How to Live (or Camp/Sleep) in a Prius! COMPLETE TOUR

[@SUVRVing]

Here's the link to David's Prius Camping Facebook group for those interested: facebook.com/groups/1662402837333297/

[@dawnschmutz3881]

99

[@DenaliDad]

As of May 2021: "This Content Isn't Available Right Now When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.

[@threedogsandacamper503]

I know an 82-yr old lady who’s been living in a 1968 VW Bug since the middle 1980’s. She bought the VW new and has it serviced twice a year. She doesn’t use any electronic devices except for a cell phone that is for emergencies only....and I have to say she’s one of the most content people I’ve ever met.

[@TheDesertwalker]

Bug, not bus? And what about showering & keeping clean? And good for her for going without electronics.

[@threedogsandacamper503]

TheDesertwalker , yep it’s a Bug. I think she just sprays herself with a spray bottle and wipes off. I think she sleeps across the front seats.

[@loreneknight9755]

Wow, amazing. I would love to know more about her and her life. Does she have anyone in her life, friend or family that she can use their facilities for showering, freshening up, or just taking a break? How does she do it? I have questions. Would love to know more. Praying...

[@planetwalker798]

i'd like to hear more about her also. That is a small car and unlike a Prius I have no idea how she could comfortably sleep in it, etc. What made her do this in the '80's for starters....

[@alejandromacias7609]

Make an interview of her!

[@travelguy1564]

I stealth camp in my 2018 Honda Civic Hatchback! Made cardboard window covers that go in in 2 seconds, a front window cover inside, slid my passenger seat all the way forward and made a tray behind it for sleep bed extension inside, use a Lifetime 55 quart cooler that holds ice for a week, and park at places that are so good that I can't reveal! Hint: park where there are many other cars parked and no one suspects you're sleeping in your car! It has worked great!

[@BigMacProDaddy]

Stealth camping in plain sight

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

Ive seen this guy on other vids, hes been doing this for a while now. My only suggestion to these demo vids is for the owner to actually get in and bodily demonstrate the logistics of getting in the bed or setting up the table etc. That way we can get an idea of how big or smalle the space is in relation to a human his size.

[@SUVRVing]

Good idea. I'll try to have them do that in future videos 👍

[@beedee9534]

You know what sucks while your about to eat your fabulous meal on your Teac table you gotta blow a humongous fart do you open the window or the entire door and let that burnt out egg smell out

[@harrybuttworth6765]

Agree, i would love to see that too. Love his vids.

[@awanderer4973]

With the 2nd row seats down flat it easily accommodates a person lying down straight. Me and my wife have done this before in camping trips with our 2010 gen 3 Prius where we did not set up a tent outside. Safer against bears haha The space inside is amazingly large when compared to how the car seemingly is from outside.

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

@@awanderer4973 thanks. This is good to know. I always SUV camped in my 2015 Honda Pilot. Less work than tent setup with more insulation and protection.

[@Chris-js6oz]

That's so sweet you brought your teak table into the the fold.

[@CannyNomad]

Listen carefully to what this man says. Nobody can live out of a small Car for that long without gaining great wisdom!

[@beedee9534]

Living in a box with a solar panel with a pocket battery how in hell does he get heat and air conditioning without running the car

[@CannyNomad]

@@beedee9534 The Prius has a feature called Ready Mode, look it up and you'll obtain your answer.

[@beedee9534]

@@CannyNomad He said i save thirty dollars a month not running the car if your in Ready mode the car is running using gas

[@nickandro127]

@@beedee9534 with ecoflow portable

[@robertbayers3914]

this was the greatest of all Prius car camping information productions I've ever seen.

[@use-ThatIsWhatIamTalkingAbout]

Practical applied experience/knowledge over multiple years is very valuable even for this van dweller of three years. You never stop learning. There are no fluffy influencers with an angle here 👍

[@troutjunkie7330]

Been downsizing last 3 years. Started with Chevy Astro, then Silverado Truck, now I travel in Volvo 960 sedan. Next is Prius.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

If I were you and your considering moving on to another vehicle I would consider the Rav4 hybrid. Great gas mileage and lots of room!

[@CandycaneBeyond]

Plus you can find a great deal on a used model

[@AnnaCN78456]

Volvo is amazing! Volvo and Prius are my top cars!

[@AnnaCN78456]

@@WuBloodKin09 they use lithium now

[@stacey9003]

This guy is a pro! He's really got it down to basics.

