Can the 4th Gen still be used as a camper or sleeper? Flat or Non Flat Cargo floor ?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by zor, Sep 12, 2015.

  1. MrBillTulsa

    MrBillTulsa Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2011
    174
    35
    0
    Location:
    In the hills west of Tulsa
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    2016 Prius Reveal Photos - Post #113
    In the thread and post listed above I suggested a solution for creating a convertible deck height & sleeping surface. Let us know what you think.

    :eek:

     
    zor likes this.
  2. zor

    zor Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2012
    81
    33
    0
    Location:
    Canada British Columbia Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hi MrBillTulsa,

    Im not sure what you mean by above, im new to using this site, if you can please guide me along to the link you are referring to.
    Thank You

    Correction: i have found your post and thank you for sharing that. Im looking at ways to avoid using foam at the moment until i figure out if there is a good foam out there.
     
    #42 zor, Jan 3, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2016
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,443
    50,202
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    go to the main forum page. select the gen4 forum. look for the thread '2016 prius reveal photo's', and scroll to post #113.

    edit: just saw your edit.:p
     
    zor likes this.
  4. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,343
    3,598
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    It's hard being a chemist these days. Public wants complete absence of chemicals. But even wood does not have complete absence of chemicals. So just saying unless you have the detailed vapor space analysis of the two proposed options, you are just making a value judgement. Flammability is another thing to consider.
     
    #44 wjtracy, Jan 3, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2016
    MorganAdcock and zor like this.
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,443
    50,202
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i think it's a great idea for those who just want a solid sleeping surface and will not be putting it in and taking it out a lot.
    for those who want to do a little more work, perhaps a solid frame around the outside and hinged top for storage, ribs for strength, can be used for storage of thin items depending on total thickness.
     
  6. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,343
    3,598
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
  7. swich2mac

    swich2mac Go Hard or Go Home!

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2009
    319
    38
    0
    Location:
    Franklin, TN
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Are you guys just trying to be creative or do you seriously "camp" in a Prius???
     
  8. energyandair

    energyandair Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2009
    905
    339
    0
    Location:
    Victoria BC Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    I've never done it but I can see the attraction. Less stuff needed, faster setup and departure, secure, and full climate control if needed.
     
    zor likes this.
  9. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,343
    3,598
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    OP wants to camp in a Gen4 Prius.
    However, those serious about camping may want to get Gen4 Model 2, 3, or 3 Touring for the level floor. Only those getting Gen4 2 Eco, 4, 4 Touring would have the unlevel floor as far as we currently understand it. Gen2 and 3 you can actually buy a tent that custom fits on the back of the Prius. The question is would Gen4 be equally useful as a camper.
     
    zor likes this.
  10. zor

    zor Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2012
    81
    33
    0
    Location:
    Canada British Columbia Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Wjtracy,

    Yes, i know what you mean, but im ok with some chemicals, its hard being a consumer too because often times things are banned or flagged as dangerous after a long time in the market. Im just trying to go with the safest and practical option, might not be free from chemicals just lowest amount of risk. As for flammability, good point thanks, ill keep that in mind as well :)

    Zor

    other then filling that space difference in the cargo floor i think it should be just as good, cant see why not :) but i suppose we shall know for sure when it comes out, i think some detailed pics are in the planning...

    Hi swich2mac

    Type in to google/youtube "camping in a prius' or "sleeping in a prius"
    its quite amazing the trips people are having and how they are enjoying their prius. They dont have to worry as much about weather/temperature wild life: bears,wolves,
    cougars etc, setting up a tent or even while touring a country avoiding those bed bug infested motels(money saving)
    also i think theres an added bonus being able to see the stars from the back window as you fall asleep.

    Thanks for your interest
    Zor
     
    #50 zor, Jan 3, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 3, 2016
  11. Redpoint5

    Redpoint5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2013
    1,026
    509
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    What is the measured comparison between Gen III and Gen IV folded load floor lengths? I'm curious what the measurement is from hatch to the end of the rear seatback when it's folded forward. I'm also curious about the measured distance between the hatch and front seats when in the fully forward position.

    Does Gen IV have more length?

