Vibe camping

[Theadyn]

Anyone ever tried it in one of these? Just scored a cheapy '07 Pontiac Vibe that would be PERFECT for camping. Much much to read on.

Already tried airing up the twin air bed on just the folded down rear passenger side, didn't even need to fold down the front passenger side. Alas, the twin airbed is too wide to keep the rear drivers seat in the sitting position. Folded down, though, fit just fine with a little room on the sides.

Will have to do some thinking on this, number one issue is comfortable sleeping above all else though. For me, anyways.

Just got it tinted last Friday to as dark as legal for my state. Maybe some cut out reflectix for windows at night, or bungee cords attached the upper grab bars and hang felt or such. A small cooler for food stuffs. Battery operated fan. Warm sleeping bags. Figure out a setup for hygiene. Front passenger seat folds down with a solid back base that could be used for a table or laptop. Could just be do-able.

Has roof racks already installed. Has a 115v plug-in near the 12v plug-in. And for mileage gets in the low 30's on highway.

Suanne's blog giving me lots of inspiration, so thanks!!!

After work will try to post some pics, have to leave for work in a few. Laters all!

 

[Patrick46]

yeah...for living in a car, I too think a Vibe would be darn near ideal!!

Pics...don't ferget our pics!!

 

[Bela's Mom]

If you like air mattresses, Coleman makes a skinny twin that is 26" wide as opposed to 38" on the regular twin. Maybe that would help in your set-up. Wal-Mart carries them, but you may have to order on-line and pick up at your store.

Sounds like good times on the way!

 

[Suanne]

Theadyn, Glad you found my blog helpful. Your Vibe sounds like it's a good fit. I always like to hear when folks give car-dwelling a go. What are your plans for hitting the road? The best to you as you make your rig ready for travel.

Suanne ... getting her rig ready for travel too!

 

[cyndi]

I've been in my 08 Vibe since last fall. It's definitely do-able. And, if you take care of it, it will run forever. That's a Toyota matrix, underneath.

There have been a couple of recalls, so make sure they've been taken care of.

 

[Theadyn]

Really lovin' this little car. :shy: Still have the big RV, but when I get the itch to take off on the light side, I see no reason to take lil ******. Think I will just keep a bug out type of bag that will double as my camp out bag.

Here's a few pics with what I have to work with:


Small in size. This is her showing off her new tint job. Will use a sunshade for the windshield and figure out the windows, either black foam board cut to size or bungee cord and felt stretched across the many hand bars inside.

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Want to be able to have a split side down for sleeping while keeping the the smaller side back seat sitting upright.


The twin airbed didn't fair so well on size, haha, I didn't bother airing it all the way up.


Was fine with both back seats laying down though, grrr... Either the skinny twin mattress or a thermarest would fit the bill much better.


Showing the twins length, the pillow was on the front passenger folded down seat, but is not needed, plenty of length for my 5'6" frame. I had set the front passenger seat back up after that and the length of that twin airbed fit, no problem.


For electricity. I think, in a pinch, one of those 12v heaters would be fine without having to worry about a propane heat source. Could keep cell phone and DVD player powered up. Would of course get one of those portable battery jumpers so will not worry about using all the juice.

For food would just keep it simple, a small ice chest, or just fresh food and dehydrated food. A single burner with fuel cylinders, simple mess kit. Spray bottles for cleaning. Small bucket toilet. Baby wipes. If you ever wanted to get fancy there is still the roof rack.

Have a wish list going on amazon, lol. Would be nice to have this stuff together and in a bag. My parents live about an hour away and are constantly inviting me over for bbq's, would be a good over night try out, without feeling like you are always putting someone out or risk trying to drive at dark with the deer around here.

Well, that's my ponderings for the day.

 

[Gypsysoul]

This is awesome! Looks a lot like my Kia Sportage that I am working on right now. Thanks for posting the pics. They helped visualize that yes I can do this too.

 

[Wanderlust forlife]

Theadyn,

How has your camping been in your Vibe?

Thanks.

 

[TMG51]

Dang, saw this thread pop up and wondered what happened to your van. I see it's been resurrected from nearly two years ago. Time flies when you're vandwellin', eh?

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

I believe the Vibe is the same as the Toyota Matrix (?)

Also, Suanne, did you see this pic : (Tailveil.com..I have no connection)

 

[Suanne]

Hi Ken,

Yes, I saw the pic of the Tailvail in the Car Tent thread ... very cool!

The Habitent is another option, but it doesn't go to the ground (only over the hatch). I have a friend who loves it with her Prius.

For me, I like to have everything buttoned up while I sleep; though sometimes I do roll down my screened windows at night if I feel safe enough. We use to have a dome Sportz tent with a boot to the hatch. I just never found a need to use it. Now, I only have a small dome tent for storage ... and most of the time I don't even use that.

Now, back to the Vibe ... I wonder if anyone is living out of one now. I believe both Cyndi and Theadyn currently have vans.

Suanne

 

[mpruet]

Hi Ken,


For me, I like to have everything buttoned up while I sleep; though sometimes I do roll down my screened windows at night if I feel safe enough.

Are you cracking the windows if you leave the car in ready mode?

 

[Suanne]

Yes, my back windows are cracked when my car is on. Plus, I have a carbon monoxide alarm mounted.

These days the only time I have my windows all of the way rolled up is when I'm in bear country. Otherwise, they are at least opened a crack.