[@charlesharris2749]

Glad to see David is still enjoying his lifestyle; I saw other videos of his set-up some time ago. I have a 2014 Prius V wagon I am setting up for camping/travel. I'm 6'3" and can fit in the space comfortably on a 75" x 40" trifold without removing seats. The "V" is for versatile: you can also lay either front seat (with headrest removed) all the way back to meet the back seat, which reclines, and have lounge chairs. Like what he's finally done with the window screens and covers. Not sure I want to mess with the electric system, not because you can't, but I don't know really know how and don't really think I need to if I use a Jackery to charge when not in Ready mode... and don't think I really need a fridge with my "vegan mostly" diet. The V gets low to mid 40's mpg, so a little less than the standard, but is much spacier and handles better, they say. Thanks for the video, Tristan!

[@girlnextdoorgrooming]

Can you charge it with an extension cord?

[@charlesharris2749]

@@girlnextdoorgrooming The car is a hybrid, not an electric car, so no cords. The gas engine charges the battery. You CAN charge a Jackery or other battery power station with a standard electric outlet, or with the car 12 volt Lighter port,

[@mtwata]

Really good to hear from a guy who's been doing it for so long, tried many different things and knows what's it like to be on the road living in his car. Great video!

[@BeckyMarshallDesign]

Oh David, those new screens are absolutely genius.

[@businesslp3027]

I lived in my car before the pandemic. I got an apartment because I needed internet to “Work From Home”. I love the minimalist lifestyle. I would probably still live in my car if the pandemic didn’t happen. You save a lot of money living in a car. They should start designing cars for people like this.

[@HeathBlythe]

They do, it's called RVs.

[@ladder3257]

@@HeathBlytheLOL

[@law487]

Prius is the best option

[@williammartin2676]

That’s what’s Starbucks and libraries are for, hotspots

[@jtwanderer6328]

Great info! And reassurance about Prius technology. Really good interview style just to let David go with all his story. Thanks!

[@designdoctor247]

Yes another interview please. Very educational

[@freedomdove]

I like how he managed the curtains and screens. Great ideas. I love magnets!

[@CarrieMtn]

Wow great ideas. I particularly like the window coverings. I have a Prius c- even smaller than his- but I love traveling in it. Thanks for the video

[@toekneetogo]

Sharing that pop-up privacy tent at the end got me to look into it & ordered one, Thanks👍 I've taken note of your screen technique & use of space with the passenger seats out 👍 Your amazon link took me to the green one for $24.22 found it in your black for $32.99 👍

[@nathanzech7061]

Thanks for all you do for the awesome content Tristan! Always inspiring for younger travelers like me.

[@dianac7002]

Fantastic video! I would love David's thoughts on how the other Toyota hybrid vehicles compare to the Prius. Thank you!

[@virginiaallen4723]

We had three Prius's. Loved them.

[@awanderer4973]

Can't imagine living in a car for 6 years, kudos to you! But we have camped in our 2010 Prius and slept etc in it. Incredibly roomy inside.

[@Far-Beyond-Ordinary]

I recently purchased a 2008 Prius, it is amazing how much room they have inside. It is like the Tardis big on the inside and small on the outside.

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

Which is why I have a TARDIS decal on the back of mine !!

[@notrueflagshere198]

I like this one! Nice Prius setup!

[@CasualGirlAdventures]

I have a prius and love it. this is cool to see. good idea and information. take care my friend

[@cliffmorrison8042]

You are " Prius David" and were a fountain of info, when I camped there in Jan. in my Prius V. Thanks for sharing your extensive experience. Prius On!!

[@susie9893]

I LOVE this guy! (Have seen him in other vids). SOOO innovative and so great to see someone in his generation not only unafraid of technology but maximising it for all it's worth to make his chosen lifestyle the best it can be 😊 He's single handedly sold me on owning a Prius (when they first came out I thought Toyota had lost the plot)

[@1ACL]

Amazing! I don't think I could live in a car unless I really had too...Good editing Re:the video.

[@L-Anded]

Another great, informative video from your channel.

[@DenaliDad]

They changed a lot in 2016, my year. The biggest change is the location of the 12v battery. Yours is in the back near the wheel well. Mine is in the front, under the hood, where most car batteries are found. This makes adding AWG wiring for an inverter quite a bit more challenging because it requires breaching the firewall, which is never easy.

[@posteroonie]

A lot of great ideas here. I love the efficiency of David's approach.

