Earlier in the month, my Prius was totaled when a truck slammed into the side of the car while I was sitting at a traffic light. Click here for a more detailed description of the accident. Since then, I purchased a new 2014 Prius:

I've been driving the new Prius for about a week now. This Prius is bigger than my last one. It is more powerful. And, it gets better gas mileage. This morning, I filled the gas tank for the first time. The car achieved 65 mpg for its first 500 miles. With a bit more practice, I'm projecting that I will reach 70 mpg on an upcoming tank.

I'll need to make some adjustment to continue using the Prius as a camping vehicle:

1. The front seat no longer folds down flat to the back seat. So, my new method is to push the front seat all the way forward toward the dashboard. Then, I place a large plastic crate with two pillows on the passenger side rear floor (to even the sleeping surface). From there, I lay the sleeping pad and bag from the back of the front seat to the end of the car--which allows for plenty of room for me (and I'm 6'3" tall).
2. Unfortunately, my customized window coverings no longer fit the new vehicle. So, I purchased new Heatshield shades for the front sides, back sides and rear windows. At $35 per section, the total cost of the window coverings came to $105 plus S&H. If anyone is interested in the shades for the older Generation II Prius (2004-2009 models), I am selling those for $65 (including shipping and handling). They are in excellent condition and will serve any Prius camper well. (Edit: Items are now SOLD)
3. Fortunately, my front windshield covering and my Prius tent still fit the new car.
4. I ordered some mosquito netting and magnets so that I can leave my windows open during warm nights during my upcoming photography trip to southern Utah.

I will post another entry (along with photos) with another update once I start my Prius camping again this summer.