Even before I picked up the Tesla Model Y, I knew I wanted to go camping in it one day. I watched almost every Tesla camping video on YouTube and was fascinated by the idea of spending the night in an electric car. As I regularly go camping on my own with my two daughters, it was a perfect opportunity for me to put the camping capabilities of the Tesla to the test. Especially now in early fall, when it is already getting a bit chilly at night in Rostock, the Tesla Camp Mode with its constant temperature control offers a decisive advantage.
The biggest challenge was finding a suitable pitch. Normal campsites were out of the question for me, as I wanted a quieter and more natural environment for this trip. But with my young daughter on board, I also didn't want to take any risks and had to make sure that we could camp undisturbed and safely.
Overall, the Tesla convinced me: it offers enough space for two people and is ideal for a relaxed weekend trip. Of course, it doesn't replace a fully-fledged camper, but it gives you enormous flexibility and allows you to spontaneously go wherever nature takes you. Without any local emissions.
A particular highlight of this tour was the night hike on the Baltic Sea coast with my daughter - a moment I won't soon forget.
Why is the Tesla Model Y an interesting camping option?
The Tesla Model Y offers several practical functions that make camping in the car comfortable and uncomplicated.
The biggest advantage is the camping mode. It's like a parking heater, only without the engine, exhaust fumes and combustion noise. The car simply keeps the temperature you set permanently. It stays pleasantly warm at night and remains constantly cool after sunrise. Every camper is probably familiar with the search for the perfect spot, where you try to take into account the course of the sun in the morning hours so that you don't wake up at 8 o'clock with an interior temperature of 40°. This worry is taken away with the Tesla. This means that even when it gets cold or hot outside, the temperature inside remains pleasant. This is a real plus point for anyone who wants to camp in the fall or in changeable weather.
As far as sleeping space is concerned, the interior is sufficient for two people. For more comfort, I simply laid out two sleeping mats and put a large sheet over them to keep the mats together. This makes the sleeping area feel almost like a real bed, and the simple setup saves time. The pillows and blankets from home are completely sufficient to make it really cozy.
In addition, the Tesla Model Y has some clever storage solutions that are often missing in conventional cars. Despite the rear seat being folded down, the subtrunk (an additional storage space under the trunk) and the frunk (front trunk) remain as additional storage compartments. This makes it easy to store food, camping equipment or additional clothing without having to store everything in the sleeping area. Everything you need at night fits on the seats or in the footwell and anything bulkier disappears into the additional luggage compartments.
In the end, the Tesla Model Y is above all a supplement to classic campervans. It offers a practical solution for those who also want to use their vehicle in everyday life and still want to enjoy the outdoors occasionally. Of course, it is not the ultimate solution for long camping trips or large families. This is where classic campervans with more space and integrated equipment can still play to their strengths.
BOXIO - WASH PLUS | Mobile washbasin with camping shower
Must-have camping equipment for the Tesla Model Y
When camping in the Tesla Model Y, the right equipment is crucial to make the most of the limited space and maximize comfort. Some products have proven indispensable on my trips, both for organization and day-to-day comfort. Here are the must-haves that I would recommend to any Tesla camper:
1. blackout blinds for the windows
A must for restful nights in the car is a good blackout for the windows. It ensures that you can sleep undisturbed, prevents prying eyes from outside and keeps the interior pleasantly cool. I currently use a simple set from Amazon, which is attached to the side windows from the outside. It serves its purpose, but has the disadvantage that you can immediately see from the outside that the windows are covered. When I buy a new set, I will make sure that it is attached on the inside so that it remains inconspicuous. For anyone who often spends the night on public pitches, this makes a small but significant difference.
2. extension for the backrest
An extension for the backrest is particularly useful if you are a little taller. This simple construction is stretched over the front seats and closes the gap between the rear bench and the driver's seats, which would otherwise remain unused. At 1.85 m tall, this extension is essential for me to be able to sleep really stretched out. Another advantage is that it offers additional storage space for smaller items such as books, water bottles or a flashlight that you want to reach quickly at night.
