My $50 TOYOTA PRIUS Setup | How to Sleep in Your Car Comfortably

So in today's video I want to share with everyone my car camping setup for my 2010 Toyota Prius. It's super inexpensive and it allows me, a grown man who is 6 foot 4 inches, to sleep comfortably in the rear. You can pick up all the items I list here at Wal-mart or any other big box department store.
In case anyone is wondering I am not sleeping in my car because I am homeless. I am on a road trip and don't want to pay for hotels every night. However, the nights I have spent in my car have given me a whole new understanding of what car dwellers and van dwellers go through. My heart goes out, and my prayers go up, to/for anyone who is sleeping in their car because of financial difficulties. It's not so fun when it's not by choice.
My hope in making this video is to show people that you can live in a small or mid size vehicle without spending tons of money. You can start out doing it like I am and then work your way up to a better setup if you like.
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#toyotaprius #carlifestyle #liveinacar

[@Polemic-2525]

Another brother driving a Prius is always good to see. I love my red Prius. You can run your car all night long and the car will only use 1/2 gallon of fuel. No need to wake up freezing. Luckily I’m 6 foot so I can stretch out. Don’t be afraid to run your heater or A/C all night. Never ever get a motel room. Your can also get baby wipes and squirt bottles a gallon of water and shower that way trust me it works..All right bro . Thumbs up to you I subscribed stay up Brother.

[@TimothyWard]

Tha is for the tips Qubert!

[@ivabuttitch]

Get a 20 dollar a month planet fitness membership and shower all over the country.

[@sunlite9759]

@@ivabuttitch Great advice. Check with your Medicare and see if you can join join Silver Sneakers. Zero$ and nation wide.

[@endtimesclips896]

Ànother brotha myself owns 2010 prius my bug out vehicle

[@garethbaus5471]

@@endtimesclips896 the 2010 has a bad gasket.

[@thebudgetgamer]

It's cool to see a person of color doing these types of videos

[@ajfeinman]

It’s a great way to live because of climate control. Been living in my Toyota Prius for six years and I will probably live this way for at least another decade

[@TimothyWard]

You are really living the #Priuslife

[@chriswatson5242]

😲

[@aseeyahrhinesmith1413]

If you are at a campground you can set the temperature and leave the prius on all night. The engine will cycle off and on when needed and that does take a little getting used to but you will be warm and it uses very little gas. I've spent many nights in many campgrounds this way. Thats why I love my prius. Great set up.

[@markbajek2541]

IF you ran the car heating system (although not as stealthy) , at that point could you recline the front driver or passenger seat and just zzzz up front? would that allow enough leg room to stretch out? Nice clean minimal road trip set up. Where'd you put the microwave and the air fryer?

[@chasingsimpledreams]

I have heard that about the Prius. A fair numbrt of car living nomads have Priuses!

[@outbackigloo6489]

@@markbajek2541 - I am also 6’4”. I don’t usually sleep in my Prius, but might do so on a long trip to save money on motels. When I do, I sleep in the driver’s seat, with the seat reclined almost all the way back and with a small pillow. I find it very comfortable, and I can stretch out just fine. I never thought about running the car for heat or air conditioning though.

[@howardmanley3388]

Aseeyah Rhinesmith you mean leave the Prius engine running all nite?

[@aseeyahrhinesmith1413]

@@howardmanley3388 Yes I have left the engine on all night when I was at campground and it was very hot outside. The engine cycled on and off the temperature stayed at a comfortable 70 degrees and I hardly used any gas.

[@Julia-vb3rk]

Love my prius! All the Prius folks need to get together and have a big camping trip!!

[@PacificCrestTrail12]

Prius gets world leading 50 MPG and you can sleep in them. Winner! Ask any Prius owner How do you like your car.? They will always say we Love it.

[@yourworstnightmare4702]

Sounds good

[@yourworstnightmare4702]

you can stretch if you move the front passenger seat forward. I have a V which is very roomy than the regular prius.

[@yourworstnightmare4702]

Sign up for shipt and door dash to earn money on the road.

[@hellodarkness5644]

I only meet up to bone.

