After spending many nights at campsites across the country trying out different configurations, I’ve found my preferred Tesla Model Y camping accessories. From cozy bedding to campsite essentials and useful charging adapters, I’ve compiled quite the list.
On top of my favorite Tesla Model Y camping accessories, I will break down my efficient way of packing it all in for a memorable experience under the open sky.
So, whether you’re a seasoned car camper or new to this type of EV adventure, this guide is your key to an upgraded camping trip. Join me as I share practical tips on turning your Tesla into the ultimate glamping spot.
Why is Tesla Model Y Camping Great?
Before discussing my favorite Tesla Model Y camping accessories, let’s discuss why car camping in a Tesla is so great.
Tesla Model Y Camping Mode Explained
Tesla Model Y Camp Mode is a revolutionary feature that significantly enhances the car camping experience, creating a glamping atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional ICE vehicles. The main features of the Tesla Model Y camping mode are;
- Climate Control: Camp Mode maintains air conditioning and heating to create a comfortable sleeping environment within your Tesla.
- Power Management: Ensures essential functions are engaged without significant battery drain, allowing for extended use.
- Energy Efficiency: Balances climate control to minimize impact on the battery while sustaining a pleasant interior environment.
One of its standout aspects is its ability to maintain optimal airflow and temperature within the vehicle, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment regardless of external conditions. This, combined with the power to control interior lighting, allows campers to tailor the ambiance to their liking, creating a personalized and cozy setting that conventional ICE vehicles simply cannot provide.
Additionally, the ability to play music or stream services and power devices adds convenience, turning the Tesla Model Y into a versatile hub for entertainment and connectivity throughout the night. Tesla’s Camp Mode seamlessly blends technological innovation with outdoor adventure, making car camping a truly luxurious and enjoyable experience, so much so that some owners have even chosen to live out of their Tesla Model Y!
Tesla Camp Mode Considerations
Using Tesla Camp Mode does come with a couple of things to consider.
Sentry Mode
It’s important to note that while Tesla Model Y camping mode is engaged, both Sentry Mode and the vehicle alarm system are deactivated, along with auto lock functionality (eliminating the need for constant locking and unlocking when entering and exiting).
That said, thanks to the Tesla App, you can conveniently lock the car from your phone before dozing off. You can also use the app to open the truck, adjust lights and media, and adjust the temperature.
Tesla Camp Mode Battery Usage
When engaging Tesla Model Y Camping Mode, I typically observe a moderate 8-10% battery usage over the course of an overnight stay (approximately 8 hours). It’s important to note that these figures may vary depending on external conditions, yet considering all factors, the efficiency of the system remains noteworthy. The ability to offset this power consumption is particularly advantageous by charging the vehicle at the campsite.
Beyond the practical time efficiency, charging during camping is not only advisable but also a crucial aspect. This is due to the fact that Camp Mode will automatically disable if the battery level dips below 20%. By maintaining a sufficient charge through campsite charging, campers ensure the uninterrupted functioning of Camp Mode, contributing to a more seamless and enjoyable camping experience.
Plenty of Storage Makes it Easy to Pack it All in
If you have car camped before, the struggle is real when it comes to both fitting everything in and rearranging it for when it’s time to setup your bed. Not in the Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y defies the norm with its spacious frunk, trunk, sub-trunk, and handy mini sub-trunk just ahead of the main one. With these versatile storage spaces, including footwells behind the front seats and door pockets, I can effortlessly accommodate everything from camping essentials to golf clubs and even a bike, all while keeping the front seats uncluttered. This unique setup even allows me to leave the bed in place while driving, should I choose.
That Panoramic Glass Roof
The panoramic glass roof underscores the practicality of the Tesla Model Y as the perfect camping vehicle. Beyond its visual appeal, this feature serves a tangible purpose in enhancing the camping experience. During the day, the expansive glass roof allows natural light to fill the interior, creating a bright and open atmosphere within the vehicle. This contributes to overall comfort and fosters a sense of connection with the outdoor surroundings.
As night falls, the panoramic glass roof transforms into an observatory, offering campers an unobstructed view of the night sky. It’s a functional and enjoyable aspect that enables occupants to stargaze from the comfort of the Tesla Model Y. The simplicity and practicality of the panoramic glass roof make it a standout feature, elevating every camping excursion in the Tesla Model Y to a more enjoyable and memorable level.
My Favorite Tesla Model Y Camping Accessories
With the Model Y established as the ultimate glamping experience, let’s look at the add-ons and accessories that have personally made my Tesla camping experience better.
1) Tesla Model Y Mattress and Bedding
First up on this list of Tesla Model Y camping accessories is, undoubtedly, the most important purchase: a Tesla Model Y mattress. Why go through all the effort of booking a campsite and packing the car only to have an uncomfortable sleep?
