Sleeping in a Tesla Model X: What I Learned Solo Camping Out of Service

As an avid traveler, I was excited to try camping overnight in a Tesla electric vehicle. Curious about how to sleep in a Tesla Model X, I arranged to borrow the vehicle from a family member and set out for a nearby campsite.

The campsite I chose was not only off grid or without power hookups, also known as primitive camping, but was out of cell service. As a solo female traveler, it was a campground I felt comfortable going to alone and the Model X seemed a good choice to set up some privacy for this experiment

I learned some valuable lessons about camping in a Tesla but also offer me an unforgettable night under the stars.

Case Study: My First Night Camping in a Tesla Model X

Arrival at the Campsite

I arrived at the campsite around 2 PM, with 160 miles of electric range left on the Tesla. Throughout the evening, I tracked my range, since I needed at least 60 miles to get home. And I was curious about what would happen sleeping in the Tesla Model X.

I backed into the campsite since I knew I’d be accessing my “cabin” through the trunk most often.

As noted before, this was a primitive campground. There was no electricity, just a private site with a campfire pit and picnic bench, surrounded by trees. There were water stations, so I didn’t have to bring in my own water.

Setting up Camp

Transforming the Tesla into a cozy camping spot took some creative adjustments but it was quite easy.

To help with privacy, I used a regular windshield cover for the front windows. This way, anyone walking by on the road couldn’t see in.

Adding more privacy screens would be beneficial to prevent any curious onlookers, but the driveway of my site was long enough I wasn’t too worried about people approaching or peering in the side windows.

First, I attached a fleece blanket to the driver’s headrest and a latch at the top of the X door, creating a small tent to block out light just above my sleeping area. The downside of this arrangement was less airflow around my head.

In the end, I decided to go with a slightly different set up, using two blankets on either side of the car. Again, I stuffed part of the blanket into the ceiling latches of the door to hold it up. There were already hooks on the back of the front seats, and I used a clip to hold the blanket in place there.

I brought a regular roll-up camping mat, my sleeping bag, and a pillow.

Though there was a shared outhouse available, I prefer to use my own portable composting toilet called the Luggable Loo. Moving the passenger seat forward all the way, I had plenty of space for it. (As a solo female camper, it’s worth not having to venture to an outhouse in the dark when I have to pee!)

Since I was only camping one night on this first experiment, any other camping gear, clothes, and toiletries could easily fit in the trunk. Of course, if traveling with more gear, the Tesla Model X has plenty of storage space in the frunk, front seats, and below the trunk.

Space and Comfort in the Tesla Model X

For solo campers wondering how to sleep in a Tesla Model X, I can attest that the space is adequate but not overly generous. Even as a small person, I was doing a fair amount of crouching and crawling inside. But what else can you expect camping in a car?

Due to the Tesla’s interior shape, folding down the single second chair on the right side would not be enough space to lay down a sleeping mat.

However, the two seats on the left, which fold down together, were more than enough space for the sleeping mat.

For taller individuals, the length of the sleeping area in the Tesla X might be challenging. I’m only 5’2″ and felt like I just fit head to toe. My sleeping mat, for example, had to curl up at the trunk door.

Despite the slight incline from the folded down second seat, which initially made me feel like I was sliding towards the trunk of the car, I was able to sleep very comfortably.

Tesla App Outside of Service

My phone’s Bluetooth was paired with the Tesla and worked to play my music, even off-line. However, I did not seem to connect to the car at all via the Tesla app once I was out of range.

This means I couldn’t use my phone to unlock the car, view the remaining charge, or use any other controls. Of course, I could do all of these things through the vehicle’s own dashboard or using the actual key.

As Tesla drivers know, when the Tesla goes out of service, the dashboard map no longer populates. I was, however, able to pull up directions for a location in the car’s history to start getting directions even without the satellite view display.

As we discovered, anyone else accessing your Tesla app at home cannot see your location when the vehicle is offline.

Tesla Camp Mode

Turned off, I found the car lost only 2 miles between my 2 PM arrival and 8:30 PM when I was ready to move inside.

While getting settled in, I turned on Camp Mode, hopeful that this feature would enhance my camping experience in the Tesla Model X. This low-power mode can be accessed through the temperature controls.

Given the lack of cell service at the campground, I couldn’t activate Camp Mode through the phone app, so I turned it on through the car’s dashboard.

I was surprised to learn, despite my attempts otherwise, that the Tesla dashboard displays stay on during Camp Mode! I expected to be able to sleep in darkness, but apparently this option was not considered by Tesla’s programmers.

The large panel screen displays a campfire video after some time. It might be a cool easter egg but doesn’t seem all the practical in the end.

During the first hour of Camp Mode, the Tesla Model X lost around 3 miles of electric range. Compared to keeping the car off, it seemed I would be losing charge 8x faster with Camp Mode.

