Stealth Car Camping in a Toyota Prius (Building a Bed, Staying Warm, Privacy & Security)

Four years ago I started traveling cross country for work and fun. In order to save money I decided to try car camping and bought a used Toyota 4Runner. Ultimately, this wasn’t as comfortable or efficient and even though I built a comfortable bed inside the car itself just wasn’t working. After this, I purchased a used 2011 Toyota Prius and proceeded to modify it so that passengers could still ride along but I could also sleep securely and privately if I wanted. Often times I would go camping in a Walmart parking lot, on BLM land or in the driveway at a friend’s house. You can strive to earn more or learn to spend less and ultimately, I’ve done a bit of both by car camping. I’ve had to make sacrifices along the way but also learned to love minimalism, independence and the quiet of natural settings. I have made a lot of little adjustments to the car and added accessories to make it more livable and secure. The following list coincides pretty well with the video, providing links to the different products I use or think are important to consider. I hope it helps you and improves your comfort and safety (especially if you’re carrying a lot of stuff in the back like I do), the Prius worked great for me when I was meeting friends to car camp at Burning man. By running the engine for short bursts I was able to charge the hybrid battery and run ventilation and air conditioning without draining my fuel tank (it used less than one gallon per night and the tank is 10 gallons total). In many ways, the Prius is easier to deal with than a nicer RV or Sprinter Van because it can go into parking garages fit normal parking spots. If you have a gym membership to 24 Hour Fitness or another chain, you can use their restrooms and workout facilities then sleep in your car nearby. For someone like me with limited funding, I’d rather stay out of debt and sleep in my Prius than have to pay for RV spots and deal with the poor gas mileage of a nicer travel trailer or motorhome. For reference, I’m 5’9” and fit fully stretched out if the passenger seat is pushed up most of the way.

• 2011 Toyota Prius, Model III (Navigation, Leather, Sunroof, Solar Powered Air Circulation Fans):    • 2010 Prius How-To: Solar Powered Vent...  
• CURT Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1 1/4” Size: http://amzn.to/2klNFIq
• Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack, 1 1/4” Hitch Size: http://amzn.to/2kOjExR
• Adopt Dogs Bumper Sticker: http://amzn.to/2jPs2gA
• Melissa & Doug Giant Border Collie Lifelike Stuffed Animal Dog: http://amzn.to/2klsdmG
• Wagan 12V Cooler / Warmer, 24 Liter Capacity: http://amzn.to/2klKkZY
• Husky Liners Front and Rear, Fits 12-15 Prius: http://amzn.to/2jPEegY
• Milliard Tri Folding Mattress with Cover and Non-Slip Bottom (75” x 25”): http://amzn.to/2klDgfZ
• Large Rectangular Sleeping Bag from Coleman: http://amzn.to/2kJguMw
• Tribe Provision Go-anywhere Adventure Blanket (Blue-Gray): http://amzn.to/2jPD45r
• Optional 3D Sleep Mask with Ear Plugs: http://amzn.to/2klOCAh
• Cosco Black Personal Folding Table 28” High: http://amzn.to/2kOeB0f
• Victor® DC230B High Rise Height Adjustable Laptop Stand: http://amzn.to/2kOg5aO
• PYLE-PRO PLPTS25 Laptop Computer Stand for DJ: http://amzn.to/2kOmNh9
• Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001): http://amzn.to/2kOeCl0
• ComfortElite Anti-Fatigue Mat, Compact Size 18” x 30” x 3/4”: http://amzn.to/2klMJDY
• Dakine Over Under Travel Bag Roller Suitcase: http://amzn.to/2jPRBOz
• Portable Folding Solar Panel: http://amzn.to/2kOyCng
• Stanley P2G7S Simple Start Lithium Battery Booster: http://amzn.to/2jPGXr0
• Johnson & Johnson First Aid Only All-Purpose 299-Piece Kit: http://amzn.to/2kOgdHw
• Emergency Solar Dynamo Hand Crank Radio, Smart Phone Charger and Flashlight: http://amzn.to/2jxiyFH
• Everstart 12 Foot Jumper Cables: http://amzn.to/2kOiceO
• Schumacher XI41B 'X-Line' 410 Watt Power Inverter with Battery Clamps and 12 Volt Male Adapter Plug: http://amzn.to/2jNYB0x
• Optional 12V Plug Socket with Eyelet Terminal: http://amzn.to/2kMsO1K
• Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blanket: http://amzn.to/2kb3saG
• Dash Camera Video Recorder: http://amzn.to/2kOpzCP
• DashMat SuedeMat Dashboard Cover Toyota Prius (Faux-Suede, Black): http://amzn.to/2jxjXMt
• LeatherZ 2010+ Gen3 Toyota Prius Door Armrests: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/29180812...
• Smartphone Car Mount Holder, iKross Universal Car Cup Holder Mount with 3 Sockets and 2 USB charging port 2.1 Amp: http://amzn.to/2klEpUE
• Autvivid Steering Wheel Seat Back Tray with Cup Holder Foldable: http://amzn.to/2jp6lYi
• OPTP Thoracic Lumbar Back Support: http://amzn.to/2jp2ACh
• Habitents Prius Tent For Hatchback Car Camping: https://www.habitents.com/
• Nigel Marston Motorsports Toyota Prius Sun Blinds (5 Door Sun Blinds - 2009 Onwards): http://blinds4cars.com/acatalog/Toyot...

Music: “It’s All Happening” by Huma-Huma used with permission through Creative Commons and the YouTube free audio library.