Toyota Prius Camper Conversion Tour! (for a couple)
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- čas přidán 12. 05. 2024
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We LIFTED our Prius! • Our Craziest Prius Cam...
Products we mentioned!
Napier Sportz Cove: napieroutdoors.com/us/product...
Iceco GO20 Fridge: icecofreezer.com/collections/...
Ecoflow Delta Max Power Station: ca.ecoflow.com/products/delta...
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Products We LOVE! (affiliate links)
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Pelacase Compostable Phone Case! shrsl.com/28o3u (PELALEVI for 15% off!)
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Tentree Clothing: www.tentree.com/discount/LEVI10
Klean Kanteen Waterbottle! bit.ly/3sRSY2Q
Sunski Sunglasses! tinyurl.com/qqqlgnk
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The Patreon Family Who Made This Video Possible!
Joanne Iskander, Sebastian Persch, Chin-yen Liang, Delenn Kershaw, Kaan Williams, Blito, Daniel Sykes, Monica Hudson, Uma Dobia, Ziv Berkovski, Corrina Holcomb, Cat Wagg, Michelle Rachdorf, Don Gain, Levi Williams, Camilo Gomez, Itoji Kawasaki, Rachel, McCormick, Rosalba Ortiz, Chris Jones, Edwin Rodriguez, Morgan Evans, Francis Parlet, Garry Scott, Catherine Ouellet, Michael, Millard, Elora, Logan M, JustMishy, Alexis Meyer, Abraham Villela, Monica Thom, Andrew Brodell, Coy
0:00 Car Intro
1:02 Hatchback Tent
2:05 Lift Kit
2:43 Hitch Mounted Cargo
3:30 Camping Essentials
5:52 We Regret Buying This...
7:43 Chairs & Table
9:48 Bed Setup
11:30 Storage Hammock
13:15 Front Seats
15:28 Mattress
16:00 Pantry Storage
17:09 Battery Bank
18:59 Custom Sleeping Deck
22:01 Refrigerator
24:49 Travel Mode
25:49 Solar Lights
I know I've seen all of these things along the way - but it was still pretty cool to see all the set up all together, esp now that you've been on the road for 3 months.
Thanks Sasha! It’s been a heck of a ride and we had to give the Prius the credit it deserves haha
Thank you for the little tips you've shared. I also started car camping in my 2012 Toyota Prius as I have sold my Roadtrek camper van during the pandemic. I travel by myself so I thought I was doing well. Where do you charge your induction stove? Did you have to do anything with your hybrid battery? Thank you for sharing your set up. Take care on the road and enjoy your car camping. God bless.
The spray bottle is brilliant! My husband and I camp in a tent trailer so that’ll cut way down on our water use. I’ve added one to our list of things that we need in the spring. Thank you, from two retired old farts in rural Alberta!
the tour was amazing especially with you guys laughing at each other’s jokes!! you guys were so fun to watch it was so contagious! i really love the positive energy you both give off. keep up the amazing work and always stay safe
Thanks for being here! 🙋🏻♂
The lift kit makes the car look badass compared to the dorky regular ones.
Thanks! Honestly I wasn’t a fanboy of prius to begin with but this car has grown on me in a big way.
@@LeahandLevi I still remember the first time I saw a video of someone living in a Prius, and how I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever seen. Then, after living in a Dodge Grand Caravan, I got my first Prius. I later "upgraded" to a HiHy - which was definitely had some advantages over the Prius - but with the cost of vehicles and gas being what they are this year, I'm now back in a Prius (where I belong?).
@@LeahandLevi We had four of them in the family at one point. They're super practical, reliable, and economical. The brilliant engineering becomes almost lovable. My in-laws have had four more...
Would a rear-only lift-kit install be drive able? Excellent video, Thanks
What I love about the Prius as a camper, is the ability to use the A/C in a hot climate even at night without worrying about the battery getting low.
Love the set up one thing I definitely recommend is buying a thick 4+ inch mattress topper. You can cut it to perfectly fit the car and its surprisingly comfortable. I use it without yoga mats or anything else and get great sleep.
This is great! I own Prius and have been thinking about camping in it for a years. In an age where Americans are steering these huge motor home yachts, towing Jeeps, boats on top, etc etc I’m happy to see your camper. Thank you.
