The BEST Car For CAR CAMPING!! -Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe

[@HoneyandMe]

I'm really excited about converting this car into a car camper and then hitting the road for some adventures this summer! Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

[@wendyphillips5002]

This is not luxury camping. I live along the coastline of California. I grew up in Wisconsin where the fall and winter is very cold. I would never think about car camping in Wisconsin in the late fall through the early spring, it is way too cold. People ask me what it is like in the northeast Wisconsin in winter. I just tell them to open their freezer. The freezer may be warmer than in northern Wisconsin. Along the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington it never get to freezing temps at night as long as the winds are off the Pacific ocean. If the winds come off the land it can get below freezing for a short time. The ocean is in the 50s at coldest so the coast line is always warmer than inland. All along the coastline you see vans, campers, and many other vehicles parked along the roadway where no camping is allowed. They just appear parked with all windows blocked over night. We have gone up the Pacific ocean coastline in the winter sleeping in the back of our truck with a camper top. We just get out and have breakfast at a pick nick table. Or we go to a Dennys for breakfast with lots of hot coffee.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@wendyphillips5002 Hi Wendy! Coastal Cali must be nice!! I grew up on Vancouver Island off the west coast of BC, Canada. Winters are generally mild there, but we do get snow a few times a year, which melts off after a few days. Now, my home base is in south central BC, and it is at a higher elevation. There we get snow from mid November until into May sometimes! I am currently at our cabin in the Yukon, though. (I have a 2nd channel on that). Here we have snow and below freezing temperatures all winter. I was realizing our lake, which is right outside the cabin, is frozen for 1/2 the year! Car camping is a great way to travel around see new things and explore. It's also way more affordable than most other ways of traveling. But car camping in winter in the north or where they actually get winter would be a whole other kettle of fish! I'll stick with my cabin or RV for the winters!

[@collinsje5]

Aside from all else, the dependability of the Matrix is off the charts. I've had my 2006 Matrix XR for almost 19 years, and I have had zero major mechanical problems with it.

[@HoneyandMe]

That is so awesome to hear!!👍The previous owner of my Matrix passed away and when my 2007 Yaris was vandalized beyond the insurance repair interest, her husband gifted the Matrix to us. We were so thrilled! I loved my Yaris and still miss it, but the Matrix is just that much more versatile. I am the 2nd owner and have no plans to replace it, unless I hand it on to one of my kids. 😁Thanks for sharing your Matrix story!

[@velocity211]

my mom bought an '03 matrix xr in late 2002, she was one of the first to get it. i learned to drive in that car. 5 years ago it got t-boned. instead of totaling it, i painstakingly crawled through wrecker yards for replacement parts. eventually i fixed the body work completely, and replaced the transmission as the impact hit the wheel and the axle was forced through the transaxle. it has 267k miles currently, i bought it from my mom, and it is my backup car. i now own an '03 matrix xrs, i love it so much, never letting it go. 130k miles so far, lets hit 299,999!

[@HoneyandMe]

Wow! That's quite the Matrix story! Thanks for sharing! They really are amazing little cars. My brother and I have twin Matrixes!

[@kevindaigle]

Vibe owner here, i love mine and nearly three years on with nothing but oil and brake changes

[@HoneyandMe]

@@kevindaigle Awesome!! We had a 2009 Vibe that we gifted to one of our kids because it was too great a car to sell. And we just today have gifted this Matrix to our daughter after her jetta was totalled by a deer. Going to miss it, but I also have a Rav4 and need the 4x4 for our winters. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@FoxWolfWorld]

Toyota Matrix is then GOAT for car living. I’m about to live in mine. It’s seriously my favorite car I’ve ever had 😊

[@HoneyandMe]

I agree it is a pretty great car and really perfect for car camping. What year is yours? Mine is a 2004, but has had only one owner before me. She passed away, otherwise it would not have come to me. She drove it mainly to Arizona and back from BC each year, so high mileage, but pretty much all highway driving.

[@Chickmamapalletfarm]

About 5 months ago I had an opportunity to buy a Toyota Matrix. I saw this video, and then snagged that car up. I always wanted to car camp. About a week after I got it I went on an adventure driving the entire Natchez Trace in my new car camper. It DOES make a wonderful little car camper. 👍👍👍

[@HoneyandMe]

Oh my goodness!!! That is so wonderful!! I am so happy you did this! Congratulations on your new car camper and here's to many more adventures in your Matrix! Your commend absolutely made my day! Thank you so much for sharing! XX

[@aimeeesqueda3174]

I’ve had my Toyota Matrix since 2018 and my mom had it before me since 2006. I have an elastic bungee to hold all the car products I need (and the “just in case”). It looks ugly and everything moves around. I never thought of using the space around the spare tire. I knew about the little doors but I thought it was just easy access to change the tail lights. But you blew me away with that extra space behind the seats…😳 I mean WHAT 😮!!! We’ve had that car for 18 years and I never knew that portion came off 😅😂 I learned a lot from this video. 🎉

[@HoneyandMe]

You get the ‘best comment’ award!! It made me smile!❤️😁I’m so glad you found it informative. Thanks for watching👍

[@aimeeesqueda3174]

@@HoneyandMe 😂 thank you, and thank you for posting the video. I shared it with my mom to prove that I could totally take this little car camping!