3 BOXIO TOILET - The mobile separating toilet
4. BOXIO WASH - Mobile washbasin and shower for Tesla Frunk
5. good organization and space-saving storage solutions
With the extra storage space in the frunk and sub-trunk, there are many ways to store equipment efficiently in the Tesla Model Y. I try to use the subtrunk mainly for larger items such as the BOXIO TOILET, the extension of the mattress, while the frunk is used for everything I need more often during the day: snacks, rainwear or small helpers such as a headlamp.
With this equipment, the Tesla Model Y is well prepared for spontaneous trips and remains flexible. Even though the Model Y is of course not as big as a classic camper, even longer trips can be organized in a relaxed manner. The Boxio products are an enormous help here, as they not only fit perfectly in the vehicle, but also enable camping without external infrastructure.
BOXIO - SANITARY | Complete set with urine-diverting toilet, mobile washbasin and accessories
Hygiene on a camping trip - staying clean, even on the road
One of the biggest challenges when camping is keeping yourself and your surroundings clean - especially when you have to make do with little space and no running water. However, with the right equipment, you can make everyday life a lot easier. Here is my personal checklist for staying fresh even on a multi-day camping trip:
1. BOXIO WASH - Compact washbasin with shower function
The BOXIO WASH is the centerpiece for me when it comes to hygiene when camping. Originally designed as a mobile washbasin, it can easily be converted into a camping shower by combining it with a shower hose. Thanks to the 5-liter tank and a flow rate of 1 liter per minute, the BOXIO WASH allows you to shower for up to 5 minutes - enough for a quick outdoor shower. The trick: Simply place the BOXIO WASH on the car roof and pump once. From then on, gravity ensures that the water flows continuously. This not only quickly washes away the dirt from the day, but also keeps the car clean when it gets dirty. For me, this is the perfect solution to ensure freshness and comfort even far away from sanitary facilities.
2. wet wipes and disinfectant
I always use wet wipes for quick cleaning in between. They are handy, easy to store and ideal for everyday personal hygiene when there is no running water available. I also always have a small disinfectant on board so that I can quickly disinfect my hands if necessary, especially after outdoor activities.
3. the mobile BOXIO TOILET - flexibility without compromise
The biggest challenge when camping is often the toilet. Nothing is more annoying than having to search for a public toilet at night. With the BOXIO TOILET I am completely flexible. It fits perfectly in the Subtrunk or Frunk and gives me the freedom to camp self-sufficiently anywhere. Thanks to the separation system, it minimizes unpleasant odours and is easy to empty. This is particularly practical in remote areas where you don't want to worry about the nearest public toilet.
4. waste management - tidiness and sustainability
Especially on longer trips, it is important to always dispose of waste directly and keep the car clean. Small bin bags can be easily stowed in the side pockets, and I have a small box in the sub-trunk in which I put everything that is not disposed of immediately. This keeps the car tidy and I don't get into chaos even on trips lasting several days.
5. simple care routines for a clear head
With a few small routines, personal hygiene can be easily maintained even in the smallest of spaces. I use the BOXIO WASH not only to wash my hands, but also to brush my teeth and for a little face wash in the morning. This gives me a feeling of freshness and starts the day in a pleasant way. To keep the car clean, I always have a few microfiber cloths to hand, which I can use to quickly wipe the dashboard or cockpit. A tidy and clean car is incredibly relaxing, especially if you spend several days in it.
6. a well-stocked hygiene bag
I keep all the little things I need for daily grooming, such as a toothbrush, soap and towel, in a compact bag that is within easy reach at night. That way I don't have to search for long and have everything I need quickly to hand. For me, this is one of the easiest ways to keep things tidy and organized.
With these simple tools, hygiene can also be well organized on the go. Even if space is limited, with the right equipment and a little planning you have everything you need for a pleasant camping experience.
Energy consumption and optimization in camp mode
Energy consumption in camp mode is a decisive factor when it comes to how long you can camp self-sufficiently. Camp Mode ensures that the temperature and ventilation in the Tesla Model Y are kept constant so that you can sleep comfortably overnight. On average, consumption is around 1% per hour, even in colder outside temperatures. This means that you only lose about 8-10% battery capacity during a full night (approx. 8-10 hours). But how can you reduce consumption even further?