[@DayTripAdventure]

Very interesting. What a stealth camper. Never would've thought anyone was living in a Prius.

[@cmcallister5593]

An excellent tour of a first-rate set-up. Having enjoyed over 240 camping nights in my 2014 Prius over the past three and a half years, I can appreciate David's commitment to making his Prius a full-time adventure. My only recommendation, which he's sure to have considered: using a Habitent to open up the back a bit for space and ventilation. Many thanks for sharing his fascinating story.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Mount a panel on the rear glass you can raise the deck lid and get greater solar gain. One on the hood same result but don't have to move the car just lower the decklid raise the hood depending on solar angle.

[@hansolo7205]

I guess the best vehicle is what you currently owned. I travelled far and wide for years with my Toyota Matrix.

[@ChunWong]

Amazing, very inspiring keep doing what you do!

[@jaybee608]

Wow at his age, he must be in great physical shape. Looks painful sleeping in there. And what does he do if he has a flat tire? I do admire people who do things THEIR way.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

The Prius Prime has a goo kit that puts slime in the tire to fix the flat. It is bad for the life of the tire if it can be plugged and fixed.

[@forwimp]

He has tire hole plugs and patches, an air compressor, and AAA. He has an electric bike that can take him 25 miles for help. And, he could borrow a spare from many passing compact cars. I think I'll pitch my spare too.

[@devoidbmx1]

It’s actually plenty of room. 6+ feet of length. I love camping in my Prius.

[@germanmdp1972]

Great !, Thanks !!, Greetings from Argentina.

[@yakinkate7946]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@julierawlins5984]

Another great video with many great ideas. Thanks again Tris

[@loreneknight9755]

What an amazing home. Great creativity & diy ingenuity. Keep on fighting the good fight.

[@jordanwelty6582]

I love my Inlightened quilt bag, just took 3 moths to have custom made. BUT WELL WORTH the wait!

[@philo5096]

Great vid, taking out front seat was great idea. Whats a new prius cost.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I own a Prius Prime. Thanks for showing us this great setup. I like the easy curtains! Me personally, I think I would rather pull a small sleeper camper just for storage convince and elbow room. I'm only 5' 2" but I want to be able to sit up in bed.

[@goldgeologist5320]

I thought you could not tow with a Prius?

[@CandycaneBeyond]

@@goldgeologist5320 300 tongue weight, 2000 total.

[@evanl734]

I think the newer prius get better gas mileage, but I've only read that from the EPA and Fuelly. Another thing to note, is that even though the induction cooker uses 1000 watts, I believe it is in small spurts so it should use less than a killawatt per hour. Some people believe that non-ionizing radiation is harmful though, and induction cooktops produce a lot of that, which can give you headaches. I watched a vid of a woman checking a prius for EMF and she said it wasn't that much worse than a traditional car, although if you got a very old car it might be much better. I'm on the fence about non-ionizing radiation being threatening, but it halves in intensity when you double your distance away so maybe even an induction cooktop is relatively harmlesss.

[@neliosamch3195]

The second gen prius has the auxiliary battery on the right rear corner, and on the left there's space for another battery where you can install a bigger battery to run all your accessories.

[@curiousgeorge555]

How do you charge it?

[@neliosamch3195]

@@curiousgeorge555 You need a relay that turn on when the ignition is on or install a 200 watts panel on the roof with a charge controller.

[@curiousgeorge555]

@@neliosamch3195 I see. thanks for responding.

[@DiasFrugalLife]

Great set up! 💯 👍

[@tinabeane]

Great interview and tour!!!

[@josinora]

Great set Up, thx for sharing. Would like to know what model that induktion cooker is. Stay safe and blessings from Germany.

[@karener4655]

Finally was able to save enough and with a small loan from my son I got a 2011 Prius. Haven’t been able to do much with it yet to go camping, working a little to save up again. I do have a few issues like nothing on my steering wheel is working but have read it’s an easy fix( I hope) 😂

[@aurora571000]

Thank you so much!

[@davidleigh443]

Granted this was filmed before the huge gas hike, but if David only saved $30 a month in fuel by using the solar panels is the solar set up even worth it?

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

David please get some reflector tape on your bike and rack. I have reflector tape inside the door housing and my hatch lip. I would put a panel on the rear glass hatch this way when you feel like it you can point your car at the AM/PM sun pop the hatch and harvest the sun.