[@HoneyandMe]

@aimeeesqueda3174 Oh perfect!! It’s such a great car for both camping and just in general👍I am really looking forward to summer and getting back out car camping. Right now we just got another dump of snow😩

[@aimeeesqueda3174]

@@HoneyandMe summer will be here before you know it.

[@HoneyandMe]

It’s here!!!😄

[@MyBackyardScience]

It really does seems to be a perfect car camper. Toyota was really thoughtful in the design 😉

[@HoneyandMe]

😁I think it's going to work out very well for my needs. It was nice of Toyota to be so forward thinking as to make it just right for car camping! Take care and thanks for watching!

[@aubreyhawkins9946]

Hi 2nd generation pontiac vibe owner here, the vibe if you didn't know is the mechanically identical twin to the matrix both 2nd and 1st generation models. A good thing I'd store in that second cargo spac3 on the side is a battery booster pack!! I camp in my vibe like you and your matrix aswell and the horrors of camping far from home and getting stranded from a dead battery cause you accidentally killed it will be no more of you carry a booster pack. Every person that travels in their car should have one its saved my butt multiple times when nodbody could jump my car

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi Aubrey! We had a 2009 Vibe a few years ago! Great car👍A battery booster is a good idea just in case. The power stations I take with me have boosting cords, which, I haven’t needed to use, but am happy to have in case I need them. It’s a great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@caitecurtis7299]

Wow I've had my Matrix for years and didn't know about some of these features!

[@HoneyandMe]

😁Like having a whole new car!😉

[@JosephFryling]

Love this video, I just got a 2004 Matrix. I've been working matenance on it but Im excited to get it going!

[@HoneyandMe]

Cool!! It’s a great car! Good luck with yours!

[@miguel2077]

I have a Toyota Matrix 2005, it's an excellent car. Thanks for you video, now I have more ideas for using it.

[@HoneyandMe]

Great to hear! They are really wonderful reliable cars. Thanks for watching!

[@Residew]

Thanks for showing all of the storage compartments and giving a good look into the cargo area. Heard from another video it can hold approximately 630L. I'm thinking the 1st Gen Matrix XRS is the perfect car for me. Manual trans, 180HP, reliable, decent MPGs, Plenty of storage space for transporting pets, moving, and road trips. Just need to find one that isn't in the rust belt where I am. Would pay a good amount for one that's been kept up with.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@Residew Happy hunting!! They really are a great car all around. When we purchased a Rav4 last summer, we chose to keep the Matrix as well because it is such a great car. We just couldn’t part with it, but needed AWD for all the winter driving we do. This summer, our son in law got run into by a deer running away from a dog. Right into the driver’s side door! Smashed out the side window, big dents in both the driver’s and rear passenger side door! It was an older Jetta, but still ran great and was his commuter. Insurance wrote it off with very little to buy anything else. We were able to gift him and our daughter the Matrix! It was part of why we kept it. Just in case one of our kids needed it. So glad we did and were able to pass on a safe, reliable, outstanding car to them!

[@SilverRose1937]

I agree. It appears small but looks very spacious. I'm pleasantly surprised!

[@HoneyandMe]

It's perfect for me! As I explore the world of car camping, I've realized it's all in how we use the space we have, not in wishing we had more.

[@SilverRose1937]

I agree!

[@jakeaurod]

I carry a lot in my Vibe. The only things I would change would be to increase the rear hatch size just enough to allow 4 foot panels to slide in diagonally and then lay flat, and maybe to increase the length of the rails on top, although I don't even use them at the moment because mine didn't come with crossbars.

[@HoneyandMe]

It is amazing how much you can fit! I would like it if the roof was a but higher, but really, once you’re lying down… Thanks for watching!

[@jakeaurod]

Somehow, I completely missed the second compartment right behind the seats in my 2008 Pontiac Vibe (AKA Toyota Matrix) until I saw your video, and I've had mine for over 13 years. Thanks for revealing that for me. I may need to use mine as a camper if I don't find a job soon.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@jakeaurod Glad to be of assistance! We had a 2007 Vibe before the Matrix. I sold it to my son in law after he asked to buy it. It also was a great car. If you must move in to your car, you could do a lot worse than this. I wish you all the best❤️

[@uwadude]

I absolutely love this car..The best car i have had in my entire life..By the way mine is the 2010 matrix..Keeping mine forever.

[@HoneyandMe]

Gotta agree! These cars are awesome! My brother and sil have one too and have never had an issue with it. Theirs is a 2006. We’ll be hanging in to ours too❤️Thanks for watching and leaving a great comment😁

[@PaulRudd1941]

I own 2 of these. Currently up on a mountain for snowboarding, stuck some winter tires on and had no issues.

[@HoneyandMe]

Nice!! This was my first winter driving this car and the first time on snowy, icy roads was coming home from our cabin in the Yukon in December. It had the winter tires we’d got with the car on it. The tire place said they’d be good for another year. But when I ended up sliding off the road on the Alaska Hwy, we got new ones put on as soon as we got somewhere that carried the ones we wanted. Now it’s running great in the snow and ice! Thankfully, I had slowed down enough that the car was completely undamaged after gently nudging into the snow bank. Still needed a tow to get it out though.😟

[@TheHapiCamper]

Super cool little car. Hi Sue! Excited to see how you build it out!

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Winter! I'm excited too!

[@annanelson9422]

yay this is helpful! just got this car and was considering rain gaurd and planning to use for car camping!

