Tour of a Nomad Living in a Prius
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ย. 2024
- Today we meet Lester who is happily living in a Prius and getting 40 mpg! After losing his wife, Lester decided to continue their shared dream of traveling! But instead of leaving in an RV as they had planned.. he downsized into a Toyota Prius. Lester loves traveling with his 2 dogs. He has made a wonderful, cozy home and a bed that fits his 6' 1" frame!
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Thanks for watching!
Great words of wisdom. "Dont wait for the perfect rig until you hit the road " "Use what you have, work towards what you want " perfect!
...unless you dont have a vehicle at all yet 😩🙏🚵
@@ketoauntie7301 ?
I need to follow this advice .. I have a tundra right now
@@MrBillkaz A Tundra is a great , reliable truck! I had 2 Tacomas and I had a shell on the back of one. Worked great for camping!
@@ketoauntie7301 that's where I am... homeless with no car or anything
Deep condolences to this gentleman on the loss of his wife. How wonderful that he was able to go forward with the plans they had made and that he has a rewarding life that he will enjoy for hopefully many many more years.
Beautifully said.
I am always amazed by how ingenious nomads can be! I enjoyed your story Lester, keep on keeping on!
When I left sticks n bricks, I went with what I had, no regrets
I'm only 4 minutes in to the video and already love Lester's attitude! God bless him and you as the adventures continue!
A good description of minimalism. Hats off to Lester.
I used to live in my 1991 Honda Accord when I was in my deepest hole of darkness, it was the most rough time in my life that I had no other choice but to throw everything that was important to me in my car and just drove around town day after day and realized I ended up living in my car as my moving home. There was a time I didn't even have a penny if someone asked, no money for gas to drive here and there, no money for food. But time went on and I got through some way, somehow, and still survive until this moment. Thanks Heaven above !!!
Thanks Lester. I just hit 1yr in a 2004 Prius with solar. Minimalism is key in such a small space. 🤠🙌😎
You still rockin the Prius these days?
There is no freaking way I could live like this but I have endless admiration for this guy. Talk about taking control of your life! Very, very well done.
You will only really know if you try it.
I said I would never even own a Prius and now I do lol
I don't live in my Prius but I travel a lot in it. My maximum timeout is 6 months.
It's so cheap to operate and that's why you could travel all over in it.
@@samreh6156 No, you’re right but that level of heroic minimalism is probably well beyond me. Doesn’t stop me from admiring this guy!
a few years ago I thought like you. Today I'm free :)
He hasn’t pared down belongings. I started out same way. You slowly pare down. It’s amazing what you don’t need.
Congrats Lester. Just go! Time is ticking for us all. Nice setup.
Lester is so positive despite the loss of his wife. Still, he continues honoring her memory by not giving up on their dream of traveling. Very clever setup. Loved this video.
Use what you have until you get what you want. I really like that!
I have a 2021 Prius. I’m 68. Female. Eager to get set up and Goooooo!
Good for you! You can do it. And you're going to love it! ...👍
I'm 50 and live out of a 2021. Can't wait for retirement so I can travel EVERYWHERE
Life is short. Take nothing for granted. Live to the fullest.
I have a paid for Prius, and I'm giving serious thought to hitting the road in it. Its small size gives me pause, but everything else about it is a plus, especially environmental control. I also bought a Habitent. I keep wondering what I'm waiting for! Lester gives me encouragement to get out and do it!
I too own a Prius and I started going out by just doing small one-day trips. From there I built up and did 3 days and then a week to see how I liked it. My max time out is 6 months.
It's so cheap to travel in and I love it. I did Route 66 before the pandemic and the entire route of about 3,000 mi only cost me $200 in gas.
@@lordvelos1 You did what I always think is smart. Here on the beautiful Gulf Coast I see RVs from out-of-state all the time coming to enjoy the beautiful beaches and camping sites. I talk to several people who say "Oh, I want to hit the road", yet they don't even do an "overnight" here. You don't have to go a 1,000 miles away to see "if you like it."
Just do it Theo t see if you like it , baby steps at 1st , one night then two , a week etc to c if it suits you , find a caravan of friends thou' for inspirations on This channel
Go for it! There is nothing to lose
do one day trips to give the nomad life a try, thats what i usually do in my free time, i love sleeping in my car in scenic places lol shes a big old ford sedan :D just make sure to keep warm or stay cool and have food with ya!
Lester is darling and full of wisdom!
I'm so sorry for his loss as I'm sure he and his wife would have had so much fun.
I'm glad he decided to go ahead and live their dream - him and his puppers!
His home looks very reasonably comfortable and I hope it continues to keep him and his furry family happy.
Thank you Bob for bring us Lester's story of his life in a Prius!
It still seems a bit crazy but we really could see he's making it work for him!