So inspiring! I interrupted my not very inspiring online search for a teeny trailer for my 2012 Prius to watch your video. Now I've happily junked the trailer idea for yours. Woot, woot! SUPER THANKS!!!
So cool! It's a fun little project and you'll definitely go places in the prius!
I use to follow camper can videos with dream of doing the same one day.
You PRIUS idea makes it so much doable for me .
You guys look abit tired, but highly motivated, struggling yet enjoying . Amazing thing you are enjoying each other company. ❤ good going.
Thanks for the tour. Another important addition you’ve made is the catalytic converter shield. I purchased one for my Prius based on your video. Thanks!
I thought I’d seen everything, but that was so cool to see. I love how efficient you have to be with everything- it’s so satisfying to see it all fit perfectly in your space! ❤
We appreciated this video and the" truth" about you the fact that you were given the fridge and the power bank!!! We Canadians are pretty honest folks. Cheers and like always stay safe.
Doesn't look very safe? What do you do when people walk around your vehicle??? I couldn't sleep as it's too open for me. Congratulations on your perfect for you camp set up.
If you haven't yet, look at Self-inflating Sleeping Pads, they are amazing! And the good ones are actually way more comfortable than blowup mattresses. It's my favorite purchase for living in my Prius!
I bought one from REI for my Prius that's 4 inches thick and it's so nice that, I stopped using the bed at my parents while visiting. Plus it can be rolled up in a few minutes to a small percentage of its size if you need to save room.
If you get one at REI you can test it out to see if you like it and works for you and then if you don't it's free to return within a year. It's been really great because it makes sleeping in the car so much easier and when I camp I have a great bed to use outdoors.
Just make sure to get one with that has plenty of foam because that's what makes it so different from a Blowup Mattress so it doesn't have that bouncy effect. And make sure to adjust the air while you are laying on it to get the perfect firmness. I lie on my side and and let it deflate until just before my hips start to get near the ground. I'm 6'4" and 200 pounds and it's been a life saver since I have such difficulties with insomnia.
I LOVE IT!!!! I have a Prius V, and have been using it as a camper when I go camping. You’ve added great upgrade ideas for me!!!!
I had to rewind and watch the clip for next week again!! Wild! Can't wait to hear all about it!!
I love that you are doing this. It inspired my husband and I to take a trip and sleep in my Kia sorrento. Which was even better found a free camp ground. Unfortunately, could only do one night because we weren’t fully prepared for how cold it was by morning it was in the 20s (Fahrenheit)
Brilliant. Just brilliant! Converting my car now to camp and roadtrip this summer. I got a late start, but the tips and tricks in this vid are gold. Thanks @levi&leah
Very nice video. It's nice you could fit all the things you need for daily living inside the Prius. Have a great journey and I look forward to your adventures.
You guy and gal have done a very practical and efficient job dressing up the Toyota Prius it is serving you both very well. The best part of having a Prius is that you don't have to spend too much money on gas and that is key to travelling to many places. It looks like the lifestyle you both created to promote products and make CZcams videos in good spirits definitely is allowing you to also enjoy life at this stage and getting creative. I like the collaboration and adventure, keep it up. Cheers.
Thanks a lot for this comment! We're doing our best!
It’s truly amazing how efficient your setup is!!!! Also, I LOVE your guys’ energy so much, I can’t wait to see more of your adventure! ❤
Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully we'll see you around!
Love your videos! I am excited to be getting a Prius, and even though I won't likely live in it, or even camp in it (we have a pickup truck that we camp in when not backpacking), I like knowing that I/we could if we wanted to! And I've learned so much about Priuses from your videos.
I've been following this journey from the very start, but it's still so interesting and hugely inspiring to see how it's all come together is one neat little video, thanks so much for sharing guys! Cannot believe it's been 3 months already, excited to see all the future adventures! 😊
Thanks! It’s honestly kind of shocking for us too that we’re already at this point. Thanks for being a part of the journey 🥰🙏🏼
Y'all are so cute and funny! I got the same tent for for my 4Runner, but haven't used it yet ☹. You gave me a lot of ideas, and I hope to implement them this summer. Be safe, be happy!
Wow you guys are so organized, amazing how you fit everything one would need in such a small space. I’m very impressed.