[@HoneyandMe]

Congrats on your new car! What year? I did a video of putting rain gaurds on my Rav4 if you’re interested! Here’s the link-kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJnHgqtqosybb80si=-iaYdnrZJcft7Nr7 Best of luck with putting together your car camper!❤️

[@zaphodqi122]

Thank you for this video, I was just looking into getting one as my first car

[@HoneyandMe]

You can't go wrong with a Toyota! Our Matrix is a wonderful car and we sure love it. We've also owned a Yaris and an Echo, both by Toyota and they were such great cars too. Excellent on fuel! Good luck with your search and purchase!

[@ascendedkoi]

I noticed these cars going up in value, so versatile.

[@HoneyandMe]

Once you’ve got one they are hard to part with👍Thanks for watching!❤️

[@TraceyKorol]

Hi there Susan!! So very glad to see you🤗💚

[@HoneyandMe]

You too! Take care!

[@ChadGlassify]

I have an 04 as well. It's as you say, the perfect car camper.

[@HoneyandMe]

It sure is! I’ll be doing some car camping this fall in my new to me 2013 RAV4 while the Matrix rests for the winter. But there are so many features in the Matrix that are better suited for car camping. Like the passenger seat ‘table’! The Rav4s passenger seat doesn’t fold forward at all, let alone make a table!

[@alexismartel1901]

I love that video i have my new matrix and im gonna camp anywhere i want

[@HoneyandMe]

That's awesome!, Alexis! Congrats on getting a Matrix and the freedom it's going to give you!! Happy car camping!

[@neiljean-louis3372]

The best review by far. Love it and love the car. Thank you

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you! That is high praise❤️The Matrix is an amazing little car.

[@JennBX1]

I have a 2019 Ford Fiesta. My car doesn't have near the cargo space yours does. Thats a great set up. Also, my rear seats dont fold down flat at all. And the front seat table, 👍👍👍

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi and thanks for watching! My Matrix really does work well for car camping, but I’m sure you can make your Fiesta work too👍Where there’s a will….!😁Take care!

[@DUDENOHELP]

I watched this to remind myself i dont need a big gas guzzling van! lol. I have itsa twin, the pontiac vibe. same driveline and everything. Thanks for the video.

[@HoneyandMe]

Love it!! It's so true! I'm really looking forward to summer and getting back out for some car camping in the spring! I had a vibe a few years ago, but sold it to my son in law when we no longer needed a 2nd car. It was newer than this one and had more bells and whistles. And red! My favourite car colour! Have fun in your Vibe!

[@thelilacmum]

Cute car 🚗 Make sure to leave room for Freddie and Gracie. 💜

[@HoneyandMe]

I've had to shoo Freddie out a few times, so he obviously doesn't want to be left behind. lol! Gracie has her seat reserved already in first class. Take care, sis, and thanks for the support! XXOO

[@Greg_Gatsby]

Wonderful car for you! I’m looking forward to seeing your build out. 👍

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Greg! I've been waiting to get this project started for weeks! The weather here in BC has been terrible all spring and has kept me from being able to get outside and get going on it. The few days I did have that were nice, my neighbour was having a new driveway made in to his property and I had a week of crashing and banging as the excavator dug. So loud I knew it would get picked up on the camera. Lol! He finally left and I had a day without rain! Yay! Thanks for watching and take care!-Sue

[@turfnsurf9367]

Took a 10K trip with my 2002 from Toronto to Las Vegas Christmas in 2008. Slept in the back with an air mattress, no mod needed. Wished Honda made my 2010 CRV like the Matrix. PS, gas price was $1.25 a gallon in the States and $0.66 when I got home:)

[@HoneyandMe]

That’s awesome!! That must have been an amazing trip!👍 Gas prices sure have changed since then😫 My sister has a CRV, not sure of the year, but older, and she loves it!

[@LittleCabinintheYukon]

Perfect for travelling to the cabin!

[@HoneyandMe]

It really will be!

[@dogsandyoga1743]

I'm buying a 2005 this weekend for (sort of) this exact purpose. Stumbled across the vid trying to get a good view of the interior, and got so much more. Thank you 🙂

[@HoneyandMe]

That's so cool!! I'm happy this video was helpful. I do love my little car camping car! Best wishes for your future car camping adventures!

[@qwe304]

If you need more space, that front seat comes out really easy too, just four 14mm bolts and two cables. I've got a bit over 200k on mine, and it works a charm, no major mechanical issues.

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi John! Thanks for sharing this! I have thought about taking out that seat, but as I use it for just a couple of overnights at a time, it hasn't really been needed. Especially since the rest of the time it's used by my husband and I for trips into town and would be a hassle to keep having to take it in and out! lol! But, I can see this being an excellent idea if it was just me on a longer roadtrip or if I chose to live in my car. They really are great cars and we won't be getting rid of ours anytime soon. I have just gotten a 2013 Rav4 XLE that I am going to be using as a car camper as well, and while the extra room is nice, the gas mileage on the Matrix is pretty dang good! Thanks for watching!

[@LynnDisclose]

Have you had to change the mounts or anything or it?

[@qwe304]

@@LynnDisclose just changed out the engine mounts actually, now at 210. Got rid of a vibration while at a stop.

[@LynnDisclose]

@@qwe304 no other problems?

[@LynnDisclose]

Cool mine almost at 290,000 miles . I haven't drove it in a year but I changed some stuff out little at a time.

[@vsgtrek]

I started car camping a few years ago and love it. Thanks for sharing your experiences as I love getting good ideas from others .

