Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix Camping Conversion - Convert a Vibe or Matrix to Sleep In Quickly

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  • Опубліковано 4 гру 2024

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  • @Bryceonamission
    @Bryceonamission 11 місяців тому +11

    Me (full grown man) and my 80lb pitbull mastiff lived out of a 2008 vibe comfortably. Bare necessities of course but when near a hose we had running water. Installed a seperate heater through floor and we both had everything we needed to travel and camp out. Reccomend the biggest power bank you can get and a good cooler for summer time. The vibe has an outlet like a house and you can run a 3 way adapter off of that I had tv Xbox crock pot mini microwave and a skillet but preferred open fire cooking when deep in the woods. A roof top cargo rack saved my life as far as the dogs necessities. Still have the vibe and we occasionally bug out for a weekend but have now upgraded to a house.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  11 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching! Do you have any recommendations as far as the power bank goes? I am looking to add one, but not sure what kind or size would be best. Was thinking of a Jackery, because they seem to be the industry standard, but they seem more expensive than others. Not sure if they are worth it.

  • @swmig19
    @swmig19 Місяць тому +1

    Very insightful, thanks! I might be purchasing a Matrix soon myself, and it's great to know that there's enough room for someone 5'8" to sleep in it. These are such delightfully practical cars! 🚗🚙

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Місяць тому

      They really are! And, as always, thanks for watching!

  • @jamesstuart3346
    @jamesstuart3346 2 роки тому +12

    The front passenger seat on my 2003 Vibe folds flat providing even more usable space

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +1

      Yes, that would be nice, but unfortunately mine was not equipped with that option. Thanks for watching!

    • @vg4472
      @vg4472 2 роки тому +1

      @@hikehound3909 My 2009 GT Vibe folds and it's where I lay my head, lap top or lunch [=

    • @vg4472
      @vg4472 2 роки тому +1

      @@hikehound3909 I feel for you not having the GT it has a 325 watt amplifier & Sub Woofer.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +1

      Wow, that's pretty sweet! Maybe I need to take a trip to the junkyard to see if there are any there I can pull them out of.

    • @ronkaylor5083
      @ronkaylor5083 Місяць тому

      My vibes passenger seat folds down almost flat, would be a good table to eating or a laptop, maybe small TV if you have a spare battery and converter

  • @johnnymoran1177
    @johnnymoran1177 3 роки тому +5

    Excellent! I already beach camp in my Honda Element, so this is a great idea for the space in My Matrix when I don't need the awd...

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  3 роки тому

      Hi Johnny. A simple hack, but it has revolutionized the way I travel. The only drawback is the lack of high clearance and 4wd. Thanks for watching.

  • @MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970
    @MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970 2 роки тому +6

    Sir I just bought a 2005 Pontiac Vibe today for$500. Runs and drives great. Looks good too. I got her just for turning into a micro camper. I already have a 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 that I converted into a full overland adventure vehicle.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +3

      Nice! I'm sure the Tahoe can get you places the Vibe can't, but with gas at $4 a gallon the Vibe make an economical alternative. Thanks for watching!

    • @MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970
      @MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970 2 роки тому +1

      @@hikehound3909 precisely why I bought it. And with a $500 purchase price leaves me plenty of money for gas and any mechanical repairs it may need.

    • @wildk5367
      @wildk5367 2 роки тому +1

      How did u find it so cheap? Was it a higher mileage, or poorer condition? Cause that’s a steal. Cheapest around here is like 5 grand cdn (Canadian money). I’m trying to make my first car purchase but this market is wack! I was hoping for a vibe/matrix because their bulletproof and practical, but I just can’t find a decent used one for a fair price

    • @MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970
      @MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970 2 роки тому +3

      @@wildk5367 I found it dirt cheap because I'm a mechanic and the customer didn't want to spend the money replacing the timing chain, exhaust camshaft and a few other repairs I'm currently doing to the engine. I should have it all back together by this weekend. So I decided to buy it solely to build out a micro camper.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +2

      Kevin, Make sure to post a video when your done so we can check it out!

  • @nix123ism
    @nix123ism 2 роки тому +4

    Amazing what you can find on UA-cam, your video was exactly what I was after in the way of dimensions, and how to set it up for camping.... I am from NZ but we get the japanese toyota version of this car , it's called the toyota voltz. I drove a toyota corolla 2001 with the same mechanicals etc right around Australia in 2019 25,000km and wished I had bought a wagon instead of the hatchback but bought it because of toyota reliability and it drove really well, handled well and was economical to boot....

