For many, it is the most beautiful form of vacation, a time to escape the fast pace of life for a moment, to relax and unwind: Camping. Of course, not all camping is the same. Some are drawn to a campsite, others like to go luxury camping and still others are happiest with a tent in the middle of the wilderness.
Since you have to travel to all these types of camping somehow, numerous specialized types of vehicles have developed: From caravans to more or less well-equipped motorhomes to off-road-capable expedition vehicles.
But did you know that even with the Tesla Model 3, camping is perfectly possible? That Tesla camping even has many advantages over motorhomes and the like? Did you not know that? Then this article is just right for you.
The most important facts in brief: Tesla Camping
- Different forms of camping: From classic campsite camping to luxury camping or wilderness camping. Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3, offer excellent opportunities for camping trips.
- Advantages of Tesla when camping:
- E-drive: Silent driving, advantage in power supply away from civilization, no problems on short trips into the wilderness.
- Spaciousness: Above-average space thanks to clever design without combustion engine, comfortable sleeping in the vehicle possible.
- Camping mode: Automatic temperature control for a comfortable night's sleep, activated power sockets and dimmable lighting, display of a campfire on the screen to set the mood.
- Entertainment: Streaming of videos and music, use of video games possible thanks to large battery and good sound system.
- Panoramic roof: Offers great views while driving and sleeping in the car.
- Family-friendly: Depending on the model, space for up to seven people.
- Important considerations for Tesla Camping:
- Power consumption: Note the battery consumption of the camp mode so that you are not unexpectedly left without power.
- Charging options: Clarify the options and costs for charging at the campsite in advance.
- Load and storage space: Pay attention to the maximum load and pack cleverly.
- Practical accessories: From roof boxes and bike racks to special camping tables and privacy screens to Tesla's own mattress and cool box.
Tesla camping: the advantages
All Tesla models are perfect for camping. Of course, the Tesla Model Y Camping or Model X Camping is a bit more practical than a trip with the Model 3 or S purely due to the size of the vehicle, but the sedans are also more than good enough.
So you don't even have to wait for the Cybertruck, which is supposed to have particularly practical camping functions, but can go camping with your Tesla today.
If you're thinking about going camping with your Tesla, this article will tell you everything you need to know for your dream trip.
Camping is always nice, no matter which car you drive - there's no question about that. The large number of different camping vehicles and solutions confirms this. But those who go camping with a Tesla can enjoy numerous benefits that make the experience more comfortable, entertaining and practical.
Advantage 1: The electric drive
At first glance, the e-drive seems to lose out to the combustion engine when it comes to camping. Off into the wilderness where there are no charging stations, even though you can't take a reserve in the form of gas cans with you? Doesn't seem particularly desirable.
However, at second glance it becomes clear that only very few campers are out in the wilderness for so long that they run out of electricity. Many will go to a campsite, where there are often power connections, or only leave civilization for a short time. Power problems? Not a chance.
Once the worries about the remaining battery charge have been dispelled, the advantages of the electric drive come to light.
This starts with the fact that you can glide silently through the countryside in a Tesla and enjoy the atmosphere much better than when a combustion engine is still grumbling in the background. In addition, the all-wheel drive available in many Teslas is of course an advantage off paved roads.
On arrival at your destination, you have your personal battery with you, can charge your electronic devices and watch a movie via the infotainment system in the car if it rains.
With a combustion engine, you would have to take a generator with you or leave the engine running the whole time.
Advantage 2: Space available
Another advantage of Tesla: the vehicles always offer an above-average amount of space compared to their respective class. This is mainly due to the lack of a combustion engine, which enables a short snout and extra storage space in the "frunk", but also thanks to clever space management.
The large amount of space allows not only traveling with many people and luggage, but also comfortable sleeping with two people in the car. The Tesla Y Camping in particular has an advantage here, as the crossover SUV offers even more space than the saloons.