[@HoneyandMe]

Thank you so much for watching! I’m looking forward to this summer and getting back out there! So many trips I want to do and so little time😁Happy car camping❤️

[@vsgtrek]

LOL, watching your danish apple recipe … and I’ve heard you say pampered chef a few times going thru your vids … I have a lot of pc items too

[@HoneyandMe]

@@vsgtrek I love their stuff!! I’ve even found a few pieces at thrift shops! 👍

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

Cool

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks!

[@lindasue8719]

I love to see how people are doing smaller vehicles because so many things are for minivans. I have a small SUV at the moment, but before that had a Pontiac Vibe (I think it was also a 2004) which was built on the same model as the Toyota Matrix. I just looooved that car! I wanted something a little bigger (pre car camper days), but I can't get over how small my SUV actually feels LOL. I really miss that foldable passenger seat with table on the back! I also miss having the spare tire inside. These are awesome cars! There are so many features in the Matrix that I just love, I may actually switch over to that. I had to do a double take when I saw the BC plate! I didn't realize you're in BC! Greetings from Burnaby 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@HoneyandMe]

Howdy neighbour! Well, BC at least!😁I had a Vibe too! It was a 2007 and was a wonderful car! We sold it to our son in law, who, when they decided to move to PEI and just take one vehicle, asked if we wanted it back. At that moment we didn’t need another vehicle, but the day he sold it, we did!! My Toyota Yaris was vandalized and ICBC wrote it off. But, the Matrix is a great car too, so no complaints. I know they don’t last long on the market when they do come up for sale. Depending on how much I use the car for camping, I may start to want something a wee bit bigger. But for now it’s perfect! Take care and enjoy this amazing fall weather we’re having!❤️

[@ozmazza6309]

What are the features in the matrix you like? We have one and I find it decent, but nothing very wow.

[@HoneyandMe]

Great question! For me, gas mileage is huge. What it lacks in head room compared to a mini van is more than made up for in the savings in gas. I also like the folding seat on the front passenger side. It’s really handy. The fact that the back folds down to make a level platform is awesome. No need to try and level it out like so many other hatchbacks. It is easy to drive, easy to stealth camp in, and holds enough stuff even without a roof rack to make camping comfortable. For a small car, I couldn’t really ask for more. Hope that answers your question😁

[@donnarogler966]

Do you have the links for the Back hatch replacements from Amazon?

[@HoneyandMe]

Yes, I do! This is the one for the hatch window and the hatch door together- amzn.to/4dOzB1a Amazon does have quite a few to choose from if you only need the one set though.

[@madcitywendy]

I have a 2005 Matrix and this was a great video.

[@HoneyandMe]

Nice! I love mine!! Thanks for watching!

[@CampingTherapy]

Cool that the back window opens.

[@HoneyandMe]

Lol! I found out the window opened after we already had it for a week or so. I had to run out in the dark to try it out! Take care, Doreen!

[@CampingTherapy]

@@HoneyandMe I probably would have done the same thing.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@CampingTherapy We’re just big kids at heart ❤️

[@shingabiss]

I have a 2005 base model that came with manual adjust side mirrors. For under $100 I was able to buy new power mirrors and a used window control that pops right into the coin hplder location next to the nterior light dimmer switch. I do have power windows so yours might not have the mirror electrical connections in the door. I just connected it all up and they work.

[@HoneyandMe]

I’m traveling in Arizona atm, and can’t for the life of me remember if the Matrix has manual side mirrors or not😆 That’s so cool you could add the mirror and window controls! After having car camped on a longer road trip in my Rav4, which has power windows, I will keep the manual window winders in the Matrix. Being able to unwind or wind up the back windows without the key is great! Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could do both! Someone needs to do that! Thanks for your comment and sharing the changes you’ve made! Very helpful!

[@ちくてぬしくけて]

This is a good car. So is the scion xb. Both of these hatchbacks are amazing!

[@HoneyandMe]

I think so too! I'm going to have to look up the Scion XB as I've never heard of it! Hatchbacks are such a handy kind of car. We haul all sorts of things in it instead of having to take our 1 ton diesel truck. Thanks for watching!

[@HoneyandMe]

I looked up the Scion XB, Meggy and it's so cute! It would make a great car camper!!

[@arsalanmahmood2033]

A quick question, my car is 159k kms. Do I change it's transmission oil? No issues though just asking because I bought it at 156k kms. Thank you.

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi! I appreciate the question, but I am not a mechanic. I would advise googling it. There is lots of info on how to tell if the fluid is low, what it should smell and look like, etc. Good luck!

[@barbe.1556]

Most definitely--change the transmission fluid. It will be a drain & refill (not flush) to prolong vehicle life. My mechanic says that doing drain/refill 3 times within the year will fully change out old existing fluid. I also use Amsoil full synthetic for oil changes...

[@ran6110]

Very nice, I got a 2003 Honda CR-V for the same reasons. Mine has extra storage inside because the spare tire is mounted on the rear door (opens sideways) and the back has a foldable table built in over the rear storage. The main reason I went with the Honda is it has higher ground clearance, all wheel drive and a metal panel over the sunroof (no hail damage here!)

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi Richard! My sister has a CR-V and loves it! I've seen a lot of campers using them for car camping so they must be a great choice too! After the hail storm we had here the other day, I can understand the need for a metal cover on a sunroof! Take care and thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@buggzo]

Where can I get those red window visors and bug screen for my Matrix?