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +1

      Hi Nick, glad I could help. You can't beat the reliability of the Toyotas. I had a 4wd pickup that I drove to Alaska twice and put over 250,000 miles on it before I sold it, still in great condition. The Corolla engine in this Vibe is now at 170,000 and I am looking forward to 80,000+ more miles of reliable use. Happy travels.

  • @hippieJOSH420
    @hippieJOSH420 2 роки тому +3

    I think I'm going to copy this design but make it split in the front so I can leave the passenger half set up full length if I want to be able to just hop in the back quick or set up both sides when I'm chilling in there longer than to just sleep quick or I'm in a more remote place. I think this will work perfect for me and my dog for our adventure car

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +2

      Hi Josh. I also use the narrower 2/3 width of the passenger side when I have more gear to carry. You can get a 3-4" Therma rest type sleeping pad or get a cot cushion ( 3" filled and about 30"x72") on Amazon, which works good with this set up. Thanks for watching!

  • @adreabrooks11
    @adreabrooks11 6 місяців тому

    I had a 2007 Toyota Matrix, and found it a perfectly delightful little camper. Plenty of room for me, my knapsack and even a collapsible canoe! For my mattress, I used a couple layers of yoga mats, but this setup of yours is great for longer forays! I prefer sleeping in a tent when possible, so I can hear my surroundings (I once had a moose pass within 5 feet of the car as I slept, and only knew because of the tracks in the morning) - but there's nothing better than to simply park and stretch out, when setting up camp is too much hassle.
    On top of comfort and convenience, the Matrix is a surprisingly agile little machine. Fitted with some aggressive tires, it handily managed dirt roads and even a few ATV paths - though I'd recommend the all-wheel drive (marketed as 4WD in the Matrix) for prolonged off-roading. The only time I ever got stuck was going uphill in loose sand, where the front-wheel drive just couldn't maintain purchase.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  6 місяців тому

      Hi Adrea, thanks for watching! I agree a tent is my #1 choice, but sometimes you have to sleep in less pristine surroundings to get where a tent really shines. I have never had problems with the 2wd, if I have any complaints at all, it would be with the rather low ground clearance. I can't count the number of times I have heard scraping noises from underneath the car, only to be able to cross my fingers and hope for the best! Luckily, the Toyota engineering tucks up most of the critical components where they are somewhat protected.

    • @adreabrooks11
      @adreabrooks11 6 місяців тому

      @@hikehound3909 Agreed about the ground clearance. I often wished for another few inches too. For those with the funds, Toyota does make a lift kit for the Matrix - and I'm told it's dead simple to pull the struts and add them; backyard mechanic-types do it at home. Sadly, I never had that amount of play-money laying around - but credit where it's due: my Matrix already had more ground clearance than any compact, wagon or sedan in my neighbourhood. To go higher, one has to get into more modern crossovers - like the Rav-4 or Kia Soul. I say "more modern" because I consider the Matrix a crossover in its own right - though the term didn't really exist when it was first developed. And I'd rely on a Martix for my cargo needs over a Rav-4 any day! :)

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  6 місяців тому

      @adreabrooks11 - I may have to look into that lift kit. I'm a little bit leery about forking over that kind of cash for a 2009 that has 180K on it, but it does have a Toyota engine, so it may go 100K more. That being said, I heartily agree, the Matrix/Vibe is a great vehicle. Great MPG, good hauling and the ability to use it for camping make it hard to beat!

    • @adreabrooks11
      @adreabrooks11 6 місяців тому

      @@hikehound3909 Well, I just replaced my Matrix for a 2009 with 289,000 kilometers on it, so I suspect you might be right. Good luck!

  • @documax123
    @documax123 10 місяців тому +1

    This is fantastic.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  10 місяців тому +1

      I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

  • @RANDY_MAR5H
    @RANDY_MAR5H 2 роки тому +1

    Incredible. I use my XRS for mountain biking quite often and I was wondering what size mattress I could fit back there. Now I know.
    Get one of those, then a bike rack, go over all the US if you wanted.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +1

      Indeed. I am more of a backpacker than mountain biker, but I use it all the time heading out to the trails. It's much easier to find a place to sleep in transit if you don't have to set up a tent. I can even sleep at the trailhead when I get there. A real game changer!

