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Older Prius to a camper: worth it?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Stefanovich, Feb 16, 2024.

  1. Stefanovich

    Stefanovich Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
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    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Title sums it up. I am considering converting my 2006 with 220k miles into a full time camper. That means removing the rear seats, possibly even the front. As much as I'm impressed with the dude who made a DIY fiberglass hi-top, that's beyond my technical skills. The biggest thing holding me back is the age of the car. I already replaced the hybrid battery with one from newpriusbatteries, but it is showing signs of early aging. So I am asking for some opinions. Should I go ahead with the conversion and then replace the hybrid battery a second time with either OEM or Project Lithium if it fails, or should I just keep the seats in and use it as a part-time camper until the battery dies and maybe upgrade to something with more space, like a Prius V? Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 Stefanovich, Feb 16, 2024
  2. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Prime Plus
    Hey, the early aging NiMH sticks is common from my observations of the chinee aftermarket stuff, even the ones listed as having the higher 8000mAh capacity for the honda ima. They are nice when they are new I've read about lots of times, though. - 06 civic hybrid here with 3 oem packs and panasonic doesn't make them anymore.
    I think the question I'd ask in the case of should I convert the Gen 2 is
    If I got the bigger V would I convert that to a camper? If the answer to that is Yes, than you're obviously serious about car camping.Than you can decide if you want to get your feet wet with your Gen 2 or spend the extra cash and get more room to move around with. And hope that whichever way you choose, everything falls in place and meets your expectations.
     
    #2 vvillovv, Feb 16, 2024
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    boston
    Vehicle:
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    Plug-in Base
    have youu talked to jack about what you're seeing?

    nothing wrong with coveerting to a camper. whatever repairs it needs down the road will be the same whether you convert or not.
     
    #3 bisco, Feb 17, 2024
  4. Stefanovich

    Stefanovich Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
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    24
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    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    II
    So, maybe I was seeing the future, but misinterpreting it. Instead of my Prius battery dying, my 2006 was hit and totaled. So that kind of narrows my options down. I have a choice to either buy back the old car as a salvage title, or cash out and go without a car for some time while I save up for a V. Really sucks because I was hoping for at least another year or two out of the thing.
     
    #4 Stefanovich, Mar 5, 2024
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Cash out and get a conventional rav4 or crv in your price range. A gen3 has far more issues than your gen2. Some have to spend $10k for engine, brake booster and battery in their new to them ownership.

    Both the aftermarket NiMH and lithium batteries have been failing too fast and the lithium retrofits are not adequately interfaced to the Toyota NiMH bms. Stay with oem.
     
    #5 rjparker, Mar 6, 2024
    Stefanovich likes this.
  6. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    N/A
    you can always look for another gen 2.
    I can't say anything for the retrofit, but one thing that is very cool about the Prius and probably other hybrids with electric compressors is the available air conditioning with the car in ready mode. I remember reading that someone had it run all night and estimated they used 1/2 gallon of gas. Depending on where you go comfort counts. Double check the gas used. Also depends on outside temps at the time.
     
    #6 Frontporch, Mar 12, 2024
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