Question for Subaru owners - where do you mount solar controller and battery?

[drabina]

I just sold my full size SUV (Toyota Sequoia) and purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback. I managed to squeeze about 70% of my usual gear under the trunk's floor but I definitely took a hit when it comes to storage space and cubbies. But gained about 10mpg in a process so all is good.

Anyway, I want to transfer my roof rack which has traction boards and solar panel onto the new car. The problem I have is where to put the small 50Ah LifePO4 battery and solar controller. With Outback's spare wheel located under the trunk's floor, I can't really build any additional storage like a drawer system there as I will need access to this area. For other stuff, I can just use a plastic container which I can easily remove but the solar controller and battery would have to be mounted permanently but still allow me to remove the floor panel to access a spare wheel.

So I am looking for ideas. Anybody in an Outback or Forester running small solar panel setup and can share their solution?

 

[calicamper]

It comes in a plastic box with a battery and all the bits. Bluetti is a good one.
I had a Sequoia and a Outback. Sold em both got a Expedition to replace them. 18-23mpg averages vs my 19-26mpg with the Outback and 11-15mpg in the Sequoia.

Pretty happy with the Expedition

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

You’re going to lose your 10 mpg advantage by adding something to the roof. You didn’t say what you’re powering with your battery but you may be better off to use a bigger battery and a fold out panel when at camp.

Of course it all depends on how often you move. I ran an Engle of my 4Runners starting battery for years. I tend to not stay in one place to long so it wasn’t a problem. Just replace your starting battery with a Odysee, or the like, with more amp hours. You can also keep one of those rechargeable jump start things just in case.

I don’t currently have a Subaru but had a Forester for 12 years and 270k miles.

 

[drabina]

The battery powers refrigerator that's mounted in the car. I do have a power station as a secondary power source but that usually gets transferred to the tent when camping. The LiFePO4 battery stays in the car to run fridge.

 

[Hnoroian]

Get a good bms to the refrigerator and get a reliable jump starter just in case.