    • @nonyabizz3533
      @nonyabizz3533 Рік тому +1

      Bro that XRS flies. It's like a rocket

  • @chickadeeacres3864
    @chickadeeacres3864 3 роки тому +6

    I once had to sleep in my Vibe while camping for a quick getaway in the morning when it was going to rain. I packed everything up and slid the tent and chair under the car. I had a Q size air mattress that I had to deflate enough so it would fit. The cooler, my guitar and overnight bag crammed in the front seats. My flashligh hung from the ceiling. It was awesome.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  3 роки тому +3

      Hi Rolande. Thanks for watching! It truly is liberating and opens up new possibilities. Cheaper than hotels or camping, much easier to find a place to sleep in a pull out or parking lot. I do a lot of backpacking and use the Vibe to sleep in while knocking out the sometimes long road trip to the trailhead. It makes it much easier to knock out the long hauls when you don't have to spend time setting up, breaking camp or finding a more "traditional" place to camp.

  • @camaraderie6
    @camaraderie6 Рік тому +2

    What a great setup. I got matrix and I am trying to figure out What size of tote box and cooler you have and where did you buy them to make it that perfectly even with seats

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому +1

      The tote is plastic and measures 18Wx24Lx15H. I bought it at Menards, but you should be able to find a similar one at any big box home improvement store, hardware store or on line. The cooler is a Coleman and measures 15Wx22Lx15H. The key is the 15" height, this should get you flat with the deck. At 18" wide, the tote just barely fits in. This would be the max width you could use. Thanks for watching!

    • @camaraderie6
      @camaraderie6 Рік тому

      Wow Thanks a lot for the reply. You Cannot imagine how much easier you made this for me. Thank you sir. Have a wonderful day!

  • @PascaleRousseau-f1b
    @PascaleRousseau-f1b Рік тому +4

    Hi, thanks for the video, I have a pontiac vibe, same size as the matrix, and have been looking for a foam matress -the ones you can fold so that i can store it easily in my place when not using, and also so that i can make a little sofa in my car when folded. I have been hesitating about the size, either a twin or full, so I was suprised to hear about your futon's size, a Queen size?...seems pretty big for the space! My Vibe is max 68inches long by 48 inches for the space where my mattress will be...isn't it the same as a matrix? Doesn't seem to correpond to a Queen mattress measurement, even with you trimming some of the matress....just curious about this.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому +3

      Hi Pascale. The futon is actually a full sized (75x54). I erred in my description. Apologies for that. If you are looking for another option, you can buy cushion foam on Amazon in a variety of widths and lengths. This might be an option if you are looking for a narrower sleep space. Thanks for watching!

    • @markmills4473
      @markmills4473 9 місяців тому +1

      Never see anyone using air mattress? That was my go to when hauling expedite in a van. Had a rechargeable pump and could roll it up when space was needed

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  9 місяців тому

      I actually just bought a Big Agnes 75"x40"x4" inflatable that I'm going to try for just that reason. The futon is kind of big & bulky and I'd like an option that can be rolled up and stored. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for watching!

  • @jessicasteele1458
    @jessicasteele1458 2 роки тому +2

    Love the foam mat! I want to make one for my matrix! Did you custom make yours?

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому

      It is a standard futon mattress that was trimmed to fit.

  • @rickmartinez5109
    @rickmartinez5109 4 роки тому +2

    Roll up the rear part of the futon when traveling and place the cooler and storage bin behind it and no need for a ratchet strap up front.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the input. I'll have to give it a try next time I head out!

  • @tybrady1935
    @tybrady1935 Рік тому +1

    I have a 2005 Matrix. I plan to take the rear seat out to give more storage space. I’ll build a platform from plywood.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому

      Hi Ty, I am looking to do the same thing. Since the 2009 has a full height spare (just narrower than the normal tires) I figure I can put a full size tire back there and use it for a rear support, raising the platform up about 4". This will create a ton of new storage space for longer adventures. Post some video of your project when you get started. Thanks for watching!

  • @jessicasteele1458
    @jessicasteele1458 2 роки тому +2

    I love my matrix! But I’ve struggled to find a sleeping foam mat that fits! Where did you get yours? Or did you custom make it?

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +1

      Hi Jessica. I bought mine and then cut out two indentations on the side where the wheel wells are so it would lie flat. It is a conventional futon mattress, 4" thick foam rubber with cotton swaddle packed around it and a removable cover. You should be able to find one on Amazon for less than $100. Thanks for watching!

    • @rustyboltz2820
      @rustyboltz2820 2 роки тому +1

      Grab an air mattress, stuff it in the back with the hatch closed and inflate it until it fits.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +2

      Hi Rusty. An inflatable mattress is a good option for someone short on time, or who doesn't sleep in the Vibe that often. That being said, as someone who has tried both, the futon mattress provides a much better night's sleep. Thanks for watching!

