Road Tripping Yaris... or should I just buy a van? - Page 3 - Toyota Yaris Forums

UkuleleLady · 03-05-2014, 04:45 PM

Hey Everyone, I'm new here but wanted to start a discussion about road tripping in a Yaris. I have a 2007 LB with about 130k miles. (yes, i'm sure it's been done)...

so, I've actually been thinking about buying a van - I actually almost bought a van a couple of days ago but rescinded my offer based on some advice from my dad. ANYWAY, I was camping this weekend and thinking more about keeping my yaris and trying to do some road trips in that.

First off, I just want to praise my Yaris for what it does, I have lots of love for this little car! They are much roomier than you could ever imagine. Current setup behind the front seats: two small coolers, 3 gals water, dog food container, bag of camping gear, and a ukulele. On top of the coolers is my giant duffel bag of gear, clothes whatever. In the back (the seat is ALWAYS folded down), I have a small card table, two dog beds stacked on top of one another, and a large rubbermaid bin full of wet kayaking gear (that wedges between the sides and the dog beds and stays secure). Then i throw a camping chair back there too. I can throw in some wood even, and still have room for my dog to comfortably lie down in the back.

When it comes time to sleep, I put the front seats forward, pull the card table up on top of the coolers/duffel bag to make the back flat and extend the space. bin of gear moves to front passenger seat, and the egg crate dog beds get turned around and perfectly fill out the back. Those are great for napping, but not overnight (sore hips), so I add a thermarest and it's perfect. I can totally stretch out and still have everything in the car. I've slept in my car a lot figuring out this system, and I think it works really well...

So... I keep wondering... do I really need a van?

I've thought of some improvements. Whatdya think?
- Remove backseat and build a platform in the back. I've seen the DIY thread. Can you leave the rear part that covers the spare tire, and just platform the other side on a hinge so it lifts up? I also think there is some other stuff I want to bring that wouldn't fit so well now, and this might open up some more space for me (like a larger water container, larger dog food container, coleman camp stove)...
- Has anyone done a house battery type system? So you can still have power without accidentally draining your starter battery. I am wondering if I removed the backseat if I'd have room to put one back there somewhere.
- Any other thoughts or ideas?

Mostly I'm just thinking out loud. A yaris will never be as comfortable as a van, but a van will never have the mpg of a yaris. But last weekend I was foiled by snow and not having the ground clearance to get to the campsites I was planning to stay at. I did find another snow free one, so all was well in the world :)

If you guys have any ideas or opinions, I'd love to hear them.

03-05-2014, 04:45 PM	#1
UkuleleLady Drives: 2007 Yaris Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Washington Posts: 10	Road Tripping Yaris... or should I just buy a van? Hey Everyone, I'm new here but wanted to start a discussion about road tripping in a Yaris. I have a 2007 LB with about 130k miles. (yes, i'm sure it's been done)... so, I've actually been thinking about buying a van - I actually almost bought a van a couple of days ago but rescinded my offer based on some advice from my dad. ANYWAY, I was camping this weekend and thinking more about keeping my yaris and trying to do some road trips in that. First off, I just want to praise my Yaris for what it does, I have lots of love for this little car! They are much roomier than you could ever imagine. Current setup behind the front seats: two small coolers, 3 gals water, dog food container, bag of camping gear, and a ukulele. On top of the coolers is my giant duffel bag of gear, clothes whatever. In the back (the seat is ALWAYS folded down), I have a small card table, two dog beds stacked on top of one another, and a large rubbermaid bin full of wet kayaking gear (that wedges between the sides and the dog beds and stays secure). Then i throw a camping chair back there too. I can throw in some wood even, and still have room for my dog to comfortably lie down in the back. When it comes time to sleep, I put the front seats forward, pull the card table up on top of the coolers/duffel bag to make the back flat and extend the space. bin of gear moves to front passenger seat, and the egg crate dog beds get turned around and perfectly fill out the back. Those are great for napping, but not overnight (sore hips), so I add a thermarest and it's perfect. I can totally stretch out and still have everything in the car. I've slept in my car a lot figuring out this system, and I think it works really well... So... I keep wondering... do I really need a van? I've thought of some improvements. Whatdya think? - Remove backseat and build a platform in the back. I've seen the DIY thread. Can you leave the rear part that covers the spare tire, and just platform the other side on a hinge so it lifts up? I also think there is some other stuff I want to bring that wouldn't fit so well now, and this might open up some more space for me (like a larger water container, larger dog food container, coleman camp stove)... - Has anyone done a house battery type system? So you can still have power without accidentally draining your starter battery. I am wondering if I removed the backseat if I'd have room to put one back there somewhere. - Any other thoughts or ideas? Mostly I'm just thinking out loud. A yaris will never be as comfortable as a van, but a van will never have the mpg of a yaris. But last weekend I was foiled by snow and not having the ground clearance to get to the campsites I was planning to stay at. I did find another snow free one, so all was well in the world :) If you guys have any ideas or opinions, I'd love to hear them.