ADVSubaru
Observer
After lurking ExPo forever and finally registering for an account a few weeks ago, I figured I'd finally start my build thread for my 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek.
The goal for this build is to have a somewhat capable machine that will be able to tackle more than just fire roads but still to have a reliable vehicle for everyday driving. While there are a plethora of more capable rigs out there, I couldn't help but go with a platform that I know best - Subaru. I have almost owned Subaru's exclusively for the last decade and have owned 7 or 8 of them. I strongly believe that it doesn't matter what vehicle you have just get out there and enjoy the outdoors.
So with that said, here's everything that is planned for the build as of right now:
With all of this planned, my main concern is weight and room. I opted for the Primitive Racing kit as it includes King Springs with a stiffer spring rate (will be loaded down with gear). To help combat my second concern, I am building a trailer to help carry gear... but more on that in the near future
.
Here are some shots from the last year.
![1170527_1073094356087403_945084850_n.jpg 1170527_1073094356087403_945084850_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260687-1ed789d15c717de07fda55fd3dc4090c.jpg)
Testing out the articulation of the stock suspension. As you can see, there isn't much.
![11243548_1603646906592718_1502469111_n.jpg 11243548_1603646906592718_1502469111_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260688-73ec029cb435083fa15c0e3518cf43c7.jpg)
A pretty well known area in the Lehigh Valley - the Trexler Nature Preserve. This area is absolutely amazing if you're into hiking or wildlife.
![12797774_810899492347709_588708545_n.jpg 12797774_810899492347709_588708545_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260690-16f1a238b796f98d11d5b06c59a33e14.jpg)
Taken last year when I was camping at Woodford State Park in Vermont.
![11191181_475039076009623_2090021045_n.jpg 11191181_475039076009623_2090021045_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260691-8061901c5ad0e985bdfaa93baa3c66b3.jpg)
This is the only photo I have of the Crosstrek in 'stock' form.
![11356816_1444259572571208_331151262_n.jpg 11356816_1444259572571208_331151262_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260693-5d7830c116f6f6d0fe4c31a2f0cc21ed.jpg)
This shot is from the Mid-Atlantic Overland Festival last year.
![12445830_1866424220250872_118300065_n.jpg 12445830_1866424220250872_118300065_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260694-08da43f93dadf5b77afe450579889223.jpg)
Taken at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. This area is fascinating because of the damage done from the zinc mining that was done by Horsehead / New Jersey Zinc Company. In the last 20 years, the area has made strides in vegetation growth and recovery. I remember riding co-pilot with my dad and just being blown away with the lack of any vegetation. You really had to see to believe it.
The goal for this build is to have a somewhat capable machine that will be able to tackle more than just fire roads but still to have a reliable vehicle for everyday driving. While there are a plethora of more capable rigs out there, I couldn't help but go with a platform that I know best - Subaru. I have almost owned Subaru's exclusively for the last decade and have owned 7 or 8 of them. I strongly believe that it doesn't matter what vehicle you have just get out there and enjoy the outdoors.
So with that said, here's everything that is planned for the build as of right now:
- Method MR502 15" Wheels
- 205/75R15 General Grabber AT2's
- Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform Rack
- SSD Front Bumper Light Bar
- BajaDesigns 10" Stealth LED Lightbar
- Rally Innovations/BajaDesigns LED Fog Lights
- Primitive Racing 2" Suspension Lift
- Primitive Racing Engine Skid Plate (The oil pan hangs awfully low)
- Primitive Racing Trans/Mid Skid Plate
- Primitive Racing R160 Rear Skid Plate (Such a baby diff, the R180 should come standard)
- Primitive Racing Rocker Guards
- MaxTrax
- ARB Simpson III Rooftop Tent
- ARB Simpson III RTT Annex
- ARB 2500 Awning
- ARB Awning Wind Break
- ARB Inflator/Air Gauge
- ARB 50QT Fridge Freezer
- ARB Remote Fridge Monitor
- ARB Fridge Slide
- IPF 900 XLS LED Lights (One Spot and One Touring Pattern)
With all of this planned, my main concern is weight and room. I opted for the Primitive Racing kit as it includes King Springs with a stiffer spring rate (will be loaded down with gear). To help combat my second concern, I am building a trailer to help carry gear... but more on that in the near future
Here are some shots from the last year.
![1170527_1073094356087403_945084850_n.jpg 1170527_1073094356087403_945084850_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260687-1ed789d15c717de07fda55fd3dc4090c.jpg)
Testing out the articulation of the stock suspension. As you can see, there isn't much.
![11243548_1603646906592718_1502469111_n.jpg 11243548_1603646906592718_1502469111_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260688-73ec029cb435083fa15c0e3518cf43c7.jpg)
A pretty well known area in the Lehigh Valley - the Trexler Nature Preserve. This area is absolutely amazing if you're into hiking or wildlife.
![12797774_810899492347709_588708545_n.jpg 12797774_810899492347709_588708545_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260690-16f1a238b796f98d11d5b06c59a33e14.jpg)
Taken last year when I was camping at Woodford State Park in Vermont.
![11191181_475039076009623_2090021045_n.jpg 11191181_475039076009623_2090021045_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260691-8061901c5ad0e985bdfaa93baa3c66b3.jpg)
This is the only photo I have of the Crosstrek in 'stock' form.
![11356816_1444259572571208_331151262_n.jpg 11356816_1444259572571208_331151262_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260693-5d7830c116f6f6d0fe4c31a2f0cc21ed.jpg)
This shot is from the Mid-Atlantic Overland Festival last year.
![12445830_1866424220250872_118300065_n.jpg 12445830_1866424220250872_118300065_n.jpg](https://expeditionportal.com/forum/data/attachments/260/260694-08da43f93dadf5b77afe450579889223.jpg)
Taken at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. This area is fascinating because of the damage done from the zinc mining that was done by Horsehead / New Jersey Zinc Company. In the last 20 years, the area has made strides in vegetation growth and recovery. I remember riding co-pilot with my dad and just being blown away with the lack of any vegetation. You really had to see to believe it.
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