Pop Up Camper

AFAIK you aren't supposed to tow anything with a Prius. If you did, it would need to be very light. This is the lightest pop-up I'm aware of, but it's still 800 lbs.

Sylvansport Go Camping Travel Trailer | Lightweight | SylvanSport

 

I have a pop up camper that I've pulled with my motorcycle that is for sale. I don't see why you could not pull something like it with the Prius. I've thought about pulling it with my Prius, but instead bought a Class A camper, so I don't need the pop up anymore. I'd like to sell the pop up if you'd be interested, I can send pictures.

 

Back in the early 1990's I built VW campervans and we built pop tops that mounted on the roof and the components were made via a plastic injection company, as well as a fiberglass molding person. The idea is to create a false plastic roof and then add some hardware so the roof can be raised/popped up, then add some canvas for when the pop top is up so it's an enclosed space suitable for sleeping in, then cut a hole in your roof and mount it all in a way that maintains structural integrity of your roof, as well as doesn't fly of at freeway speeds (we had a few Toyota Vans that lost their poptop at freeways speed). LOL...

Anyways, the idea is you could sleep up top and tear out the backseats and build a little mini-kitchen, stove, dining table, refrigerator and cabinets and then get a mobile home license and start selling 'em.

I'd be happy to help you with all this, but there's lots of fabrication and injection molding ain't cheap unless you want to buy a hundred poptops at once and start a Prius Camper business!

Here's a link to the company, I used to run their shop: Country Homes Campers: Your California Camper Van Connection

 

Yes.

Try using the search function: Search Threads and Posts | PriusChat

Enter "towing" and/or "trailer" as the search keyword, select the appropriate subforum under "Search in Forums" and check the "Display results as threads" box.

You will find plenty of threads giving examples and advice on this topic.

Some examples:
what have you TOWED with your prius? | PriusChat
Camping in the Prius | Page 3 | PriusChat

 

Here is an update on our experience thus far towing a 1992 Coleman pop-up. I did take out a few things we do not use for camping such as: the original table (heavy!), all the gas stove stuff (we use electric hot plate), and since the contact paper was peeling off the cabinet doors, off they came (they are a pain to keep opening anyway). It now weighs less than 1000 lbs. We try to take only what we really need for 3-5 days of camping with electric and water hookups (State Parks). The back of the Prius at the wing is just above the roofline of the camper. It has no a/c on the roof which helps with drag. I keep it at 60 or below and usually get 38-40 mpg towing. I really take it easy and keep way behind the car ahead (2 to 3 second rule at least). Here are a couple of pics. Might help you to figure out what to do. Of course, YMMV, but we are pleased that it does so well. Almost level when going down the road. Air inserts for the rear are an option, still debating that. The Draw-Tite Hitch and plug&play wiring kit from etrailer were easy to install. Enjoy!! Happy Camping!!

 

My Bad...just realized this was in Gen 2 section. Move if needed. Thanks!

 

That's so cool. One of my buddies has a CHC Vanagon.

 

Good to hear... If you ever have a chance please check out the motorhome certification sticker on the door jam and let me know what serial number the vehicle is and month/year it was built and I'll tell you if it's one of the 80 vans I built when I rand that shop. Thanks!