Advantage 3: Tesla Camping Mode
Perhaps the biggest advantage: Tesla Camping Mode. This program is standard at Tesla and available in all models at no extra charge. It can be found in the Tesla app or in the infotainment system under the climate settings. On the corresponding page, things such as the desired sleeping temperature can be set.
Once the mode has been activated, the vehicle automatically maintains the set temperature and thus ensures a comfortable night's sleep - by heating in winter and cooling in summer. Humidity is also monitored and regulated, which prevents windows from misting up and surfaces from becoming damp - a common problem when sleeping in a car overnight.
So that all electronic devices are fully charged again in the morning, all 12-volt and USB sockets remain activated in camping mode. Last but not least, the lighting can also be dimmed or switched off so that it is nice and dark at night. You can help in this respect with a visual protection, which not only keeps the light out but also prying eyes.
To create a real camping atmosphere, the screen shows a crackling campfire after a few minutes of inactivity in camping mode. You can also optionally activate this directly via the game box by switching on the so-called romantic mode.
Tip: To switch off the display in the Tesla completely, simply activate the display cleaning mode.
Another advantage of Tesla Camp Mode: As a purely software-based feature, it can be constantly adapted and further developed. It can therefore be assumed that the mode will become even better in the future, making the camping experience even more convenient - without you having to do anything yourself or pay an extra charge.
Advantage 4: Entertainment
We have already briefly touched on this topic, but it deserves further attention: entertainment in the Tesla. Whether on a rainy day or before going to sleep; thanks to the large battery, you can stream videos and movies via your Netflix or Disney+ account for hours even in the middle of nowhere, at least as long as you have mobile coverage.
Listening to Spotify or playing one of the many video games available is no problem either. You can also benefit from the excellent sound system of a Tesla, especially in the "Long Range" and Performance models. So you can enjoy your own personal movie experience even when camping.
Advantage 5: Panoramic roof
Teslas have some of the largest panoramic roofs in the industry in terms of vehicle size. For you, this means that even on the way to your overnight accommodation, the view is outstanding, especially if you are traveling in the mountains. At night, you can lie in your car and watch the starry sky through the spacious roof.
Advantage 6: Camping fun for the whole family
Depending on the model, up to seven people can come along on a camping vacation with the Tesla. While the Model 3 and Model S offer space for five people, the Model X is available as a five-seater, six-seater or even seven-seater. The Model Y, which is only available with five seats in Germany, is also theoretically designed for seven people - so it could also offer space for larger groups in Germany in the future.
Camping Tesla: What you need to consider
Camping in a Tesla has many advantages. Camp mode is another example of how far the US car manufacturer thinks through its vehicles in detail, allowing customers to get the most out of their car. But as great as this all sounds, there are of course a few things to bear in mind when camping with the Tesla - such as the power consumption of Camp Mode, so that you don't run out of power at some point.
Power consumption Tesla camping mode
Tesla does not officially state how much energy Tesla Camp Mode requires. However, experience shows that the battery level drops by 5-15% per night, and up to 30% in winter. Of course, this is highly dependent on factors such as the desired sleeping temperature, the outside temperature and how extensively you use the infotainment system.
As a general rule, the air conditioning system is the main consumer, so the closer the desired temperature is to the outside temperature, the lower the loss. Therefore, the energy requirement in summer is often significantly lower than in winter, where a temperature difference of 20 °C or more often has to be compensated for.
The best way to get a definitive answer to the question of power consumption is to try it out for yourself. Only then will you get an accurate figure that matches your usage behavior and with which you can then plan your next camping trips precisely.
Maximum power of the sockets
The cigarette lighter socket in the center console (also in the trunk of the Model Y) can also be used to operate larger electrical devices. Please note that the socket can supply a maximum of 12 amps continuous current and 16 amps peak current.
Devices that require more can therefore not be operated via these sockets. Please also note that extensive use can also affect your battery level.
Maximum payload in the Tesla
Another important point to consider is the maximum permitted payload, i.e. the mass of luggage and passengers you are allowed to take with you on your camping vacation. The figures below are exclusive of 75-kilogram drivers, so they purely describe the permitted mass of luggage and non-driving passengers.
