Chase Schrader

Installing Solar & Traction Boards on My Rooftop Tent Overland Build

My rooftop tent roof had nothing on it — no power, no recovery boards, and no plan for when things go sideways in Ghost Wilderness. That changes today. In this video I'm installing a solar panel and traction board mounts directly onto the clamshell rooftop tent on my 2004 Subaru Forester overlanding build. This setup gives me off-grid solar power for charging devices and running accessories, plus MaxTrax recovery boards mounted within reach when I get stuck in deep snow or mud. We cover the full install — mounting hardware, wiring the solar panel, and securing the traction boards so they're accessible from the ground. This is a real-world overland build on a real rig, not a garage project that never sees a trail. If you're building a Subaru overland setup or any rooftop tent camping rig and need to add solar power and recovery gear, this is the practical guide. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — The problem: bare tent roof, no power, no recovery 2:30 — Solar panel mount install 4:00 — Wiring the solar panel 6:00 — Traction board mount install 7:00 — Finished rig walk-around The Forester: Built over a few years the 2004 Subaru Forester XS was built to test the limits of what is capable in an early 2000's Subaru with bolt-ons. Created for overlanding adventures it takes on the hardest offroad trails while having everything for camping. The Forester features: custom interior, rooftop tent, ARB rack with custom mounts, high clearance bumper, winch, Hella lights, transmission cooler, sway bar delete, offroad coilovers, AT tires, Beadlock wheels, overland kitchen and engine and trans skid plates. And to many people's surprise often keeping up with full-size 4x4s. Looking for parts? Check out our company: https://flat4offroad.ca/ About Chase Schrader: Based in Alberta, Canada, Chase Schrader is a multidisciplinary digital creative that focuses on automotive content. Through his two Subarus, a 2004 STi and 2004 Forester, he actively engages in both the race and overland community. As a community member, he engages with others and looks to further develop it through his networks. Join the channel today and get exclusive perks: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChaseSchrader/join Socials: Automotive Content - https://instagram.com/schrader_labs/ Our Parts Company - https://instagram.com/flat4offroad/ Content Creation - https://instagram.com/chase_schrader/ #overlanding #subaru #solarsetup #rooftoptent #flat4offroad