Thanks so much! 😊
First time watching you guys. Love how simple yet comfortable you've made it! If all goes to plan I'll be starting my adventure in fall. Thanks for your insights.
Thank you for this video! I’m looking for ways to upgrade my Prius camping setup and this was very helpful. Plus y’all seem like such nice people. I love how much you laugh together 💜 safe travels
Awe thanks for this lovely comment! Enjoy your journeys 👍🏼🥰
If ypur marriage survives living in a Prius, it will survive anything!!! I still can't believe someone 6ft can sleep comfortably.....I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, SHORT VIDEOS , IG Looks like such an adventure!!🥰🥰
Been following your journey through Mexico on ig, so cool to see the full breakdown of how you made the prius work!
the intentionality of this set up is amazing!
I admire your organization. I did a similar trip back in 2020, tent camped out of a Tesla Model 3 for most of two months. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything, but my setup was a disorganized mess! haha
For sure my wife and I will pick up many ideas from your experience of set up “Prius Van-life”. Love yours enthusiasts and positive energy. Have a blessing trip until the end❤❤❤ of
Ok, great staff guys you just gave me an idea of what to use on my Opel Corsa bakkie which is to open the canopy and then put your boot tent. Thanks for sharing, I plan to start my van life here in South Africa soon.
Great in-depth video of your various set ups. Enjoying watching your journey .😊
Thanks Joanne! 🙏🏼🙋🏻♂️
Thanks for the tour! Seeing how the futon hasn’t gone as well as hoped, is there another mattress you’d like to try? Can’t wait for next weeks video! Happy travels!
So cool! Can't wait till the next one!! Hair still looking great Leah!👍
Love this! Excited to see your journey continue :)
Thanks for being here Kiera 🥹🙏🏼
The only thing i would recommend from experienced is substituting much of the cooking gear with a small microwave , its easily workable with the Ecoflow converters .
It has saved me so much time and convenience, just as it does at home ....since i primarily use a microwave and not a stove at home .
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! GREAT THINKING GUYS. You guys are doing the impossible. I will never look at a Toyota Prius the same way again. Good for you!
Agree 100% on the Iceco. I paid $399 for mine on Indiegogo, but had to pay extra for a 12V extension, and for an insulated cover. I highly recommend the cover, makes it even more efficient, and has handles and toe down loops in it.
Stay safe!
Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing
New to the channel, great vlog. Looking forward to catching up and continuing with your future vlogs. You both are hilarious together.
Great video. I've been camping in my Prius off and on for 18 months. I love it. Always perfecting, editing, fine tuning. Where did you get the window covers? Or did you make them? Thanks.
I find a good theft deterrent is to affix a laminated list of the contents on the cooler. If you list things of low value some thieves will walk vs. trying to find the “unknown treasure”. Pots, pans, cutting board, blankets, utensils, wash tub, cleaning supplies, propane, etc.
Thank you for sharing your journey 💞
Thank you so much!! I love this video. I am planning to travel with my dog to Norway next year. This year we already visited Sweden- but we stayed in aribnbs which was quite expensive. So now I want to rebuild my car. Nice Regards from Germany :)
Glad it was helpful! Best of luck on your journey!
So happy for you guys!!!
Check so the tyres aren't made for just winter, in that case the rubber mixture is different too summer tyres, which means they become way too soft in warm temps. Because they are made for the cold. And that affects grip and braking performance alot.
Great job! Keep it up, enjoy !
Truly enjoyed this video. You guys are so fun and informative
Thanks for being here and leaving a comment Naomi!
15:42 I think the 2'x2' interlocking 3/4" foam mats are more comfortable .And I see they make some thicker than the ones I used.
I have the same 2012 Prius. If you have a hybrid car all you need is a power inverter to plug into the battery to power all your appliances.
Hiya guys! I’m very excited that you guys are in mexico! My dreamy self wishes I could be there right now so I could meet you guys and show you some stuff haha.
I’m hoping you guys have some amazing experiences and eat delicious food!
I just wanted to add as well to please be very careful with your big box in México. Always lock it up with both locks. Things can be stolen in any country, but as a mexican myself I was just taught to always be extra careful with my things. Im even afraid to leave my suitcase unlocked in my hotel room when I leave. Always always lock your stuff. Your car doors as well when you drive. Also please avoid gas stations at night, very scary. And I’m not sure how but try to hide all your stuff from the back seat. My parents have made me afraid of leaving even a backpack in the car.
