Turning our Prius Into a Camper: We Have STORAGE!
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
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Hilarious innovation you've come up with! Note on ground clearance - most road cars assume much less weight over the rear wheels (no engine back there). With your "garage" in place, you may find the car rides low (and kinda bouncy) because the rear springs are typically not very strong. Upgrading to taller (and stiffer) springs may help you keep the Prius riding level (without as much risk of bottoming out). Good luck!
This all has to do with “moment/torque”. Weight x Distance = force… on the shocks, tires, hitch. So the more weight that’s at the back on the hitch will cause more sag and bouncing.
I would highly suggest putting the lightest stuff you can on the hitch, and the heavy stuff over the rear axle. This includes the battery!
Getting new, stronger tires and springs(shocks) will help a lot too.
That’s a good thing to think about for sure! We’re going to learn a lot over the next little while!
@@LeahandLevi
Why don t you use a Jackery battery? 🤨
Excited for a buildout tour! Some protips:
* Sleeping at night can fog the windows if you have the engine off. Buy rain guards for the windows that allow you to roll the windows down an inch without sacrificing privacy/security. Some people will use a sunroof for this.
*the prius will start to drink oil at high mileage, make sure you're watching it. you can leave a little funnel in the engine bay next to the fuses on the right incase you need to refill.
*put your keys inside a tinfoil wrap at night, so that the doors cannot be opened from the outside. You can research this one more.
*losing your catalytic converter SUCKS. I would get underneath and write "already replaced with used parts" or something so that there's no desire to cut it off and sell for parts.
*get a planet fitness membership, thin sheet plastic works good for window covers, these are pretty basic so you probably know them. Get a portable bidet from online for showers.
good luck you two! Please post a video of any concerns and the community will run to help however we can! Two people in a prius is no small task, and you two are awesome for doing it.
This is so cool! Thanks for making the effort to send this message. We have a plan for the catalytic converter but the tinfoil wrap is a new one! We'll have to look into that!
@@LeahandLevi yall the best
You did a great job. This is my unsolicited internet advice. Anytime your looking upwards, especially under a car, safety glasses are a good idea. I've gotten a lot of pieces of junk in my eye.
Also files are more brittle pieces of steel and shouldn't be pried on. It could snap and the shards will be quite sharp
Thanks for the tips! We're definitely not experts so that's great to know, cheers!
@@LeahandLevi that's why I watch you! To learn about sustainability and experiments with lifestyle. None of us know everything
You have to figure out license plate issue, before police see you. Need a way to secure it, don’t want someone steal it when you are away.
😆😆
That big box covers a cop's view of your license plate. You might have to install the plate on your box with a light. Also approach driveways at an angle , to reduce the chance of bottoming out. I like your idea of using that box as a table.
Thanks Chris! We'll definitely have to figure out how to get the license plate on the back there. Add it to the list! haha
Leah chaotic energy in this is hilarious 😂
Loving the preparation updates along the way, it's really fascinating! I have some family that used to drive from BC down to Mexico and back every year - and I just wanted to mention that considering this hitch and depending on your route, you might want to keep a close eye out for massive speed bumps heading into Mexico. They mentioned a lot of rigs getting smashed up because they didn't see them in time! They typically entered Mexico along the west coast, and said these speed bumps are everywhere in towns too, and are called topes! Anyways, that's my two cents! Thanks for sharing the journey!
Edit - Apparently topes are before and in almost all small towns, are sometimes large rounded speed bumps, sometimes ropes (sometimes painted and sometimes hidden, lol!), and sometimes even squared-off (which are extra terrible!). A good indication of an upcoming tope is people sitting by the side of the road in lawn chairs (because it's clearly great entertainment!). Lol! Ok official end of two cents! Cheers!!!
Woah this is great to know! Thanks so much for taking the time to message us!