[@HoneyandMe]

Good question! Mine were already on my Matrix when I got it, but I have seen them on Amazon in that colour. You might need to search a bit for your cars make, model and year. Hopefully one of the many rainguard maufacturers still makes them. Good luck!

[@brandonvanevery5878]

Storage doors? I never noticed, except when doing a tail light repair. It's possible to drop things into the body of the car in those storage areas, so I would not recommend anything small. But I think my jumper cables are going in. I took out my front passenger seat to make room for a full sized cooler, which I actually put my head on to sleep.

[@HoneyandMe]

Yes, I did notice that if you put things too high up in the storage area they could potentially disappear forever! I use one to store road side emergency stuff like reflective triangles, slime and a reflective vest. But on the side I can access easier, I stuff a down blanket that fits into a small stuff bag in case it gets a bit too chilly at night. Nice to have the space for those 'just in case' items!

[@explorer867]

Susan, Toyota is great choice. These cars will last for many years if you do the regular maintenance. Have a great week and enjoy your travels.

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi! I agree! Toyota makes a great car! My 2007 Yaris was an amazing car, until someone ignorant decided it would be fun to smash out the windows. The insurance company wrote it off. I still miss that zippy little car. But, this car has replaced it and I am more than happy with it too! Hope you have a great week too!

[@christiangenest576]

Nice. video i like the way you showing us all the stuff ! I’m 6’3 ‘’ do you think I have enough space ?

[@HoneyandMe]

I think you would fit fine if you fold the passenger seat forward into ‘table mode’. You’d need something to fill the space between the seats that would slightly angle your bed up as the front seat ‘table’ is a tad higher that the folded down back area. I’ve slept with it like that and found I needed to stick a pillow under my mattress on top of the cooler I use to fill that space in the footwell. Other than that, you should do well! Take care!😁

[@StaciesCountryCooking]

All the storage will come in handy for your camping items. Nice care. Definitely will be cheaper on gas. Have a great night

[@HoneyandMe]

I'm pretty sure I won't have any problem filling all the nooks and crannies, so the extra space is so nice to have. Can't wait to go on a road trip! TTFN, Stacie!-Sue

[@JeanneBaney]

Lots of great features! What a great idea!

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks Jeanne! Waiting for nice day to be able to put it all together!

[@brandonvanevery5878]

Totally agree on hand rolling windows, but mine came electric. I've made do. Gaining experience with completely sealed windows, due to dog's allergies.

[@HoneyandMe]

We gotta use what we've got, right!? Your dog has allergies? Or you have allergies to dogs??

[@brandonvanevery5878]

@@HoneyandMe The dog has allergies. :-(

[@HoneyandMe]

@@brandonvanevery5878 Aww..poor thing.

[@georgepaget5748]

Hi . I and my Vibe have been road tripping for ten years. One trip was to Nova Scotia and across the USA. This winter it will the SW of the US again. I noticed your BC licence . Maybe we'll cross paths.

[@HoneyandMe]

Hello George! That’s wonderful!! 10 years! Wow! I used to own a Vibe too. We sold it to our SIL when he approached us about it and since we really didn’t need it as well as my old Yaris, we let him buy it. It was a 2009 and a lovely car. Wouldn’t it be great to meet up! We could swap car camping tips and stories! I’m thinking I will eventually car camp to PEI as my oldest daughter and her family moved there from BC last year.

[@ArtisanHemp]

Nice! I hadn't thought to put emergency roadside supplies in the drug cargo space lol

[@HoneyandMe]

Lol😂They are pretty handy little cubbies good for uuuhh…. all kinds of stuff😁

[@LeSiZmOr]

I have an '05 Vibe. Same car. Mine is AWD.

[@HoneyandMe]

Nice!! I had a 2007 Vibe and sold it to my SIL when we no longer needed 2 cars and a truck. It was a great car!

[@EpicRV]

Can’t wait to see what you do with this van. It looks perfect for you!

[@HoneyandMe]

I'm pretty chuffed about it and have been having fun gathering the bits and pieces to add to it to make it work for me and the critters. Thanks for watching and safe travels!

[@Prepare2Survive]

That long and narrow storage spot in the back looks like it would be the perfect size for a fishing pole, bow and arrow, rifle or shotgun.

[@HoneyandMe]

It’s a great spot for all of the above! It all depends on what you need/want or simply must have!😁Thanks for watching❤️

[@lizzienotborden]

What year is it? I'm looking for a new to me car better suited for car camping😊

[@HoneyandMe]

This baby is a 2004! It’s in such good shape! The previous owners were the 1st owners and took excellent care of it. Good luck in your search for your perfect car camper!

[@HoneyandMe]

PS! I love your KZbin name!😆

[@lizzienotborden]

@@HoneyandMe Thanks!

[@TraceyKorol]

Love your new camper car🙌💚

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Tracey! Hope you guys are doing well!

[@AspaceFor3]

I love it most definitely a great camper for today's world. Cant wait to see your conversion. M

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks! Travelling in Honey is always fun, but this will be a whole new adventure! And much cheaper at the moment! Thanks for watching!!

[@AspaceFor3]

@@HoneyandMe I agree this is why I chose a van. Enjoy the journey

[@HoneyandMe]

@@AspaceFor3 What kind of van did you choose?

[@AspaceFor3]

@@HoneyandMe it's in the conversion process right now. I will reveal soon but it's definitely get good miles per gallon.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@AspaceFor3 Exciting! I’ll await the reveal!

