Car type?

Zebulanna · Post by **Zebulanna** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:15 am

At the current moment I am in CT looking to drive to Burning Man. I own a Toyota Prius. So while it would be great for a long trip like this I can only fit so much stuff inside of it. If I am coming by myself that would cut down on things I need to bring as well as open up the front seat to put things in. However, I would like to know what more experienced burners think about this. Is is possible to bring everything I might need (camping wise) in a Prius? Should I look into renting a larger vehicle?

ConnieH · Post by **ConnieH** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:46 am

Yep - you can do it, I've gone to the burn twice with gear for two in my VW Passat. A roof rack helps, but not totally necessary. You might be surprised at how much you can fit in your car when you fill every nook and cranny and pack efficiently and compactly.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:16 am

The Prius has an amazing amount of storage space.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:47 am

It also depends on how you camp. We had a couple in camp, sleeping in their Westphalian and with a tarp tied to the roofrack as a shade structure. Any space you save is also weight saved.

Fire Wire · Post by **Fire Wire** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:12 am

The Toyota Prius will be great, weeksupplies of whatever you need for the desert. water, food, merchandice, bicycle. No art installation ????

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:01 pm

buy yer water and food closer to the event...to save on weight which saves on gas...ya know?

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:08 pm

Or rent a HMMV.

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:27 pm

ConnieH, your photos of your yurt set up, (with rockin' shade porch,) and then your car packed up, speak volumes to this question of what fits in a car. op can check out the thread about 4x8 ft styrofoam sheets... er, just search "hexyurt", or "ConnieH"

I don't have the packed picture, but everything here fits in that little red car, even the bike goes inside. I mean not everything you can see, but the tent behind the car, the bike, the gnome, the shade shelter. chairs, table, tarps, coolers, stereo, water, etc. With a bike rack and more careful packing, two people wouldn't be uncomfortable. Does the back seat of a prius fold down? That makes all the difference in the world for me with the hatchback.

Thecatman · Post by **Thecatman** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 8:16 pm

Fire-Moose wrote:buy yer water and food closer to the event...to save on weight which saves on gas...ya know?

Not to mention it will take close to a week so getting food stuff localy will reduse spoiledge which will save some $$.

Thecatman · Post by **Thecatman** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 8:20 pm

Even getting an ice chest/cooler localy will save a few cubit feet of space. When you depart back to the default world, try gifting the ice chest/cooler before you leave and again, you'll have some more space.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:01 pm

Put your crap in the cooler until reno.
Or one of them anyway.

If you can take the front passenger seat out, you'd be amazed how much room is there.

One wheel trailers are great for small cars.
Use them for light stuff if possible.

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:52 am

oh, and don't forget that you need to take trash (and possibly grey water) home....well maybe not home, but prolly at least 5 hours away from BM.

j_cavera · Post by **j_cavera** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:59 am

I've a little Hyundai and fit into it:

20 gallons of water
tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, etc
large (10' tall) art project
several deep cycle batteries and charger
large toolboxes
food

Remember: you only really need the one seat. All others are removable, just remember to disable the airbags first.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:51 am

Elorrum wrote:Does the back seat of a prius fold down?

Yes, it's just about the only hatchback made these days. I've been looking into it. You can put 7-foot poles in one, and you only need 5-footers for a yurt, I think. Maybe longer ones for the ridgepoles.

Or find someone with a truck and invite them to join your camp.

Post by **mdmf007** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:58 am

A few of our campmates drive relatively small cars to BM - some some significant distances.

Their key component is organization.
Reduce your waste before you leave, leave packaging at home

Removing seats opens up all sorts of room like Gyre said. Usually its only 4 bolts, and maybe a wiring harness to deal with.

Those little bitty trailers also can hold a hell of a lot of gear, and weigh nothing.

Pack smartly and you can always get alot in a rig. Get water as close to your destination as possible as well.

Zebulanna · Post by **Zebulanna** » Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:57 pm

Thanks for all the info. I have crammed a lot into my car before. I have attended a boffer larp with my husband and we took a ton of stuff in the car but didn't have to worry about a tent or food. I usually pack like I am playing Tetris.