Glad you liked! Yes, even though I sometimes travel for over a month at a time, my PriRV also needs to function as a regular car sometimes with seating for passengers, so this works fine for me.
Nice, this is exactly what I was looking for. So many people overcomplicate living in a car. Its like they don't know the idea is to SAVE money. Not burn it.
Well thought out. The only thing I'd like to point out (from a safety point of view) is leaving the driver's seat cleared, in position, and ready in case you have unwelcome visitors during the night. Also, having shoes up front and at the ready. Thanks for sharing!
That’s the only thing I worried about also, the drivers seat being pushed up so she can read in the backseat before bed is dangerous. You want to be able to quickly get into the drivers seat and leave the scene of danger arrives
It would be really easy to form a habit of moving the driver seat back some, then climb through to bed. Also, leave a pair of slip-ons under the front seat.
Ms Brown, I went Prius camping for the first time a month ago and have been researching and almost FELL OUT OF MY CHAIR. I camped in the exact same spot, same park, same everything!!!
Woh, that steering wheel tray is AWESOME! I've never seen anything like that before. I am definitely going to get one of those! Awesome Video Erica. Thanks for sharing!
I have seen a couple of videos now with the Prius, and I had no idea how versatile they are, I mean heck, I’ve never even been inside of one. I love how you can run AC/heat without a lot of noise, or fuel consumption. I drive from Texas to WV to see my mama every year and I hate spending mo etc to sleep at a hotel, I can never settle in, it takes hours to fall asleep, even if I’m exhausted, it’s like my mind is listening for every noise. But I’ve parked at Cracker Barrel’s, and truck stops before and slept in my car, only waking up if I am hot or cold. I like anonymity, and a car parked where cars park makes more sense to me lol. I’ve slept in hospital parking lots too, and if I’m lucky, I can pick up the guest wifi 😉
I know what you mean - when I have trouble falling asleep at home or at a hotel, sometimes I can relax by imagining I’m sleeping in my cozy Prius instead!
I’m actually bot Prius not only because it fuel efficient, but because it have a lot of space. My bike fit inside so easy , so I don’t have to use bike rack and now I found people camping in it. Very nice idea. Love camping and hiking!
you have an amazing living in a car setup.I really like that window net protector from bugs And having those auto lights on your tires is straight up brilliant. Great video content, thank you.
Thank you for posting this great video . I've been wanting a Prius for years just for the climate control . When ever I have a doctor's appointment I'm the type of person that always has to arrive early , i should have said I'm always early. Being light skin Irish with medical issues the sun and cold weather is so difficult to tolerate. I get sunburned through the windows while driving .
Thanks for sharing. You have a lot of good ideas and hacks! I learned several new things. I'm wondering why you chose that particular steering wheel desktop - pros and cons? I did a quick search and many different brands and styles came up. Including one that can be used on steering wheel or back of car seat. Oh, and a suggestion - maybe put links in the description to the items you showed to us? Including the thing heating your meal. Thanks again - very helpful video.
Thanks, Delia, I'm glad it was helpful! I chose my steering wheel desktop based on a recommendation from another Prius owner, so I knew it would fit and it's easy to stash between the seat and the console when not in use.( It's actually most level if the steering wheel is turned, since the Prius wheel isn't an even circle.) I've seen the ones for the back of the car seat, but I wanted to have as many storage pockets in back as possible. Good idea about including links to products - can you tell I'm new to posting on RU-vid? :) I'll edit to include.
@@ericabrown5025 Thanks for info. Also - I see a lot of other you tubers include links that are somehow attached to them so they make a small % of money if someone purchases that item through their link.
I had a similar set up in my 2008 Prius (before I had to make room for my golden retriever), but I put a Walmart cassette porta potty behind the driver’s seat on the floor. A 3/5 gal bucket w/ toilet seat lid would fit there too. I hate having to exit car to pee at night!
I really love your set up in the Prius I was thinking about getting me a Prius I have a mini van right now. The reason why I was thinking about a Prius is because it's a little generator on Wheels and I have three dogs, I would just do it for them. I wouldn't get a hybrid car if I was by myself.
Awesome. You have a combination of things I haven’t seen across dozens of other videos. And a lot of new ideas I haven’t seen before, either. Nice combination of practical and whimsical! I’m inspired for my “new” 2012 Prius V... a lot smaller but more reliable than the Ford Transit Connect I’ve had. Thanks!
Thank you, and congrats on your new v - I’ve just upgraded to a 2016 v so I’ll feature it in my next video. The Ford Transit Connects are so cute so it’s a shame they’re not more reliable. Enjoy your Prius!