[@dr.mikeybee]

There's a second setup for sleeping in a Prius. Put the front seat back down. Then build up the level with blankets. That will give you about 7 feet of length. There are videos of how to do that if you look for them. I'm only 6' tall; so I can do what you are doing. I move the suitcase to the front seat, and I fit on the diagonal. BTW, bring a stick with you; so that when you wake up, you can press the break with the stick. Then you can press the start button, and the engine and heat will start. I have a fold-up cane for that. You can also add an inflatable sleeping bag pad for around $15. I have a tri-fold mattress from Amazon that was just under $30. The inflatable pad is less bulky. I also made window no cost window covers from cardboard; so I have privacy. I just cut up some large boxes.

[@aaronosborn7395]

I lived in my Prius and loved it. Saved so much money.

[@WeThePeople11]

Simple and efficient, if you at 6-4 can do this then anyone can, no excuses to not go out and explore. Keep inspiring!

[@slargo83]

Maybe Shaq can't 🤣

[@kevmodee1866]

There is a lot of folks living in their Prius, and to be 6'4", and sleeping comfortable, that's amazing. I plan on living out of my Buick LaCross beginning in a couple of months and I'm truly excited. Nervous, but excited. Thanks for sharing.

[@TimothyWard]

I think you'll love it Kevin!!

[@yolandajennings9140]

Nice set up, Tim. If you’re that comfortable in there, then it would be a mansion for me! I’m 5’1” 😂😂😂 Have fun on your journey and be safe!✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jackiecullen1956]

Imma gonna join this Prius gang! Sounds like the perfect car, and I'm 5'6" so will be cosy as... Thankyou for this video, be following from Australia!!

[@TimothyWard]

Go for it Jackie!

[@beedee9534]

@@TimothyWard Bought 2018 Toyota is the greatest vehicle on the planet ask ISSI and the Taliban, Toyota trucks and cars is all they use why? no break downs unless droned

[@automaticnitro8645]

KZbin needs to pay tim for that commercial ad they are using him in on t.v. ,so cut the check for tim to buy a traveling van!👍

[@ESPMe]

Yes!

[@inlandhandymanservicesofso4914]

This guy has such a great motivation al attitude!

[@Aduhwan]

I own and have also slept a number of nights in a 2010 Prius. At 5’9”, it’s very comfortable to sleep in. I like this body style and it’s an amazing car all around. 👍🏾😎

[@thetravelingmyfundsarelow1693]

You are a think tank...good job , you know how to stretch a buck and not ashamed of doing what you want in life . Keep it up Tim 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@tiffanym8358]

“Taking back our lives” yes!!!

[@truthoverfalsehood__8757]

You are a boss dude, living the dream roadtrip no fear no overthinking. Free like a bird. Motivated me to take back my life, gonna order a 40 dollar fishing rod soon God willing.

[@FoodTrucksForDummies]

Minimalist design 🙌🏾

[@ironman1518.]

LOVE you enthusiasm and spirit!! Thank you for all the great tips!

[@TheVegan15]

Wow! You're 6'4"😯 You don't look that tall lol. Your prius set up is great!!

[@barbarapeller]

I love road trips and my goal is to visit all fifty states, with only 13 left to go. After the pandemic hit I had to stop but my daughter bought me an air-mattress for the car, didn't know they existed. I haven't had the chance to try it out yet but will come next summer when I hit the road again if this virus is better under control. I usually would sleep in my car at a rest area if I get too tired and no hotels close by or I just want to save money. When I leave I already know where I want to stop and get a hotel at but sometimes I don't make it and instead of getting a hotel somewhere I don't want, I sleep in my car and I love it. Enjoy and safe travel.

[@manie9689]

Thanks for sharing. I’m going to start camping in my Prius instead of a tent. I love my car.

[@ChrisSlack]

I’ve been going down a Prius camping KZbin hole and I’m going to buy a Prius for sure.

[@TimothyWard]

Go for it Chris! They are great cars!

[@simpleuser0001]

This immediately reminding me of the videos from CheapRVliving where people sleep in their cars with the similar setup that you have. I've been watching Bob's videos for a while and I plan on getting a cargo van to live in. Thanks for showing us your setup Tim! I didn't know you were THAT tall!

[@manp1039]

I have a feeling more people will be doing this as a result of the pandemic.. and some employers doing flex remote and in-office working.. It would allow a worker who lives farther away to work a couple days a week at the office and instead of driving far away back home to just sleep in the car for a couple nights .. save money and be able to work more hours on the days they are working in the office and save all the travel time. and still, being able to live in an area that is cheaper to rent or own a home? And some employers will probably create a policy for allowing their workers to do this on their private parking lots for employees? I am thinking especially Apple and Google and Facebook and Microsoft for example, which have corporate offices in some of the most expensive cities for which is it unaffordable to buy a home. Amazon may also incorporate some hybrid policy of allowing workers to sleep in their car on nights between shifts, or the night before and/or after a shift. And may even provide additional services for these workers to do so comfortably and safely?

