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Prius V camper questions setup for travel

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by Troy Ammons, Apr 15, 2021.

  1. Troy Ammons

    Troy Ammons New Member

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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    So, I have finally decided on a Prius V for a travel car. Set up like a camper to sleep inside. May also have a tent, Habitent or a ground tent.

    My questions are about refrigeration, solar panels and a solar generator or battery pack or whatever they call them.

    I was considering a Dometic CFX3-35 and a Jackery or some other battery pack. Although jackerys have fixed handles on top and I would prefer a flat top.

    Will the Dometic CFX3-35 fit behind the passenger seat with the seat all the way back?

    I was thinking I might want to use some type of electric heat instead of totally relying on the cars heat system although maybe electric heat should supplement the car or something like that.

    AC would be car system only.

    I will have an induction cooker for cooking, (with a gas backup), so in that respect IE fridge, induction cooker, and electric heat, what size battery pack do I need? I was thinking a 1000w, but not sure if that is big enough... Also I want the battery pack to fit behind the drivers seat.

    What about solar panels? I could mount one or two flex panels on the roof or would it be better to have a fold up or two.

    I have never set up vehicle like this for travel so I have zero idea of what I am doing as far as actual gear.

    Thanks
     
    #1 Troy Ammons, Apr 15, 2021
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Wow! $800 for a tiny 12v fridge when there's plenty of alternatives in the $100-$200 range makes no sense to me. As for generator/battery pack. Just buy one of these deep cycle 12v: https://ebay.us/vN4JsP for $100 and some solar panels and battery management system on AliExpress and build the system yourself and save yourself a ton of money. You can also connect the spare 12v to your existing 12v to charge it while driving.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Apr 15, 2021
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    When you say you want a 1000w battery pack what exactly do you mean? Batteries are normally specified by voltage and amp hours (ah), not watts. Inverters are often listed in watts or kilowatts, eg to convert 12vdc to 120vac.

    It is important to define what you wish to accomplish first and specify solutions second. For example run an 800 watt 120 vac induction plate for 15 minutes. A 600 watt electric heater for six hours. With the car in Ready. Or not in Ready. Charge the extra battery from solar. Or the car. Or landline. Or all sources.
     
    #3 rjparker, Apr 15, 2021
  4. Troy Ammons

    Troy Ammons New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) with 3x110V/1000W AC Outlets, Solar Mobile Lithium Battery Pack for Outdoor RV/Van Camping, Emergency
     
    #4 Troy Ammons, Apr 15, 2021
  5. bl.fak

    bl.fak Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Three
    The Bluetti AC200 would fit your specifications well, but as others have mentioned, it may not be what you actually need. That said, I have a Bluetti AC50S (500wh) power station, and it works well within my expectations - charging devices, powering led light strands, and other relatively light power load situations. For cooking and things like that, I use an 2200w inverter in ready mode.
     
    #5 bl.fak, Apr 15, 2021
  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    A thousand dollars for a battery, inverter, solar panel and battery management system is crazy when you could use higher quality components and spend less than $400 and build it into the vehicle so it doesn't take up any storage space.
     
    #6 PriusCamper, Apr 16, 2021
  7. Troy Ammons

    Troy Ammons New Member

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    Five
    After looking into Jackery reviews, I think I will go the 2nd battery route and inverter, sized according to my power needs.

    Thanks
     
    #7 Troy Ammons, Apr 16, 2021
  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    #8 PriusCamper, Apr 16, 2021
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