I like the Rav4 hybrid idea. I too lost my wife unexpectedly and had a nephew 41yo who died in his sleep the same day as my wife. And lost my aunt 3 weeks before they died. So I'm just feeling like I need to hit the road too. I think I'll check that Rav4 out.
Do it! You need this!
This was perfect for me to see. I have old Yukon Denali. 2 very large dogs. Your in a Prius with a pup. I think I can do this. Thank you!!!
2 pups
Use what u have and work for what u want 💯
This is great info I was always wondering about replacing the Prius battery $1700 is a lot but not a complete emergency fund breaker
Plus, the money spent on gas more than makes up for it !
Monthly apt rentals in some places (studio apt too) are that much ( $1,700 ) or more so a battery one time purchase for a few years or more -- money well spent
One thing Lester has that is very important in all aspects is a great attitude!! Thank you both for staring my Sunday off we other d S inch positivity!!!
With 2 dogs and he’s on a cpap machine .. amazing.. hat’s off to him .. I’ve been a nomad.. it’s amazing what you can adapt to ….
Bob is still the best TH-cam interviewer I've seen. He has such a nice way of talking to just about anyone, and he stays on topic and makes others feel comfortable. Kudos Bob!
I definitely would recommend a roof rack and biggest cargo box you can find. Cargo box completely changed my game
The best decision to hit the road and be free to experience whatever his heart desires! Very inspirational! Blessings and safety to Lester for many years on the road!
"use what you have and work toward what you want". Gold!
Lester, you give me and my chihuahua, Dusty, hope. My husband passed on suddenly 2+ years ago. I bought a Prius in anticipation that one day I may need to live in it.
Was in a new relationship living in his home, but that has ended. In two weeks, my pup and I will be full-time in the car. There are so many details to be worked out, it’s overwhelming at times, but I think it’s doable. I’m in Florida but would like to travel.
I’m so sorry you lost your wife. I admire your positive attitude and hope to continue to have hope and peace myself. Your pups are adorable!
As a retired Trucker who's now disabled, I've often thought of becoming a Nomad. I love being alone, I'm a minimalist and I know the road. My concerns are heat and cold. There's no optimized idol in a 1993 Jeep!
I also live full-time in my Prius
I love this! Those dogs are loving life too!! Prius is the most amazing vehicle ever made. I love my gen 2 with 220k.
I am waiting for the nomad superstar living in a Miata!
Bonus points if the front seat is intact!
Sleeps on top of the car!
Lester makes such a great point about not waiting ... especially for perfection which is such a trap. The lift kit and tires are great. Sorry to hear about your wife. How great that you have 2 buddies to be with you on the road. All the best.
"The Road goes on Forever" Greg Allman.
Loved seeing both a Prius AND a Kern River Valley business sticker 🤩
We have a 2010 Prius that actually has a solar panel built into the roof to power an internal venting system when temperatures get too high inside. I’m wondering if anyone has successfully used or modified it to help as a secondary power source.
Most likely not. I don't know specifically, but I would assume that the built in solar panel is 15 watts at most, so it wouldn't provide enough power to justify the complexity and risk of modifying the vehicles stock wiring. You can get flexible 100 watt solar panels for under $100, and simply mounting one of those onto the roof would be infinitely more effective and simple. I'm sure that solar panel is a great asset for keeping cool, though!
Wow this is so inspiring! My 2006 Prius is being tuned up as we speak so I can take her another 100k miles. I am so motivated to take her on real adventures next. Thank you for this game changing video!!
Way to go! I'm a widow, maybe we'll meet one day. Joan
Quartzite in December of 22! J
10:51 "That's a lot of space"! - Bob puts a good spin on things!
Fellow Prius traveler here. Bob and a few other Prius dwellers definitely were the ones to help in my decision to choose a Prius for traveling. My max time out is 6 months.
Would love to know how this guy got his Prius lifted and if it affects the gas mileage at all.
I've done Route 66 before the pandemic and my total gas cost for 3,000 miles was only $200 in the Prius.
Lord Velos, what year is your Prius?
Do you sleep with AC/heat running at night?
I have a 2021 can’t figure out how to keep car running at night. Help!
@@h2hcamey Hey, a man had a workaround for this. TH-cam search : "Kevin's vanlife sleeping in sienna" He mentions something abt locking doors in that video. It may work 4 your '21 prius. Please check his vid & let us know if it works for u😊👍
Oh my gosh - the dog bike is too cute! What a sweet, resourceful soul.
I hear many times that being in nature and being with like minded people promotes healing. Glad for this guy.
Sweet little puppies, you are never alone when you have such wonderful companions. Travel safe.
