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First Prius Camping Trip complete with Generator and HVAC system.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by smharmon, Jun 4, 2014.

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  1. smharmon

    smharmon New Member

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    Absolutely. I'll report when I get the chance.

    I didn't grill block during the camping trip.

    Also, as far as watching how the Prius handles trailers and cargo baskets... the hitch attached to the same mounting points as the recovery hook. It is hard for me to believe that toyota mounted that hook on a weak point! For it to be strong enough to pull out a 4,000lb vehicle from a single attachment point, I find it hard to believe it will be weak enough to be damaged from a light (sub 1,200 lb total weight trailer or 150 lb cargo basket). I'd be more concerned about strain on the tranny then the unibody.
     
    #21 smharmon, Jun 10, 2014
  2. dandeman

    dandeman Junior Member

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    I often thought it would be great if Toyota built a Prius technology based vehicle similar to the Ford Transit body style as a utility vehicle that could be converted to a camper. Using the HSD system, you would have in the vehicle heating/air conditioning and AC power available for use when the vehicle is stationary as a camper.. And the Prius system while running is FAR quieter than any motorhome generator I've seen...

    On road trips, we have an electric cooler in the car for food, and always have picnic style lunches.. There have been times where heavy rain or cold prevented doing this outdoors, so we just leave the Prius running and eat in comfort inside with the AC/heat operating as needed... engine just cycles on/off as needed for the all electric HVAC system to run..
     
    #22 dandeman, Jun 10, 2014
    Estew808 likes this.
  3. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Seems like this will only work if you are sufficiently far enough from neighboring campsites. I know Prius ICE is quiet but is it quiet enough? This is getting me excited about camping. I'm thinking of using the hatch as a tent. Time to Google.

    C6916 ?
     
    #23 mmmodem, Jun 10, 2014
  4. canta

    canta Member

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    Thanks for the info!
     
    #24 canta, Jun 23, 2014
  5. smharmon

    smharmon New Member

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    On further review and testing I don't think the ICE is quiet enough to use at night in congested camp grounds. Alone, sure. But it is about the same sound as high end (quiet) generators. Most national and state parks have generator hours to cut down on noise pollution. I'm going to look at this as an emergency solution... We usually go to regional, state or national parks with lots of other campers anyway.

    In saying all that, the Prius and cargo basket have been great. We just got back from Yosemite and had a great trip. I added two Army surplus cots to the load posted above and it worked out great.
     
    #25 smharmon, Jul 9, 2014
  6. slonis888

    slonis888 New Member

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    #26 slonis888, Jul 31, 2014
  7. slonis888

    slonis888 New Member

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    #27 slonis888, Jul 31, 2014
  8. slonis888

    slonis888 New Member

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    #28 slonis888, Jul 31, 2014
  9. smharmon

    smharmon New Member

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    Pulling a big trailer would worry me, but I wouldn't blink an eye at 1,000 lbs. 1,500 lbs max.

    We have a 2,600 lb pop up trailer, but I'm selling it with the 2006 Titan I was towing it with. Wife is going to a new RAV4 and I'm taking the Prius on full time.

    On another note, we just go through moving 500 miles with 1,100 lbs in the Prius and cargo basket. Including the mountains and hills of southern to northern California. I know the weight because we had to weigh it for turn in to my employer for moving reimbursement. Absolutely no issues at all.
     
    #29 smharmon, Mar 31, 2015
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