For many, it's the most wonderful kind 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 prefer a campsite, others enjoy luxury camping, and still others are happiest with a tent in the middle of the wilderness.
Since one has to travel to all these forms of camping somehow, numerous specialized vehicle types have developed: from caravans to more or less well-equipped motorhomes to off-road capable expedition vehicles.
But did you know that camping is perfectly possible even with the Tesla Model 3? That the Tesla Camping Did you know it even has many advantages over motorhomes and similar vehicles? Then this article is just right for you.
The most important points 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 options for camping trips.
- Advantages of using Tesla while camping:
- Electric drive: Silent driving, advantage in terms of power supply away from civilization, no problems on short trips into the wilderness.
- Space available: Above-average space thanks to clever design without a combustion engine; comfortable sleeping in the vehicle is possible.
- Camping Mode: Automatic temperature control for comfortable sleep, activated power outlets and dimmable lighting, display of a campfire on the screen for 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: Pay attention to the battery consumption of Camp Mode to avoid unexpectedly running out of power.
- Charging options: Clarify the options and costs for charging at the campsite in advance.
- Payload and storage space: Paying attention to the maximum payload and packing cleverly are important.
- Practical accessories: From roof boxes and bicycle carriers to special camping tables and privacy screens, all the way to Tesla's own mattress and cooler.
Tesla Camping: The advantages
All Tesla models are perfectly suited for camping. Of course, the Tesla Model Y or Model X Camping is slightly more practical than a trip with the Model 3 or S due to its larger size, but the sedans are more than adequate as well.
So you don't have to wait for the Cybertruck, which is supposed to have particularly practical camping features, but can already go camping with your Tesla today.
If you're thinking about going camping with your Tesla, then this post will tell you everything you need to know for your dream trip.
Camping is always enjoyable, no matter what car you drive – that's undeniable. The wide variety of campervans and camping solutions confirms this. But those who go camping with a Tesla enjoy numerous advantages that make the experience more comfortable, entertaining, and practical.
Advantage 1: The electric drive
At first glance, electric drive seems to be at a disadvantage compared to combustion engine when camping.Off into the wilderness, where there are no charging stations and you can't take a reserve in the form of jerrycans? Doesn't seem particularly desirable.
However, a closer look reveals that very few campers are likely to be out in the wilderness for so long that they run out of power. Many will go to a campsite, where electrical hookups are often available, or only leave civilization for a short time. Power problems? Hardly ever.
Once concerns about the remaining battery level are resolved, the advantages of the electric drive become apparent.
It starts with the fact that you can glide through nature completely silently in a Tesla and enjoy the atmosphere much more than if there's a combustion engine rumbling in the background. Furthermore, the all-wheel drive available in many Teslas is naturally advantageous off-road.
Once you reach your destination, you have your personal battery with you, can charge your electronic devices and, if it's raining, even watch a movie via the infotainment system in the car.
With a combustion engine, you would have to take a generator with you or leave the engine running the whole time.
Advantage 2: Space
Another advantage of Tesla: Compared to their respective classes, the vehicles consistently offer above-average interior space. This is primarily due to the absence of a combustion engine, which allows for a short front end and extra storage space in the "frunk," but also thanks to clever space management.
The ample space not only allows for travel with many people and luggage, but also comfortable sleeping with two People in the car. The Tesla Model Y Camping is particularly advantageous here, as the crossover SUV offers even more space than the sedans.
Advantage 3: Tesla Camping Mode
Perhaps the biggest advantage: Tesla's Camping Mode. This program is standard in Tesla vehicles and in Available on all models at no extra chargeIt can be found in the Tesla app or in the infotainment system under climate settings. On the corresponding page, you can set things like your desired sleeping temperature.
Once activated, the mode automatically maintains the set temperature, ensuring a comfortable sleep – through heating in winter and cooling in summer. It also monitors and regulates humidity, preventing windows from fogging up and surfaces from becoming damp – a common problem when sleeping in a car.
To ensure all electronic devices are fully charged in the morning, all 12-volt and USB sockets remain activated in camping mode. Finally, the lighting can also be dimmed or switched off to ensure it's nice and dark at night. You can further enhance this by using a privacy screen, which keeps out not only light, but also curious glances.
To really create a camping atmosphere, the screen displays 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 romance mode.
Tip: To completely turn off the display in the Tesla, simply activate the display cleaning mode.
Another advantage of Tesla's 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 comfortable – without you having to do anything yourself or pay any extra.
Advantage 4: Entertainment
We briefly touched on this topic before, but it deserves further attention: entertainment in the Tesla. Whether on a rainy day or before falling asleep, thanks to the large battery, you can stream videos and movies for hours via your Netflix or Disney+ account, even in the middle of nowhere, at least as long as you have a mobile network connection.
Listening to Spotify or playing one of the many available video games is also no problem. You'll also benefit from the excellent sound system of a Tesla, especially in the "Long Range" and Performance models. This way, you can enjoy your own personal cinema experience even while camping.