I was thiking the same thing! Im happy for them but its really only a matter of time before they get robbed. Saying this as Mexican as well. Best of luck either way!
Thanks for this comment! So far we haven’t felt unsafe anywhere and we’re pretty careful about where we stay and when we travel. 🥰🙏🏼
Amazon has memory foam that rolls up and has a strap under the mattress to strap it when it is rolled up. Very comfortable
I like that swing hitch it's good for folks that has a sliding table stove that pulls out
Great detail! I recreate overnight in my 2014 Prius, usually stealth camping, so I can relate! I loved your idea about the lift kit, and will be following up with PriusOffroad. Do you have a link for the hammock storage thingy on the ceiling? Thanks and happy trails!
I've been using an EcoFlow in my full time rig for over a year, and can confirm it's the best.
I wanted to get the ecoflow as well. Are you living out of your prius as well?
Have you thought about adding a flexible Solar panel (or two) to the roof of the Prius? I was thinking about that to keep my Delta EcoFlow charged without having to carry around the briefcase Solar panels. Also, you could get a battery converter for the actual Hybrid battery, (there is another YT channel who did that) Don't you just love Hybrids!!
Actually sub-$30 sunglasses from Kapavoe is all I buy now!
Every part including the lens, frame, nosepiece, screws, hinge-half of the arms, and ear-rest half of the arms is fully modular and interchangeable with parts from different colored styles of the same sunglass model.
I bought 4 pairs just to mix-and-match colors.....just lost one this past weekend but I got solid backups to choose from :)
Learned lots! And the last clip... Can't wait.
Haha it’s going to be an adventure next week for sure 😅
Great to see you're still having fun - No way, I can't believe that Jean and Guy have a Prius too (in your next video).
They make an enclosed toilet that straps to the seat ( puppy pad underneath, just in case)....you can put a bag with shavings or the specially made absorbent bags inside that you simply dispose of. A curtain to screen off the back would give you privacy when you can't set up your awning. One of those pop-up shower tents can be set up under the awning when not in stealth mode. Either way, it's nice to have your own toilet when the weather is against you....especially at night.
Would you consider a video about how the hybrid part of the car works out for you (maybe for a future proof episode on electric cars)? As someone without a car I don't really know what constitutes fuel efficiency and I am thinking of getting a hybrid when the time comes, but not sure how and when it would rely on the battery for city driving, what it takes to recharge it since you don't plug it in etc...
Have you guys thought about getting a mattress topper for the bed setup. I know that there are memory foam ones that are pretty comfortable
The adventures you guys must have! I'm so jealous!!! Soak it all in, enjoy, and have some cervesas in Mexico for me! Lol 😊 I'll buy ya drinks when you make it to Michigan! Lol
Actually you can use anything on an induction hotplate, you just need a flat piece of stainless on top of the hotplate. You can purchase these with a handle on Amazon....
I've taken my 2013 Prius on roads listed as high clearance 4wd only and it did fine with careful driving. I never knew there was a lift kit !! I need to do that. I love my Jeep, but gasoline is so expensive!
That is a cool set up for a Toyota Prius!!
Forever referring to my toothbrush/toothpaste etc as my toothbrushing equipment from now on. 😂 quality job giving a tour and walk through!
What a great setup!
can you put up a link to the cookware. i also have a induction top but most camping type cookware isnt magnetic and doesnt work. id love to try the one you have but need exact model. thanks so much and great tour :)
Would be curious to know more about your mouth guards and the reason you use them. Or maybe just a general video on dental care and advice as I noticed you guys are both really on it! Niche topic probably not worth an entire video but would love a small section on it… 😊
i traveled a month camping in my prius c....loved the experience...with 2 people and 2 dogs...you can do it,,,
Woaaaaah! That’s next level! Thanks for sharing 🙋🏻♂️🙏🏼
Hey guys! Thanks for making this video. My wife and I plan to do some week end expeditions in our prius :) . I would love to know what are the front window covers you are using if you bought them online. Thanks !
Great video! Wondering, with all the mods to the suspension, etc. what is your fuel economy like?