After testing out several different Tesla Model Y mattresses, I settled on Tesmat for my Tesla Model Y camping setup. Although it wasn’t the most comfortable mattress from my tests, it came in first for its compact size and storage case that perfectly fits in the frunk or under trunk.
I do supplement the thin mattress size of the Tesmat with this memory foam topper. This makes it much more comfortable and also packs away nicely. That said, I see that Tesmat has an upgraded version that is thicker so may not be a requirement anymore.
For those curious, I will be doing a separate post on all the other Tesla Model Y mattress options I tried so stay tuned. Until then, Tescamp, and Tesbeauty were solid runner-ups.
Tesla Model Y Bedding
As for bedding, my Tesmat came with sheets and pillowcases (you can purchase here for $39), which are great. I initially just used a sleeping bag but found I slid around too much, so before my 3-month road trip, I picked up a Therm-a-Rest Stellar Outdoor camping blanket and I absolutely love it. It is super cozy and packs into its own pouch for easy packing. It can also double as a beach or picnic blanket in a pinch.
Last, I have an inflatable camp pillow that does the job nicely.
2) Privacy Currents and SunShade
Now, we’ve talked about the panoramic glass roof and its stargazing perks, but what about moments when you need a bit of privacy? Enter these Tesla Model Y privacy curtains.
Setting them up is a breeze, providing a quick and effective way to ensure privacy and block out the early morning sun. It’s a practical addition for campers who prefer to catch a few extra Zs while keeping the inside of their Tesla Model Y cozy and secluded.
Personally, I have only used the privacy currents a of couple of times. I typically pick campsites that are private so don’t worry about putting them up. That said, they are a nice to have.
This past summer I also added a sun shade from Tesmanian to help reduce cabin temperature and left it up most nights while camping so dual purpose.
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3) Tesla Model Y Tent
If you are looking for extra space and want to elevate your, adding a Tesla Model Y tent can do just that.
I have a tent from Tesloid that adds a covered seating area, perfect for a seat in the shade, a kitchen, or a comfortable and private place to change.
Note that this tent requires two people to set up, or at least to make it easy. Since I was traveling solo, I only attempted to set up the tent once and failed. I hope to have a dedicated review next summer when I have a camping companion along with me to help.
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4) Tesla Model Y Camp Mode Charging Adapters
Now that you have where you are sleeping sorted let’s ensure you have what you need to keep Tesla Camp Mode going and charge your car while you sleep.
These are all a part of my recommended kit of charging adapters and cables. For my full list check out this blog post.
Tesla Mobile Charger
This may seem obvious but, since Tesla no longer includes it with purchase, you need to ensure you have a Mobile Charger with you. It allows you to swap out adapters for a varrity of plugs.
Tesla 5-15 Adaptor
For Tesla vehicles in North America, the Mobile Connector is equipped with a Nema 5-15 adaptor, designed to work with standard wall outlets.
While not exceptionally fast, this minimum charging capability serves to counterbalance the power consumption associated with Tesla Model Y Camping Mode, ensuring a practical solution for maintaining sufficient charge during camping excursions.
Tesla 14-50 Adapter
NEMA 14-50 outlets are common at RV and powered campground sites. Plugging in here will get you fully charged overnight, even with Camp Mode turned on.
Depending on your location, the Tesla Mobile Connector may come with a NEMA 14-50 adapter. In case it doesn’t, acquiring one is advisable. As of the time of this post, you can purchase a NEMA 14-50 Tesla adapter at a discounted price of $49.99.
Tesla TT-30 Adapter
The NEMA TT-30, or Travel Trailer 30, is a specific 30-amp, 120-volt electrical outlet commonly used in recreational vehicles (RVs) and campgrounds across North America.
The TT-30 Tesla 30 amp adapter is a crucial accessory for Tesla enthusiasts embarking on camping adventures. While the charging speed may be slower than higher-voltage options, the adapter ensures Tesla owners can conveniently charge their vehicles when only standard electrical outlets are available, enhancing the flexibility of Tesla’s charging capabilities.
Having a TT-30 Tesla 30 amp adapter has been instrumental during my cross-country road trips. Booking campsites with 30 amp service allows me to seamlessly integrate Tesla camping into my travels, combining outdoor experiences with the convenience of EV charging at various locations.
Alternatively, instead of carrying both a Tesla 14-50 and TT-30 adapter, you can opt for a 14-50 to TT-30 connector. Personally, I find it convenient to have the adapter for the Mobile Connector, eliminating the need to adjust amperage settings.
Extension Cords
Campsite plugs aren’t always in the most convenient locations for those who are car camping. As such, it’s best to carry extension cords with you.