Advantage 5: Panoramic roof
Teslas have some of the largest panoramic roofs in the industry, relative to their vehicle size. This means that even on the way to your campsite, the view is outstanding, especially if you're traveling in the mountains. At night, you can lie in your car and gaze at the starry sky through the expansive roof.
Advantage 6: Camping fun for the whole family
Depending on the model, up to seven people can join a camping trip with a 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 this country, is also theoretically designed for seven people – and could potentially accommodate seven. so there will also be space for this in Germany in the future larger groups offer.
Camping with a Tesla: Here's what you need to know
Camping in a Tesla has many advantages. Camp Mode is another example of how far this can go. The US automaker meticulously designs its vehicles, allowing customers to get the most out of their car. However, as great as all this sounds, there are of course a few things to consider when camping with a Tesla – such as the power consumption of Camp Mode, to avoid running out of power.
Tesla's electricity consumption in Camping Mode
Tesla has not officially stated how much energy the Tesla Camp Mode consumes. However, experience shows that the battery level drops by 5–15% per night, and up to 30% in winter. This is, of course, heavily dependent on factors such as the desired sleeping temperature, the outside temperature, and how extensively you use the infotainment system.
Generally speaking, the air conditioner is the main energy consumer, therefore the closer the desired temperature is to the outside temperature, the lower the energy loss. Therefore, the energy requirement in Summer often significantly lower than in winter, where a temperature difference of 20 °C or more often has to be compensated for.
To definitively answer the question about electricity consumption, it's best to try it out yourself. Only then will you get an accurate figure that matches your usage patterns and allows you to plan your next camping trips precisely.
Maximum power of the sockets
Larger electrical devices can also be powered via the cigarette lighter socket in the center console (and additionally in the trunk in the Model Y). Note that the socket can supply a maximum of 12 amps continuous current and 16 amps peak current.
Devices that require more power cannot 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 amount of luggage and passengers you are allowed to take with you on your camping holiday.The figures below exclude 75-kilogram drivers and thus describe only the permitted mass of luggage and non-driving passengers.
- At the Tesla Model 3 The maximum payload of the latest models is between 384 and 404 kilograms, which is sufficient for several people plus luggage, but does not leave excessive reserve.
- The Model Y allowed There's more to it than that: Depending on the variant, the maximum payload is between 562 and 565 kilograms, which also allows the transport of heavier equipment such as a canoe.
- Interestingly, the even larger one cuts Model X With a weight of 431 to 460 kilograms, it fares somewhat worse, which requires some planning when packing, especially with a maximum occupancy of seven people.
- The same applies to the Model S, which, with a payload of 364 kilograms, even occupies last place among all Tesla models.
In terms of payload, the Model Y thus becomes the king of camping. Generally speaking, however, the vehicles are usually technically capable of more payload, so you don't have to worry about every single kilogram. Nevertheless, overloading remains a violation of the law. which we strongly advise against.
Shop at the campsite
Those who don't venture completely into the wilderness, but perhaps find peace and quiet at a campsite, can enjoy the advantages of Tesla camping even more – because charging options or power connections are usually available, meaning the remaining battery level can be completely forgotten.
To be on the safe side, ensuring that there is actually enough electricity available on site, it is best to inquire about the supply situation at the respective campsite when booking and, if necessary, announce that you will be arriving with an electric car.
If there is no dedicated charging station, but only general camping plugs for power supply at the pitches, could the use a mobile charging station such as a Juice Boosters This would be useful. It allows you to charge safely even at unfamiliar charging points, ensuring you're prepared for any vacation.
Very important: Before you arrive, you should also find out how much the campsite operator charges for electricity. This way you can avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Some operators offer the charging service completely free of charge, some charge a flat fee, and some calculate the cost individually. Kilowatt hour; with prices that are sometimes significantly higher than those at the Supercharger.
It's worth doing some research beforehand. So – or at least prepares you for the costs.
Create driver profiles
If you frequently go camping, it can be helpful to create different driver profiles for this purpose. For example, you can configure one profile to move the seats all the way forward to give you maximum sleeping space in the back. Another driver profile can be set up as a "cinema" profile, in which the seats automatically move to your preferred position for watching movies.
This little feature can be very practical if you frequently use your Tesla for movie nights or camping trips, as it allows you to adjust to your desired seating position with the touch of a button. No more tediously moving the seat around until you find the perfect position, because the Tesla remembers your preference.
Security: Lock the Tesla itself
Depending on where you are camping, you will need to pay more or less attention to your own safety.In the Nordic countries, which are particularly attractive to campers because of the right to wild camping, there is usually no great danger for holidaymakers in other regions It can certainly be worthwhile to at least give some thought to the issue of security.
With this in mind, it's important to know: Tesla's Camp Mode does many things, but it doesn't lock the vehicle. So, if you're spending the night in your Tesla, remember to lock the vehicle yourself for your own safety.
