Smallest vehicle that meets my needs?

ganchan · Jan 22, 2016

I'm interested in getting a vehicle that can serve for extended camping trips, as a kind of experiment to give me a taste of the lifestyle. I would bet traveling with minimal supplies and provisions for, say, a week or two at a time, with a mix of boondocking and car camping.

I'll bring a little cabin tent with me, but I'd also like to be able to sleep in the vehicle without too much pain and agony. What are your suggestions for the smallest (or most affordable) vehicle with folding rear seats and a rear cargo space big enough to accommodate a sleeper (in the fetal position) without having to mess with the passenger seat?

I'll be buying an older, high-mileage vehicle in all likelihood. So far I kind of like the idea of a Honda Element or Pilot....

akrvbob · Jan 22, 2016

If you are after the best MPG, the Prius is king!!

For an SUV the Toyota Highlander Hyrbrid

If after the best compromise of comfort and MPG, the Transit Connect.

Remember, the hybrids are generators on wheels so they come with AC you can use anytime and all the power you need.

Bob

SoulRaven · Jan 22, 2016

I wouldn't go small, but I would go cheap. $1,000 +/- full sized window van, and a $200 +/- fully functional interior, with all the amenities. You will never lose money on such a setup, and the money you save can buy one heck of a lot of gasoline, many years worth.

myway_1 · Jan 22, 2016

I'm also strongly considering a Honda Element. You can stretch out and there is no gap to fill in since the rear seats lift up and out of the way. This is a seating feature that I haven't seen in any other vehicle. Plus there is ample head room. I am 5'8" and can stand up if I bend over fully at the waist. The Prius is great but not much head room - you can't set up without your head touching the top. However it does have lots of room to stretch out while sleeping in the back without having to tilt forward the back of the passenger seat. Highlander hybrids are expensive. Ford Escape Hybrid (may not be usable like a generator) is much cheaper but I don't know how much room it has.

Also Toyota Matrix / Pontiac Vibe, Volkswagen Rabbit, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV 4, Mazda 3 hatchback, Kia Soul, Scion xB. You can sleep in these fully stretched out if you're not tall by pushing the passenger seat all the way forward and tilting it's back forward. I'm not sure if you would consider that messing with the passenger seat. But you may not be able to sit up in bed depending on how tall you are. I don't believe they would be comfortable as long term dwellings.

Gideon33w · Jan 23, 2016

You can pick up a Volvo wagon for pretty cheap. Rear seats fold down and give you a nice bed platform. They are also very reliable and return decent fuel economy. Low roof height compared to a van though (obviously).