hey cuiv! little heads up, whenever working on a car modification or fixture, consider the result of a crash. Use materials that will crumple on impact and avoid having beams directly behind the drivers seat. It looks like you've considered this, intentional or not, just making sure you've thought of it and letting others know it's something that needs to be considered
How cool to be able to combine both hobbies into the one outdoor experience with a "cosy" place to sleep. Looking forward to seeing the first adventure in the new "camper".
Love this!!! I slept in my 2016 leaf for a couple of weeks. The best part was running the AC through the night without worrying about carbon monoxide or pollution. I managed to squeeze a cot inside by adjusting its legs, but it was rough me being 6’2 (180cm). In order to do this, I moved the seat all the way forward, removed the headrest, then reclined the seat so it is level with the back seat. If the frame extended to the glove box or steering wheel, and the frame legs extended further to reach floor mat, then it would increase the length. Obviously, you would sleep with your head to the front of the Leaf, and you could modify it to work on both sides for “queen/twin”. Hmmm
Those of us not blessed with dark skies are always dreaming of a convenient camping setup for astronomy, and as you get older setting up tents and tearing them down is less and less appealing. I am not even talking about being elderly, I am just talking early 40's, you start to get lazy, and you go out less often than you would like. Having a setup like this really does help you go out for astronomy more often. I always tell my customers, the best investment you will ever make in astronomy is an observatory, but if you are like me and can't build an observatory where you live, then anything you can do to make it more convenient to go out and observe or do astrophotography is a great investment.
This is awesome. Would there be enough energy to keep the car warm for the entire night? You don't want to get stranded, with the battery completely depleted. :)
Nice! I was actually thinking about doing something similar by purchasing a used Toyota Prius since you can run the heater or AC without the vehicle being on and tap into the battery for power! Also the comfort of knowing that if I drain the battery there is small gasoline engine that can run to recharge it. Either way this is a great idea! Happy to see more content coming you again 👍
I thought of something similar! But I would need to pay more car tax, more insurance, rent a second parking spot nearby, etc... I figured the cost and bother was just too much!
Great progress. When selecting the mat to go under you think of comfort, maybe an inflatable camping sleeping mat and also a comfy pillow, essential for a good night's sleep. Will watch your progress with interest Cuiv. Cheers. 👍
Cuiv, great video. After seeing this video, I think you should change your sobriquet from Lazy to Cheerful. I look forward to your adventures in the Japanese countryside.😄
I camped few times in my Prius V. I didn't find the surface not being flat a problem. Sturdy low profile inflatable matrace and a pillow was all I needed. I find the space for stretching more important than the surface not being flat.
I got 2 boxes very sturdy at Harbor Freight today, the perfectly fit and will out the space so can just sleep on top of them and have organized storage that is easy to remove. The Japanese idea is cool but to bulky !
Gen 2! There's a bit of me using it at the start of this video: ruclips.net/video/mIjKI6svRv4/видео.htmlsi=CNYYc9Bz_WHekvor My wife also used it for a two month road trip around Japan, only occasionally staying at hotels!
Awesome idea! :D Where do you put your motor? On the roof? If you ever get into radio astronomy, you could probably fit a whole bunch of receiver equipment under there, too.
Holding the sections together looks like a job for hinges or duct tape. You can even get them to fold neatly if you hinge the sleeping pieces from the bottom, and the side piece from the top
Shouldn't be to hard to find some ultra-lite/ compact camping mattress and pillow to fit out the car. Nice conversion for the car, looking forward to see what else you do.
Another very informative video and a great idea! I want to use my Polestar2 (78kW) to power my Astro gear - but it only has a single 12V output (in the boot). I asked Polestar some time ago how I can increase the Amps out but they haven’t bothered to answer. Can your Leaf supply enough (say 3x3Amp@12V?) as standard or did you get it modded? [BTW, I think I watched 3 of your videos before I realised you were ‘The Lazy Geek’, not ‘…Greek’!!! 🥴😂]
The cigar socket of the leaf should be enough for my astro-needs since the biggest power draw is likely the camera cooler - can't say for sure. At worst there is an expensive (but in Japan subsidized) product called the Power Mover that can power a house by providing up to 4.5kW output.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks Cuiv - I want to power mount, camera and ASI Air with dew heaters etc, so think the cigarette socket will melt. I can just hope that Polestar upgrade the car with V2L technology... 🤞
Your video really lightened my day & made me laugh but it's a very interesting conversion so for setting up remotely away from the city that's ideal. Looking forward to seeing your first time out with you converted leaf good luck, clear skies & stay safe gliding.
