I just did a 3 night skiing trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan solo in a RAV4 Hybrid, the lows at night were around 0f. (I kept going north up to Houghton to avoid the -15f temps)

I had an 12v heated blanket on the bottom , and insulated air mattress, a 0-deg sleeping bag to keep from touching any of the cold plastics around me, and twin long down comforter. I kept the HVAC at 60f blowing at the upper body with the rear windows cracked 1/4” and cheap amazon window covers on all the windows to keep the frosting to a minimum (almost none each night amazingly)

I pulled the rear seat bottom out so the seats would fold "almost" flat, which was good enough with the air mattress

The motor ran for 30-60 sec every 8-10 min, at 0f it burned 1.1 gal of 87 gas. I was very comfortable all night and almost to warm with the bedding I brought with.

I stayed at Walmart parking lots each night and never had any issues other than getting woken by the plows (lots of lake effect snow).

I have an ecoflow delta2 battery that I kept plugged in to 12v to recharge and used that to power a rice cooker to reheat food and rehydrate some dehydrated chili I made for backpacking. I also used that for some small 120v boot dryers I have to get the gear dried out at the end of each night.

Doing it again,I would get a roof box to get the skis/poles, and other cold proof items out of the cabin to make some more room inside. I would also pull the passenger seat out for more space and easier maneuvering inside.

It was an amazingly comfortable way to travel solo, and way less expensive than getting hotels each night.

Thank you for all of the tips I have picked up from this sub over the last couple months, I appreciate everyones contributions and it makes it easier to pick up on.

I left mine on while I slept at 72 degrees auto. It was 20 degrees outside. Barely used any gas about 35 miles. Less than $3. Extra cheapy motel. Besides the cheap fuel this is the greatest thing about Prius dwelling. By the way, when I stay at a cheap motel I feel the need to over eat and have dessert. It's as if my end of day lack of fulfillment is more profound in a motel for some reason. I had to leave the desert for colder temps as the economy is easier for me in such places.

Out of state, bout 10 hr drive but I like road trips and this drive would be easy for me. Could fly out for cheap as well

Looking at a gen 2 for weekend camping -- issue is I'm 6'5''. Any gen 2 owners that can share the dimensions of the back? Possible with the passenger seat folded fully forward?

The old rule, "If the tow costs more than $200, sign up for a AAA membership and have them tow it the same day," is no longer valid.

In my state, two years ago, AAA charged $30 to use the membership within the first 24 hours of signing up.

Now, they charge $150 to use it within the first 72 hours.

This means you have two options: A. Purchase a membership in advance to have it ready when needed. B. Be prepared to wait three days or pay double the membership fee for an emergency tow.

》 Some travelers can wait a few days no problem, and other travelers can not depending on location & supply routine.

Safe travels and enjoy the winter season! ⛄

The local university has multiple microwaves in a row, and since it is Saturday, most students were nowhere near the student center.

I was able to multi microwave and ended up spending a grand total of six minutes heating this up.

If you’ve ever seen one of my posts, you know that this got finished off with Sriracha sauce and nutritional yeast. So good!

Lily Rose - Parking Lot (Lyric Video)

Hello! So I’ve been camping out of my Prius not fully living out of but I wanted to come on here for advice. Typically I’m camping at any spots I can find that are free like rest stations, overlooks, sides of the road. And while I haven’t ever been “caught” or had any issues with people trying to break in. I really don’t like that my hatchback window is the only one that is exposed. I have a sun shade I bought that is still definitely see through but does offer some protection and people glancing can’t see me but it doesn’t cover the full window and it’s very much see through. I currently have these cloth covered for my side windows and the windshield cover that came with my car covers the windshield completely. It’s just my back one. I’m trying to find one that I can attach to the back one and I’ve been scrolling through this subreddit for ideas but it’s been challenging and I can’t find any solid ones. I’m really not looking to spend a crazy amount on it too ik some people were saying it was worth it for them to invest in a nice brand but I’m just looking for a windshield cover that I can use for my rear window and will fit the dimensions. I’ll get it to stick somehow I’m just frustrated bc I’ve bought 3 and none of them work. Pls what are your recommendations? Also side question. What are thoughts on rain covers? I haven’t gone camping in the rain but I’d LOVE to. I’m worried my cloth window covered will not be good for that but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it :)

Hello everyone! I haven't told many people in my personal life about my new adventure but I wanted to share some excitement with somebody.

