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Prius campermobile

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by tedjohnson, Jun 24, 2012.

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  1. tedjohnson

    tedjohnson Member

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    photo.JPG Slide the passenger seat forward, get some strip magnets from Home Depot. a piece of mosquito netting and a small adjustable curtain rod , and Voila a camper mobile. Good for a 5'10" person, oh yes, and a piece of 2 inch thick foam for a mattress. Very comfortable 60 mpg RV of sorts. The only problem is a small red light blinks on the dash to indicate door open (even though you trip the latch! ), and the security red light blinks looking for a key, but these do not drain the 12V battery enough in a nights sleep to be a problem. Rainy or cold weather or for traveling just shut the back hatch. Helps if you tie the mosquito netting to the door hinges, and pull the bottom ends thru the Prius tie downs and it works well to keep the bugs out.
     
    #1 tedjohnson, Jun 24, 2012
    tankyuong, F8L, ChipL and 2 others like this.
  2. dbcassidy

    dbcassidy Toyota Hybrid Nation, 8 Million Strong

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    It never fails to amaze me how many different ways an owner can use the Prius.

    DBCassidy
     
    #2 dbcassidy, Jun 24, 2012
  3. car compulsive

    car compulsive Active Member

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    Does the fuel system test cycle that runs 5 hours after shutdown wake you up?
     
    #3 car compulsive, Jun 24, 2012
  4. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    That's great! Think it would fit 2 people? Or a 6'2 fella like me?
     
    #4 markabele, Jun 24, 2012
  5. tedjohnson

    tedjohnson Member

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    No it would not fit 2 people, and without some seat extenders fro the passenger seat to slide it forward some more I do not think a 6 ft person would fit, but try it out. Nothing runs when you shut it off, just the blinking door open light and security flashing red symbol.
     
    #5 tedjohnson, Jun 25, 2012
  6. dbcassidy

    dbcassidy Toyota Hybrid Nation, 8 Million Strong

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    Maybe Toyota should start promoting the Prius and camping and r.v. shows. Heck, VW been doing ot for years with their van, why not Toyota? It could appeal to people just starting out, on a limited budget. This would allow them to try camping and see if it is for them. If so -great, if not, then their money spent for a mosquito net, sleeping bags are at a minimum.

    This does have potential. Toyota (or a third party supplier) could offer this as an option.

    DBCassidy
     
    #6 dbcassidy, Jun 25, 2012
  7. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    I got your solution right here! A $1000 find on Craigslist, and a $150 tow hitch from U-Haul...
     

    Attached Files:

    #7 maestro8, Jun 26, 2012
  8. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    What is the total weight and tongue weight?
     
    #8 markabele, Jun 26, 2012
  9. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    Doesnt look very well balanced. And it probably exceeds the GCWR.
     
    #9 gliderman, Jun 26, 2012
  10. Erikon

    Erikon Active Member

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    Yup, that would void the warranty!
     
    #10 Erikon, Jun 27, 2012
  11. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Mark,

    Simply get a thick inflatable twin size mattress. If you put your gear in the rear seat area footwells there is enough support for the mattress so that it doesn't bend. I used to sleep in my GenII all the time with this setup. I used to be 6' 2.75". :p

    This is very similar to what I used.
    Coleman Twin Inflatable Air Bed - Walmart.com
     
    #11 F8L, Jun 27, 2012
  12. tedjohnson

    tedjohnson Member

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    Will kill the gas mileage, but the car will likely handle it ok otherwise
     
    #12 tedjohnson, Jun 27, 2012
  13. bielinsk

    bielinsk Gremlin

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    #13 bielinsk, Jun 27, 2012
  14. tedjohnson

    tedjohnson Member

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    Yeh, but what does that do to the MPG??? :)
     
    #14 tedjohnson, Jun 27, 2012
  15. bielinsk

    bielinsk Gremlin

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    Good question. How about this then:
    hatchback-car-tent.jpg
     
    #15 bielinsk, Jun 27, 2012
    R1a, tedjohnson and dmvp like this.
  16. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    I haven't weighed the contraption, but I'd estimate about 700 lbs. The tongue weight is around 100 lbs... I can move it by hand without too much effort.

    I'm not performance driving in this setup. No need for exact balance!

    The most exciting experiences in life come when you start breaking rules.

    I wouldn't say "kill". I get about 33 mpg fully loaded. Find me an RV that comes close to that mileage and I'll gladly buy it! :)
     
    #16 maestro8, Jun 27, 2012
  17. tedjohnson

    tedjohnson Member

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    OK how about drop it in half :)
     
    #17 tedjohnson, Jun 28, 2012
  18. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    There is a company that makes trailer rvs that probably that much or less and only have a tongue weight of 50. I forget the company name. If I find it I will let you know.

    A500 ? 2
     
    #18 markabele, Jun 28, 2012
  19. revhigh

    revhigh MPG Enthusiast

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    I don't really see a difference between that and just having the hatch closed ?

    What am I missing ?


    REV
     
    #19 revhigh, Jun 28, 2012
  20. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    It keeps the interior cooler and less humid. It also provides a bit more vertical room for your legs/knees when turning over and such. It's hard to understand the concept unless you've slept back there quite abit. LOL
     
    #20 F8L, Jun 28, 2012
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