1. set the temperature slightly lower
A large part of the energy consumption in camp mode is due to air conditioning. If circumstances permit, it helps to set the temperature inside the vehicle slightly lower - for example to 18°C instead of 20°C. Especially in combination with a warm blanket or sleeping bag, you can save a lot of energy without sacrificing comfort.
2. set the ventilation to the lowest level
Another point is ventilation. Camp Mode often leaves the ventilation running at a higher level than necessary. I have found that it is completely sufficient to set the fan speed to the lowest level. This not only reduces energy consumption, but also produces less annoying noise. This is a real plus point, especially for sensitive sleepers, because loud fan noises can disturb their sleep.
3. minimize unnecessary consumers
Unfortunately, the display in the Tesla cannot be switched off completely, which is a real nuisance. It remains slightly illuminated throughout the night and can be annoying for people who are very sensitive to light. However, there are blackout solutions available that cover the display. Alternatively, you can try covering the light with a jacket or blanket. So far, however, this hasn't been a major problem for me and I hope that Tesla will solve this small shortcoming with a software update at some point.
With these tips, you can further optimize energy consumption in Camp Mode and survive longer nights without any problems. Effective use of the air conditioning and ventilation makes the biggest difference here. I always try to reach the sleeping area with about 40% battery remaining to have enough buffer - even if it gets colder or I want to stay longer.
The best parking spaces for your Tesla road trip in Germany
For anyone who wants to camp in Germany with a Tesla, there are many great opportunities to enjoy the freedom of camping without sacrificing comfort. One of the biggest advantages of a compact vehicle like the Model Y is the flexibility of being able to camp in places that are difficult for traditional campers to reach. Here are my recommendations for the best pitches and tips on how to find the best electric car campsites for a relaxing night.
1. find parking spaces via Park4Night
My first port of call is always the app Park4Night. This platform has been specially developed for finding alternative parking spaces and offers a huge selection of locations: from secluded parking bays in the countryside to urban parking spaces near places of interest. The advantage is that many of these sites have been rated by other campers, so you can immediately get a feel for whether the site is quiet and safe. As a Tesla driver in particular, Park4Night helps you to find pitches with charging facilities or close to Superchargers. This makes planning much easier and you don't have to constantly worry about the battery level.
2. public parking spaces - discreet and uncomplicated
The Tesla Model Y is a vehicle that is perfect for discreet overnight parking. Especially in cities or along popular hiking trails, public parking lots are ideal. With an e-license plate, you can often even park for free, which is a big plus, especially for longer stays. However, it is important to note that nothing may be set up outside the car in public parking lots in Germany. This means: no table, no camping chairs and no barbecue. So you really have to do everything in the car and also use the vehicle for eating and relaxing.
3. pitches close to nature for a quiet night
If you like it quiet and close to nature, it's worth taking a look at more remote pitches in forests or by lakes, which can also be found via Park4Night. Here it is important to pay attention to the local rules, as not every pitch is officially designated as an overnight pitch. Another advantage of Tesla Camp Mode is that it is completely silent from the outside. This means that no one notices that you are sleeping in the vehicle and you can spend the night discreetly without attracting attention.
4. parking spaces at places of interest
If you like waking up to a special view in the morning, it's worth considering parking at landmarks. Imagine opening the tailgate and looking directly at a castle, a lake or a mountain range. Such places are often still quiet in the early hours of the morning and offer the opportunity to be in the front row before the rush of visitors. Here too, Park4Night helps you to find suitable places that are also tolerated for one night.
Conclusion: use the flexibility and enjoy the freedom
The Tesla Model Y offers many opportunities to camp flexibly even without a fixed infrastructure. With the right preparation and the right camping tips, a night in the car can be just as comfortable and eventful as in a classic camper. Above all, the ability to park discreetly and quietly in public parking lots makes the Tesla an interesting alternative that you should definitely try out.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common questions I often hear from other Tesla drivers or first-time campers when it comes to staying overnight in the Model Y. I'll try to explain the most important points briefly and practically so that you are well prepared for your next trip.