How will you secure it? (Ie. Locks etc to protect your items) hitches are awesome! We used one on our trip and it works fantastic for storage! Good luck! ❤️❤️ Big tip, if you have a spare tire, take it out and put all your emergency equipment there (ie. Electric pump, tire plugs etc.) It'll make the car much more fuel efficient and it's good for storage!
as someone who has had to use a spare tire in an emergency, I strongly recommend keeping the spare tire in the vehicle. Unless you plan on driving only during daylight hours and near very populated areas, a spare tire is a must. ESPECIALLY if you're living out of your car--you don't want your home to be stranded on the interstate in the middle of the night due to one of the most common and predictable car failures.
Please keep that spare tire--it always feels like an unnecessary burden until you actually need it. An electric pump and tire plugs could be a good temporary fix to get your car to an auto shop (I mean it's not like a spare is a permanent fix either), but I still recommend keeping that spare
@@ToaPohatuNuva From the little I know on the subject, unless your tire is punctured on the side wall, using a pump and filling it until you get to a tire repair center is a better option in some cases, as a spare tire you'd have to get a new tire anyways. It depends on the scenario.
Do Prius' have spare tires? My hybrid Crosstrek from Subaru does not. I have to carry Fix a Flat and be prepared to get roadside service.
If you do this, get a tire plug kit/tire sealant (slime) along with a tire inflator to limp you along yo get a new tire.
But in my cases, just making sure you have new, high quality tires you wont get many flats.
If flat is the worry then upgrade to some run flat tyres. The side walls are build extra strong and allows you to drive with a flat for up to 50 Km at 80 Km/h, enough to get you to a destination to get the tyre fix.
So, Leah, where do you think your clothes are going to go once you fill that “trunk” with your cooking items & chairs you won’t have much room, and when you stop to “camp” where will you put all your inside storage ? I think personally you should have bought a good used mini van and converted it to cooking oil & then you would have had plenty of room. By the time you get your “deck & chairs built “ out of wood, and the amount of “stuff” for storage your mileage is going to suck.
Have fun , I look forward to seeing how this all works out ! 🤭
I’ll be interested to see how the fuel economy works! I looked at a cross country trip comparing roof and hitch options, but figured the added weight of the hitch compromised fuel efficiency about equally
We shall see! I've watched a few videos comparing it and this seemed a lot better but either way we will keep everything updated 👍🏻
I really appreciate that you kept the aerodynamic shape of Prius intact to make your trip more sustainable. Prius is probably in top five most aerodynamic consumer car. I love it ♥️
hello, First I want to recommend you to be extremely careful when you pass through Mexico, there is little road safety (that is, there are few patrols to help you, assaults) on the country's roads and try to transit during the day. Also something important is that you check the time you will be in the country because there have been extortions of foreigners by the immigration department that will no longer allow them to leave the country for having exceeded the time they agreed to stay. Second, I would like to recommend that if you pass through the north of Mexico that you visit the Copper Canyon in the Divisadero, Chihuahua is a marvel to see. And finally I wish you a nice road journey :)
Thank you Diana! We’ve heard similar things from others and that is the plan as of now. Thanks again for leaving a comment 🙏🏼
You have a wonderful openness and excitement for adventure. Thanks as always for sharing. ☀️☀️
Thanks for being here! 🙏🏼👍🏼
A few things. Run, don’t walk to your nearest hardware store and buy you a basic tool kit. No man should ever be without tools INCLUDING a pocket knife. That is however a nice hitch system. You may want to think about cooking on plastic though.
Two words: roof rack 🤣🤣. Roads are super bumpy especially in Mexico. I hope you have a great time!!
Is the box on the back going to be lockable? Also if you haven't found expedition overland yet look them up! They take living out of vehicles and videography to a whole other level.
I think we have probably watched a few actually! Haha thanks for the recommendation 👍🏼 (and yes the box has a lock for it haha)
Delivered to the US? Point Roberts, WA? Remember hearing about how during the lockdown and border closure they were practically cut off, and stuck with tons of packages for people in Canada who used package delivery stores to save on shipping.
Yep! Point Roberts is where we sent it haha. Saved us over $300 USD
Looks like you guys are making some great progress on your Prius camper!❤️ Looking forward to seeing all the projects you do to make it your home for the next year.