  • @edgarvelasco7130
    @edgarvelasco7130 Рік тому +1

    Great video! Do you know the measurement from the back of the front passenger seats when slid all the way forward to the back of the hatch when closed?

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому

      It is about 78", slightly rounded in the corners. Thanks for watching!

    • @edgarvelasco7130
      @edgarvelasco7130 Рік тому +1

      @@hikehound3909 thank you, and wow, 78" exceeds the same measurement on my 2011 Scion XB (71")

  • @MustangsTrainsMowers
    @MustangsTrainsMowers Рік тому +2

    Looks big enough to fit a juvenile Bigfoot in there.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому

      Hi Boyd. It is quite spacious, and as long as you make sure you're parked flat, like sleeping at home. Thanks for watching!

  • @christiangenest576
    @christiangenest576 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the video, how long is your bed ,

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +1

      Hi Christian. The futon mattress is six feet long. The space itself is probably about six inches longer, or 6'6". Thanks for watching!

    • @christiangenest576
      @christiangenest576 2 роки тому +1

      @@hikehound3909 cool thank you , I’m 6’2’’ ,I’m looking to buy a small car like the matrix or Honda Fit both looks the same ,

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +1

      I am 6'3'', so I can sleep well as long as I do a little diagonal. A Matrix is the same car a s a Vibe, just different branding. They were a joint project between Pontiac & Toyota. Can't speak for the Honda Fit, it seems smaller, but I have never been inside one.

  • @weiyu3592
    @weiyu3592 2 роки тому

    Thank for the idea

  • @laurensommer8941
    @laurensommer8941 Рік тому +1

    Does the vibe run overall smooth for longer distances & being in national parks/ forests?

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому

      Hi Lauren. The Vibe runs smooth over highways for long distances and can also handle wash boarded roads fairly well. It's Achilles heel is its lower ground clearance, only about seven inches. This limits the amount of off roading that can be done to graded roads and relatively tame two tracks. Thanks for watching!

  • @GregM-ws4hq
    @GregM-ws4hq 3 місяці тому +1

    What is the length? Important.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  3 місяці тому

      The futon I use in there is a full (75X54). There is a little cut out to fit inside the wheel well, so you don't get the full 54" width. I am 6'4", so I tend to sleep on it diagonally, just so my feet don't touch the rear hatch. Thanks for watching!

    • @GregM-ws4hq
      @GregM-ws4hq 3 місяці тому

      @@hikehound3909 OK, thanks. I'm 6'1" so I was interested.

  • @kiwicory100
    @kiwicory100 2 роки тому +1

    We mountain climb, have a Matrix, and I haven't found anyone who uses their inflatable mattress in the Matrix/Vibe....any ideas as to why not?

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому

      Hi Jake. That's a good question. I did talk with one girl who was using an inflatable, bed type mattress while camping in Yosemite in a Matrix. Some of the issues are that it is difficult to inflate while in the vehicle and hard to get in the vehicle if inflated outside. Also, when fully inflated it takes on an awkward taco shape at the rear of the vehicle where the wheel wells are. Finally, depending on the height of the mattress, headroom becomes an issue.
      That being said, I have used an inflatable backpacking mattress in mine with pretty good results, however I still prefer the futon setup. Thanks for watching!

  • @alyenendrovtsorokean7406
    @alyenendrovtsorokean7406 7 місяців тому +1

    Nice

  • @c0balt358
    @c0balt358 Рік тому +1

    how tall are you? and for the toilet, have you built a system

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому +2

      Hi C0balt. I am 6'4" - so I have to sleep on a bit of a diagonal if I am stretched out, but just barely. Anyone 6'2" or less should be able to sleep lying flat on their back with no issues. I have no toilet system, relying on public restrooms, or the woods, depending on how remote I am.
      That being said, it is important to note that this set up is primarily for the short term road trip. I use it to travel to and from the trailheads for my backpacking or canoe trips and for some shorter car camping trips. This would probably not be an ideal setup for a month long trip, or the "van life", but it depends on the individual and their needs.
      Thanks for watching!