[@jamesmays701]

Great video....wish he had shown how he got into the bed area....assume through the side door😊

[@theimperfectfruitarian3640]

Hi David. If I sleep with my car in ready mode can I plug a 12 volt electric blanket right into my car (no inverter) ? Thanks!

[@peanutbutter3578]

I'm trying to gather more info I find you can also use the Prius as a generator. You could power multiple small appliances along with the TV and computer I know it's possible but I'm wondering exactly how much ware it would put on the vehicle and the cost efficiency

[@robincrook5630]

Nice job. Not enough to make me want to live in a Prius...but hey, he's enjoying life.

[@dssd245]

I’m thinking of touring the Rockies this summer in my prous.. from newmexico to Alaska… advice?

[@dawna4185]

...this lifestyle is all trial and error to get the right setup! but that is half the fun!

[@douglasvieira9338]

That’s awesome he should get a Prius v next!

[@markbajek2541]

That or a Rav 4 prime

[@nomadman1196]

I bought a 2012 Prius V last month. I am in the process of converting it into a camper. I took out all the seats and built a platform that fits up front for a foam mattress. I got some custom shades out of England which fit like a charm. I will add an extra 12 volt batter and get a 2K inverter for a microwave. Probably will cook out of the back. I might get a habitent also. 👍

[@flyingcat2054]

Do you explain your battery system in another vid or blog? Looking to add more battery somehow to my gen 3.

[@cristinagoode8509]

Where are you storaging the the spare tire ?

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

I’m on saving up for a Prius the model with the built in solar panel on the roof.

[@deetrvl4life875]

I like the screens too

[@MechayaAlta]

I wonder if a newer Toyota Venza hybrid would work for this type of living? It looks like a bigger Prius with a bit more luxury than a RAV4. How about a Honda CR-V hybrid? More room and better ground clearance too.

[@SuperBlobsterMan]

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he could afford way better for himself but enjoys the simple things more.

[@PriusMike88]

Hello, Do you worry about mold inside the Prius when living in it? I’m starting to live in a Prius and worried about mold collecting under the foam mattress due the condensation

[@FrankGreenway]

I’ve considered getting a Prius for comfortable sleeping and cheap traveling.

[@michielwind8920]

Thank you for your inspiring video's and web site! I installed a 1000 W pure sine inverter in my 2012 Prius V, but my induction cooktop (max 2000 Watts) in the lowest position still is too much power demand for the inverter. Any tips? What induction cooktop do you use? Regards, Michiel from The Netherlands

[@xxlalbatross3287]

Sir i think you will be very glad with prius prime. What you think?

[@howardmanley3388]

Hi ,So what do you do if you have a flat tire? Now that you said you took tire out of car for more storage? Thx Howie

[@annekramer6740]

The only disadvantage I see is lack of ground clearance for forest service roads.

[@Far-Beyond-Ordinary]

They do make lift kits for the Prius. Affordable and effective.

[@divahc1]

@@Far-Beyond-Ordinary you can have it lifted comfortably and safely 1.5 "

[@TinyHomeCookingwithSherlei]

Would like to see you functioning inside this set up

[@chadliggett286]

SUV RVing He should of mounted spare tire on bicycle rack! Great Video.

[@ZenithE8]

My next car.

[@joharmon2148]

Interesting life this guy has.

[@MechayaAlta]

What is the brand of your induction pressure cooker

[@guylamullins3602]

Could you do this on the weekends in a Yaris?

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Met Dave at RTR 2017.

[@TSunshineful]

I’m wondering what he plugged that nuwave into... an inverter connected to what? The cars lighter or something else? He did say at at least a 1000 watt inverter.

[@wanderlostrvr2582]

Very impressive. Prius is my back up. Thinking this summer, my primary. With the climate control feature. Gotta stay cool.

[@curiousgeorge555]

8:55 , how do you pop off the plastic trim? Does it just pull off?

[@curiousgeorge555]

Yes it does. Did it today. There is a picture of a hand. You can pull off the tail gate cover and insulate it. The other plastic trim simply pulls off as well. It sounds like you are breaking something but you are not. Pops right back in after you install magnets.

[@adityabharatvraman6859]

How do you sleep over night in your parked car when the weather is too much hot ?

[@markbajek2541]

In a prius you simply run the AC the car will run the battery down to power the AC then kick on the generator to recharge the battery and continue the cycle. It's pretty effecient uses about 1/2 gallon of gas for the entire sleep over.

[@tennisbum3686]

@@markbajek2541 uses 1 gallon per overnight, but well worth it.

