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OK, I've heard it all now. This links to a blog by a lady who has tricked out her Toyota Prius for use as an RV. She has a bed set up in it, has a bucket for a toilet, a bathing routine, etc. She's been on trips for as long as 6 months and stayed in the car the whole way. At least she's getting out there and seeing what there is to see which is more than I can say for myself. Here's the link:

http://suanneonline.blogspot.com/2010/02/prius-rv.html

Ingenious idea but they have come out with hybrid trucks so I think I would find them a whole lot more comfortable. Not to even mention a little bit more roomier!

I saw a couple who camped next to me in one place who had put a platform in their small SUV. The platform had an air mattress and bed, and underneath it was stored all of their camping equipment and clothing. They opened the rear hatch, lifted the platform, and reached whatever they needed. At night, they crawled in somehow. I did not observe that.

Problem was that during the day, they had no where to sit other than the picnic table since they didn't seem to bring any chairs or such. I would have thought a screen room would have been a big improvement, at least for someplace to sit during the day.

Shoot they also have tents made special for certain cars, SUV's and trucks. I know Soos has one of the tents made for use with a pickup truck.

It is a reminder to all of us that when someone come on and asks what size RV do I need to do XYZ.... ? That there is no one answer. We always sing that chorus back pretty well, but it is amazing to see the creativity and what is "enough" for each individual. Makes my 22 ft rig feel like a mansion....

Wow, hats off to her. I definitely need more room than that. Especially because of the dogs. It is amazing to see all the different ways people can enjoy this lifestyle.

Hubby did something similar in his Pinto when he and I were dating because he wasn't allowed in my parents house after 11:00, but I wouldn't want to do that anymore. Good for her.

That's interesting, especially about being able to run the air conditioning. I think I would have to have a tent for a porta pottie and to change in. I read a lady's blog that is doing that in a Honda Van. A little more room. I have camped in my van a couple of times but the weather can't be too hot or too cold. I'm like Tina, after seeing this my 23' motorhome is a palace.

Martha

I occasionally camp with a local trail hiking club where a big rig would be out of place. Most of the members only camp in tents or very small camping rigs. Even though we are camping in a group, some of the ladies prefer car camping (literally sleeping on mats in their SUV or Honda Element) over tent camping. Their conferences and camping events are in private church or scout campgrounds, or state or county parks with water & electric hook-ups and nice restroom/shower facilities.

I have taken our high top conversion van on some of these trips, which is more comfortable and easier than setting up a tent. The van has captains chairs in the middle and a bench seat in the back that lowers to a double bed. Before leaving home, I set up the bed with thermarest mattresses covered by sleeping bags. There is plenty of room, total privacy with the shades down and very secure. I run an electric cord out the back so I can have a fan or other electrical items. I have a small electric cooler that works well, but usually just put an aluminum Coleman ice chest between the two front seats. There is plenty of room under the bed for a microwave and gear, all accessed by the double doors in the back of the van. I can even securely transport my bicycle on a swing away bike rack that is hitch mounted.

The van is a great in cool weather. Set up on arrival is super easy -- just drive up, plug in the electric and lower the shades. Plus, gas is cheaper and it is easier than dragging the travel trailer for short trip. The big difference is I feel like I am camping when I use the van and RVing when I take my travel trailer.

This woman is amazing. My everyday car is a Prius, but can't imagine doing what she does. I think it's great. I've always wished my RV would get 50+ mpg like my Prius
Sandi