[@cal48koho]

well done!

[@HoneyandMe]

😃 Thanks!

[@retz79]

What year model is it?

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi! It’s a 2004 Toyota Matrix, 5 speed manual transmission with a turbo add on.

[@dylano7242]

The pontiac vibe is the same car , just a re badged toyota. The pontiac vibe is slightly bigger more cargo area, taller roof , more utility features like oem roof rack, tow hitch , more cargo tie dow points , more ruged interior. And vibe is usually cheaper than the matrix. But if you want a more stylish, less 2000s plastic car the toyota matrix looks more modern not dated as the vibe .

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks for your comment! I have also owned a Vibe (2009) which I sold to my son in law when we no longer needed 3 vehicles. It was a great car also, and had a few updates over this Matrix due to the year. It had a 110 plugin which was really nice to have, as well as an aux cord plugin. I don't remember it being any different in size though. I find myself mistaking a Matrix for a Vibe all the time though while driving in town.

[@susanhawkes2519]

Is that an XRS? Red dash lights?

[@HoneyandMe]

@@susanhawkes2519 Hi Susan! It does have red dash lights. But I don’t know if it is a XRS. We have since gifted this amazing little car to our daughter and son in law. I do miss it, but we didn’t need 2 cars after retiring 😁

[@wendyphillips5002]

Most of my car camping is at trailheads where I put the large black plastic sheet over all of my stuff. I don't want anyone to see my ice chest and other stuff in my car. Out of site out of mind. At night I just back into parking spaces sleeping in the back with the windows cracked inside 2 sleeping bags. It is illegal to camp overnight at national forest trailheads. I don't get out of the car setting up a tent, fire, or anything else. I just sleep in the back of the car. In the morning, I have a white gas stove make breakfast, get ready and go for my hike with my dog. At night in the high sierras over 8,000 ft elevation coyotes, bears, and deer will appear at night. My dog hears everything and barks. I usually have to just pull my sleeping bags over me just laying on a soft pad between me and the back of my Matrix. I pull my dog next to me warming the dog and getting it calmed down and warm enough to sleep. I have not tried camping in very public places over night visible to everyone. I would stay at a well lit truck stop or rest area. The huge problem is if you have your dog, if someone comes up to your car it will bark. Without my dog, I would pull the plastic high over my head. I don't think it may be a problem at a truck stop or rest area. I would just tell the police that I am exhausted and had to sleep to avoid an accident and just need a few hours of sleep. I don't think it is a problem to sleep overnight at a busy truck stop or rest area for the night. Remember the first thing to tell police is: I felt I was falling asleep at the wheel. I did not want to cause an accident. You are concerned about your and the safety of others. That way I am not seen and even if it is the police. If you don't move or tell them you are in the car, they can do nothing. The car is locked and legally parked. How many places do we see campers, huge trucks, or vans in areas with all windows covered overnight? The police can't give you an illegal overnight camping ticket if they think the vehicle is empty? i have even cut out fitted window pieces that block out the back and side windows from the inside. That way all you need to do is put the huge plastic sheet over the top of the front seats. That way you can't see anything in the back of the car.

[@HoneyandMe]

Lots of great advice, Wendy. My dog barks at people too, But, my cat growls. It's pretty funny! She growls when people walk by, or she sees someone out the window. Very ferocious! I made covers for all the back windows in the Matrix (on another video) that have worked very well for keeping me stealthy and that have allowed me to park in parking lots undetected. Most rest areas, and all truck stops in the US allow you to stay there for 8 hours, at least. In Canada they are more picky. But, unless you are causing a problem, you can usually get away with overnighting. My husband is a retired cop and his take on it is, if you aren't disturbing anyone or anything, you are fine. The police have way more important things to do than check cars for sleeping people. Happy car camping, Wendy!

[@wendyphillips5002]

@@HoneyandMe You are right the police can easily see you are just trying to sleep for a few hours or the night not up to anything violent or illegal. We are complying with all other laws. Homelessness is an epidemic in the USA. There are so many homeless people. Downtown Los Angeles is endless tents on sidewalks and in parks. We have so many people working minimum wage jobs at about $10 to 15 an hour with no benefits for 30 hours a week. Any trip to the emergency room or car repair will bankrupt people. I know several people working 2 jobs each 30 hours a week with no benefits. They are just struggling to survive with rents to $1,000 to well over $1,500 a month. We see so many struggling to live in their cars and vans living day to day. What good does it do to throw these people in jail? They will loose their pets because you can't take them to jail with you. They go to a dog pound to be given away or killed.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@wendyphillips5002 It's pretty bad all over, Wendy. I think the warmer climates attract the homeless just because you can live 'outdoors' with less discomfort. My hometown provides gourmet type meals to the 'homeless' EVERY night! It was started by a woman whose brother was living on the streets. While it's good to want to 'do good', this program has attracted more and more homeless people to the town and is now overrun with homeless. There has to be a better solution.

[@ReneaDooserider]

Hi I’m a new subscriber what year is that Toyota??

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi and welcome! So happy you’re here❤️ My Toyota Matrix is a 2004!

[@AOKUrbanHomestead1]

Great car to convert!

[@HoneyandMe]

I have to agree! Thanks for watching!