1. how exactly does camp mode work?
Camp Mode is a special function in the Tesla that was developed to operate the air conditioning, ventilation and some comfort functions even when the vehicle is stationary. You can find Camp Mode in the vehicle settings under "Climate". Once activated, the set temperature remains constant and the ventilation runs continuously. You can use the entertainment system, listen to music or switch on the seat heating without unnecessarily draining the battery. However, Camp Mode only works up to a battery level of 20%. You should therefore make sure that you arrive at your sleeping place with enough charge.
2 How much does the Tesla consume in Camp Mode?
Camp mode is surprisingly energy efficient. In my own experience, it consumes about 0.6-1% of the battery capacity per houreven at colder outside temperatures. In tests, I have seen that this consumption is not exceeded even in extreme conditions such as -10°C. On mild nights, such as 8°C, consumption tends to be at the lower end of this range. This means that you can expect around 8-10% battery consumption over a whole night. The heat pump in the Tesla Model Y does a really good job here and ensures that the energy consumption remains as low as possible.
3. which mattress fits perfectly in the Tesla Model Y?
Sleeping comfort is of course a crucial question. Theoretically, many mattresses designed for car camping fit in the Tesla Model Y. I personally use a combination of two sleeping mats and a large sheet. This is enough to fill the entire trunk and create a relatively comfortable sleeping surface. Another option is a custom-made Tesla mattress, which is precisely tailored to the interior dimensions of the vehicle. Make sure that the mattress is easily foldable so that it does not take up too much space in everyday life.
4. what is the best way to charge the Tesla when camping?
There are various charging options when you are on the road. The Mobile Connectorwhich is supplied with the Tesla, offers an easy way to charge at standard household sockets with up to 2 kW. This is enough to compensate for the energy consumption of Camp Mode and slowly replenish the battery. If you are on a campsite with a CEE socket, you can increase the charging current to up to 11 kW and fully recharge overnight. But you need the right adapter. If you only use public parking spaces, it is advisable to use the Supercharger beforehand and arrive at the campsite with at least 40% battery power to have enough buffer.
5. what do you have to consider when camping with children?
Being on the road with children makes camping in a car a little more challenging, but also particularly enjoyable. It is important to create a comfortable sleeping environment and provide familiar things that make the children feel "at home". Pack their favorite toys, books or their usual blankets so that they settle in quickly. You should also make sure you have a well-planned evening routine so that they can relax at the end of the day. And most importantly, have enough snacks and small meals ready, as it's not always easy to find something suitable at short notice, especially when camping in remote areas.
The best Tesla camping YouTube channels
As I mentioned at the beginning, I stumbled across various YouTube channels that report on camping with a Tesla. I can heartily recommend the following channels:
- Bryan Hauer (EN): @bryanhauer
- General Möwe (DE): @GeneralMoewe
- Thousand Lanes (DE): @thousandlanes
- Pepe Jones (DE): @PepeJones
- Smart2Drive (DE): @Smart2Drive
- DAVE (DE): @Dave
- Tesla Camping Canada (EN): @Tesla Camping Canada
Conclusion
The Tesla Model Y offers an exciting alternative for anyone who wants to camp flexibly and comfortably without having to rely on a classic camper. With features such as Camp Mode, plenty of storage space and efficient energy consumption, you can spend the night in your vehicle even in colder temperatures and stay spontaneous at the same time. Of course, the Model Y also has its limits, especially in terms of space and equipment. But it is precisely this mixture of everyday car and camper that makes it so interesting for short excursions or road trips with flexible overnight accommodation options.
Anyone embarking on the Tesla camping adventure should be willing to experiment a little and find out which equipment and settings best suit their needs. Especially the combination with clever camping solutions such as the BOXIO TOILET or the BOXIO WASH can make all the difference here and significantly increase comfort.
Now it's your turn: Have you had any experience camping with the Tesla Model Y yourself? Or are there any special tips you would like to share? Then I look forward to your ideas and experience reports in the comments!
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