Prius Camping Car Setup - Ep. 251

[@lamarrharding4776]

I have 3 apicool style refrigerators, one for frozen foods, one for condiments and sandwitch meats, pickles and cheese, and one for salad stuff. Have you heard of a hot logic? It's a 12 or 110 volt hot plate 15 watts that stays in an insulated bag, thermostatically set to 160°F it takes some planning, but canned soups or frozen dinners work well in a few hours. A bed pan and a plastic grocery bag with a roll of paper work in a pinch! A tarp big enough to touch the ground and a plastic ground mat works off of the rear hatch for a shower tent bathroom, and with poles, you made a shade patio. My walker with a seat is handy on tours, and if you play it right, you even get special attention. My hybrid plug in Pacifica minivan even has room for some 5 gallon Coleman water jugs. A steering wheel desk is another convenience. While perforated vinyl window covering, a white vehicle, and a white windshield cover with a handful of magnets keeps the sun out and the snow and ice off, for less window scraping. You will learn little tricks along the way.

[@BoondockingBears]

Thanks for the comment. Great suggestions. I do have a Mini HotLogic and love it. In fact, I am laid up atm awaiting a third hip replacement and have it sitting beside my computer to heat meals. So convenient when full on cooking is not doable. I also have a seating walker as you have, but haven't been out with it yet. The most important addition to my setup has been the Thule Roof Carrier. With that I carry a Clam (Traveler model) shelter and all the things that used to hangout in the back of the Prius get stored away up there. The Thule Roof Carrier, Jackery 1500, the Clam and the Alpicool are the best investments I've made into Prius camping. The Clam gives me somewhere to hangout during inclement weather other than the car which is a biggie for me. The Thule allows the entire back to be one big bed, another thing I needed to camp. Believe it or not, even with the Prius being a generator on wheels and having a 1000 watt inverter installed, having the portability of power the Jackery provides is amazing. I'm not tethered to the car anymore and also can turn the engine off on occasion. To each there own of course, but that is what works for me.

[@parsleynmint]

Thank you 😊

[@odahithedubious2017]

I quit buying two-prong extension cords a few years ago. It's safer and less hassle. I don't have to think about which kind of cord I need, I just get one from the drawer. It was a bit of an expense, but I did it a couple at a time. My elderly in-laws had some "Vintage" cords that had become a fire hazard. I tossed them, after cutting them up. I'm pretty finicky about my cables and cords, but then that's what I do for a living. I keep the cords for all my gear tidy, and out of the way of stray footsteps or things that could be set down on them. Thanks for sharing this video, you have a lot of good ideas. Linda and I send our best.

[@BoondockingBears]

Wise move re the electrical cord. I actually forgot to pack one for this trip, so could only found this cheap two prong at a gas station at midnight. It definitely needs replacing. Thanks for the kind wishes.

[@bonilla2022]

Great video. Happy trails.

[@paulaelliott4903]

Very helpful! Great, convenient setup! Thank you! Did miss seeing Little Bear though, such a cutie! Stay safe out there and keep filming, love traveling through your camera!

[@BoondockingBears]

Thank you. Little Bear makes sure he is featured in the next video. Such a hambone.

[@markphelps9589]

You can also take your head rests out when you’re not using them to give added space and ease of moving things in and out.

[@nayinayi1]

Colors are matching so well...

[@jerrry6868]

I thought you did a very good job explaining your setup..boy did you ever take me way back, I haven't heard the word "pop" since I left Cincinnati in the early 90's wish you good health and safe travels

[@BoondockingBears]

Thank you. All I remember is my brain was fried in the heat, even at 6pm. Whenever I hear 'soda' around these parts, I know it is an American. 'Pop" is our word. lol All the best.

[@covetthecamper2289]

Great stuff. Thanks! I really like your setup in the Prius. I'm preparing for a week long trip to Joshua Tree National Park later this month. Taking my wife's Prius instead of my truck camper and F-350. I figure I'll save around $300 in fuel costs over the pickup. 👍🏻

[@BoondockingBears]

Thanks and good luck on your trip.

[@specs6637]

I drive a Mazda hatchback but I wanted to see how you set up the tarp. Nice video.