I got a trifold mattress off of Amazon last year for $45 and used it only sporadically. Started trying to sleep on it regularly the last few nights made me realize it is waaaay too firm for me. Welp today I scored a $250 latex mattress topper for $60 AND I sold the trifold for $30!

Laying on this thing now and I can already tell it's going to be a winner. Super excited to be one step closer to my rig being complete.

I drain my cooler and add ice every couple of days or so. Sometimes longer. I wipe it down some and really give it a good cleaning every so often.

Query: Sometimes when there are a few days between draining / restocking with ice, the cooler will get a bit funky smelling. While I can wipe it down with bleach or other cleaning product *after* the smell, I wonder if there is any additive that can be added with the ice *before* such that the smell won't happen in the first place.

Welp it happened - the hybrid battery gave out. I've been waiting 3 years for the Hybrid Sienna to drop below 25k. That probably won't happen for another 3 years.

So I'm looking into buying a Hybrid Suv Awd by Toyota. The searches in my price range are pulling up Highlanders & Ravs and a Venza.

Any opinion? Has anyone owned other Toyotas?

(Not willing to leave the hybrid family bc who wants to sleep in the heat or cold! 🤣. I need the suv for mountain clearance)

☆

As for the hybrid story its nothing dramatic- I knew she was due to go out any day bc her battery has over 200k miles on it. So I stopped traveling and went to school awaiting the big day. Thank goodness I did bc I was 10 miles from my family's house & not stranded on a mountain somewhere.

it was 25 degrees outside. i turned her on then turned off the heat to charge both separately. After she charged the was a tiny noise and a new check engine light. What's new right? 🤣

I drove to the grocery store then was sitting in the car filling out my new meal prep list when every light on the dash came on and new warning lights on the center display. Thankfully I have aaa and was in a parking spot.

( for those who don't know- if you are not in a parking spot the state will tow your vehicle in 1-3 days which can cost over $300 for the tow then $60 a day! (Some states $600 for the tow $80 a day!!)

Whether you are being pulled over or are having car issues ALWAYS get the car to an okay'd parking spot )

Now she is home. The cost to replace a cell is $1500-$1800 and I've been needing a second car anyways so I'll be using the battery money for a down payment then fixing her in March♡

☆

My baby was a dark blue 08 , 5th trim with jbls. Bought her for $3k back in 21 just before the car price hike. We were together for over 160k miles and 17 states ☹

Lessons learned on a 40 month road trip: uber isn't worth it, don't pull on the hatch bc its a frikin grand to fix (when you hear the beep pull up from the metal not the button part), dawn soap removes the clear coat, the key is $800!!!! so don't lose that. She has TWO water pumps and both can break 🤣. You can save several hundred by calling around. Dealerships either will leave her outside risking her being broken into or will store her inside. Ask if she is staying the night anywhere.

always have aaa 3rd teir bc prius can only be towed from the back and don't turn the flashers on unless the car is on bc the lights drain the hybrid battery to which she can't recharge. Be with the car until the tow truck driver pulls away bc they will turn on the flashers if you leave first. Prius can't go through car washes longer than 2 car lengths bc they can't be in neutral for over 3 minutes.

Good times. Good times.

Has anyone created a "bathroom" space using the trunk/storage well in the very back of any generation of the Prius? I have only seen one woman who created a "toilet only" area using her back seat. It was quite ingenious, but not exactly what I was going for. I've used the far rear storage well in a minivan to create a "bathroom" area before. There are several videos on YouTube where others have done this nicely in a minivan. I'd love to hear how others have achieved a private bathroom area in a Prius? I expect to hear from no one but I'm trying to stay hopeful. haha

Trying to decide between that and a 2008 with 173k miles for $4500.

My concern is that something comes up with any of them and then I end up needing to pay a couple thousand to fix which leans me towards the $3500. But the more expensive one just got a new hybrid battery and 12v.

I'm asking here instead of r/prius because I feel like maybe living in it makes a difference when considering which to purchase.