Some Class B Van's have volt start system that automatically comes on and charges lithium batteries when they go low. It reminds me so much of how the Prius works.
Prius is very nice car for camping, a lot of room! Some small suv have less room, people does not realize that. Thanks for inspiration. Love your ideas. Will start using my Prius as camper too
Great video. Just wanted to give you a heads up cadillac converters are being cut off of Pruis at an alarming rate. Highly recommend that you get a protective shield to make it inconvenient for someone to steal it. You can different styles. I'm get one off Ebay that has the shield with cables that wrap around it. Safe travels. 🙏 I'm trying to find a Pruis V trim 5. Had a 2005. Best car ever.
Yes, good point, thank you! I'm concerned about the catalytic converter thefts and am strongly considering having a shield installed. Good luck in your quest for a v - I love my new one, and need to make a video with my new camping set up. I've read that the 2016 and 2017 v's have better crash test results and fewer head gasket problems than earlier models. Hopefully, you can find one with the Advanced Tech Package - it took me a couple of months of hunting but was worth it. Sometimes dealers will list the v trim 5 incorrectly - mine was advertised as trim 3 - something to do with the vin #?? - so when you're searching, try just filtering for a know feature, like the moonroof or heated seats.
Thank you for the great video! I have set up a lot in my Prius in the same way. I think two ideas are brilliant and I will adopt them: press the brake with the walking stick to start the engine and the LED lights on the wheels. Thanks! I would have been interested in how you darkened the large rear window? Greetings from Germany!
@@ericabrown5025 , ha! I do the same thing only I'm at my off grid cabin. Imagination has some pretty neat benefits if you can learn how to tap into it.
Hi! Just subscribed. I love what you’ve done. I didn’t know about the perks of having a/c or heat all night long with the car starting to charge the battery. Big perk! I have those lights but never considered putting them on my wheels to discourage rodents. Good idea! You have great recommendations for supplies. Please consider becoming an Amazon affiliate and link the items you found helpful and necessary. It helps others and you’ll get a small commission.
You know,I got the same steering wheel table but I got a dremel and opened a hole on the drinking cup recess so I can now actually set a glass in it,before it was just wobbly and just plain unsafe. I enjoyed the video although my set up is a minivan but I am always getting ideas from actual people using their cars as a home.
Thanks Erica, I am using my 2010 Prius from last two years for camping. My set up is almost like yours. You are more organized. I have to cut out on so many things which i hardly use during camping. Please share the link for motion sensor light. I like the idea. Rodent can be a potential big problem in some area.
Thanks, Kirti! My solar motion lights are no longer available on Amazon, but these appear to be very similar: Hmcity Solar Lights Outdoor 120 LED with Lights Reflector, Motion Sensor Security Lights IP65 Waterproof Solar Powered for Garden Patio Yard (2Pack) www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZSC6TNB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_q2X1FbXT5MHNY
Beautiful set up. Make sure you don't block the vent at the front side of your back seat, near the floor. In the space where you covered it with 1/4 inch plywood. This vent cools the large battery.
Hey Evan, yes, I’m not sure why so many use reflectix. I spent $7 for felt on sale at Joanne fabrics and used Velcro I already had. Maybe that should be my next video??
I want to see a full picture of that afghan. LOL. Kidding, not kidding. I've got tons of scraps to use and it seems like that's a great idea to use them up.
If I could only figure out how to add a photo to a reply, I’d oblige! Finishing the afghan was my covid lockdown project last spring. I thought I had enough scrap yarn but when I ran low, I posted a request on my local Buy Nothing Facebook page, and ended up with plenty from neighbors!
Thanks for the video. My parents each have Priuses. :) This is a very good way to travel inexpensive but not only that, more importantly get and stay close to nature. The electrical operation of the Prius is fascinating and something I did not know before. I'll tell my parents who may already know but my parents aren't into camping. If I visit them maybe I can borrow their car for a trip. Your method to start the car with the hiking pole is crafty. It seems that having an well rate sleeping bag can negate the need for heat while sleeping, which is excellent for fuel savings. Having vehicle heat is excellent for daytime. Did you consider a gas or diesel heater? I see they are used by some Van Life youtubers. In my dream world if I were to choose a vehicle, it would need a comfortable seat for when I use my computer, and sounds like the back seat is what you chose. I'd like a van for ease of private bucket bathing and bathroom. Prius battery operation is very interesting, though. Thanks for the video.