Intriguing conversion. Of course, getting a station wagon or SUV which gives actual flat back seats (like eg a Subaru) may be preferable (are these electric cars suitable for camping out like this?)
Yes I looked into wagons, but even the Kei wagons are expensive when retrofitted, and I'd need to rent an additional parking space, more tax, more paperwork, more everything... Wasn't worth the hassle!
It's amazing !! Very interesting mod of the Leaf !!! And I'm sure you will enjoy all of yours hobbies !!! Flying skies in the morning and enjoying clear skies out of Tokyo!!!! ...... By the way I have a Nissan leaf 40kw too and I don't know if there's any way too profit his battery for feed ours equipments of astrophotography¿?
I have the same car , nice converting puzzle 😅 , but we’re do you connect telescope to 12v ?, my car turn off the cigarette light 12v plug after 10 min if the car is not in ON mode , the car in ON mode work fine the 12v plug but the car lights don’t turn off and will be bad for Astrophotography , do you have a different way to connect the telescope ??
There is another possibility but it's expensive (officially for disaster prep): item.rakuten.co.jp/sungarden/sg134485/?scid=af_sp_etc&sc2id=af_113_0_10001868&icm_acid=255-776-8501&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqc6aBhC4ARIsAN06NmNEULH9KAezj6tQF55vsJo6bto7tAKVWFtNKFCnmCKb0hoh6KvxomcaAvOMEALw_wcB&icm_agid=&icm_cid=18507343872&iasid=wem_icbs_
I teste already my system with a APC of 1500va and work for 6 hours using asiair pro , just need to be full charge , but don’t make any sense having a electric car with 62kw battery and not use battery without having the light on 😏
Welcome to the villain origin story of Cuiv the Lazy Paragliding Car Hobo Astrophotographer; Tokyo's noise became too much and made him fully crazy, leaving everything behind to reach the skies and see the stars as much as he can LOLJK I guess you'd have to McGyver some sort of sunglasses for your Leaf if it really requires you to put it in ON mode to use the 12v plug. Or IDK, are there fuses you can pull to preserve the power? Old, non-EV cars have some sort of fuse panel/box where you can service used-up fuses easily, you just have to remember to put them back in before moving out lest you run afoul of traffic laws on having functioning lights all the time
I will be homeless in a few months an Have come to a happy conclusion to just live in my car, I work as a nurse an hardly ever home so why not make the jump don’t pay rent an just have a car/bed to sleep an shower at work
hey cuiv! little heads up, whenever working on a car modification or fixture, consider the result of a crash. Use materials that will crumple on impact and avoid having beams directly behind the drivers seat. It looks like you've considered this, intentional or not, just making sure you've thought of it and letting others know it's something that needs to be considered
Very important point, thank you!
since different pieces I am sure the will move upwards instead pushing against
your body
How cool to be able to combine both hobbies into the one outdoor experience with a "cosy" place to sleep. Looking forward to seeing the first adventure in the new "camper".
Thanks Logan!
That's an interesting conversion. Looking forward to seeing where this series leads.... I'm happy you decided to take us along on your adventures!
Thanks Al!!
Awesome idea and execution. Glad to see you firing again on all cylinders Cuiv!
Thank you!
Love this!!! I slept in my 2016 leaf for a couple of weeks. The best part was running the AC through the night without worrying about carbon monoxide or pollution. I managed to squeeze a cot inside by adjusting its legs, but it was rough me being 6’2 (180cm). In order to do this, I moved the seat all the way forward, removed the headrest, then reclined the seat so it is level with the back seat. If the frame extended to the glove box or steering wheel, and the frame legs extended further to reach floor mat, then it would increase the length. Obviously, you would sleep with your head to the front of the Leaf, and you could modify it to work on both sides for “queen/twin”. Hmmm
I forgot to mention that you would also need to remove headrest from back seat. They are easy to take on and off.
6'2 is 189cm by the way :)
Hello my old friend.. good to see you again.. loving the new project for astrophotographia.. hope you share the experience and adventures..
Nice to see the things behind the hobbies. Keep em coming
"units that make sense and units that don't make sense" excellente celle là !!! À retenir
Mwahaha il faut bien titiller nos amis américains de temps en temps quand même :-)
That frame looks ideal! Very interesting video!👍👍👍
Like the Car turned into camper blog Cuiv!
Thanks Ray!!
As an adventurer it’s cool to see others adventures. How and different place in the world
Thanks John!
Great video! Love seeing your adventures and how you solve problems like this. Thanks for sharing with us!
Thank you Christian!
