The HEST Rigs We Dig series has looked under the hood of a lot of adventure mobiles, but we're not sure we've ever seen one like Priscilla II. This Northeast nature lover is a symbol of efficiency and eccentricity, providing away-from-home comfort in a compact (and stylish) package. Don't believe us? Take a spin in this 2006 Pontiac Vibe, and let us know what you think.
Your Name: Brandon M. Lengyel
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Make & Model: 2006 Pontiac Vibe
Nickname: Priscilla II: Princess of the Desert
Bed Dimensions: 60" long + 12 x 24 hinging platform (84" total), 50" wide
HEST products: HEST Foamy, and Foamy Short, 2 Fitted Sheets, 2 Camp Pillows, 2 Pillowcases
Is this your daily driver or getaway car?
What do you like most about your rig?
I’ve always had a fascination with tiny setups, I just love how efficient it is. At around 31 mpg average it’s cost efficient and cozy even if it is a little snug on the vertical space. I just think of it more as a rolling two person bivy.
One of the more clever inventions is that I wanted the setup to be minimally invasive to the car. So the whole thing is held together by tab and slot.: three runners are held together by one cross section, all with access holes cut by router to allow for storage, air flow, and to reduce the weight of the sleep platform. It can be easily disassembled by removing the bolts that hold the sliding platform extender over the passenger seat and then unslotting the entire platform and removing it.
On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you? How did you integrate gear storage needs into your rig set up?
Having such small apartments in New York City, storage can be an issue. We tend to use the trailer and the roof cargo to keep a lot of tents and backpacks and make space for the bed and sleep space. It’s really nice to just be able to pull up and not make a big show. Under the platform, I have a 730Wh Power station from EcoFlow that has all your usual inputs. It connects to a solar array, I have a flexible 100w panel that is mounted on the roof’s cargo box and runs down through the sunroof bin and a ground unit that folds up and is stored in the trailer when not in use. There is also a splitter that allows for the car to trickle the battery when cruising down the interstate.
Any cool custom details you’re proud of?
I had ordered a custom crutch box, or a camp kitchen, online. It was more cost efficient to buy the kit than building it myself based on my calculation of the parts. I love the wash basin, counter space, and grill all available at a pull. It straps into the cargo tie-downs that are a wonderful included feature in the Vibe. This acts as a method of securing the entire platform into the frame of the car as well.
There’s also a BOXIO composting toilet that slides in and out from under the platform, which itself has four compartments accessible from the back hatch and rear passenger doors. I use one for quilts and sleeping bags, one for toiletry, one for the kitchen, and the final for miscellaneous gear and tools.
One nice detail is that your head lays right under the sunroof, so it’s great for stargazing, which we did one night out in Tupper Lake. Nothing like sleeping in a little bed pod.
Coolest place you’ve taken your rig to?
Well, the inaugural run of the rig—before adjustments—was to the Adirondacks High Peaks, where we hiked up into the Dix WIlderness and made camp for the total Eclipse back in April of 2024, It was unlike anything I’ve experienced. We slept the first night at the trailhead as we got in late and I gotta say, HEST was the best choice for the mattress. Best camp sleep I've ever had.Any projects in the pipeline to get your rig even more adventure ready?
The latest project was redoing a used cargo trailer that I bought off of Facebook Marketplace. This keeps all the bags off of the bed and gives easy access. It also provides storage for the shower tent and small hot water heater and even a spare tire mount that is for longer more ambitious trips. I’ve had thoughts about building a little diesel heater window attachment for the colder months since I get out a lot in the winter.Biggest challenge in your build out?
Tips for others looking to do the same to their vehicle?
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