    Serious. That's why I bought my Gen III. Many good memories sleeping in my Subaru Legacy (spent over a year living in it). I haven't slept in the Prius yet, but I tested that it would work. If it's raining or I'm just too lazy to set up a camp while on a road trip, it's nice to just crawl into the back.

    Pushing the front seats completely forward, removing the headrests, and putting the seatbacks fully reclined adds a little more length to rest your head on.

    Public is stupid. They have opinions about science, economics, and the environment despite having little education (misinformation) on the subjects.

    Nearly everything is a chemical. Our bodies are mostly comprised of chemicals. Water is a chemical.
     
    MorganAdcock, swich2mac and zor like this.
  12. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,343
    3,598
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Risk communication is difficult because humans will fight to death over zero risk (perceived risk) and at the same time humans will accept enormous risk (eg; Driving/smoking) as long as they feel they are in personal control .
     
    KrPtNk and Redpoint5 like this.
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,443
    50,202
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    who can you trust?
     
    zor likes this.
  14. zor

    zor Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2012
    81
    33
    0
    Location:
    Canada British Columbia Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes, all a matter of awareness, what one is comfortable with, blind beliefs are most difficult. Most things are not set in stone so life is mostly about percentages and risk factors. I think the internet is a good source to do research and compare to many different sources for or against, it improves our chances of making a good decision.

    I like the quote by what was said to be by Buddha and not in exact words "dont believe what i say, only believe it when you experience it for your self" its a good practice, of course not perfect, mistakes are bound to be made.


    Merged


    Not sure about the measurements, im curious my self, will be measuring it when it arrives here in Canada.
     
    #54 zor, Jan 3, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 3, 2016
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,443
    50,202
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    agreed, i would hate to get cancer because i ignored warnings and was waiting to experience it myself.
     
  16. zor

    zor Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2012
    81
    33
    0
    Location:
    Canada British Columbia Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    hahaha bisco, yes! there is an art to it all, isnt there...I tend to not take so many risks if i hear that something causes cancer or is a danger to health., mean while researching it and seeing how the source came to its conclusion. After your post about new car smell, leaving the window open while in the vehicle will be a priority for the first bit of time while driving it, or letting the car ventilate before going inside on a hot day etc...

    So the whole styrofoam thing, needs to be researched...i just thought about hemp, didnt they use to make hemp insulation and building material, i wonder if there is something out there, if there is gasses from that, you just might get the munchies....:rolleyes:
    or they loaded it with chemicals.

    any who, any other materials opinions are so welcome/needed, the more we have the better the experience will be setting up our prius for camping.
     
    bisco likes this.
  17. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,985
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Well, you have totally ignored the problem of having a solid object in the hatch when the car is rear-ended hard. Whatever you plan to put in there "long term" could end up taking your head off!
    Solid objects will also damage the interior. This is another reason I like the ethafoam. But I don't sleep in my car. There are lots of motels and hotels to stay at.
     
  18. zor

    zor Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2012
    81
    33
    0
    Location:
    Canada British Columbia Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hey David,

    Good point, another thing to consider. (safety) in collision!!! great contribution to the experience.

    Thank You

    Ps. Im not sure about the rest of the contributors or people interested in this thread but i my self want something designed that can be removed easy so its temporary(not long term)
    I saw one guy on youtube that removed the back seats all together and made a plywood base, something not as easy to remove. Getting rear ended with plywood in the back could be deadly indeed.

    PsPs, also "bringing up collision safety" would be more appropriate then "completely ignore" because that was not intentional, no one mentioned to my knowledge so it was not intentional-which you need to do to ignore something. Some people might have thought about it as well and still took the risk, still wouldnt be ignoring so to speak.

    Black Car: Lithium Battery. Uneven Cargo Floor | PriusChat
    Repost taken from
    TonyPSchaefer
     
    #58 zor, Jan 3, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 3, 2016
  19. zor

    zor Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2012
    81
    33
    0
    Location:
    Canada British Columbia Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Just came across Rubber Foam Mats free of formamides, BPA, phthalates, latex and fire retardants. Some one just recommended it and sais that it does not smell, that might be depending how sensitive ones nose is though.
     
  20. zor

    zor Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2012
    81
    33
    0
    Location:
    Canada British Columbia Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Visual Tables of Gen4 Package Combinations
    Thread Post #6 shows which floors are flush which are not.