Hi Joe, glad you liked the video! I haven’t considered adding a heater because I’m very happy with the car’s heater. It heats the small space quickly. I usually turn it off overnight and just pile on lots of covers. In hot weather, I leave the ac on all night - it’s well worth the < 1 gallon of gas used to get a decent night of sleep.
Using a Buddy gas heater would be very unsafe in such a small space. You’d have to have a window cracked for the fumes. My Forest Fire Fighter son strongly warned me to never get a propane heater when I fulltimed in my motor home.
@@ericabrown5025 Thank you so much!!!💜 Do you end up leaving the Prius on during the night? or do you turn it off before you go to bed? The last time I tried sleeping in the Prius, I double clicked the on button twice and left it on all night, then woke up with a bad battery and everything for my car battery went out! Had to jump it the next morning in a snow storm!!🥶
@@patongoskie press the power button and the brake, and you’ll see “READY” light up on your dashboard display. In this mode, the engine will turn on intermittently so the battery won’t die even if the heat or a/c is on. Set the parking brake to reduce the vibration when the engine cycles off and on. I’ve used a/c overnight but haven’t needed the heat on all night, even on snowy nights. I just heat the car up really well before bed, then shut the power off and sleep under lots of covers.
I like how you did the build without removing seats. Having the back of the seat left in for your head. Would elevate it for easier breathing. How wide is your bed? I love your bed covering. It makes it look so homey. Thank you for the video. New subscriber. Blessing in your days.
Hello again! I'm sorry I don't have the exact width of the bed because I no longer have this car and my new Prius wagon has different dimensions. But, it's the width of the back seat flipped down, if that makes sense. Even though the sleeping area is pretty level, the head is slightly higher than the feet, which I don't mind. I didn't want or need to remove seats, since I don't live in my car full time and I like to be able to transport passengers when I'm not camping. Plus, I'm the least handy person in the world, and have no space to stow them in my apartment! :)
Happy to help! So far, I’ve been very happy with my simple set up and haven’t felt the need for more elaborate gizmos, like the Jackery. The Prius itself is battery enough for my power needs.
I like what you've done it's simple but effective. I guess you don't camp much in a cold winter climate which is why people put reflectics or an insulator behind their window shades, which is okay! Do you have a way to cook your food or do?
Hi Mona! I actually camp a lot in cold weather, but as long as I run the heat as I’m getting ready for bed and sleep under a big duvet, I’m fine. My coldest was 11 degrees F in Zion, but I was cozy. You’re right that reflectix would insulate more, but I haven’t missed it and I like that the felt absorbs much of the condensation that forms when it’s cold. I cook in my hot logic, over a camp fire, or sometimes heat food on my dashboard when it’s hot out. I also can boil water in my mug for tea, coffee, or noodles. I own a small camping stove, but haven’t used it since I’ve had the Prius.
@@ericabrown5025 Very cool. I use felt to cover the reflectix or poster board (depending on what shape the covers were in from the year before), but I also keep moisture absorbers in the canisters which keep my condensation reduced immensely. I've never had a Prius, but have been recently looking at it 2012 ever since my Envoy engine seized when it hit 312,000 mi.
@@agpawpaw5912 I hadn’t planned on 11 degrees but found myself in a cold snap in Utah on a cross country drive a year ago. I’m glad I stayed safe and cozy in my PriRV!
Very cool! Thanks so much for sharing! Where are you keeping clothing? Are you using campground showers and toilets? (I can hear you fine at medium volume btw)
Thanks, Kristen! My clothes and toiletries are in the backpack and daypack behind the backseat, near the foot of the bed. This was a short trip so I didn’t have much with me - when I’m out for many weeks at a time, I have larger bags but they still fit fine. I was using campground restrooms on this trip - almost all the other campers had RV’s with their own bathrooms so I had the campground restroom to myself. But with covid rates soaring and being high risk, I’m playing it safe and sticking close to home for now and staying healthy so I drive cross country again this summer.
I have a question about your key fob. You are locking the doors from inside . Does this action block the keyless door entry from the outside? I don’t want the false security of thinking I have locked my car while inside and have someone open my door with the keyless entry still activated because I didn’t insert my key fob into a barrier wrap.
Marla, great question! I wondered the same so tested it out : as long as I have the key fob inside the car with me, my DH was unable to open the locked doors from outside.
