that this was a useful project to observe, it is a pleasure to see a video that is shot so well, and to the constituent pieces of the build explained so clearly and articulately.

@CompassBlue 3 жыл бұрын

such an affordable and temporary way to try vanlife without committing too much to it. cant wait to see you outfit it it all!

@johnwealthy6044 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Alison!! Thanks for sharing... Been looking for 6 months for camper type vans to convert but the prices are so high now. I had a thought this morning that an SUV would be an alternative. So I found your great video. I have a Mazda6 saloon at present which although have put a mattress in it, an SUV is something I need to purchase ASAP. Looking forward to seeing your off grid electrics video

@MrTowton1461 3 жыл бұрын

Allison this setup is awesome! Well done. Can't wait for your next vid. Best wishes from the UK.

@itsoundslikehoney 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve wanted to do this for SO LONG. been working this whole time so I haven’t thought about it right now but nowwwe I wannaaaaaa

@YogawithKaylee 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you made this video. Showed it to my hunney and roommate and said "let's do this today." I have an impreza and the measurements are only a couple inches different from the forester! Got everything to make it and hoping to finish tomorrow and head out for a trip this weekend!

@michaelt8532 Жыл бұрын

For the hinge piece drill 2 in both legs and board and use drop pins. them little pieces won’t last. And you can take the pins out and fold it for when you drive.

@don8548 3 жыл бұрын

I am amazed with your creative workout for camping needs.

@sbragdon212 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome job!! I’m stoked to see your related future videos. Well, all your videos, but definitely these related ones! 😊

@aj707 3 жыл бұрын

I am just about to buy a forester and was hoping to do this! Perfect timing, thanks for the video🙂

@allisonanderson 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Welcome to the Forester fam! I love mine.

@sweetness371 3 жыл бұрын

I love this idea! Can't wait to see you take it on an adventure!

@mayibelmaybelline3779 3 жыл бұрын

It actually looks really comfortable. I’ve been wanting to do this to my Jeep. You totally inspired me to actually look into it 😄.

@cynderelliee 3 жыл бұрын

I've done it in my jeep and it works really well!

@allisonanderson 3 жыл бұрын

You totally should. A Jeep is perfect for overland adventures!

@sjandrewrock 3 жыл бұрын

I already have a Sienna with a Coleman cot set up that I intend to go on a 1 week road trip in April but I love her video and watched the thing.

@She_Tried_It Жыл бұрын

Great job! I have a 2002 and would love to see this with drawer rails that allow two long 40" pull outs from the back (peg board bottom drawers can minimize weight). So you have these drawers to pull out in order to maximize the space under the bed. Even on a road trip, it's a pain to just stuff it in where it fits in, and then go back and try to find what you need. This way you stuff the drawers and then just pull out, pick what you need and push back. You don't have to slide containers in and out to get stuff stored at the back, etc. I love that the sun roof becomes an amazing sky light - I'd be scared a nosey raccoon or cat would drop down on me at night! 🦝 😆 😸

@britty31 3 жыл бұрын

I am in awe. You are such a crafty person, I wish I were as crafty as you are

@mikelaird7636 3 жыл бұрын

Nice build😀 Looks comfy,nice forethought on the slope and hinge!

@ModernMolliee 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, this is so cool! At first I clicked on this video because I love your channel and just wanted to watch to support you BUT I got so invested in the process. I don’t even have an SUV but I’m so excited to see you deck it out and take it on trips!

@maiiamoua 3 жыл бұрын

What a fun video! I love how creative and unique your videos are.

@AJK0119 3 жыл бұрын

So excited for videos in this setup!!

@faeriesmak 3 жыл бұрын

It's tempting to do this with my 2017 Outback. It would be nice to get away once in a while...by myself! I can't wait to see where you go with this set up. You might just inspire me to try something like this myself!

@lilliecarter4947 3 жыл бұрын

amazing video, cool and unique concept, well filmed and edited, and a good leanth I was not bored at any point in the video.

@arlenesolis024 3 жыл бұрын

My mouth is open with these awesome ideas 💡. I love it. My camping trips are going to be epic

@tr3eehugg3r 3 жыл бұрын

Yay! Can’t wait to see more of this. So excited for that content!!!

@SKYGUY1 3 жыл бұрын

Good job young lady... You do a good job of explaining what your viewers are seeing. I would suggest that when you use your circular saw that, for safety's sake, you always adjust the blade so that it hangs below the bottom of the lumber as "minimally as possible". The less blade exposed, the less damage you can do to car parts or hand or leg or foot parts with the blade... i.e. a 1/8 inch deep cut will heal much faster than a 2.5 inch deep cut. Also... very good suggestion to find similar projects. Better to "modify" the wheel than to "re-invent" the wheel... especially for novice builders. Keep up the good work.

@gillianpaige7240 3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing! Cant wait to see your adventures with this

@annwallace9537 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Nissan Xterra and want to do a platform bed build. I love how do-able your design is!

@jordanrowehl4788 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve got an 09 and I can’t wait to try this!!

@susanfirth2279 3 жыл бұрын

Great job Allison. You are going to have so much fun. Makes me wish a had an SUV. That's my next vehicle but not for awhile yet

@EvieVermont 2 жыл бұрын

Yay! Finally something I can do and ideas I can TOTALLY USE!

@redbirdspurpleleaves 3 жыл бұрын

Love this!!! So many adventures awaiting now!

@markhall3323 3 жыл бұрын

it's nice and neat and simple and looks comfortable.

@ohmylene 3 жыл бұрын

I made this today and modified the measurements! You rock!