How about the Aptera? In the next year or two I would like to see you do a video on the Aptera solar EV (which should be coming on the market in 2023). I came across the Aptera EV on CZcams a few weeks ago, and in addition to pre-order build options for very long range batteries and up to 40 miles/day charging from the full solar cell option, it has a camping/tent option. The Aptera is an aerodynamic two-seater, three-wheeler EV, but the trunk is long enough to sleep two, and with the hood raised will work with the camping/tent option. Being in Canada, I'm not quite ready for an Aptera, but I am following its development closely, for the same reason I see the value in the flexibility of customizing a hybrid car and making use of its battery for the use cases in your videos.
Another informative video and with much humour. Wonder if you'd consider some stats once in a while: the number of days camping, boon docking, B&Bing etc. BTW, seen anything more jaw-dropping than the Grand Canyon? Take care.
Thanks Allan! It would be fun to run those numbers for sure! Maybe at the 6 month mark we’ll do something like that!
@@LeahandLevi TIA.
I wish the Corolla Hatchback had the “camping mode” the prius has so we can keep the cabin cool at 65 degrees.
I love it I own the same car. its been super reliable and I absolutely beat on it.
Nice setup. I also full time out of a Prius here in Alaska with my pup. Do you plan to travel this far north?
Those self-inflating sleeping bag pads are really nice. They might give you more padding than the yoga mats and they roll up really small.
Spray bottle works great for washing hair and GI showers too.
such a great setup!! We are gonna use our Pilot to sleep in on our travels starting in the Spring!! Oh, and we are retiring so we are in our late 50's and 60's doing this. ps not related at all, lol, Levi your hair is getting wild. ;P
Haha yeah I probably need a cut… a pilot would be a great step up in the size department!
Hey, i see you had to ditch bigger rim set up. What size tires you have w that lift kit?
How did you land those freebies, batt lack fridge ?
Pretty impressive that 2 ppl can go on such a trip in this small car... coolll🎉
happy couple, happy trip
Hi Levi and Leah,
Have you noticed any changes in fuel efficiency since you got the lift kit? We've been thinking about putting one on our Prius, but with gas the way it is we want to make sure that we won't lose the fuel efficiency!
Thanks for asking! We seem to average around 4.5l/100kms which is pretty much what they say you’ll get from the factory. This is pretty much the same as before, especially since we put the winter tires on there (that’s where you loose the most efficiency)
@@LeahandLevi Oh fascinating, okay, we will definitely consider doing this then, thank you so much!
You Guys are Awesome! And yes....Very inspiring!
Why do you need to keep
Pulling the fridge in and out? You can put some mactac on the top to protect it .
Loved the video. Thank you for that!
Just wondering how do you toilet in general? In the middle of the night? In stealth mode?
Stealth mode you have to plan ahead, but normally we’re always staying next to public bathrooms (if we’re in cities) or out in nature where we can do our business privately. 👍🏼😅
Very cool setup, you utilize all the space very well. Why don’t you have a roof rack with a storage box?
Compromised our fuel economy a fair bit and they're fairly expensive for the prius I've found at least.
Cups are always important!!!
Can't wait to see next week with your parents!
This is super cute! I love it xxx
Those “rough roads in Mexico” are just off of the side of the main road. You make it seem like all of
Mexico is like that. I know exactly where that’s at.
Modelo, Corona, shock top are my favorite 😋
“Lift kit on a Prius”
are not words I ever thought I’d here.
Cool both of you like to travel and ok to live such a simple way in Prius
What's the plan for the Prius when you get home? Put the seats back in and have it as a normal car?
Sell it? Keep it as is as you'll probably get the itch to go again and do wee trips around Canada?
Thats… kind of a great question. We aren’t totally sure at this point. I think we’ll leave the sleeping deck in for the summer when we come back but maybe the seats make more sense afterwards. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it! 😅🤷🏻♂️
Did you replace your nmhi hybrid battery? If so, what did you use or where did you go to get it replaced/refurbished if needed?
I am guessing you went with the box in the back instead of a roof rack box because it gets better fuel economy with it on the rear. What was your MPG for your trip?
Great setup. ! If you wanted more storage space …. Add a roof rack !
I had a Prius V that I used for camping. Very comfortable and lots of space.
We wanted the Prius V! Such a cool car for this type of thing 👍🏻
I really want the storage hammock, where's a link for that? Got the smallest I could find for my prius and it was to big.