[@stoneblue1795]

Nice set up, friend. I'm Prius shopping and checking out options for camping mods like this so thanks. ~ subbed!

[@gailgross545]

Thank you Rick. I will follow your excellent organizational set up. It goes without saying that people who share and take the time to edit are such valuable assets to others --a simple thank you just does not suffice. Could you please take the time to answer some expense questions ? Are you open for a telephone chat?

[@BoondockingBears]

Thanks for the comment. I'm happy to answer expense questions if able. I have an email address [e-mail] if that helps.

[@TheChadWork2001]

I see i won my bet. You got a 12v refrigerator and ditched the Cooler.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I will get another hybrid hope to get a rear end damage V chop the F out of it making it an excellent pop-up camper. I just got my 12volt water pump working now i can get water from a bucket and take a GOOD HOT SHOWER anywhere. Right now I use just the propane on demand for washing dishes and taking shower. The on demand had some issues some parts broke but I really wanted this to work so I Did what I have to to it work. Nothing wrong with the heater they just used cheap parts for shower head and to hook up the supply hose. So test it out before you take it to the woods.

[@CarnivoreFrank66]

I wondered if you could run a Cpap on your Prius. Good information. I also would like to know if you could get a dc power cord for the cpac. Inverters use a lot of power. Nice set up

[@jimsweeney1473]

Your videos are very helpful. I have just about everything i need to camp out of the Prius but I dont know where you can camp out of a car? It seems most of the state parks I have stopped at requires a tent. I hope to avoid that because most of my stops will be for a single night only as I want to visit as many national and state parks, wildlife refuges, etc, as I can. How do you know where to go?

[@edgaralvarado3539]

Use the app all stays it’s for camp and rv its cost 10.00 but it tell you all the places you can sleep for free and what not @jimsweeney

[@belvajenkins7339]

Great set up. Looks very comfy. Do the 2015 seats fold down flat? Love your videos!

[@BoondockingBears]

They do not fold completely flat, but very close (rear headrest removed). What I found is that by the time the duvet wrapped mattress was in place and pillows set for the night, I did not notice any rise, and I hate sleeping even slightly upright.

[@ingaclement4914]

I ordered a 1" yoga mat to use to help with the unevenness with seat laid down and I'm undecided on the sleeping pad looking at the invoker 3" self inflating foam/air sleeping pad. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. I am also looking at roof racks. Happy trails to you all and blessings!

[@ChristianBjork]

Loving your videos as always! :) Curious about your Alpicool... If I understood correctly, I'm assuming you have your Prius in the "ON" mode 24/7 (except, as you mentioned, when you go to hotels, and take it with you). Can you share how often the car would turn on, and how much extra gas you're using in that setup? Thanks!

[@BoondockingBears]

Hi Christian. It is hard to know how often the engine cycles with just the Alipcool. At night I also have the inverter on that powers a CPAP machine and in combination with the Alpicool it was cycling about once an hour. How much of that was the Alipcool I don't know, but I suspect the CPAP was the main culprit because it draws far more energy than the Alpi. As for the gasoline usage, I thought that would be a simple tell, but it wasn't because i was using the tripmeters for fuel economy and parked all night with the engine on really distorted that. As for the gas gauge, it wasn't precise enough to get a reading.

[@daxtonkeaton1180]

instablaster...

[@wewilllearn]

I get the air conditioner on all night, my question is whether you would leave the hatch open an essentially air condition nature itself or would you close it at night?

[@BoondockingBears]

I've done both. Had the Napier tent on when open and the a/c cooled it as well.

[@stevensnydermusic]

@@BoondockingBears That’s what I wondered! Looking great!!

[@Leon-Z890]

I like your video very much, can you share the item purchase link you used

[@krllyy]

What size tarp are you using ? Link for the poles?..........THANKS

[@gaylenedavidson5707]

I would like to know too great video

[@rickbase8120]

6x8 feet

[@ridewithregan9703]

Very cool set up? What year/model Prius do you have? I am about to buy a used Prius for a cross country trip.