I carry a 50ft Nema 5-15 and a 50ft Nema TT-30 extension cord with me. I like to position my car (and bed) away from the fire pit, steering clear of the smoke that often accompanies it. Having a long cable gives this flexibility.
4) Camping Essentials
Tesla Model Y camping accessories aside, here are my packable camping essentials.
- Igloo Thermoelectric Plug-in cooler
- Igloo soft-sided cooler (dry goods)
- Coleman Butane Camp Stove
- Camp cookware set
- 4-piece packable plate, bowl, and utensil set
- A lighter and waterproof matches
- Can opener and Swiss Army knife
- Helinox camp chair
- USB chargeable headlamp
- Tarp
- Tesmainia trunk matt (used as floor matt at my “tents” door)
Packing It All In
As you can see, I tend to bring quite a lot with me when I camp, so you might be curious about where it all goes. As previously noted, the Tesla Model Y boasts an abundance of storage compartments, and I make sure to utilize every inch of it.
Even though I traveled solo this past summer, I had a set of golf clubs and a bicycle with me INSIDE the car. This required careful consideration in my packing strategy to ensure that I could fit everything in seamlessly, avoiding the hassle of constantly rearranging items to access what I needed.
Frunk
In the frunk, I typically keep my personal bag, dirty laundry bag, extension cords, and privacy shades. When I arrive at a campsite, I move my bag to the front seat so I can put firewood in the frunk. This is the perfect spot for it as it contains any debris from the wood and is much easier to clean up there than in the back.
Front Seats
Since I was traveling solo, I had the benefit of leaving my cooler plugged in on the floor of the front seat. This made it accessible while driving. In the door pockets, I keep water bottles and microfiber towels.
Back Seats
I keep my soft-sided cooler for dry goods on the back seat floor. This is within reach for snacking while on the go. I also keep my memory foam topper here.
In the back seat pockets, I keep my books for bedtime reading, my headlamp for when I get in and out at night, and my bike gloves and bike repair kit.
On the hooks, I have my jackets and hoodies. This also helps add a bit of privacy for when I don’t put the curtains up.
Trunk
I keep the back seats folded so I can fit my golf clubs and bike inside. Under the trunk floor, I keep my Tesla camping tent. It’s not a perfect fit, but the floor panels cover it well.
In the deeper trunk storage, I keep my bedding (Tesmat, camp pillow, blanket), a puffer jacket, and an extra blanket. A tarp is on top of everything.
I keep all my camp supplies (stove, pots/pans, dishes/cutlery, emergency supplies) and CHAdeMO adapter in the shallower trunk storage.
In the two deep side pockets, I have my tire repair kit, Mobile Connector, CCS adapter, a jug of water, and, depending on the day, a case of Bubbly or beer.
Note that this is based on my solo travel. If you are traveling with two or more passengers, I suggest picking up a Thule Pulse roof rack storage. Alternatively, Tesloid offers a roof rack storage solution customized for the Tesla Model Y that looks promising.
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My Tesla Model Y Camping Setup
While traveling across Prince Edward Island, I documented how I set up my Tesla Model Y campsite.
When I arrive at my site, I pop the trunk and set aside my bike and golf clubs so I can access the sub-trunk. I then remove and run the appropriate extension cord and connect the car accordingly.
Next, I remove my Tesmainia trunk linner and placed it under the back seat door I will enter and exit from. This is a makeshift floor mat and a place to store my (sometimes) smelling shoes outside the car. I then use the tarp to cover my bike and gold clubs. This helps to keep the weather off as well as keeping them hidden.
I then remove all my camping supplies and set up my bed. Depending on the location, I will set up the privacy shades. On this night, I had plenty of room between my neighbors, so I didn’t bother.
Once my bed is setup I focus my attention on the fire, getting one going while cracking a beer. Next comes my camp chair and kitchen then dinner! On this night, I made a beautiful beef tenderloin using a homemade spice rub I packed with me.
Tesla Model Y Camping Comfortably
There you have it, my complete guide to ensuring a fantastic night out in your Tesla Model Y. We’ve covered everything, from selecting the perfect Tesla Model Y camping accessories to making your camping experience hassle-free and enjoyable. Whether it’s cozy bedding, essential gear, or handy charger adapters, these insights aim to elevate your Tesla camping adventure.
Remember, the key is in the details – the right accessories can turn your Tesla into the ultimate camping companion. So, gear up, pack smart, and hit the road with confidence, knowing that your Tesla Model Y is not just a vehicle but a versatile base for unforgettable outdoor experiences. Happy camping!
What are your favorite Tesla camping tips or accessories? Did I miss any on this list? If so, let me know in the comments below, and I will try it out next!
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