- In the Tesla Model 3 , the maximum payload of the latest models is between 384 and 404 kilograms, which is sufficient with several people plus luggage, but does not leave an excessive reserve.
- The Model Y allows more: the maximum payload is between 562 and 565 kilograms, depending on the variant, which also allows heavier equipment such as a canoe to be carried.
- Interestingly, the even larger Model X performs somewhat worse at 431 to 460 kilograms, which requires some planning when packing, especially with a maximum occupancy of seven people.
- The Model Sis in a similar position, coming last among all Tesla models with a payload of 364 kilograms.
In terms of payload, the Model Y is the camping king. Generally speaking, however, when it comes to payload, the vehicles are usually technically capable of more, which is why you don't have to pay attention to every kilo. Nevertheless, overloading is of course still a violation of the law, which we would advise against here.
Charging at the campsite
If you don't end up completely in the wilderness, but perhaps come to rest on a campsite, you can enjoy the advantages of Tesla camping even more - because charging facilities or power connections are usually available, which means that the remaining battery level can be completely forgotten.
To be on the safe side and make sure that there is actually enough electricity available on site, it is best to ask about the supply situation at the respective campsite when booking and, if necessary, announce that you will be arriving with an electric car.
If no special charging station is available, but only general camping plugs for power supply at the pitches, it could be useful to use a mobile charging station such as a Juice Booster . This means you can charge safely even at unknown connections and are therefore equipped for any vacation.
Important: You should also find out how much the campsite operator charges for electricity before you arrive. This way you can avoid any nasty surprises.
Some operators offer charging as a service completely free of charge, some charge a flat rate and some charge by kilowatt hour; with prices that are sometimes significantly higher than those at the Supercharger.
So it pays to find out beforehand - or at least prepare yourself for the costs.
Create driver profiles
If you often go camping, it can be helpful to create different driver profiles for this purpose. For example, you can configure one of them so that it moves the seats all the way forward to give you as much space as possible to sleep in the back seat. You can set another driver profile as a "cinema" profile, in which the seats automatically move to your favorite position for watching movies.
This little gimmick can be very practical if you often go on a movie night or a camping trip in the Tesla, because it means that you only have to press a button to set the desired seat position. No more tedious shifting of the seat around until you find the right position, because the Tesla can remember it.
Security: lock the Tesla yourself
Depending on where you are camping, you need to pay more or less attention to your own safety. In the Nordic countries, which are particularly interesting for campers because of the right to camp in the wild, there is usually no great danger for holidaymakers, but in other regions it can make sense to at least think about the issue of safety.
With this in mind, it is important to know: Tesla Camp Mode does many things, but it does not lock the vehicle. So if you spend the night in the Tesla, remember to lock the vehicle yourself for your own safety.
Tesla Camping: practical accessories
For the ultimate camping experience, genuine Tesla accessories for Model Y or the other models are a must. We would like to introduce you to some of them.
Roof box and bike rack
In order to be able to take more luggage with you, especially if the trunk is already occupied by a mattress, we recommend purchasing a roof rack and aroof box . It is important that the shape is as aerodynamic as possible in order to lose as little range as possible.
Of course, you can also attach other items such as canoes, stand-up paddles or bicycles to the base carrier in addition to a roof box. However, always make sure that you do not exceed the permissible load capacity of the base carrier (68 kg for the Model 3, for example). Of course, loads stowed on the roof also count towards the maximum payload.
If you want to take your enthusiasm for cycling with you on vacation, you should take a closer look at bicycle carriers . At Teslabs, you will find both a variant for the rear for models with a trailer coupling and a bike rack for the roof.
Camping-Tisch
Every camper has a camping table and camping chairs; after all, this is part of the minimum equipment. But here too, there are already products specially tailored to Tesla, such as atable that is held by the armrest and the center console and allows you to eat on the driver's or passenger's seat.