[@tennisbum3686]

@@markbajek2541 uses 1 gallon per overnight, but well worth it.

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you.

[@silviamondillo3779]

I love my Prius too. I don’t have to worry about gas, repairs, etc…..

[@andriesbreytenbach5587]

Thank you for the vid and thank you David. I saw you’re following a Paleo Keto eating plan (on another video). Could you please point me in the right direction (good sites/ groups/ etc.) where I can learn about this the right way? (‘Not on Facebook). Especially re the fermented foods and its inclusion in Keto Paleo. (Have been on some sites but this far this info on ferments have been lacking). Thank you for the inspiration. 🌈🚗

[@stevethevlogger]

Similar info here also applies to other Toyota hybrids. 2021 Sienna (btw all Siennas will by hybrids...but the 1500 watt a/current plug-in socketnot in all trims) not yet at my dealership...supposed to be this fall but delayed due to COVID?

[@rayray2613]

Where do you go to the bathroom?

[@hotmasked1]

EPIC

[@alejandromacias2431]

What year is your Prius?

[@Catman1798]

Can the 2020 Prius also keep the AC on all night? I’m debating whether to buy a new Prius. I don’t car camp but the lifestyle interests me. I also need the climate control option. It’s very hot in my state. A small cargo van will not cut it for me. Wouldn’t keeping the Prius on affect the life of the battery in the long run? I think he has too much stuff in the car btw lol. I would only use one set of clothes and just eat out.

[@markbajek2541]

yes

[@warrenkawamoto8660]

If you search youtube videos for prius camper conversions, there is a solo woman that said she kept her climate control on for a month (I think it was even longer) non-stop! Toyota technology is incredible, especially their air conditioner compressor that is battery powered and not connected to the engine with a fan belt. If the Prius is too small for your liking, the 2021 Sienna van is right around the corner, it's going to by a hybrid too.

[@Catman1798]

Warren Kawamoto thanks but I decided I’m gonna get a small cargo van. I need something that’s easy to clean and the Prius is gonna be a nightmare to clean out lol. Or I might get a small pickup. Thanks for the info. I think I saw that video you mentioned too btw.

[@markbajek2541]

@@Catman1798 Joel aside from stealth , take a look at renting a small class C. (it's got a generator like a prius for climate control) it has plenty of head room like a high top van would, it has a full bathroom (so some creature comforts) a kitchen, and a bed, lots of storage etc if you use the bunk area for that . You can access the front drivers area or the rear area from the inside so it's not like a prius or a tow behind where you generally have to get out of the bed area via a hatch or side door to get to the drivers seat if you need to leave or get ready for bed...you don't have to go outside, just move from here to there with ease. If you are driving and feel the urge to go 1,2 or 3 , just pull over into a parking lot and do your business. Pull into a park someplace and sleep a few hours etc. if you are road weary. The downside would be daily driving might get expensive compared to a van 8 mpg rather than 20-24? But if you are the type that parks in nature for a week or two? it's far easier to do that in a C than even a Van and compared to a Prius both are less of a coffin like sleeping existance. Toss a few hundred into renting a C for a weekend or a week before you pull the trigger on a cargo van.

[@tennisbum3686]

Everybody's an individual. Every Prius has the air conditioning and heating feature

[@DivineZeal]

I live in my 2021 Prius and my name is David

[@teresaforsyth6185]

Anyone have experience camping with 2017 Prius Prime (electric charger)? The battery takes up so much room and height.

[@taylortisaac]

Doesn’t want to be in a bigger vehicle, huh? What about a hybrid 2021 Sienna?? Just the worlds biggest Prius!

[@jackieforester2525]

Couldn't you travel with a trailer behind with your things in like stove etc!?

[@SUVRVing]

I think that kind of defeats the purpose of a Prius.

[@susank6774]

Can you please provide a link to the induction stove? That's great how you can cook safely inside of your vehicle!

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

Just Google it. I use a NuWave model.

[@SatchelCornstalk]

Nice.

[@privateinvestigator8607]

What do people do about the airbag light that comes on when they remove their seat like that?

[@privateinvestigator8607]

@andy bosik not true for all vehicles

[@CandycaneBeyond]

If it's just a light I'd ignore it. 😁

[@wyproud1]

What part of AZ are you in?

[@telcobilly]

Looks like the Quartzite area. I know that Bob Wells sleeves a lot of time there.

[@cliffdariff74]

Where do you poop while living in a Prius?