[@BoondockingBears]

2015 Prius loaded up with most all options. The three options I highly recommend are first, get the maximum window tint allowed. I only use a windshield drape at night. The tinted windows are fantastic for privacy day and night. Next get the window rain guards. These are essential allowing you to crack the windows to get some air flow without dripping rain inside. Absolute must for me. Lastly I had a special coating put on the paint so I don't have to wax. I'm lazy, what can I say. lol Thanks for commenting and best of luck.

[@ridewithregan9703]

Boondocking Bears Boondocking Bears Lol. I am lazy too. No worries. I got the same advice about the tinted windows & window guards from youtuber & Prius owner the “Intricate Explorer” so it makes sense what you say. I think he went over the legal limit for tinting but has never gotten a ticket for it. And the rain guards on the window are a must as you say. To be able to crack the windows on humid rainy days is essential. I am torn between a 2015 gen 3 & a 2016 gen 4. There are things i like about both. Hope to nab mine soon and join the Prius family. ✌🏼

[@BoondockingBears]

@@ridewithregan9703 Given a choice, I would buy the 2015 over the 2016 simply because I have been in both and the 2016 is definitely smaller to camp in.

[@ridewithregan9703]

Boondocking Bears really? Interesting. I am hoping to do a seat test this week. But smaller in what way? Cargo space? OR front seat? I was thinking the 2015 would be more cramped because of the floating island with the shifter? And the 2016 removed that and put the shifter on the dash. I am curious to know your opinion tho. Especially when it comes to cargo space because i am a tall guy. Thanks!

[@BoondockingBears]

@@ridewithregan9703 The front cockpit is all fine on both vehicles. The 2016 seemed to have a lower ceiling space in the sleeping area and as it is already tight and I'm 6 feet 230 pounds, the '16 was difficult to maneuver in and out of and seemed more claustrophobic to me. I didn't like it.

[@krllyy]

2 questions; where do you store your Napier and was that your picnic table/benches ? Thanks...........

[@BoondockingBears]

Thanks for the comment. I did not have the Napier with me on this trip because I would not be staying in the same place each night. Most of the nights were at Walmarts and Cracker Barrels and setting up a tent there is a no-no. The picnic table belonged to the campground, "Camp On the Kentucky". Nice campground, especially if you are a fisherman.

[@clarekelsey496]

But if u did have Napier where would u store it? Plz give link again to where u set it up. Thx

[@BoondockingBears]

@@clarekelsey496 Ah ok. That is easy. The front passenger seat floor is completely unused in my current configuration, so it would likely go there when not in use. It would easily fit. Here is the link to the Napier setup. Hope this helps and good luck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYTbd5tuptWoq9E

[@stephenkow3091]

Hi Rick - I'm also from Ontario Canada. How do you use the climate control at night as the daylight running lights stays on when car power is on. Can I disable the Daytime running lights and how do I do it? Thanks.

[@BoondockingBears]

Hi Stephen. There is a trick, pretty simple. If you drive up and set it in park, yes your running lights stay on. This drove me nuts the first night. Luckily I was alone in a Cracker Barrel at dusk, so got out and started fiddling. It turns out the solution was simple. Drive up, park, then turn your engine off. After a few seconds, turn it back on but leave it in park and the running lights don't come on until you put it in gear. Problem solved. However, the dash lights come on and a t-shirt stuffed in the dash solved that problem. Good luck. Oh, and what part of Ontario?

[@stephenkow3091]

@@BoondockingBears thank you so much Rick. It's snowing now in Markham so I'll try it as soon as feasible. One more question. Do you know of any Prius group that's into car camping especially any that interested in forming a convoy to visit the RTR. Thanks again.

[@BoondockingBears]

@@stephenkow3091 I don't know of any nearby. Unfortunately I will not be attending this year. Eye surgery on Jan 6th grounds me for awhile otherwise might have considered it. Had the bike winterized knowing winter travel south was out until and if the eyesight booboo is better. If you go though, let us know how it went.

[@stephenkow3091]

@@BoondockingBears Hi Rick - your very simple solution for turning out great . You know I've been researching for over a year to find this solution to no avail. Even my Toyota dealer did not have a solution telling me it's illegal to bypass the DEL but we are not cutting any wires or pulling any fuses and only bypassing the DRL when we are boondocking. Thank you again Rick and I will keep you and your eye problems in my prayers. God Bless.