[@jameswhitmore88]

I've been searching for a Prius. This thing is perfect for minimal and budget friendly setup. And I could do gig economy jobs on the side.

[@teresawoods5099]

Oh my gosh, thank you for sharing your set up! That is great, looks super cozy. Happy travels!

[@TimothyWard]

No problem! And thanks Teresa! 😁😁

[@TheJanet4321]

Thanks for showing how easy and cheap this can be. As others have mentioned, there is a trend of people living and traveling all over the country in these priuses, due to their great gas mileage as well as the ability to have heat/air conditioning on at night, depending upon the climate you are in.

[@larrym.4084]

Awesome Video man! Prius are underestimated. The best traveling car on the road! I paid 3200 for a salvaged title 2008 prius 90K miles. Finally got the title and its clear! Best deal ever. Now im thinking about turning into the worlds smallest/most efficient RV!

[@moonmagickal3634]

Wow that’s a great deal!!

[@tatumbohannon2372]

love your attitude and personality!!

[@TimothyWard]

Thanks Tatum!

[@FloridaYalta]

Love it. So cozy

[@turisteandoentexas]

My husband and I have been traveling but in hotels and we totally looking for a gas saver vehicle to do our traveling, this is great info. Thank you

[@TimothyWard]

Yeah hotels are expensive. A good vehicle that you can sleep in and is good on gas can dave you so much money when you are traveling. Happy trails!

[@ANDYDAVIRGO]

Cool set-up. Feel like doing that myself one-day.

[@tinakasch3669]

Very nice and simple. Good idea.

[@spoonbillyerd]

tim is so real and genuine

[@jeremyferrickbuffalotraffic]

This is helpful as I live in my Toyota

[@sherylmcneill7811]

There's a wedge you can buy to elevate your knees that would fit you perfectly in the car and support your back.

[@TimothyWard]

Thanks for the recommendation Sheryl. I didn't even know they made anything like that

[@MechayaAlta]

Many Prius campers on you tube. However very few other Toyota hybrid campers. Since there are 2 of us, I’m thinking of a highlander hybrid camper. Extra road clearance will be nice as well.

[@oliverarceo2004]

This guy is Kool he can be a great actor if he really wanted too

[@wuloonu]

That looks like a cozy setup and if you can do it at 6'4" in a Prius then I need to stop worrying about fitting in my Forester at 6'5" for my month long trip this January!

[@wanderlostrvr2582]

Prius is my back up. I’m 6’ pretty much stretch out with front seat slid up like yours.

[@romari2706]

Did you try the Prius heater? It can run off the battery., while occasionally turning on the engine to recharge. So it can keep you warm while using very little gas.

[@seand67]

Wow amazing Tim

[@harrybuttworth6765]

Look forward to more posts :)

[@jodyel]

You're a hoot, Timothy, and I so enjoyed this video. Always want to know how to do things on the cheap, for sure , and maybe even a little "ghetto." Very fun. Thanks.

[@skeletor7]

What up prius gang! Hoping to do this in my prius v next road trip in the spring. Thanks for the videos man

[@atherahmed6397]

I really appreciate the simplicity of this set up. I've seen some really complicated prius builds, and more power to those folks who go that route, but it's nice to see life on the road doesn't need that stuff. It's encouraging me to start. I got into my head that I need to save enough money to build a box platform, a demetic fridge, a jakary electric w solar, etc, etc. Maybe those things can come later or maybe not. Thanks for the vid. Very refreshing to see.

[@TimothyWard]

No problem Ather. I'm a simple man by nature lol. Good luck with your travels!

[@gypsygirltexas7092]

I'm actually taking baby steps right now, i started out with a full size cargo van, now i'm in a minivan, but eventually i wanna downsize to a toyota prius

[@sammic974]

New subscriber here from the UK. it amazes me that 6ft 4in you can stretch out! From the dozen videos I've seen with them, a Prius seems to be like a TARDIS! Stay safe.