Us too! Thanks for being here!
The sheer number of hilarious sound bites from this video that had me in tears from laughing. This would be me and one of my friends trying to do this 😂
Thanks for being here Ashley!
You're right, the hitch mount should be much better than a roof rack for maintaining the Cd, as most of the air behind a hatch is low pressure turbulent air. There is sometimes the 'parachute' effect as the high pressure air underneath exits behind the car, where it can get trapped in the rear bumper, but in this case possibly the hitch box. The Prius is already quite good as the floor (underneath) is almost entirely flat, but you'll see racecars, etc., with holes in the rear bumper to alleviate that drag causing high pressure build up. Ground clearance is obviously an issue you've encountered, so you might have to drive like you've got a slammed/stanced car lol, aka taking every bump or dip at an acute angle and not perpendicular like you'd normally drive. Or as you mentioned you can help by raising the ride height, but be aware this will also lower your Cd as it increases the frontal area, and more air will move underneath the car and not as quickly or cleanly . Tires can also affect this, either by not being as efficient in rolling resistance, or by increasing the aspect ratio (width/height of sidewall). Now by how much all of that will decrease the stock Cd of the car is incredibly difficult to say lol, but you're starting with an efficient and awesome platform! Cool to see you both tackling something new and getting your hands dirty with the build, definitely going to learn a lot (by choice or not haha). Really looking forward to this build series and your year of adventures!
Wow thanks for this Alex! We're happy with things so far and we'll definitely re-evaluate as things progress if need be!
Just found your YT today after Googling Patagonia stuff and now I'm hooked on your Prius videos as I had a Prius for 10 years up until last year when I got an Outback. I had added a tow hitch bike rack to my Prius and that thing bottomed out all the time on city roads/driveways so I'm very curious to see how it works out for you guys (no spoilers!). Also curious if spending money on the tow hitch, possibly lifting the car, etc is worth the trade off of slightly lower MPG with a roof rack. Either way, looks like you guys are having fun researching and figuring things out as I enjoy doing myself.
After watching this, the best $200 i ever spent was on our hitch installation last week lol hahaha
"With Steve's tools, Leah's positive attitude and my attendance" - Ha, I just about lost it - you're a hoot Levi :) Thanks for giving me a good belly laugh today!
Hello, I stumbled on your content a little bit ago and wanted to let you know that I respect the work you put into this video. Keep it up. To many people give up right before greatness, so keep pushing, you're doing awesome
If you can you should absolutely visit the Maritimes in the Canada leg of your journey! Come to PEI ! :)
It’s on our list! Fingers crossed 🤞🏼
@@LeahandLevi if you want a highlight list I'm happy to give you one! :D
I might have missed this but given you didn't feel it was right to travel to Europe, why are you travelling through North America? Surely the same applies that having fun adventures while others are struggling isn't a good look?
The choice not to move to Europe wasn't just about the optics of having fun (even though the war in Ukraine was a factor). It's more expensive to live in Europe, being able to get home in an emergency is easier if we are in N.A.
Love this storage option! Curious, did the hitch installation manual recommend using a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the frame? Wouldn’t want them to be too loose or too tight and have it vibrate loose 😬 Excited to follow this journey.
Yes it does! We didn't have a torque wrench on hand so we just got them tight enough until we can get a hold of one. Thanks for following along!
Hi guys n I like ur addition. did u see Black Jimmy Neutron build on his prius? He had it lifted but its the tent that he has to expand his living quarters for being attached to back hatch. It's the solar shower that's inexpensive to take showers. It folds up small. Also there's another utuber that uses instant pot and small microwave in the back of his prius. On ur journey if u get tired of the tent in the back, there's a motorcycle tent room that's very sturdy but lite weight that would also hold more n can b pulled by prius. Some have two sided walls n others expand to a full living room. Truck stops is what Nikki used 4 showers/laundry rooms with her prius. some people turn their fridge off @ nite n keep it wrapped either in reflectics r heavy padded bag. cheaprvliving showed several people living in prius 2. fyi. Roxanne
Thanks Roxanne! Seems we watch the same RUclipsrs! 😅 we have a car hatch tent in the plans and we’re hoping to solidify more of the details this month! Appreciate you taking the time to comment!
ah! Should have opened with a "We got hitched!!" 😅
3:16 and all the old man noises Levi makes. hahahahahah.
the lift kit is a very good idea
So fun to watch, good luck with rest of trip prep!
