Just want to thank everyone here for posting so much info, and being so helpful and friendly! I hope I can return the favor in some small way, or at least put a grin on a face or two around here!
I'm in my early 50's, and I've been interested in the nomad lifestyle for a few reasons, I've been a minimalist for a long time, rarely owning more possessions than you could fit in a van, and I've always wanted to retire early enough to travel extensively while not having to worry about health issues. I've had friends and family who lived for many years full time in RVs during retirement, who have both inspired and encouraged me to do the same, only earlier.
I made up my mind that this was the year to finally hit the road, and began seriously planning earlier this year. I originally thought of a box truck all decked out, a cargo van customized to the hilt, or a minivan with a pull-out. However, after researching I realized for the amount of traveling I would like to do, a Prius could be the best option.
I did my research, and found a 2007 with only 135k miles at a very cheap price due to a failing hybrid battery (I plugged in a Bluetooth OBD2 adaptor and got codes P08A0 and P3018 indicating a block in the middle of the battery was bad). I looked it up by VIN on Toyota's website, and found it had been serviced twice a year every year, with the falling hybrid battery as the latest notation, so I knew it had potential due to being maintained well. I was a power generator mechanic in the army years ago, which gave me training in both electric generators and engines, so I bought the car and ordered a rebuilt battery which I installed last week (I'll be replacing individual modules in the future to keep the rebuilt battery going cheaply). I've been extensively testing it for the past week, and am happy to say I think I made a good choice, and it only cost me $3300 for the car and replacement battery!
I've purchased most of what I believe I'll need to camp comfortably, and really want to thank all the Prius campers here who have posted so much great info! I've fabricated window covers from coroplast sandwiched between reflectix with black felt on one side, and made to press fit in all rear windows, and I'll be using a blackout curtain across the front seats, so I have privacy and stealth when needed. I've created screen covers to go over all four windows, so I have the ability to keep the bugs out when I want the windows down. I have a twin size inflatable mattress that fits perfectly with both rear seats down, but I'll probably switch to something smaller (it's 10" thick). I'm still deciding on ice chest vs Alpicool 12v fridge, but for now I do have an ice chest that fits well in the passenger side rear, and only needs a 6" storage container below to use it to extend the bed area. I have my camp stove, tent, camping chair, solar shower, and am still looking into options for an awning type setup on the back end of the Prius.
I hope I can meet as many of you as possible on the road over the next few years, and look forward to sharing experiences!I
Thanks again everyone!
I'm in my early 50's, and I've been interested in the nomad lifestyle for a few reasons, I've been a minimalist for a long time, rarely owning more possessions than you could fit in a van, and I've always wanted to retire early enough to travel extensively while not having to worry about health issues. I've had friends and family who lived for many years full time in RVs during retirement, who have both inspired and encouraged me to do the same, only earlier.
I made up my mind that this was the year to finally hit the road, and began seriously planning earlier this year. I originally thought of a box truck all decked out, a cargo van customized to the hilt, or a minivan with a pull-out. However, after researching I realized for the amount of traveling I would like to do, a Prius could be the best option.
I did my research, and found a 2007 with only 135k miles at a very cheap price due to a failing hybrid battery (I plugged in a Bluetooth OBD2 adaptor and got codes P08A0 and P3018 indicating a block in the middle of the battery was bad). I looked it up by VIN on Toyota's website, and found it had been serviced twice a year every year, with the falling hybrid battery as the latest notation, so I knew it had potential due to being maintained well. I was a power generator mechanic in the army years ago, which gave me training in both electric generators and engines, so I bought the car and ordered a rebuilt battery which I installed last week (I'll be replacing individual modules in the future to keep the rebuilt battery going cheaply). I've been extensively testing it for the past week, and am happy to say I think I made a good choice, and it only cost me $3300 for the car and replacement battery!
I've purchased most of what I believe I'll need to camp comfortably, and really want to thank all the Prius campers here who have posted so much great info! I've fabricated window covers from coroplast sandwiched between reflectix with black felt on one side, and made to press fit in all rear windows, and I'll be using a blackout curtain across the front seats, so I have privacy and stealth when needed. I've created screen covers to go over all four windows, so I have the ability to keep the bugs out when I want the windows down. I have a twin size inflatable mattress that fits perfectly with both rear seats down, but I'll probably switch to something smaller (it's 10" thick). I'm still deciding on ice chest vs Alpicool 12v fridge, but for now I do have an ice chest that fits well in the passenger side rear, and only needs a 6" storage container below to use it to extend the bed area. I have my camp stove, tent, camping chair, solar shower, and am still looking into options for an awning type setup on the back end of the Prius.
I hope I can meet as many of you as possible on the road over the next few years, and look forward to sharing experiences!I
Thanks again everyone!