[@belvajenkins7339]

Rick, when you pull your trailer with motorcycle how much does that reduce your gas mileage. I have a small motorhome that is very comfortable but the drawback is terrible gas mileage. I think my new ideal travel would be a 4 wheel drive Toyota Rav4 hybrid with a 900 lb Meerkat trailer which has a 90 lb tongue wt. It can also be pulled by a Prius.

[@JonathanCWard]

But a $20,000 small sleep RV trailer?! Really?

[@clarekelsey496]

One question- u mention it's breezy and it looks like u r set up to be outside with all ur stuff on table and such, then why do u have to run car and a/c "ALL day long" if u r not going to be in it for long periods of time? Thx

[@BoondockingBears]

Good question and reveals a problem I need to solve. To keep the refrigerator powered, the car needed to be on. Becauise it was so hot (95+) I was qworried the food would spoil if I didn't keep the frig powered. By adding a secondary battery this problem can be solved. Hope that makes sense. Best of luck.

[@clarekelsey496]

@@BoondockingBears yes, it does make sense, THX. Lots of good vids out there about portable generators I believe u can hook to prius battery to charge and then use that small (ie 3lb) battery to keep phones, a.c. or dc items running or charging quite awhile so car doesn't have to be running. And if u have even an inexpensive flexible portable small solar panel, you can leave vehicle in the shade and charge small battery/generator from the solar panel which u put in the sun so it's not draining car battery at all. If I can find one of those utube vid reviews on these compact battery/generator things, I'll come back here and post the link. Thx for ur posts tho bcuz they take a more practically-helpful tack than a lot of others. But are u still using the self inflating mattress that Little Bear had so much fun playing with or have u switched to something else?

[@BoondockingBears]

@@clarekelsey496 This is a different bed from the Lighspeed pad that Little Bear had fun attacking. That was 30" wide resulting in having to put both reqar seat backs down. That was very inconvenient. So I bought the Lightspeed 25" version and it arrived broken. A friend uses a Thermarest and that is what i ultimately went ith. Very comfortable. Here is a link to it if that helps. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5RV9LF/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=AGLJA2W19Z5T3&psc=1

[@clarekelsey496]

Also wanted to say really appreciate ur vids, definitely a subscriber. And wondering if u have different bed than the self inflating one in the vid where Little Bear,is so adorable as u demo bed's inflation/deflation. Thx again

[@BoondockingBears]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, this is a different bed from the Lighspeed pad that Little Bear had fun attacking. That was 30" wide resulting in having to put both reqar seat backs down. That was very inconvenient. So I bought the Lightspeed 25" version and it arrived broken. A friend uses a Thermarest and that is what i ultimately went ith. Very comfortable. Here is a link to it if that helps. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5RV9LF/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=AGLJA2W19Z5T3&psc=1

[@clarekelsey496]

So if Lightspeed 25" had not arrived broken, would u still pick the thermarest as more comfortable of the two? Thx

[@clarekelsey496]

@@BoondockingBears and yes, thk u for earlier reply and link, very helpful. Take care.

[@BoondockingBears]

@@clarekelsey496 Yes, definitely. Turns out the 25" Lighspeed is half the depth of the 30" version and not nearly as comfortale. The Thermarest is more expensive but the increased comfort level is worth it. Sleeping comfort is critical to Prius camping for me.

[@clarekelsey496]

@@BoondockingBears thx again! Have lovely day

[@karenulin9372]

how do you power your cooler day and night

[@Albertwildhorseshoer]

Your refrigerated cooler's vent was covered most of the video with your sleeping blanket.

[@ecoslast1394]

You don't need to 3-prong your cables, just get a cheater plug at Home Depot.

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

how's your back?

[@BoondockingBears]

Never had a back problem luckily. Bad hips and eyes for sure, but would not change with a bad back person. They have it way worse, so grateful that I'm still kicking.

[@trojen2429]

@@BoondockingBears Bad luck for me I guess. I'm 23 and have a bad back

[@joyceyoungblood7927]

Traded my prius for a shuttle bus. Gonna make it into an RV tiny house.

[@PaulVo912]

where can i get the pole?

[@jodyel]

Sure wouldn't be happy listening to that dog bark non-stop. No thanks.