Very inspiring and great use of room. Love the idea of a generator on wheels. Don't let fear stop you of your life the way you want to live it. ☮️🙏☯️ Much kudos to you sir. A true survivor
I have a Thule roof-top cargo box on my Prius and that works really well to keep gear out of the car. Love it!
They make tents that connect to the hatch back of the Prius hope you get to try it and give us your opinion.
I would love to meet this gentleman. I lost my husband a year ago. Les is a kindred soul.
I love what the Prius is capable of. Nearly all Toyota models of vehicle are Hybrid capable. If my 07 Toyota Sequoia ever goes out on me, I’ll be buying the Hybrid Sienna Minivan. I personally need more room than what the Prius offers.
Lester, I am so sorry to hear about your wife passing. It was unfortunate to have to medically retire, however, it was fortunate you were able to spend time taking care of your wife. Your two doggies are adorable. I had always dismissed living in a prius and I am short lol
Your philosophy is inspiring. You have an air about you that is calming. Life handed you lemons and you made lemonade. I am 67 and retired. I live in a 32' Prowler LX with my adult daughter, her 2 dogs and my 3 dogs. I have a Mitsubishi mirage and so obviously, I don't tow it haha. Thank you and Bob for this interesting and thought provoking interview. It is August 2022 when I watched this. I like the idea that you can control the inner climate using the battery. Very important. And chase the good weather. Get out and try it. Don't plan to plan to plan and never do it. Seize the day. Safe travels to you and Bob
My condolence. You are very inspiring. Thank you for sharing story. Thank you the video. Blessings to you.
Wow, 6'1" living in a Prius. Now i don't feel so bad camping in my Toyota Sienna at 5'10" tall
I love car camping in my 2nd Prius.
Wonderful..! It's good to get out and go and have that two dog nignt...hope he gets many more miles to go....stay safe
If it's a three dog night, it's time to head south!
I keep going back and forth -- I'll get a Prius; no, I'll get a hybrid Sienna. Yes, the Sienna is a lot more space. But I traveled in a Prius for over a year and absolutely loved it. It calls to me. Loudly. We'll see what I end up with... I'm recovering from health issues so I have 2 years to make the decision. Thanks for another amazing video, Bob! See you down the road.
I went from a Prius to a Sienna !
Whatever one that you won't have a car payment.
@@anio1349 did you remove second row seats
@@MechayaAlta No, I just folded the front seat the whole way back at night to sleep, and used an air mattress on top. In my model they folded flat, but I don't know if later models do.
so much respect for this man
Having dogs makes everything good 🐶❤️
Nice prius setup. I have a same prius and I love my roof rack and cargo box. Thule force XXL cargo box is worth every PENNY
Shows you don’t need much to be happy just couple of dogs and endless road.
the tail veil is a great idea..
Lester I’m right there with you. I love the outdoors. Our country is so beautiful. I don’t mind being alone. If ever I do I stop in to see family and friends and after a few days I’m ready to hit the road again.
Great job Lester such a great buildout and inspiring way to live in a Prius. Thanks Bob great tour.
Love this! I just bought a 2022 Prius, and though I am not likely to camp or live in it, you just never know. I am loving finding all the different Prius camper set up videos that different folks post, just so I know what is possible with my new "Solstice" (got on the waitlist on June 21'st and finally got her on Dec 21st!). I love that he did not let life - or death - keep him from his dream. I'm sure his wife is watching his adventures and cheering him on.
Love to see a prius overlanding setup. Definitely top 2 for when I go, next to the Sienna.
Climate control seems like a huge plus, as is the whole thing being a generator/inverter out of the box.
WOW!!! how amazing is that...would love to be doing this...but cannot get into USA from NZ with the restrictions in place...a man after me own heart...love it...keep them coming Bob love your updates and the way of living. I live in a 3 bedroom home with others in the city is why I wanna get out of this situation...just do comes to mind BUT.....thanks for sharing with Lester...
He is spot on to use what you have and work towards what you want. You have to live and stop preventing yourself from taking the plunge, with what if's. I car camped in.a small Cheverlot Spark for 3 years and made it work, to part-time camp around work. I recently upgraded to a C3, Citeron once I knew I enjoyed car camping and figured out what I wanted.
2017 Prius with over 180,000 miles still on original big battery. Love this car, wish someone would make a hybrid van.
prius camping saves so much money, you could go to a hostel or cheap motel from time to time.
I just laid down in our 2000 Celica. I am 5.6 and fit fine. Hatches are just so versatile. If you adjust the seat so the front seat folds you could easily fit a person that is 6' 2" in it. Very impressive for such a small car.
Thanks for the video
Prayers to this man. He's doing what makes him happy amen 🙏
I really want to give this guy a hug.
My wife and I toured extensively in our Prius. We had a Habitent for the back hatch and covers for all the windows. We had plenty of room. The best thing about the Prius is you can leave heat or cooling on and engine will cycle on and off as needed to keep batteries up.
