Just thought I would add to the conversation. Got the idea to convert my Prius into a tiny home. Actually lived in it for a while in 2019-2020. Split time between parents, GF, and traveling. I think 50 nights out of a 400 day stretch. Then during covid I took it out west and visited some national parks. I wanted my build to be something that could easily convert back to the normal setup so no major installation. I used a mattress topper and folded it in half. Glued magnets on the top and used black felt to create a curtain and tinted the windows. All black inside. It was quite comfy. Here are some pics of my 2008 w/ 250k miles.
Winter is the easy part - a good sleeping bag and blanket to cover face and you’ll be good. I slept in there with lows in the high teens. Wouldn’t recommended if colder than that
The Primes (I don't know about Gen 4 in general) use heat pumps for heat, which means you can put the car in READY and leave it that way overnight and the ICE will only run occasionally to charge up the battery. That only works down to the mid-teens, but the Prius is such a gas-sipper that I wouldn't have a problem leaving it in READY mode even if it was using ICE for heat. I doubt it would take much gas. I don't think you can set the climate controls lower than 60° which is plenty warm compared to 20°, but it'd be nice for efficiency if you could set it lower.
That looks fun and comfy, I was actually expecting to see a mini trailer but you make the most out of your car.
I was thinking of towing the lightest Runaway Camper and putting 2 solar panels on it. One would slide possibly towards the front covering the AC. Low cost although I've seen some creative builds using Harbor Freight Trailer as the base. The Prius could serve as a back up Generator on several overcast days. There's a Timothy on the Runaway FB group that has a solar setup
In the past, I used to use the Ford E-Series Van for family camping trips, didn't think the Prius could do that. I will try this for my next camping trip.
nice! After my 48 state trip from Los Angeles, I went to Alaska and Baja. Next Cabo! check out my blog where I try to write about my modifications. https://black.jmyntrn.com
We did something similar in ours! Used a full size mattress and cut it into thirds so we could fold it while driving. I’m 6’3 and fit just fine. The climate control was a game changer!
Hey camping prii people! There is a gen 3 on ebay claiming to be an "rv" lol. Doesn't look finished at all https://www.ebay.com/itm/334676520574
I forgot to mention @Terrell since i've read his Prius camping posts a lot and thought he would be interested that there apparently is a "toilet" in this gen 3 LOL.
Thanks, Wesley. Actually, I do have a "toilet" in my Prius camper. It's a "portable loo", made by Reliance: Hassock Portable Toilet. To be honest, I got this because while camping (in a tent) with my wife, she was concerned that "a bear might eat her" in the night when she walked to the toilets. So I got the portable toilet for her to use in the tent. Gross? Well, with kitty litter and a snug-fitting top it's fine. She was happy, and I took the bag every morning and disposed of it. When camping by myself, I bring the portable toilet along, stowed in the back of my Prius. I have not used it as a toilet (yet), but as a hassock to sit on while dressing. I have a Habitent, which hangs over the open hatch, and gives plenty of headroom to sit.
Here's a photo of where I sleep, along with the portable toilet (on the left) which I use for sitting (getting dressed, putting on/off my shoes, etc. thus the dirt on the floor.) With the Habitent, I have enough headroom. The solar panels charge my second 12V battery for my refrigerator, which sits behind the front passenger seat. If you look closely, you can see my power level indicator and outlets, the solar charge controller sits on top of it. My microwave oven sits in the front passenger seat. Food boxes are in the rear seat behind the driver's seat. This is how I travel. But if I'm going to be camping for several days (longer than three), I set up a tent and screen house, so I have more room.
