sleeping in OBW

[Neil Bolton]

I was just reading the thread about curtains here. How comfortable is it to
sleep in the Outback? (I'm 5' 10") Do you need to make any adaptations?

 

[John Eyles]

I was just reading the thread about curtains here. How comfortable is it to

sleep in the Outback? (I'm 5' 10") Do you need to make any adaptations?

I have taken 3 road-trips, ranging from 6 to 10 weeks in duration,
in my 1997 Outback. In my opinion, it's the ultimate road-trip car !

I found it very satisfactory for sleeping, but I was traveling in the
(American) southwest, where there's no rain or bugs. Thus I was
able to leave the tailgate open, or if it was really cold, slightly
ajar. With the tail-gate completely shut, I found it a WEE bit
cramped for supine sleeping; if you like to sleep on your side,
no worries. I am between 5'10" and 5'11" in height. You might
also want to make sure the model you're considering has the exact
same inside dimension as my 1997 (at edmunds.com perhaps ?) since
it's such a close call. Obviously a pad of some kind is called
for; I used a piece of 4"-thick foam rubber (el-cheapo mattress)
which I carved to fit around one wheel-well, leaving 18" or so
gap along the other side to put tupperware bins holding clothes,
toiletries, and food, as well as one of those coolers that
plugs into the rear cigarette outlet (get it from WalMart, much
cheaper than from Subaru).

Whenever I'm able to talk a member of the fairer gender into
accompanying me for the full duration of said road-trip, I suspect
I will elect to set up a tent with a tandem-sized thermarest.
I think the rear area would be too tight for two people (unless
your sweetie is very small and you're still on your honeymoon
plus, with a two-person sized pad there is no longer room for
all those bins. On the other hand, sleeping in the car allows
you to utilize uneven/rocky camping spots where a tent wouldn't
work, and I suppose the bins could be stored on top of the
mattress and relocated when you're sleeping.

Have fun, John

 

[Dan]

I've slept in the back of my OBW many times. I don't bother with a mesh
screen over the window (very few insects in Colorado) but it wouldn't be
hard to rig something up.

I prop the rear door slightly open so I can climb out the back; that
also helps with ventilation.

Rear window tinting, plus one of those sun-deflecting things on the
windshield, take care of the privacy.

Dan

 

[Anthony]

Many years ago somebody made a tent that went over the open rear door of a
wagon for camping. I don't remember who made it or where to find one these
days. It would be the ticket for sleeping in a Subie wagon.

Tony

Privacy issue aside, I do a lot of tent camping here in the Midwest
and have never considered sleeping in my Outback because (1) if you
leave the windows down for ventilation, you sustain a ton of bug
bites; and (2) if you leave the windows up, the interior becomes
downright nasty (hot, humid, smelly, etc.). For anyone that sleeps
overnight in their Outback, do you have some type of window screen
that you install or does the nastiness not bother you?

"Neil Bolton" <(e-mail address removed)> wrote in message

adaptations?

 

[xymergy]

Many years ago somebody made a tent that went over the open rear door of a
wagon for camping. I don't remember who made it or where to find one these
days. It would be the ticket for sleeping in a Subie wagon.

That was Jeep, I think.

 

[Anthony]

That was Jeep, I think.

No it was an accessorie item. Perhaps JC Wippme had them. I also recall
seeing one on a Toyletta wagon in a camp ground.

Tony

 

[Mike Minerva]

I've slept in my wagon many times on the beach at Padre Island in Texas. I
open all the windows and moonroof as well as the back. I cover the car
(loosely) with a very light nylon car cover and cover the rear hatch with a
mosquito net. This setup allows ventilation but still keeps the bugs out
and believe me the coast mosquitoes will carry you off if they can get to
you. I lower the rear seats and put a foam egg crate mattress on the floor
as well as several comforters. I've have some wonderful nights.