Can I go camping in a Tesla? A Guide to Tesla Camping
For Tesla owners, car camping is a whole new frontier. You might be wondering: can I sleep in my Tesla on a road trip? Or can I go camping in a Tesla without running out of charge? The short answer is, yes and it’s awesome!
In this article, we’ll dive into what you need to know about Tesla camping. There are essentially four ways to go camping in a Tesla:
- Sleeping in a Tesla with camp mode
- Camping in a roof tent on top of the Tesla
- Driving to a campsite with a standard tent
- Pulling a travel trailer with a Tesla
What is Tesla camp mode?
Tesla camping mode is a fairly new feature introduced in late 2019. The camp feature allows you to convert your electric car into a cabin that’s comfortable enough to sleep in and camp in.
Turning on camp mode will ensure that the cabin’s interior lighting, airflow, temperature, and even music are maintained overnight. Sentry mode, security alarms, and walk-away lock will be disabled.
Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a way to turn off the dashboard screens while using Camp Mode. This is less than ideal when trying to sleep overnight in the car.
In terms of energy consumption, camp mode generally takes up around 10% of battery charge in 8 hours in normal conditions. But for other conditions, such as cold weather, you can expect it to go up to 15% for 8 hours. This is because it requires more energy to keep the cabin’s interior temperature warmer.
These figures are rough estimates. There might be small differences, depending on other environment factors or the condition of your battery.
At the end of the day, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your charge while camping in a Tesla. That said, camp mode will automatically turn off if your battery goes below 20%.
Enabling Camp mode
Enabling camp mode is easy. First, tap the fan icon found at the bottom of the touch screen, or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the interior controls dashboard. Then, select the “camp” button with the tent icon.
Keep in mind that you can only enable this when you’re in Park mode. You also need to have at least a 15% battery charge remaining.
What you’ll need for camping in a Tesla
For Tesla car camping road trips, you’ll need many of the same supplies as any other camping trip plus a few EV road trip camping items. Check out essential gear recommendations and download a handy checklist for camping road trips here.
Charging kit and adapters
A standard Tesla Model 3 draws around 7,200 watts, which is significantly less than an RV. Charging your Tesla must be carefully planned when camping because many campgrounds aren’t set up for car charging.
With a little research, you can reserve a campsite with electrical outlets. In this case, be sure to pack adapters (also known as a travel EVSE) with a charging cable that will be long enough to reach the outlet.
For faster charging (Level 2), Tesla has the NEMA 5-20 adapter for 125V outlets and six other 240V adapters. Most commonly, RV parks will have a 50 amp “14-50 Nema” plug. Some parks only have 30 amp “TT-30” RV plugs, which is still better than a Level 1 charger, however, appropriate adapters are hard to come by and you must manually reduce your charging settings to 24 amps to avoid problems.
It’s a good idea to bring multiple Tesla mobile adapters for camping so you can charge no what type of connection is at the campsite.
Campground Reservations
Unless you’re staying near home for a one or two-day camping trip, or you’re camping near a Tesla fast charger, charging while camping becomes essential for Tesla campers.
For this reason, it’s important to make reservations at campgrounds in advance to ensure that you’ll have access to the electricity you need.
Camping Gear for Tesla
If you’re planning to sleep in your Tesla, then sleeping pads or even a camping mattress for Tesla will keep you comfortable. Window shades for Teslas provide extra privacy and act like black out curtains.
A small inverter can be handy to power small devices through the accessory socket (cigarette lighter).
What is the best Tesla model for camping?
Tesla has now produced a Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and the Cybertruck. Each one has its pros and cons when it comes to camping. Let’s take a look.
Tesla Model Y Camping
The Tesla Model Y is a hatchback SUV, somewhat offering the same classic SUV experience of the Model X but with the leaner look of the Model 3.
Sleeping in a Model Y
Camping in Model Y is made easy with Tesla gear specifically made for this model. There are many sites that make mattresses in custom dimensions for the perfect fit.
Shop Tesla Model Y mattresses here >
But many who have already tried Model Y camping said that you can use already existing products that do the same job, such as a twin-sized mattress or a tri-folding mattress.
Towing a trailer with Model Y
The Tesla Model Y hitch receiver is capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs. The maximum towing capacity is limiting so it might be difficult to find a large camping trailer that meets these requirements.
Pros & Cons of camping in a Model Y
One of the biggest pros of Tesla Y camping is its large cargo capacity of 76 cubic feet. As the Model Y is one of the more popular Tesla models, you will have an easy time finding specific camping gear for this model.
If you are planning a Tesla road trip with a camping trailer, the small towing capacity might pose a challenge.
Tesla Model 3 Camping
While not as premium as the Model Y or Model X, the Tesla Model 3 boasts of a sleeker design and a great mile range at 350+ miles.