@virnaflowerfarm Жыл бұрын

I love this. My husband is not adventurous, and his business has him busy most of the summer. I had mentioned this to him, and he is all for it. I can visit him out in the field. He is 6'2"

@thechicette4194 3 жыл бұрын

This has seriously inspired me!! I’ve also looked up so many camper options. This is a great idea!

@allisonanderson 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

@rozieboss154 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid, love seeing women building their own stuff!!! Badass!

@wendycosmetics 3 жыл бұрын

such an amazing project!!

@clarafranziska430 3 жыл бұрын

my abroad gap year plans had to be cancelled due to corona, now i’m thinking of remodeling my forester like this to drive around europe - thank you so much for this amazing video, now i’m really exited again!

@mooremindfulmoments6599 3 жыл бұрын

This is such a cool idea! Please vlog your first trip in the suv!

@juliusjoymendoza2283 2 жыл бұрын

OMG!!! I was looking into turning my SUV to this! Then I saw this video. We have the exact 2018 Subaru Forester Touring!!! I saw on your other vlog that you have RTT. I would love to buy one, but you are right, they are pretty pricey!! So, if you are looking into handing this SUV set-up to someone ( I know you did spend so much work and effort on it), I would love to buy it from you! I am just a handyman, but I love camping!!! Enjoy watching your videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️

@ajmalave9510 3 жыл бұрын

That is really cool and looks super easy. I’m excited to try it on my 2017 cx-5. Thanks for the vid!!

@rowzuhhh9631 3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing!!! Great job!

@SheTriedItYT 3 жыл бұрын

Omg girl!!! This is absolutely amazing!!! I cant wait to see where you go in this thing!!!! 😍😍😍

@allisonanderson 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

@Mudinyeri 3 жыл бұрын

Nice project. Good job leveling the platform. A lot of people don't think about how uncomfortable it is to sleep on a slope. One thought for an "upgrade": Consider some sort of tie-downs to keep the platform from moving around in your car. Not sure if your Subaru has cargo tie-downs in it or not, but the movement and noise of a platform can get really annoying on even a short trip and it will cause more wear and tear on your vehicle.

@christopherstevenson9737 3 жыл бұрын

Good job & design. I did exact same yeas ago for my Toyota PU. Now I also have a 2018 Subi Forester, so will duplicate your plans.!! Add drawers under platform. And add solar on roof! (See Ford mini-van conversion). When COVID subsides we should have a Subi boon-dogging meet-up!

@aussiekid23 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Allison. Thanks for the great walk through. In the original blog by Becky, she said the entire platform setup stacked in the boot area, so she could drive around with passengers in the rear seats. Where you able to do this? Is the 2nd platform with the hinged piece folded up, able to sit onto of the 1st platform in the trunk area with the rear seats up? Would love to see a photo of this!

@baasirhanif8643 3 жыл бұрын

Beautifully designed bed. I have already designed 2 sets for my TOYOTA RAV4, 1996. I am not happy with the storage space. The main modification I did is that I split piece 2 and piece three in half. This way I could make one bed or go for a double, if me and my wide go out together. It also helps if one of us is tired and wants to rest during the drive. I have used piano hinge for linking piece 1 to piece 2 also. This way the piece 3 folds downward. This way u cannot have a sloped sitting set up, but it makes ur setup more fixed.

@nelleshoegirl 3 жыл бұрын

Allison!!!! This is so exciting! I really want to do something similar because I’m dying to hit the road. I have a hatchback car so I’m not sure if it would work, but I have thought about sleeping at an angle. I think a folding mattress might help with comfort. I was thinking just my backpacking sleeping pad, but I need more comfort in my late 30s. 😄

@dannyeicher6173 3 жыл бұрын

Great DIY project. You did great on it. Thanks for sharing...😃👍👌👊🚙🏕

@PopFizzPaperDani 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid! I just did this in my ‘15 Forester, except I built in a craft studio for creating on the go 💖 Thanks for sharing this!

@PopFizzPaperDani 3 жыл бұрын

Fyi watch how much you leave your hatch up, it can drain your battery. It’s a Subaru thing on some models.

@destroy43 3 жыл бұрын

So awesome, nice work!!! Looking forward to the upgrades

@keithosterkamp6207 2 жыл бұрын

You could easily run a inexpensive ratchet strap under the fold down rear seats and attach it to the underside of your sleeping platform with a couple eyebolts for the security during a wreck that others mentioned. It would have the added benefit of holding your platform flat for you without the additional weight laying on top of it.

@EKEACRES 3 жыл бұрын

I have the same mattress in my Toyota Sienna Van. So comfortable. I Love camping out in the woods in my Van. I have built MANY bedrisers, and you did a fantastic job:)

@thatjlyn 3 жыл бұрын

Love the creativity!!!

@TheBigtrev1234 3 жыл бұрын

This is exactly what i was looking for! Thank you!

@queenella5819 3 жыл бұрын

Nice diy! Yes to more videos in your suv camper 😊👍

@petemcc_travelsolo 3 жыл бұрын

Haha this is amazing, absolutely love it, can't wait to see the end result 👍

@peacelovesarah7 3 жыл бұрын

i would love to see a travel vlog when u put the camper to the test!! How do you find safe places to park?

@balletasianxo 3 жыл бұрын

Omg I love this!! My fiancé did a short two day trip and just slept in the back of my car on a mattress topper. Definitely not super comfortable. I’ll have to see if I can make one of these!

@jimwatchyyc 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t know that a raised plywood platform would be anymore comfortable though, except that it will be level.