Tesla Camping: Practical Accessories
For the ultimate camping experience, genuine [item] is a must. Tesla accessories for Model Y or that the other models are not missing. We would like to introduce you to some of them.
roof box and bicycle carrier
To be able to take more luggage, especially if the trunk is already full with a mattress, it is advisable to purchase a roof rack and one roof boxAn aerodynamic shape is important to minimize range loss.
Besides a roof box, you can also attach other items like canoes, stand-up paddleboards, or bicycles to the roof rack. However, always make sure not to exceed the permissible load capacity of the roof rack (for example, 68 kg for the Model 3). Of course, any cargo stored on the roof also counts towards the maximum payload.
Anyone who wants to take their enthusiasm for cycling with them on holiday should itself bicycle carrier Take a closer look. At Teslabs you'll find both a rear-mounted option for models with a tow hitch and a roof-mounted bike rack.
Camping table
Every camper has a camping table and camping chairs; after all, that's part of the basic equipment. But even here, there are already products specifically tailored to Tesla, such as a Table, which is held by the armrest and the center console and allows you to eat in the driver's or passenger's seat.
This is especially practical if you are traveling without a tent and it is raining – then it is quite comfortable to have a dining table in the car as well.
Teslabs privacy and heat protection
Tesla-specific accessories also include the Teslabs privacy screens for Model Y and Model 3These products allow you to instantly make your camping windows completely opaque and lightproof. This keeps out prying eyes and hot sun rays.
Teslabs goes one step further Camping cabin, which completely encloses the interior with a curtain, thus also ensuring privacy. This curtain simultaneously serves as thermal insulation, reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning – which in turn increases your options and flexibility in the wilderness.
The Tesla dog blanket
Want to take your dog camping? No problem with the Teslabs. dog blanketThe cover is available for all Tesla models and protects your rear seat from dirt and wear caused by your pet. For the Model Y is there also a trunk dog blanket.
The Model Y refrigerator
A particularly practical gadget, especially for hot summer months, is the Teslab. Refrigerator for the Model Y. The 15-liter module is mounted in the trunk recess and connected to the cigarette lighter – so it hardly takes up any space.
You can still sleep comfortably in the Model Y, except now you have access to cool drinks at any time and can safely store sensitive food.
With a consumption of only 0.5 kWh within 24 hours, the refrigerator hardly affects the battery level, making it the ideal camping companion.
Tesla mattress
To sleep comfortably in your Tesla, you'll need a sleeping surface. While some frugal individuals might get by with simple sleeping mats, for many a proper mattress is essential.
You have plenty of options: whether you simply throw an old mattress onto the folded-down rear seat or buy a custom-made memory mattress, the selection is very large, especially for Model 3 and Model Y.
Please note that the mattress folds up easily, and taking one with you will significantly reduce your luggage storage space.
The Tesla Model Y Mattress Teslabs offers you not only comfortable memory foam but also the option of simply rolling them up and storing them perfectly in the subtrunk:
A suitable tent
Sleeping in the Tesla is only an option if you're traveling with two to a maximum Three people are traveling. For a larger group, you'll need a tent. Besides the classic standalone tent, there are also tents specifically designed for Tesla vehicles that attach to the car, thus expanding the interior space.
So someone can still be in Sleep in the car while the rest of the group relaxes in the tent – yet everyone is still in the same space. This is because Tesla's Camping Mode, with its temperature and humidity control, also works inside the tent, ensuring everyone can sleep comfortably.
However, make sure you close the tent securely to avoid putting too much strain on the air conditioning and to use as little energy as possible.
Tesla roof tent
A popular and widespread type of tent, where, unlike the tent mentioned above, no one has to sleep on the ground, is the rooftop tent. Conveniently mounted on the roof rack, the tent can be taken along without taking up valuable storage space inside.
Sleeping is then safely sheltered from small and large animals on the roof of the car. This is of course also possible with a Tesla; various offers and user reviews can be found online.
Tesla Camping: Conclusion
Even though it might not seem that way at first glance, a Tesla is the ideal camping vehicle. A silent drive system with a huge, always-available battery, generous interior space, a camping mode that makes sleeping more comfortable than in any other car, endless entertainment options, and a wide range of custom accessories – all this speaks in favor of taking your next camping trip with a Tesla.
The Tesla Model Y, in particular, stands out as the king of camping: it offers plenty of space, the highest possible payload, numerous power outlets, and the widest range of accessories. 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, proper charging at the campsite, or the limits for luggage and passenger weight.
But all that fades into insignificance when you're lying in the Tesla at night, gazing at the stars through the enormous panoramic roof, while a campfire crackles across the display in the background and pleasantly warm air flows from the air conditioning. What a thought! It makes us want to drop everything and go camping.You too?
Have you ever taken your Tesla on a camping trip? 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 to you the interesting YouTube videos from General Möwe to his heart.
Source of featured image: General Seagull