Those of us not blessed with dark skies are always dreaming of a convenient camping setup for astronomy, and as you get older setting up tents and tearing them down is less and less appealing. I am not even talking about being elderly, I am just talking early 40's, you start to get lazy, and you go out less often than you would like. Having a setup like this really does help you go out for astronomy more often. I always tell my customers, the best investment you will ever make in astronomy is an observatory, but if you are like me and can't build an observatory where you live, then anything you can do to make it more convenient to go out and observe or do astrophotography is a great investment.
Exactly! And tents sometimes don't cut it, especially when its very hot or cold!
That seems to be very interesting Quiv, looking forward to the new adventures. Also it looks like your back is healed very well
This is awesome. Would there be enough energy to keep the car warm for the entire night? You don't want to get stranded, with the battery completely depleted. :)
There should be more than enough, especially if set at a low level (like 17C or so, which should be plenty enough with a blanket)!
Hey Cuiv, Love your videos
I love your math 😄 and his videos 🖤
Good to see you back 🙂
Thanks Shaun!
Nice! I was actually thinking about doing something similar by purchasing a used Toyota Prius since you can run the heater or AC without the vehicle being on and tap into the battery for power! Also the comfort of knowing that if I drain the battery there is small gasoline engine that can run to recharge it. Either way this is a great idea! Happy to see more content coming you again 👍
I thought of something similar! But I would need to pay more car tax, more insurance, rent a second parking spot nearby, etc... I figured the cost and bother was just too much!
Great progress. When selecting the mat to go under you think of comfort, maybe an inflatable camping sleeping mat and also a comfy pillow, essential for a good night's sleep. Will watch your progress with interest Cuiv. Cheers. 👍
Thanks Steve! I found some good mats so hopefully will have a good solution :-)
Cuiv, great video. After seeing this video, I think you should change your sobriquet from Lazy to Cheerful. I look forward to your adventures in the Japanese countryside.😄
Hahaha well it is a lot of fun after all :-)
How much did you pay for the frame? It looks like a really good solution. I'm looking into doing something like this with either the Leaf or a Prius
Genius - love it :) Only in Japan? We need to see the astro gear in it though. And did it cost more than a bigger car?
Great work Cuiv
More fun to come!!!
Indeed!
Very cool, this will pay for itself by saving lodging cost after a few days.
I camped few times in my Prius V. I didn't find the surface not being flat a problem. Sturdy low profile inflatable matrace and a pillow was all I needed. I find the space for stretching more important than the surface not being flat.
I got 2 boxes very sturdy at Harbor Freight today, the perfectly fit and will out the space so can just sleep on top of them and have organized storage that is easy to remove. The Japanese idea is cool but to bulky !
Is this a gen 1 or gen 2? And do you have a video where you've taken it on a trip and are sleeping in it?
Gen 2! There's a bit of me using it at the start of this video: ruclips.net/video/mIjKI6svRv4/видео.htmlsi=CNYYc9Bz_WHekvor
My wife also used it for a two month road trip around Japan, only occasionally staying at hotels!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Excellent, thanks so much for the reply. Watching now.
Awesome idea! :D Where do you put your motor? On the roof?
If you ever get into radio astronomy, you could probably fit a whole bunch of receiver equipment under there, too.
No motor on a paraglider, you're thinking of paramotoring.
Also try a self inflating sleeping mat. They're comfortable and pack away small.
Holding the sections together looks like a job for hinges or duct tape. You can even get them to fold neatly if you hinge the sleeping pieces from the bottom, and the side piece from the top
Adding hinges is a great idea, I need to contemplate that's thanks!
Shouldn't be to hard to find some ultra-lite/ compact camping mattress and pillow to fit out the car.
Nice conversion for the car, looking forward to see what else you do.
Yep, I already found what looks like a nice mattress!
Another very informative video and a great idea! I want to use my Polestar2 (78kW) to power my Astro gear - but it only has a single 12V output (in the boot). I asked Polestar some time ago how I can increase the Amps out but they haven’t bothered to answer. Can your Leaf supply enough (say 3x3Amp@12V?) as standard or did you get it modded? [BTW, I think I watched 3 of your videos before I realised you were ‘The Lazy Geek’, not ‘…Greek’!!! 🥴😂]
The cigar socket of the leaf should be enough for my astro-needs since the biggest power draw is likely the camera cooler - can't say for sure. At worst there is an expensive (but in Japan subsidized) product called the Power Mover that can power a house by providing up to 4.5kW output.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks Cuiv - I want to power mount, camera and ASI Air with dew heaters etc, so think the cigarette socket will melt. I can just hope that Polestar upgrade the car with V2L technology... 🤞
GREAT solution ! nice video very imformative
Glad you liked it!
Your video really lightened my day & made me laugh but it's a very interesting conversion so for setting up remotely away from the city that's ideal. Looking forward to seeing your first time out with you converted leaf good luck, clear skies & stay safe gliding.