Thanks so much!
Can't wait for the next development, thanks for taking us with you. (BTW some of your viewers really have some opinions don't they? Love your responses).
Thanks for watching! Haha yep they definitely do 😂
Love Leah chilling at 11:31
Looks like a horrible system tbh. Might as well went with a stationwagon or something bigger instead of a small prius with half baked extra storage options. It’s not too late to reconsider and adapt your plans!
Not too late to like this video either! 😘
Lifting things for no reason, I can relate 😂
You guys are so wholesome.
The attention to detail is great. If I do van life I'm definitely coming back to rewatch your videos. Also you two are so cute
Hahaha thank you! We're definitely trying our best!
Loving this series you two!
Thanks for being here!
@@LeahandLevi ofc!
I love these vids!! This one and the last, it's so cool watching you guys learn along the way.
Thanks Alexis! We’re definitely just figuring it out as we go here! 😅
You have a tilted cooking surface. Good luck cooking eggs.
I'm totally buying one!
Just a heads up - you didn’t blur out your license plate. Not sure if that was missed
Why would you need to blur the license plate? Its publicly visible anytime the car is out anyway, and there are plenty of easy ways of finding out the same information that you would get from DMV records.
I'd add little wheels to prevent grounding
If youre alone you dont need storage. Two people have way too many clothes.
you should use a prius V
This has become an overlanding YT channel now lol. I love it!
Just buy a roof tent and be done with it
Awesome!
Lifting it would be a cool idea, however it will also reduce fuel efficiency a bit. When you do it can you compare consumption rates before/after for a brief bit nerdery? A bunch of us would be super interested how much or little it impacts the numbers. Hey thanks!
Haha yes! We know that people have done it with relatively little impact on f/e so we’ll see!
🤦🏻
Consider a test "camp" while still in BC to work out any obvious kinks in your plan!
We actually had one planned for this week but Leah's had a family emergency that we'll be discussing next week. We'll keep you posted when we get to do that tho!
Are you guys getting an inverter for your car battery? I just run a multi-cooker off mine.
We're bringing a battery bank but that was an option we considered!
Love it, guys!
Good afternoon. I’m worried about your counter from Kazakhstan, can you tell me where I can buy such a mount for a box, can you send me the link. I would like to buy one.
I love this video series! I'm excited to see how it goes for y'all. I'm curious how you will handle sleeping and keeping cool. Will the car be on all night long? Iirc, you'll be in southern US for summer? Also, I remember you saying the trip was planned for June and that's in 2 weeks and I know videos are often delayed but I'm anxious for y'all! Haha but I know y'all will figure it out (or already have but that video isn't out yet haha).
Hahaha yep we leave our apartment June 1st! But we’ll be building our bed deck thing during that month and testing things out so it’s a gradual process. 😬
I'M SO HERE FOR CHAOTIC LEAH
Yakima exo system!! love you guys
What brand is that hitch that y’all bought?
Kudos - have you considered a roof/cargo box? I have added one to mine and it's excellent for storage and security :)
How much does it affect your gas mileage? Are they easy to break into?
Why not put storage on top of the car? Seems safer
Definitely look into a roof rack , and pelican cases, there water proof and great to store your stuff without getting wet or damaged . Pelican is expensive but worth it long term .
Their concern with roof storage was it making the car less aerodynamic, and hurting fuel efficiency.
Now you have to drive like a lowrider, hit bumps at a diagonal.
So how much does the hitch weight? And how has it affected your mileage? Thx.
Ha ha someone went to Point Roberts USA!!!
hahaha yep! 😂
What year is your Prius?