[@jeffnoble9757]

Why did Toyota stop making the Matrix especially gas is fluctuations between 4and5 dollars(thanks joe)

[@HoneyandMe]

Only Toyota can answer that question. I have the same kind of question about their Yaris. I LOVED my little red Yaris. 2 of the things that made it special, besides running on drips of gas and never needing any major work done on it...were the cup holders and the centrally located instrument panel! Mine was a 2007. At some point they changed the panel to infront of the driver and got rid of the amazing cup holders! WHY???? I was very sad and upset when some cruel person smashed out all fo the side windows and bent the door frames. It was a write-off. Still uipset, in case you can't tell. Some things are just a mystery.

[@jeffnoble9757]

@@HoneyandMe my mom owned a Yaris it was fun to drive and I don't remember ever putting gas in it?? She gave the car to my sister who was addicted to Jesus and illegal drugs, she totalled it in 2 months it was a sad day, by the way I own a matrix xr and don't tell anyone I went to Vegas for 3days and slept in it 2nights I had to blast playing craps and dancing at the dueling piano bar at Harrah's casino

[@HoneyandMe]

Awww! Poor Yaris! But yes, they are amazing cars. I still miss mine. Way to go, sneaking off to Vegas!! And saving on hotel bills! My lips are sealed! lol!

[@wendyphillips5002]

I have a silver Toyota 2007 Matrix without the dark tinted back windows. I just always carry a lager black plastic sheet about 8 ft x 4 ft. I just spread the black sheet over the entire back out the car. Out of sight out of mind. Even sleeping in the back, I just pull the huge black sheet over me. No one can see me in my sleeping bag in the back. I am under 5'6" tall and can stretch out across the flat back of this car. If I was 6 ft or over it may be very uncomfortable in the back of this car. I did inflate my tires to the PSI on the side of the tires to under 51 psi to 48 psi and drive under 70 mph. I have been getting over 37 mpg. The ride is a little rougher but it saves a lot on gas. Remember these tires are designed to be operated at 51 psi. The recommended inflation is only for comfort your tires will wear much faster and you will get much worse gas mileage. This smaller Toyota 1.8 liter engine is very efficient and will last over 200,000 miles. Mine has over 201K miles and I am expecting to get near or over 300,000 miles.

[@HoneyandMe]

That's a really interesting idea, Wendy! Do you actually pull it over your head? Not sure if it would work in my situation as I travel with my dog and cat and they may object to being 'covered', lol! But I can see where this would be an easy solution to stay stealthy. Thanks for sharing the tire info too!

[@worldhello1234]

The Pointiac Vibe is a Toyota Voltz with Pontiac badge.

[@HoneyandMe]

The Voltz was sold only in Japan. It was a Matrix, which Toyota then gave to Pontiac to add their bits, then took back and added some other bits and named it the Voltz. Seems kind of silly, but there it is!

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@Honey and Me hey I see your license plate where do you live in BC? Because I might live by you, I live in Campbell river BC

[@HoneyandMe]

Hello neighbour! Sort of! Campbell River is my hometown. I still spend time there with my mom and 2 of my 5 kids and 4 grandkids there. I love CR and miss being by the sea. Small world😁

[@thetrailerman9738]

0​@@HoneyandMe

[@HoneyandMe]

👍

[@dogsarethebestcatsaretoo6764]

How many miles does it have

[@HoneyandMe]

It has 282k on it. Still runs like a top! The previous owners drove it to Arizona from southern BC every year to an RV they had down there. So mostly highway miles.

[@nascar427]

What year is your Matrix?

[@HoneyandMe]

It’s a 2004. Thanks for asking!

[@jms60]

That Great Ideal Car Camping just for you we lots come M22 in cars vans pop ups camper on meetup Great Ideal

[@HoneyandMe]

I'm quite amazed how perfect this car is for camping! I'm also amazed more people don't use their cars to camp in!

[@jms60]

@@HoneyandMe i am too tall for my suv 6"6

[@kathylewis7543]

What year is it?

[@HoneyandMe]

@@kathylewis7543 It’s a 2004!

[@NixPix]

those are all great reasons. sorry about what happened to your old one. your so handy. I could do something like that in my Volvo XC70 and its AWD wonder if there are rules about camping in your car at fort wilderness.

[@HoneyandMe]

Go for it!! Does Fort Wilderness have rules about the RVs??

[@NixPix]

@@HoneyandMe I’m not sure 🤔

[@DebsWay]

You are going to have a lot of fun camping with your Matrix! Take care now!!

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks, Deb! Hoping the weather up here smartens up soon so I can get out! Wettest spring ever! Take care!-Sue

[@tonyhughes7311]

Im in chilliwack and i camp alot out of my 2006 matrix

[@HoneyandMe]

That’s so cool, Tony!👍👍Chilliwack is our coffee and gas stop when traveling to the island😁 Does your 06 have the same features as my 04? Anything extra?

[@phillipholmes4466]

Can a six-footer lay down?

[@HoneyandMe]

Good question! I’m 5’7” and fit great with feet wiggle room. The thing with car campers with hatch backs is you can increase your bed length by moving the front seat forward, whichever side you’re sleeping on. You just need to have something in the foot well to hold up the end of your bed. If you need the extra length, I’d sleep on the passenger side and leave the front seat moved forward permanently. If you were on the driver’s side and needed the extra length you would obviously need the leg room in front while driving😆Which would mean needing to push the driver’s seat back all the time and having to fold up the end of the bed. Hope this answers your question!😊 Thanks for watching and asking❤️

[@richbrake9910]

I'm 6Ft, and it looks I could fit. Now to find a good Matrix for sale

[@HoneyandMe]

With the front passenger seat folded forward, you would definitely fit! You would need something between the front seat and the back to transition, but most definitely doable. Good luck with your search👍😁

[@henryrosstti5409]

I have one I'm on here because i been thinking of converting my car to a camper.