[@TimothyWard]

Welcome Sammi! Yeah, I didn't think I would be able to stretch out either lol. My Prius is definitely roomier than I imagined lol

[@hero2006]

Great video. That's all ya need. safe travels.

[@SimplyNaturalBlack]

Love it Mr.Timothy 👍🏿👍🏿✌🏿❤

[@Chugs3108]

Love it Tim!! Good job

[@ylpea5170]

‚....oooooh, living in a Prius - take my hand, we‘ll make it I swear....‘

[@MilesCobbett]

Hope you were able to travel where ever you needed to go and find some great work.

[@user-uc8qd7wd9m]

Good video

[@allenjin01]

Thank you Timothy, you answered my biggest concern of sleeping in a prius! I’m less than 6 feet now I know I can comfortably sleep inside.

[@patrickhill82]

Love it Tim!!

[@marksr8784]

Nice set up...I would free the front for more room ✌🏿

[@TimothyWard]

Thanks! 👍

[@derekk2708]

Very Interesting. Thanks for uploading. I'm not sure why all of the comments keep mentioning 'Prius' ... Surely any car that can fold the back seats down - could serve the same function? Is there something special about the 'Prius' that I don't know... because it seems that my car could serve the exact same function. Anyway, your character shines through on these videos .. Keep up the great work. ; )

[@SkywalkerPaul]

I'm thinking of getting a used Prius for Overland vehicle

[@enigmathegrayman2953]

I’m well over 6 foot and slept in a Pt cruiser. I just let the drivers seat all the way down and covered all my windows and fell asleep.

[@harrybuttworth6765]

Thanks!

[@harrybuttworth6765]

These are very futuristic to be honest, this living set up.

[@Hitman-tk6en]

Fancy I just lean back my seat a sleep lol I have a Kia Soul or if I want to lay down drop the back set get a pillow and crawl in that’s it haha I’m warm body so in this time of year I just layer more and I have 2 thick blankets I put one in the floor of the car and one to cover and it’s toasty but I never been in the northern states in winter time so idk how it would be their haha

[@nothingbett3r]

Thanks tim!

[@trailer1210]

Oh boy!!! Genuinely surprised the very first second! Never hit the like and subscribe button so quickly. Great video, brother!!!

[@joaocarlosamorim1766]

The most realistic video so far.

[@katebrocker3620]

That was a question I had about being able to lay down flat at 5ft 10. Thank you 😀

[@TimothyWard]

No problem Kate! 👍

[@phoenyxrysing78]

Wow, I didn't imagine you being that tall. That's a great setup you got going there.

[@nicoj3660]

My mans

[@Fighka303]

I’m totally going to sell my Subaru and get a Prius now

[@ameer.thelion]

I might do this

[@FTFSupremacyROBLOX]

Nice set up! Thanks for showing me how easy it really is to live in a car I’m considering doing this early life to save money and avoid taxes.

[@LaVonneEllis]

Thanks for this! I’ve been looking at lots of videos about how to camp in a Prius because I want to get one and go on road trips, but they all have carpentry involved. There is no way I am going to build anything at my age and lack of interest. So this is very reassuring, although I have a big dog to cram in there somewhere too, lol but she will fit in the front seat. Thanks again!

[@bjoernschumacher5852]

Depending how long someone lives in his Prius, he should spend for 2-3 overnights in a Hotel for his build! But awesome how relaxed and cool you are about that, Tim.

[@jboss729]

I just bought a Mazda 6 isport today. Love it but love my 2005 Prius too. My Prius is same color as yours.

[@tg8269]

God bless you Tim. You are a cool guy.

[@johndonohue1806]

good advise

[@bspiderm]

I have the same sleeping bag but still cold in 30 degree California winter

[@tonymai1844]

so cool bro. I like toyota prius. But I got the sienna van, 2011, so much room, and night time it would make me tooo cold. hahaha... I am so inlove the new toyota hybrid van. But is was so much money.

[@charliegreenawalt867]

Thanks for posting this. I'm thinking about doing this too. Great info.

[@mikethurston8041]

If you come to tampa florida and want a couch to crash on hit me up buddy love your content 👍

[@Ansaranick1]

Dude, you sound like Obama. I love it!

[@TimothyWard]

Thanks!

