1. I haven't done it yet, but I'm going to use wire to create a "handle" for the interior hatchback release
2. The engine has a bit of a kick when it starts, using the parking brake helps some, and it's not so noticeable that I can't get used to it while sleeping.
I have my solar panel charged battery that I use for my fridge as a backup in case the Prius battery dies.
Here's what I posted I the Captain's Log section, probably better to have it here:
My setup is a work in progress, this was my first time out. Here's what I'm working with at this point:
I'm using a Coleman slim twin air mattress, which fits on the 60% side so I can leave the single rear seat up if it works best that way for me, and an Intex queen size air mattress that fits with both seats down if I want more room. I have a dome tent that just fits the queen size mattress for times I want/need to sleep outside the car (some campgrounds don't allow sleeping in a car). I have your standard camping foldable chair, and a folding table.
I have an Alpicool C20 compressor fridge, and a 100w Renogy solar panel kit keeping a 35ah battery charged to run it so I don't have to leave the Prius in Ready mode 24/7 to keep food fresh. The entire set up cost just a bit over $400, doing the math for ice + gas to get ice + wasted food floating in melted ice water, this system should pay for itself in about 10-12 months. I have a single burner propane attachment for cooking, and am still considering some 12v appliances. Pot, pan, plastic plates bowls and cups, small cutting board, and utensils. Spray bottle for cleaning with vinegar and water.
I have a solar shower bag and tarp, and a Luggable Lou on a 2.5 gallon bucket. I'll be trying various hygiene tricks I've read about here, and find true showers when I can (I don't need real showers daily, or even weekly, but I can't give them up altogether). The shower tarp can be used as an awning when attached to the car.
I made blackout press-fit inserts for all rear windows using two layers of Reflectix with a single sheet of Coroplast in the middle, and black felt on the outside. I'm using a c-channel type curtain rod that fits wedged into the front ceiling handles, allowing a blackout curtain to drape behind the front seats when they are forward. I have a small USB 12" fan to push air under the curtain for circulation.
Safety kit, medical kit, tools, ropes, hatchet, mallet, duct tape, and 12v air pump. Rain suit, various flash lights and a head light, USB battery back ups,
And the most important item of all, a couple of pool noodles (dozens of uses)!