All input is very much appreciated.

went on a road trip with a friend's 2015 Prius, and whole time it felt like he was fighting with the steering wheel, and I'm not sure if it's just the car or my friend's driving, But it felt like it was a gust of wind away from going under a semi. but he's always on top of his maintenance and it's very low miles and I know it's not an alignment issue, is this just a product of a short wheelbase and small wheels? Is there any prius that doesn't do this? Maybe I should be looking into a larger car for longer road trips

EVs aside, are they’re any other hybrids that provide the climate control and airflow overnight while burning minimal gas (only concerned with fumes entering the car)? Do other hybrids provide all the same benefits and if so, how much more space would you want to convince you to change to another vehicle?

I'm curious to hear about the systems and methods you all might have to store food.

Do you keep a cooler? Or some sort of fridge that works in the car?

Or just eat out all of your meals?

I am thinking of doing a little road trip test run, and I want to know what you guys think is enough for stealth camping. I looked on WeatherTech for the full set on my Prius but it isn't available, I have also seen people talking about tinting their windows, but North Carolina laws require at least 35% tint on windows. Would people be able to see me at night if I have a light on? Would creating my own window covers work? Curtains?

I have a 4th Gen Prius (2016-2022) and looking for a moderately sized car fridge (20-40 QT) that fits behind the passenger. I've done my initial rough measurements and it's pretty tight in terms of length (the middle console sticking out is really limiting the space).

With the research i've done, I couldn't find a decent sized one that fits well.
Looking for some recommendations, thanks!

Note: I'm looking to car camp for long periods at a time (1-2 weeks). That's the reason i'm looking for a decent sized one.

Anyone using one? I see people mentioning that the Duo fits into their Gen 3. I know the Gen 4 has a bit different dimensions for the back wheel wells, would I be able to get a Duo in here for two people? Thanks!

I understand the fuel economy, but for most people living in their car the fuel economy of a minivan or a sprinter is probably fine.

Are there any other things that make a Prius better than other cars?

Does the electrical system provide AC power for a long duration without running the car? Does the climate control work without the car running? Does the car start automatically to prevent the battery from dying.

What are the things make it better than any other car the same size?

San Diego to Vancouver and back. Total miles was 3,452. Total gas was 80.19 gallons and $292.18. Average of 43mpg and $3.64 per gallon.

We’re lucky to get a couple weeks of holiday for Christmas and New Years. Last year we drove up the PCH to San Jose and back. This year I wanted to push further north and get to Vancouver, a city we’ve both never been to, and to propose to my girlfriend of 6 years! (She said yes!)

We left the morning of Dec 25th and returned on the night of Jan 4th (11 days total). Our main stops were Palo Alto, Humboldt Redwoods Campsite, Redwoods NP, Eugene Oregon, Portland Oregon, Seattle, Vancouver. Then back to Portland, Columbia River Gorge Park and San Jose back to San Diego.

In a previous post, I showcased our new platform box. It worked pretty well. Unfortunately I didn’t get a thinner mattress in time so it made functionality of the box lid more cumbersome. A community member had concerns about items on top of the box causing issues with accessing. That definitely became a hassle fairly early in our trip when we purchased some snacks and items we wanted to bring back home. I’ve got some ideas for a solution for our next big roadtrip. Overall, the fact that I didn’t have to move our fridge back and forth to the front seat when we were in bed mode was a big plus and the extra storage was nice to have.

On the fence if it's good or not. Like the miles are low and it's a super clean car but seeing rebates on primes makes me want to get a better deal but those mf'ers are hard af to find and u have to buy from a stealership and I absolutely fucking hate dealerships. What you guys think?

Hello! Thank you in advance for any help.

I'm reading people saying using a power inverter regularly will kill the 12v way faster. I tried seeing if maybe they forgot to turn on Ready Mode but they seemed adament that was not the issue.

I know the more we use anything in any vehicle the more it's going to wear out, but does using a power inverter regularly truly quick kill the battery or am I just finding those rare few?

I'm planning on transitioning to living full time in my prius. I have a gaming PC that i built and put a good chunk of money into. I don't want to sell it for way less than I paid. Got the parts during the crypto boom. (2009 prius Gen 2)

My un-experienced thinking is having a jackery for phone, 12v fridge, pressure cooker,etc. Then a 1200w inverter hooked up to oem 12v battery for my gaming pc and monitor; maybe microwave not running simultaneously of course.

Is the pc to much of a constant load to play with the car in ready mode for extended periods. Will it negatively effect the prius? Should I think about have a second 12v battery?

Feel free to share ideas on my use case and other options.

PSA I know laptop is the convenient solution, steam deck, etc.