Thank you! Glad the video could help lighten your day :)
you could put self adhisve velco strips on the frame and boards that will stop them moving about.
Good idea! Thanks!
Would be nice to know wtf u can buy this.
Intriguing conversion. Of course, getting a station wagon or SUV which gives actual flat back seats (like eg a Subaru) may be preferable (are these electric cars suitable for camping out like this?)
Yes I looked into wagons, but even the Kei wagons are expensive when retrofitted, and I'd need to rent an additional parking space, more tax, more paperwork, more everything... Wasn't worth the hassle!
Could you remove half of the split seat entirely, then you would have to match the height and would give you more headroom ?
That's something I had considered, but as much as possible I wanted to keep the original car intact (e.g. adding only, not removing)
Hi is there any other bed frame out there on market? The japanese link is out..
It's amazing !! Very interesting mod of the Leaf !!! And I'm sure you will enjoy all of yours hobbies !!! Flying skies in the morning and enjoying clear skies out of Tokyo!!!! ...... By the way I have a Nissan leaf 40kw too and I don't know if there's any way too profit his battery for feed ours equipments of astrophotography¿?
The car has to be in ON mode to keep powering the 12V outlet from the main battery - that's the biggest issue ...
Check out a single memory foam mattress topper your back will thank you for it at least 5cm thick it will squash around the curves
Great idea, thank you!
I had the same idea. surprised nobody offers it :( It seems bit to high, I will either build myself or fill up the space with air container
I've used it over 40 nights now, it was definitely worth the investment :) But yes a bit expensive
Nice and interesting
Thank you!
Should have got sunshine roof option and installed a telescopic pier beneath :)
That would be awesome!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek the problem ive found is the concrete base drags along under my car ;(
hahaha tiny issue :p
I have the same car , nice converting puzzle 😅 , but we’re do you connect telescope to 12v ?, my car turn off the cigarette light 12v plug after 10 min if the car is not in ON mode , the car in ON mode work fine the 12v plug but the car lights don’t turn off and will be bad for Astrophotography , do you have a different way to connect the telescope ??
Yeah that's my main worry with the car - it will have to be on ON mode, and then I'll need to cover the front lights with a blanket or something...
There is another possibility but it's expensive (officially for disaster prep): item.rakuten.co.jp/sungarden/sg134485/?scid=af_sp_etc&sc2id=af_113_0_10001868&icm_acid=255-776-8501&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqc6aBhC4ARIsAN06NmNEULH9KAezj6tQF55vsJo6bto7tAKVWFtNKFCnmCKb0hoh6KvxomcaAvOMEALw_wcB&icm_agid=&icm_cid=18507343872&iasid=wem_icbs_
I teste already my system with a APC of 1500va and work for 6 hours using asiair pro , just need to be full charge , but don’t make any sense having a electric car with 62kw battery and not use battery without having the light on 😏
How you can keep ventilation all night? Mine is switching of after a while..
You unfortunately have to have the car ready to drive (but still parking mode with handbrake on) - otherwise it turns off after 15 minutes
@@CuivTheLazyGeek thanks, I'll try this way :)
Why didnt you just take the passenger and back seats out?
You could take the rear seat out if your not driving people around.
Welcome to the villain origin story of Cuiv the Lazy Paragliding Car Hobo Astrophotographer; Tokyo's noise became too much and made him fully crazy, leaving everything behind to reach the skies and see the stars as much as he can LOLJK
I guess you'd have to McGyver some sort of sunglasses for your Leaf if it really requires you to put it in ON mode to use the 12v plug. Or IDK, are there fuses you can pull to preserve the power? Old, non-EV cars have some sort of fuse panel/box where you can service used-up fuses easily, you just have to remember to put them back in before moving out lest you run afoul of traffic laws on having functioning lights all the time
Now that's an awesome new channel name :D
How tall are you bro?
176cm!
@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks man, appreciate it. I should just fit at 182.
I am converting my Mitsu Pajero Sport into astrocamper
That's a great car for astrocamping. Tonnes of space
Hope you have enough room for your astro gear :)
Maby use some wooden shims under the center legs
Simple solutions are always the best. Thank you!
No problem I enjoy watching your channel thank you for the information u share
when is the step 2 video? HAHA
I will be homeless in a few months an Have come to a happy conclusion to just live in my car, I work as a nurse an hardly ever home so why not make the jump don’t pay rent an just have a car/bed to sleep an shower at work
I am a nurse as well. And planning this as well. 😂
Use a method LOL set all power to imagination engines, lol.....
Bed frame made for Japanese men 😂
Ha! Yeah there are limits for sure!