@@ericabrown5025 Thank you so much. I don’t have a partner to help test this action out, so I needed to bother you for an answer. THANK YOU. I’m very type A so I have spent this lockdown doing research. I was pleasantly surprised to find you online. Again thank you for taking us on your journey.
hey, thanks for sharing... did you have to make any mods to the battery to use that inverter? or did you have any problems with it? it seems like it (175 wats) exceeds the max capacity of prius cigarette charging ability
Hi Sally, great question! Everything I plug into the inverter is low enough wattage that I haven’t had issues or needed to modify. The Hotlogic mini is 45 watts and my camera battery chargers are even less.
Hi Sara, no fridge, keeping it simple! I’ve considered it but haven’t felt the need. I’m typically only spending up to a couple of weeks at a time camping, and usually not too far from civilization. I start out with cheese, fresh greens, yogurt, and maybe a couple of frozen entrees for my Hotlogic. I eat that perishable stuff first, and then move onto food that doesn’t need refrigeration (examples in my upcoming Prius v video.) Re: motion lights, I need to replace mine after running over them this week after forgetting they were on the tires - oops!
Hi Kimberly! I got my folding hiking pole years ago from Eddie Bauer (they no longer make them) but any hiking pole will work. This is the steering wheel tray : www.amazon.com/Cutequeen-Black-Laptop-Eating-Wheel/dp/B01LZ5NC99?ref_=ast_sto_dp
@@ericabrown5025 Thank you so much and I really appreciate it. I love how you decorated and your organization skills are excellent. Thank you for sharing your RU-vid Video.
Thanks, Ken! Here’s link to seat organizers. I bought a pair because on longer trips I attach one to the front of the front passenger seat in addition to the one on back of the driver’s seat. amzn.to/3dqMl2w
Hi Erica, New sub here. When I am able to get going car camping my first priority is having a system to go the bathroom. A privacy tent is great, but have set up anything your car in case you cannot use the privacy tent?
Hi David, that’s an important consideration! I don’t have anything set up in the car. Some people use the Lugable Loo or similar, but I generally stay in campgrounds or near businesses that have restrooms.
@@ericabrown5025 Hello Again Erica, Thank you for your response. Have you seen the Habitents available with Prius models. Bob Wells on his Cheap RV Living channel demonstrated a Prius with a Habitent? The car dweller was able to use a Luggable Loo when the tent was set up.
I was going to order a Habitent last summer but they were back ordered and I’ve been on the waitlist ever since. They’re a great idea, but since I often camp in bear country, cold weather, or occasionally Walmart, I’m not sure how much I’d use it?
@@ericabrown5025 Good point. I think about how easy it is to slice through it with a knife and do bad things. I think I'd rather be locked inside the car when I sleep, ya know? The beauty of a Prius is being able to set a comfortable temperature no matter what the weather's like. :)
Would you be willing to share if still own a home or do you live in your car? Also, I am 60 and planning to venture out in a year or two. May I ask how old you are and how age impacts this lifestyle?
Daughter oftheMostHigh I’m 63 and still have a home base, but have spent over 70 nights in my Prius in the past 18 months. I’m semi- retired and work seasonally out west a couple of months each year while my husband stays home working full time. We dream of getting a hybrid Sienna and traveling together once he retires, but in the meantime the Prius is perfect for my solo adventures. I feel like my age is an advantage- I couldn’t have done this while working full time or raising kids!
Hi Erica! I’m heading out camping in two weeks, and I want to make sure I got the climate control camping mode straight. Do I have to simply leave the car on “park” to run the AC or heat all night long? I heard that the key fob should be covered to prevent others from opening the door while running it all night. Thank you! 🙏🌸
Hello! For climate control, the car should be in “ready” mode - so you start the car like normal, make sure the lighted display says “ready”, and leave it in park. Also, set the parking brake to reduce the car jiggle as the engine goes on and off while you’re sleeping. I use my key fob to lock the doors from the inside, and had my husband check to be sure he couldn’t open the doors from the outside. He couldn’t, which was reassuring, and I didn’t cover my fob. But, that may vary on your car so best to have a friend help test it out. Have fun camping!
@@ericabrown5025 Thank you Erica! I admire you for going camping on your own! Life is short!!! Covid showed us that! Please keep making videos of your journey. 🙏🌸🌞
How often do you use the heater and ac on your prius? And does affect the life of prius battery and any damage on the car for using it a lot? Thank you.
Hi Enrique, it depends on location and the weather. I mostly camp in chilly weather, so will run the heater for hours at a time. I have friends who leave their heat or ac on all night with no problems. I’ve read in Facebook Prius groups about taxi companies that leave their Priuses on 24/7, including climate control, only shutting them off every few months to get an oil change, and some have 400,000 miles so apparently no damage to car. They really are amazing vehicles.
