Georgia Handyman Modifies Barbie Dream Camper into Fuel-Efficient Mini Car
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Mali Hightower, a Georgia handyman, has equipped a Power Wheels Barbie Dream Camper with a small engine to create a functional 'mini car' for local errands. The vehicle operates via a rip cord and includes practical additions like a grocery rack and a tablet for navigation. Local police permit its use off highways, and its fuel cost is significantly lower than conventional vehicles.
Facts First
- Mali Hightower modified a Barbie Dream Camper with a one-piston engine from a power washer.
- The vehicle functions as a 'mini car' for local errands, featuring a grocery rack, lights, and a tablet.
- Police allow its operation off public highways.
- Fuel cost is minimal—approximately $3 to fill, compared to $60 for a conventional vehicle.
- The project highlights a trend toward alternative, fuel-efficient personal transportation.
What Happened
Mali Hightower, a handyman based in Georgia, modified a Power Wheels Barbie Dream Camper by installing a two-gallon, one-piston engine taken from a power washer. The vehicle now functions as a 'mini car.' Hightower added a rack for transporting groceries, lights, and a tablet for maps and music. It is operated by a rip cord. Local police have not taken issue with the vehicle as long as it stays off the highway.
Why this Matters to You
If you are looking to reduce transportation costs, this project demonstrates an extreme but functional example of personal vehicle modification. The modified car's fuel cost is approximately $3, compared to around $60 to fill a conventional minivan or sedan at current gas prices. This could make short, local trips significantly cheaper. More broadly, it reflects a growing trend where some people are organizing neighborhood ride-shares, using electric bikes and scooters for shorter trips, or switching to older, fuel-efficient vehicles to save money.
What's Next
Hightower's project may inspire further DIY experimentation with small-scale, fuel-efficient transportation. The use of such vehicles could become more common for local errands if communities and law enforcement continue to accommodate them off main highways. Social media already contains tips for fuel efficiency, such as planning errands along one route and avoiding excessive idling, which could be applied to both conventional and alternative vehicles.