Disappointed and not really in need of the temperature controls overnight anyway (the weather was nice and mild), I decided not to use Camp Mode after all.

Instead, I cracked the windows of the car just slightly. As I understand it, the Tesla app would normally give me grief about turning off the car with the windows cracked, but since I was out of service, I didn’t receive any notifications.

Embracing Nighttime Sounds and Privacy

Before turning off the vehicle, I tapped on the lock icon at the top of the dashboard screen.

At one point while I was settling in and holding the Tesla key, I must have handled it in the wrong spot because the front door popped up. This was slightly unnerving. Holding down the top of the key closed the door again and re-engaged the lock. I made sure to set the key somewhere I wouldn’t accidentally roll over it.

As the night began, I noticed a few sounds from the car that briefly caught my attention, but I could soon let down my guard and relax.

It was nice to look up and see the tree tops through the sunroof as I lay in bed reading. Oregon summers don’t see sunset until close to 10 PM. Eventually it got pitch black outside and I could see nothing inside the car.

As I noted before, I eventually hung blankets from the back of both driver and passenger seats, blocking out the back part of the sunroof and the side windows.

Benefits of Camping in a Tesla Model X

Plenty of Extra Storage

The Tesla Model X has abundant storage, which is really helpful for car camping. Unlike many other vehicles converted for camping, the Model X has a spacious trunk, sub-trunk, and frunk at the front.

This wealth of storage space allows you to neatly organize and stow all your camping gear and supplies, while still leaving the front seats clear. If needed, you could keep your bed set up during a drive, which would be super convenient for an ongoing camping road trip.

Stargazing in Style

One of the most bougie benefits of camping in a Tesla Model X is the chance to stargaze from inside the car.

The extra-large panoramic glass sun roof lets campers sleep with views of the sky above. Tesla’s specially designed glass keeps the cabin quiet, protects occupants from harmful UV rays during the day, and is strong enough to withstand four times the weight of the car.

This is camping without the risks of bugs, animals, or surprise rainstorms!

Camp Mode

While I was disappointed that Camp Mode kept the dashboard screens on, I can see it being worthwhile in hot or cold climates, especially if you’re not worried about losing a little extra charge.

Most importantly, Camp Mode maintains a comfortable airflow and temperature inside the Tesla. It also allows campers to control interior lighting, enjoy their favorite music, and power mobile devices overnight.

Not all Teslas have Camp Mode. The program was added in 2019 (and hopefully will one day include an option to turn off screens).

Tips for Camping in a Tesla Model X

Optimize Sleeping Comfort

When converting the rear cabin into a sleeping area, the rear cabin measures 83 inches in length (with front seats moved forward and the back seats folded down). If you’re tall, the actual surface area you can sleep on may make a tight squeeze unless you can rig an extra support in the second row.

The folded seats to create a slight incline, so you’ll want to lay with your head toward the wheel and feet toward the trunk door.

Choose the Right Mattress

When selecting a mattress for your Tesla Model X, you have options. Tesla-specific mattresses are available, but a rectangular mat can also work and will be much cheaper.

Creating a Comfortable Seat Configuration

To prevent the seats from shifting each time the driver’s door is opened, create and save a seat configuration specifically for camping.

Plan Your Battery Usage and Charging Options

While Camp Mode is pretty energy-efficient, it’s wise to arrive at the campsite with a full battery whenever possible. Unexpected situations can always happen, so arriving with a full charge gives you peace of mind.

If your campground has electric hookups for RVs, call ahead to check that they allow EV charging and if there are additional fees. Be sure that you pack any needed charge adapters.

While charging networks are expanding, we all know that charging stations can still be limited in remote areas. Make a backup plan for charging if necessary.

Conclusion: Sleeping Overnight in a Tesla Off Grid

My first overnight camping experience in a Tesla Model X went well, and I would do it again. With the car completely off and without power, I only lost 4 miles overnight (from 9:30 PM to 7 AM), so I was happy not to have any range anxiety going home.

For solo campers, the Tesla Model X can be a pretty comfortable space compared to other vehicles.

I think it can work for two people as well, with the entire second row seats collapsed. It would just take a little more coordination to move around inside and to store your extra gear. Perhaps we’ll try that soon…

Regarding Camp Mode, I was disappointed that the display stays on, which not only draws attention at a campsite, the light makes it harder to sleep and it impacts charge loss. I guess each camper will need to weigh the costs and benefits of using Camp Mode for their own trip needs.

Now that I’ve experienced camping in a Tesla myself, I am looking forward to trying it again with my husband. Though we usually go tent camping and will probably continue to do so, it would be convenient to have the option to sleep overnight in the car on occasion, too.

So, can you sleep in a Tesla? Absolutely.

To learn more about how you can go Tesla camping in other ways, see our post Camping With A Tesla.

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