    • @c0balt358
      @c0balt358 Рік тому +1

      @@hikehound3909 that's what I was looking for, a way to sleep 1 or 2 nights before arriving at the hotel or campsite, thank you for sharing :)

  • @175south
    @175south Місяць тому +1

    Yes, but where are you going to go camping at least where I live you have to have a $200,000 RV or they won’t even let you in the gate

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Місяць тому

      There are thousands of places to camp in our national parks and forests. Also, many places that are completely free. I recommend checking out freecampsites.net - a great resource for free or low cost camping. Thanks for watching!

  • @therealitchyscrot
    @therealitchyscrot 3 роки тому +1

    Whats the dimensions of the space once set up? Wondering if I'll fit.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  3 роки тому +1

      Hi Patrick. The futon itself is 6' long. There is a little left (a few inches) on either end. I am 6'4" and really have to sleep on a diagonal to fully stretch out. That is mostly due to the futon length. You might be able to fit a futon that was 6' 4" or even 6' 6" in the back (I'm not sure if they even make those sizes). For me it is not worth the time or cost to pursue this option, as I had the futon from an old set up I had in a Toyota pickup truck. Thanks for watching!

    • @therealitchyscrot
      @therealitchyscrot 3 роки тому

      @@hikehound3909 thank you for responding!
      Sounds like I'll fit no problem! Strange how these interior dimensions are challenging to find on car websites.

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  3 роки тому

      Agreed. I actually had to use a tape measurer to check it out before I bought it.

    • @jennifernebraska9728
      @jennifernebraska9728 3 роки тому +3

      On the older Pontiac Vibes, the front passenger seat lays flat, about 4 inches higher than the back. When all are down I can haul 8 foot long 2x4s with the hatch closed.

    • @dont3222
      @dont3222 3 роки тому

      I have 2010 Toyota Matrix S, the front seat fold down as well. I have camped multiple time in my car. I am 6.4” tall person.

  • @muritalaridwanlekan9344
    @muritalaridwanlekan9344 3 роки тому +1

    How much

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  3 роки тому +1

      Hi Muritala. If you are referring to the conversion, the cost would probably be around $100-150, the main cost being for the futon mattress. I don't have an exact figure because everything I used I already had. If you are referring to the car, it is not for sale! I like it so much, I will drive it until it is junk. Thanks for watching.

    • @conzmoleman
      @conzmoleman 2 роки тому +3

      @@hikehound3909 I love mine too. I bought a 2005 Matrix XR last year with only 64,000 miles for $5000 flat!!! i will keep this thing FOREVER lol. the guy i got it from had even installed a media player in the dash with a nice size touchscreen, takes microSD cards / usb sticks / bluetooth, so i run my phone through that or just watch movies and simpsons episodes off an sd card lol. its the greatest, these things will run for hundreds of thousands of miles with only basic maintenance

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks for watching! I'll have to look into the media player. Right now I am using a Victsing to stream music through the FM band.

  • @ozmazza6309
    @ozmazza6309 Рік тому

    What year is this vibe?

  • @qwe304
    @qwe304 Рік тому

    If you are out by yourself, the front seat is actually quite easy to remove

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому

      Looking at it, it doesn't seem to be that hard. What would you do with the seatbelt/ABS sensor on the bottom of the seat? If you unplug it, you will get the ABS and seatbelt warning lights & buzzers going off all the time...
      Wonder if you got a spare sensor and installed it into the system when you unplugged the seat, if that would work.

    • @qwe304
      @qwe304 Рік тому

      @@hikehound3909 I haven't thought of that, but I've had no problems getting spare parts so I don't think it would be much of a stretch to just get a spare, I usually am able to find several at junk yards around me. Despite how well built they are they aren't immune to people crashing them. Though of note I'm pretty sure there's only like a total of four wires for the two sensors, so I wouldn't be surprised if it's just a simple set resistance looking for or even just an open/close check, naturally I wouldn't want to go shorting stuff out without knowing for sure

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  Рік тому

      John, thanks for the info. Removing the front seat would definitely create a much longer sleeping area. One could also build a plywood storage box at "deck" level that could double as a table when sitting in the front or back seat. An intriguing option...

  • @freddyandrew3721
    @freddyandrew3721 2 роки тому +1

    I got 2010 Toyota matrix XR 2.4 L comes with alloy Toyota rims I'm really happy with it

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  2 роки тому

      Hi Freddy. A great car indeed. It's no wonder you still see a lot on the roads. Thanks for watching!

  • @andrewsiefert5962
    @andrewsiefert5962 4 роки тому

    Amazing!

    • @hikehound3909
      @hikehound3909  4 роки тому

      Doesn't look like I'll get it out west this summer. Maybe 2021!