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2023 prius prime camping mode upgrades

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Vemtaz, Jun 3, 2023.

  1. Vemtaz

    Vemtaz New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2023
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    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    SE
    Thank you all for your help in advance. I have a few questions about some modifications to be able to run a small fridge, laptop, cpap, and possibly other things like a microwave in the future. I have a 2023 Prius prime se model coming (that is on a boat now) and I'm planning to use it 2-5 nights a week to sleep in. I use a cpap at night, and plan to run off the 44 miles range electricity while I sleep in the car. I use a cpap and would like to also keep a small fridge in the car to keep food items and drinks cold. I'll probably end up using my laptop to do homework or other things before I sleep on nights after I get off work. I have watched some videos about people adding inverters, second batteries, and such and don't know what I would need to do to meet the above requirements I have.

    My first question is what set up would I need to run my laptop, cpap, and fridge in the 2023 Prius prime? Should I got with a bigger set up for future things like a microwave in the future, and what set up should that require?

    My second question is who or where should I have this done? Would Toyota do something like this? My best guess now is a car and audio place I used in the past that put in amps, crossovers, subwoofers, and such in the past. Thank you all in advance. I'm very excited to get my new Prius and set it up to save me on some hotel fees while traveling for work.
     
    #1 Vemtaz, Jun 3, 2023
  2. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2021
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    Location:
    North Dakota - USA
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    Limited AWD-e
    The Prime already has two 120V power outlets that can draw up to 1500W combined. You can pull up to 1500W through a single outlet, or a combined 1500W through both. One outlet is located on the back side of the center console(accessible from the back seats), and the other is located in the luggage compartment on the drivers side, just inside the back hatch. Both draw from the big hybrid battery, so an additional 12V battery wouldn't give you any benefit while using 110/120V appliances. Toyota allows for a single splitter on a plug, but does not recommend any more than two devices drawing from a single outlet at the same time.

    Power draws:
    CPAP machine - 30-60W w/o heated humidifier, 70-100W w/ heated humidifier
    Dorm fridge - 50-100W depending on size and efficiency; note that the start up wattage might be significantly higher than the running wattage
    Laptop - 45-100W(check on your power supply - my current one is 65W)
    Microwave - 500-1500W - look for a smaller unit around 800W or less - it's another appliance that might draw a larger surge of power on startup

    So you're probably safe doing most any combination that does not involve the microwave. With the microwave running, I'd be a little careful. Maybe unplug the laptop and check to see if the fridge is running before you press start.

    And carefully read up on the section of the Prius Prime manual about the power outlets(starting on page 468). For instance, it says not to use them for a medical device, though a CPAP is likely on the border of okay to use as your life probably doesn't depend on it. Also notice that the headlights will turn on at night automatically if you're drawing power unless you turn off that function in the car's settings.

    Note that the engine will kick on when necessary to recharge the battery.
     
    #2 Hammersmith, Jun 4, 2023
  3. Vemtaz

    Vemtaz New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2023
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    Location:
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    SE
    Thank you very much. I'm excited to get this car and try it out. Thank you for your very informative reply!
     
    #3 Vemtaz, Jun 4, 2023
  4. Maxwell61

    Maxwell61 Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2012
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    Location:
    Italy
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    For Europeans: i've got the manual of my orderd Prius 2023 Plug-in and only a 230V 1500W in the luggage compartment is mentioned. Car must be in ready and the outlet must be activated with a switch in the dash.

    230AC.jpg.2fa83b9c1ec36d8ec37bf07eabf48470.jpg
     
    #4 Maxwell61, Jun 6, 2023
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    we have the same, at 120v
     
    #5 bisco, Jun 6, 2023
  6. Maxwell61

    Maxwell61 Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Italy
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
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    N/A
    Actually @Hammersmith mentioned 2 outlets, with one in the center consolle, lacking in EU cars. I wish it was present, much better position...

    Also, i'm wondering if, as with the 12V outlet in some car, the 120/230V outlet can be used to input some current in the battery from an external solar panel... risky to test it :)
     
    #6 Maxwell61, Jun 6, 2023
    bisco likes this.
  7. black_jmyntrn

    black_jmyntrn Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2020
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    #7 black_jmyntrn, Jun 14, 2023
    Maxwell61 likes this.
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