Now I'm wondering how that aerodynamic figure is measured. Like, supercars are usually made for high speeds on a circuit, so they need enough downforce to keep them planted to the ground. This downforce comes at the cost of more drag. So they can be way more aerodynamic, but just in a different way due to different priorities 🤔
Anyway, this doesn't change the fact that the Prius has amazing aerodynamics itself 😊
True enough! All we know is that rooftop stuff generally takes a big chunk out of your fuel efficiency
@@LeahandLevi Absolutely. Your solution looks really good for your purpose 😊
What about heat/AC while you're sleeping? Or do you have ideas to keep mosquitoes out if you have the windows down? I'm a curious cat. Meow.
🐈 We have a mesh sleeve that goes over the windows when they're down. If all else fails we can also run the car on hybrid mode if it gets really bad.
I am seriously concerned for your luggage back there since the roads in Mexico are really not great. If you already can´t make it up your entry way to the house. Once you are off the highways, and depending on season -rainy season it gets worse, huge potholes everywhere.. I don´t really see that working well for you. I have been living in Mexico for 20 years and know what I am talking about.. your exploring this time might still be limited by your vehicle because you can´t take it on any bumpy roads with your back rack. :(
Hey folks - I'm an insurance adjuster. Have you guys looked into if your insurance will cover a trip into the US/Mexico? Most Canadian insurers will not cover a vehicle or its occupants for bodily injury once the vehicle travels into Mexico. I just want to make sure you guys are well-protected and understand what you're getting into. ICBC is really finicky to deal with and navigate. Heads up!
This is great to know! We’re actually following up with ICBC this week to make sure everything is sorted. Mexico does require their own independent insurance though so that will already be a separate cost. Thanks for your comment!
We loved your good, fun loving disposition!!! Maybe a lift kit will be something to consider? Keep entertaining us and stay safe.
Thanks Jasper! It's definitely in the list of considerations. 🤷🏻♂️
Go ahead and lift that sucker! You don't know yet what sort of floods you may have to drive through on your trip either. Always better to be on the taller side with that!
That’s what we are thinking! 👍🏼
Remember to sleep with a carbon monoxide alarm!
New sub ! 🤩✌️😀
Thanks for being here!
I'm watching and learning. I want to do this with my honey so bad!
Haha join Skillshare to watch our full tutorial 😂
Hi Levi and Leah! Love your videos but I noticed you didn't censor your license plate. Don't know if that's important but just thought I let you know what I noticed. Good luck on your road trip!
Nope, the fears around people knowing your licence plate are largely unnecessary but we appreciate your concern though!
👍
I’ve watched all the videos on the Prius and probably just don’t remember but just want to gently ask if you guys shed light on homelessness and the privileges of choosing to live in a car with a home waiting for you once the year is up
Jeez it’s a lifestyle choice for a road trip. People with homes are allowed to live in cars/campers/cabins/tents for a bit if they want to?
We definitely acknowledge the privilege we have. This is not a choice for many people, we plan to discuss this in future videos for sure.
You are crazy! :*
Lol it’s all fun and games until a cop can’t see your license plate. Or better yet someone jacks it. With the extra RUclips cash , might be time to step into something bigger.
We're going to be mounting the license plate to the back of the box when it's on there (and keeping a spare in the car).
OKay i thought you got your apt now live in your car? why not a 5th wheel or other vehicle
Don't mind me just intracting for the algorithm.
Oh my lord…..this Prius thing was a decision….. I mean best of luck but we’ll see how this goes
Congrats your homeless..?
your practically experts now. You could start a course on hitch instalation. lol, Jk
Now live on Skillshare 😂
I have a real problem with your choices. You focus is for great gas mileage with this purchase. But with this cars lack of space your quality of life is going to be terrible.
You should have found a diesel van instead. Ok gas mileage but a better quality of life on the road. Quality of life is going to win out over better gas mileage. Trust me on this one.
Jeff I'm so glad you care this deeply about our choices. Thanks for being a part of the team ❤️
Wow I hope this video was a joke and you guys got someone else to help you install this thing.