Sleeping in a Model 3 Tesla
The Model 3 has a smaller cargo capacity at 23 cubic feet, so having a mattress that maximizes this small space is important.
Finding a Tesla Model 3 mattress won’t be difficult. The Tesla Dreamcase, a more premium option made of memory foam, also includes travel pillows and a duvet.
Towing a trailer with Model 3
The official towing capacity of the Model 3 is around 2,000 lbs. It’s suitable for small caravans or hitch racks, but nothing too heavy duty.
However, keep in mind that the tow hitch package for this model has so far only been released in Europe.
Pros & Cons of camping in a Tesla Model 3
Sleeping in a Tesla Model 3 might feel restricting given the limited amount of space. But similarly with the Model Y, model-specific gear such as mattresses and sun shades are readily available in the market to make the experience more comfortable.
Since its towing capacity is minimal, only the smallest trailers will be possible with the Model 3. But since its smaller than other models, the longer mile range can make this an ideal road trip vehicle combined with tent camping.
Tesla Model S Camping
The Tesla Model S is a classic sedan, slightly bigger than the Model 3. The Model S boasts of the longest range at 405 miles compared to other Tesla models.
Sleeping in a Model S
The most popular option for mattresses specifically for the Model S seems to be the Dreamcase. Some vouch for the Dreamcase Model S mattress, saying it’s definitely worth the investment. While others suggest that a twin-sized regular air mattress worked just as well.
A famous Tesla enthusiast/vlogger in the community who tried camping in a Model S even before the official camp mode was introduced noted that, if charged to 85-90 percent, the vehicle can run all night, even in cold weather.
Towing a trailer with Model S
As of this moment, the Model S is not officially rated for towing. Tesla has not published any specification on the towing capacity.
There are after-sales tow hitches available in the market, but installing one is done at your own risk because you can lose your warranty.
Pros & Cons of camping in a Tesla Model S
One of the biggest pros of camping in a Tesla Model S is the range.
If you are planning longer road trips in your Tesla, you’ll be able to go long distances without needing to charge as frequently. This capacity is especially helpful when you keep your vehicle running overnight while sleeping.
Since the Model S cannot officially tow a trailer, it’s going to be best for tent camping road trips or for solo travelers sleeping inside the vehicle.
Tesla Model X Camping
The Tesla Model X is a top contender in SUV market. It’s the largest of the Tesla models and is designed to deliver maximum utility.
Sleeping in a Model X
The Model X has a seating capacity of 7 adults with a cargo space of 88 cubic feet, even larger than the Model Y.
There aren’t too many mattresses specifically made for this model, aside from the Tesla Dreamcase for Model 3. But universal SUV mattresses are a good fit, especially if you are looking for a more affordable option.
Before camp mode was even released, Tesla enthusiasts who tried sleeping overnight in their electric vehicle reported a comfortable experience in the X. Now with camp mode, the cabin is even more breathable and insulated.
Read what I learned solo car camping in a Tesla Model X (boondocking out of service) here
Towing a trailer with Model X
The Tesla Model X was the first electric vehicle with an official tow rating. Its towing capacity is almost 5,000 lbs, the largest of any Tesla models so far.
All new Model X cars come with the Tesla tow package and trailer mode, which monitors specific settings like trailer sway and brake adjustments.
Pros & Cons of camping in a Model X
Tesla car camping doesn’t get any better than with the Model X, especially in terms of the space and comfort. Universal SUV mattresses are easy to come by and test before deciding to commit in expensive Tesla-specific mattresses for this model.
Another pro is that the Model X has the best towing capacity for a trailer. However, as with any other electric vehicles, you have to keep in mind how this extra weight can affect range on the battery charge.
Tesla CyberTruck Camping
One of the key features of the highly anticipated Tesla CyberTruck is its large towing capacity, reported to be over 14,000 lbs for the premium version. This capacity will make Tesla CyberTruck camping easy with a variety of large trailers and camper options.
Learn more about the CyberTruck and EV campervan options here >
Can Motorhomes or RVs tow a Tesla?
Some avid campers already have a motorhome or RV for camping trips or full-time RV living. Large rigs can be difficult to maneuver in towns so many prefer to tow a smaller vehicle that’s more convenient for everyday driving to and from the campground.
But is it possible to tow a Tesla?
Because electric vehicles can’t be put in neutral, it’s not really possible to “flat tow” EVs or Teslas. The only way to tow a Tesla would be on a trailer.
Can you camp in a Tesla?
The answer is definitely yes, as long as you’re willing to get creative and do a little extra planning. From tent camping to sleeping inside a Tesla to towing a trailer, it’s all possible to different degrees.
Let us know if you’ve tried camping in a Tesla. Share any tips, advice, or packing suggestions in the comments below!
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