[@HoneyandMe]

I wish you all the very best in your car camping adventure! 😁

[@wendyphillips5002]

If you are from Canada maybe you can drive down the Pacific coast where it is nearly always warmer even in the winter. This is because there are camping areas on or very near the ocean. The ocean is mostly in the 50s even in the winter, so the winds off the ocean are in the 50s even in winter. That way it does not get too cold at night. Drive down to above San Francisco where you can do a day drive over to Death Valley in the winter. Even in winter it can easily be in the 90s daytime and in the 70s at night or maybe the 60s and the 40s at night. it can be very windy in the winter. I arrived in November in Death Valley and the temps were in the high 80s with the night only in the low 70s. I slept in the back of my Matrix with only a light sheet over me. People come from all over the USA to spend a few days or more at Death Valley in the winter when it is freezing and rainy in most of the USA. Death Valley can have nasty winds even in the winter lasting all night. In the back of my Matrix it is calm and comfortable. We were at the campground near furnace creek in our tent camper with the wind blowing with gusts to 30 mph all night. By morning our tent camper was just fine. However, every few minutes gusts of winds shook the entire tent camper. We chose to fold down the tent camper and drove into Nevada returning to Southern California. By morning more than 1/2 of the personal tents beside cars were blown flat. Too many of these small tents are not designed or built for higher winds. Or the people setting them up don't rope and tie them down properly. Camping or staying in campgrounds all day in high winds is not pleasant for me. The desert can get windy any time of the year. However, it is spectacular in the winter for camping. The rest of mid to northern USA is frozen and in winter. Death Valley is much warmer. From there you can drive down to the Anza Boreggo State park in San Diego county. It is also wonderful in the winter. We used to go to Anza Boreggo from San Diego in the winter for weekends. There is Blair valley where there is no water, toilets or formal camp areas. Camping is free in Blair valley.

[@HoneyandMe]

Thanks for sharing, Wendy! My husband and I head south almost every year after Christmas in our travel trailer and head for Arizona. We spend the first part of winter at our off grid Yukon cabin (where I am at the moment) and then love getting into that lovely warm sunshine! This year we are thinking that taking the car camper and my Toyota motorhome will be a better idea. The price of fuel is crazy!! Our truck that pulls the trailer uses diesel and with the price and shortage we are thinking the gas fuelled motorhome and the Matrix will be a better idea. Taking the Matrix means we can leave the motorhome parked while we explore. It uses such a small amount of fuel it makes it worth it. Plus, as the motorhome is quite small, we may find that one of us is better sleeping in the car camper. Again, thanks for sharing the places to visit! Happy car camping!

[@chrisniner8772]

Any car is much more comfortable and fuel efficient if it's white. Don't believe me, try sitting in a black car for an hour.... she mentions the color but for a very different reason.

[@HoneyandMe]

Hi! You’re right! White reflects the heat!… and I’m assuming it’s more fuel efficient because you don’t need to run the AC as often?? I’ve never owned a black car, but our dark blue truck does heat up in the sun. I also have noticed most vehicles in Arizona are white. I believe they also cost less as white is supposedly the easiest colour to paint a car as the imperfections show less. Thanks for pointing this out!👍

[@harpuneetsingh1646]

i just got matrix 2007

[@HoneyandMe]

@@harpuneetsingh1646 That’s wonderful!! Congratulations!👍😁❤️

[@8754roberto]

I'm looking for a car camper 😊

[@HoneyandMe]

Good luck in your search!👍

[@daynadiggle8169]

What spare tire ? I didn't see a spare tire !

[@HoneyandMe]

The spare in the Matrix is under the back floor like I showed in the video. It just has a cover on it that you remove to get the tire out.

[@tonyedward6909]

Japanese engineers are very smart.

[@HoneyandMe]

Agree! We’ve never owned a Toyota we didn’t love!

[@dougt8215]

It's the right brand, but it's not a Prius. (kidding) Good luck!

[@HoneyandMe]

Lol! I would LOVE a Prius! If you know anyone wanting to give one away… I’m willing to accept!😁

[@ethanoyamawang]

made in Canada !

[@HoneyandMe]

@@ethanoyamawang Absolutely!🇨🇦

[@berniemadoff7837]

WRONG!!! The best car for camping is the Prius V. Huge cargo area, even more than this. Automatic climate control that only uses about a gallon of gas overnight turning on the engine to recharge the battery running the AC or Heat while you're sleeping and then shutting off by itself after 20 minutes or so. Gets almost 40 MPG as a hybrid.

[@HoneyandMe]

Well… we are all entitled to our own opinion, Bernie😁I actually have been eyeing up Priuses. You know how once you are looking into a vehicle you see them everywhere?! I’ve noticed so many Priuses! But, my big issue is having a vehicle that can sit in -50C weather and still start. We spend part of the winter at our cabin in the Yukon and are off grid, so no plugins to recharge or keep things warm. Hybrids don’t work well up there, so I opted for a RAV4 as my 2nd car camper. AWD also allows me to get further off the beaten track. If I was just traveling south, a Prius, or Hybrid RAV4 would be my choice. Thanks for your comment and offering your perspective on the perfect car camper!