Hello. I am looking into a used Prius for my husband and my self. Can you tell me if the climate control feature is only for certain years or model of Prius'? I appreciate your time and feedback, Tamara.
Lester is most awesome
I have a Prius V and would like to see more builds for the station wagon. Thank you for your hard work and tips.
1,700$ for a new battery hybrid of corse not talking normal 12v ,, that’s insane that’s legit a really really good price for the hybrid battery!! Great informational video
Once again Cody is the star of the show !! ❤️ love to hear him whimpering too! So cute !
Life gives us a hard kick in our butts..! Sad, about your wife's departure. Enjoy, be safe out there.!
Love Da Toilet "cover all"😁😄!
I like the little circle pop up shower/rr tents. They don''t take much space & give you privacy when showering or using a bucket.
Thank you for another great video. I love that Lester has figured out what works for him and his puppies. Thank you for both for showing us the possibilities. Safe travels.
Yeah, always in progress. We all are on all levels. Rav4 (hybrid) is excellent suggestion. But paid for is the best. I fish so it is refreshing to see another Angler on your channel! Great video with two great Souls!
More people need to be like Lester!! 🤙
So excited to see a Shower Toga in use, I've only seen them on TV, awesome life you've built for you and your fur babies 🎉💜
8:30 for thos who want to See the car.. nice place to start
I loved Prius with its simple efficiency. My question to Lester would be has he done anything to secure his Catalytic Converter against theft, I understand that Prius' are a valued target for such thieves.
What a friendly guy and sweet build. 👍
Very informative and helpful info, thanks!
The Prius seems like the perfect combination! I really like the shower toga also.
I so admire people that just go for it! There is no perfect time. Then you will say after you have taken that chance why didn’t I do that so much sooner? What a inspiring video!
I took mine out and replaced modules for $150. Was time consuming and needed help with the battery removal and insert.
The playpen for the dog I need wow on a mission to look now
I was 2 years in a Pontiac Montana I pulled the welding trailer with that rig I now have a full size van I thought I wanted to upgrade to a box truck after driving the box truck I'm ready to go back to the Montana
I like this channel !😀
This guy is awesome! Great attitude and he really gives people food for thought. Great inspiration! Thanks for posting!
✌🏻🙂✌🏻
It is so true that you find stuff you don't need over time. We are in a Class A full time for the second year and we have empty cabinets. Love the shower toga that is so cool. We may have to get one for our truck camper that we pull behind our class A. Love it. Mary💕Fred
This is interesting. The only suggestion I have is that your pups seem to be squinting in the sunlight. I'm thinking maybe they could use a cover of sorts over part of their enclosure for shade. Hope you continue to enjoy your travels. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hello Bob, Its always about living your best life and for each of us it is different. Thaks for the video!
I am sorry about the loss of your beloved wife. It's hard without her what people are used to have and then not having it. Only time will heal all the wound, the sorrow and life still goes on. The dead is done, but the living one has to go on down the road until the last day on this earth for us and all other living things. That's how everything being created and perished. It's a natural cycle of life. I live solo my whole life and sometimes I still feel like I do not have enough time for myself. I also have something to do to entertain myself. The most important point in my life is not being controlled or attached to anyone, anything. I love to be free and enjoy nature which is more peaceful than being around the crowded people.
Sorry about the loss of your beloved Wife Lester 🙏🙏 Looks like Lester could use a roof top carrier too.
Nikki Delventhal lives in a Prius with her medium-sized rescue dog Camper. She has a rear bike rack and a roof top carrier.
My 2017 Prius Prime is so challenging to set up since the storage is raised compared to the older regular Prius.
Keep on rockin in the free world!!
Love the puppers! Love the set up and outlook on life!
Again, we see someone living OUT of their vehicle, not IN it. Nice setup with the 4 bin cupboard. Great way to explore!
THATS GREAT, HAVING HIS DREAMS COME TRUE IS SUCH A SMALL SPACE....
I COULDENT DO IT IN SUCH A SMALL VEHICLE MY LIMIT WOULD BE A FULL SIZE VAN....
IVE BEEN LIVING IN VEHICLES FOR 8YRS NOW, I WENT FROM A VAN TO A BOX TRUCK THEN A BUS AND NOW IM IN A OLD 28 FOOT 1989 RV, I LOVE BEING A NOMADIC GUY, IM IN THE DALLAS TX AREA AND IM SAVING TO DOWNSIZE TO A VAN SO I COULD TRAVEL MORE, CANT GO FAR NOW BECAUSE I ONLY GET 6 MPG IN THIS BEAST....
GOD BLESS ALL MY NOMADIC FRIENDS BE SAFE OUT THERE....
Off with such positivity!