[@dianaperez6369]

The thing that worries me is the bathroom situation. I need to use the bathroom multiple times a night lmao 🤣 but I'm seriously considering on getting a prius before my lease is done and living in it

[@TimothyWard]

Yeah, Diana the bathroom situation is one of the biggest issues. But I'm sure you could figure something out to remedy the situation. I get the sense that your are an intelligent woman! 🙂

[@dont375]

Buy a water jug, and a women’s pee funnel, those are $12 on Amazon. You’ll be good to go! Also it helps to not drink anything after 8pm lol

[@Starmaker908]

Be safe out there..

[@helpyourcattodrive]

I want a Prius.

[@TimothyWard]

Get one! 👍

[@MariafromthePhilippineIslands]

Very practical set up and functional. 😊😊🚐🚐

[@bombasticwood4220]

APPRECIATE ALL YOUR VIDEOS!!

[@TimothyWard]

Thank you!

[@holyg33z]

Where do you park at night? Truck stops? I was always kinda scared of sleeping in my car... luckily mine was always packed to the top on roadtrips, so sleeping in my car wasn't an option 😅

[@manp1039]

what i did sometimes.. is instead of sleeping at night.. I would get a few hours of sleep in early to mid-morning.. usually in a safe parking lot.. i would sleep in back though i would just recline the driver's seas and put a blanket over me. and get some nap.. usually, at a place, i am shopping at like a Walmart or a Costco. I had business there and could justify taking a small nap.. then also I could use the nighttime to go to the gym and work out and stretch use sauna and stretch and maybe take a swim. it was usually pretty quiet at the gym.. like 24 hour fitness. However, be careful where you park your car in a parking lot if you are not in it.. I would usually ask the staff if there was any safety issues of cars being broken into. And i would park right next to the front door where people were coming and going and would cover up everything inside with black material so they could not see or tell what was inside. and if i had something especially important like cell phone and laptop.. I would take them in with me in a backpack and keep them always with me.. not even using their lockers.. And i have a cable lock that i could use to lock them to something permanently affixed to keep someone from grabbing it and running off with it while i am not looking or not fully having attention to it. And it would be a nondescript black backpack.. so as to kind of blend in with the background and not catch alot of attention .. but i would also evaluate who is around and the risks. I have also slept in car at rest stops.. or near public parks during day or morning or afternoons especially if my car is stealthy and i am sleeping in driver's seat with regular clothes on. but I try to wear loose fitting comfortable clothes sweat pants and t-shirt and hoodie for example

[@carpenterfamily6198]

You have a good attitude ~ thank you for sharing.

[@rubywannabe8600]

I love it Tim, good job👏🏾 looks comfortable 👍🏽❤

[@chessc.3407]

Love it. Couple more years and doing it. Just not through the whole winter as they are hard in NY. Certainly can see using this also while traveling as opposed to spending on a hotel.

[@sweetpea3472]

Nice job! Very pertinent & encouraging. Thank you for sharing!

[@bookman106]

If you move the front seat forward, there is more than enough room to stretch out.

[@jambononi]

Thank you for saying your height! I watch these videos and you realise people are like 5'7 (no hate) but I'm about 6'5 and can't get an idea of how plausible it is to sleep in any of these cars. Maybe I need something a bit bigger? But I'm not planning on living in it, just the chance to leave any day any time and travel for a couple of weeks without needing a whole other thing like a camper van. Thanks for the video!

[@TimothyWard]

No problem James!

[@pandanke]

Prius v!

[@jambononi]

@@pandanke Ah ok, is it much bigger then? Just looking it up now, thanks

[@jibblitswallower1931]

i think i saw your video about sobriety when i was in a bad place w that and now i see you here when i’m planning to do this, are we soul mates?

[@davidleigh443]

Hi Tim, if you still have the Prius you can get a Habitent which attaches to the trunk allowing you to stand up in the trunk area. It might be tight with your 6'4 frame. I demonstrator I watched was 5'8.

[@dreastrix]

Ernesto Burbank is an environmental warrior. He has a tattoo shop in Albuquerque New Mexico I think you'd love to meet this guy he is really neat.

[@jrcflaus]

Awesome. I may do the same while transitioning to a new job 1200 miles from home until our house sells. My biggest fears are the police knock and someone from new job finding out. I plan to not tell anyone! And will have bear spray and a semi-auto for security.

[@gotaigo]

The more important aspect of living in the car is the toilet situation; wish u had addressed it.

[@jorgewhite3641]

Just brilliant and simple 😍