This is particularly practical if you are traveling without a tent and it is raining - then it is quite convenient to have a dining table in the car too.
The Teslabs privacy and heat protection
Tesla-specific accessories also include the Teslabs privacy screens for Model Y andModel 3 , with which you can make your windows opaque and light-proof in one fell swoop when camping. This keeps prying eyes out as well as hot rays of sunshine.
The Teslabscamping cabin goes one step further, covering the entire interior with a curtain and thus also ensuring privacy. This curtain also serves as thermal insulation and thus reduces the energy requirements of the air conditioning system - which in turn increases your options and flexibility in the wilderness.
Die Tesla-Hundedecke
Want to take your dog camping with you? No problem with the Teslabs dog blanket. The blanket is available for all Tesla models and protects your back seat from dirt and wear and tear caused by the four-legged friend sitting on it. For the Model Y there is also atrunk dog blanket .
The Model Y refrigerator
A particularly practical gadget, especially for hot summer months, is the Teslabs fridge for the Model Y. The 15-liter module is mounted in the trunk niche and connected to the cigarette lighter - so it takes up hardly any space.
You can still sleep comfortably in the Model Y, only now you have access to cool drinks at all times and can safely store sensitive food.
With a consumption of only 0.5 kWh within 24 hours, the refrigerator hardly drains the battery, making it the ideal camping companion.
Tesla-Matratze
In order to sleep comfortably in the Tesla, you need a sleeping pad. While some frugalists may get by with simple insulating mats, for many a proper mattress is a must.
You have plenty of choice: Whether you simply throw an old mattress on the folded down rear seat bench or buy a customized memory mattress, the range is very large, especially for Model 3 and Model Y.
Note that the mattress is easy to fold and that taking a suitable mattress with you will significantly reduce your luggage storage space.
Ein passendes Zelt
Sleeping in a Tesla is only an option anyway if you are traveling with two to a maximum of three people. For a larger group, you will need a tent. In addition to the classic standalone tent, there are also tents specially developed for Tesla vehicles that connect to the vehicle and thus extend the interior space.
So someone can still sleep in the car while the rest make themselves comfortable in the tent - and yet everyone is in the same room. This means that the Tesla Camping Mode with its temperature and humidity regulation also works in the tent, so that everyone can sleep well.
But make sure that you close the tent well so as not to put too much strain on the air conditioning system and use as little energy as possible.
Tesla roof tent
The roof tent is a popular and widely used form of tent which, unlike the tent mentioned above, does not require anyone to sleep on the ground. Conveniently mounted on the roof rack, the tent can be taken along without taking up valuable storage space inside.
You can then sleep on the roof of the car, safe from small and large animals. Of course, this is also possible with a Tesla; there are various offers and experience reports on the Internet.
Tesla Camping: Conclusion
Although it may seem otherwise at first glance, a Tesla is the ideal camping vehicle. A silent drive with a huge battery that can be used at any time, a generous amount of space, a camping mode that makes sleeping more comfortable than in any other car, endless entertainment options and lots of tailor-made accessories - all of these are reasons to take your next camping trip in a Tesla.
The Tesla Model Y in particular stands out as the camping king: it offers plenty of space, the largest possible payload, numerous power sockets and the largest range of practical camping accessories.
Of course, even with the Tesla Y Camping there are a few things to consider, such as the power consumption of the various systems, correct charging at the campsite or the limits for luggage and passenger weight.
But all that is forgotten when you lie in the Tesla at night and watch the stars through the huge panoramic roof, while a campfire crackles across the display in the background and pleasantly warm air flows out of the air conditioning. What an idea! It makes us want to drop everything and go camping. Do you too?
Have you been on a camping vacation with your Tesla? Tell us about it in the comments - we look forward to hearing about your experiences!
By the way: If you would like to see a personal camping experience report from a Tesla driver, we recommend the interesting YouTube videos from General Möwe.
Quelle Beitragsbild:General Möwe
