Camping in a Tesla Model Y is a great way to travel. It’s far from a five-star hotel, but it’s a big step up from camping in a tent. For example, you can control the temperature and leave it running all night. It’s a little box of armor that can protect you from the elements.
Tesla has engineered many great safety features into its cars. However, there are downsides to camping in a Tesla as well. Whether you’re looking to do just a few nights or live out of a Tesla, there are many things to consider…
Camping in a Tesla Model Y: National Parks to Wal-Mart Parking Lots
After buying a new Model Y and living in it for six months, I’ve learned the good, the bad and the ugly. I’ve driven more than 20,000 miles (32,187 km) and parked in some weird places for the night.
With free camping as my goal, I’d often post up near forest service roads. But I’ve spent my fair share of nights in National Parks, Wal-Mart parking lots, and rest areas as well.
Here’s a video recap of my Tesla Model Y camping near Mt. Rushmore…
That night, it got down to -15 F degrees (-26 C) but thanks to climate controls, I stayed warm throughout the night. I used more power than I expected, but given the extreme weather, I shouldn’t have been surprised. I kept it running for more than 12 hours.
On the other end of extremes, I’ve driven my Tesla through the desert when it’s been above 110 F degrees (43 C). These are both examples that tie into my first question…
Is it Safe to Camp in a Tesla?
One of the main reasons I bought a Tesla is that it’s electric. It’s a huge battery pack on wheels. I can tap into the power anytime to charge my devices. But the main advantage with Tesla camping is being able to keep it on.
You can’t sleep in gas cars when they’re running. The toxic fumes are dangerous. But with a Tesla, I can keep it running all night with camp mode.
Tesla camp mode is a good backup, but with good sleeping gear, it’s not necessary. If anything, I’d start warming up the car before getting out of my sleeping bag in the morning. It’s easy to control a Tesla with the Tesla phone app.
It’s safe to sleep in a Tesla even with the windows up all night. I’m living proof of that. And I had researched it plenty before starting my adventure.
A Tesla protects you from the elements. But there’s more to consider with Tesla Model Y camping. Here’s another video where I share some Tesla safety tips.
Camping in a Tesla Model Y: Over 6 Feet Tall
I’m 6’3’’ and there’s plenty of room for me to lay out flat in my Model Y. It’s easy to move the back seats down and as I’ve traveled around the U.S., I’ve left them that way most of the time.
They don’t go down perfectly flat, but they’re close. And with a good sleeping pad and bag, it’s hard to notice. That’s one key to Tesla Model Y camping. Get yourself a good camping pad and blankets. I started these adventures with blankets only but when I got the blowup sleeping pad, it was a big improvement. And as I changed elevation, I’d adjust the pressure.
Also, when you park your Tesla for the night, be wary of how you park. Forest service roads were almost always uneven. So, I’d try to level out the car or have the front tires slightly higher. I’d keep my head just behind the front passenger seat.
My Tesla Model Y doesn’t have high driving clearance. On rough roads, I’d get out of my car and walk down a ways to make sure the car could make it. Only a few times did I have to turn around and find a different route or place to sleep for the night.
Was Buying a Tesla a Good Idea?
Overall, I’m happy with buying a Tesla Model Y. I wouldn’t have picked it up if I wasn’t living out of it but given my goal to travel, it was a good move. Camping in a Tesla Model Y helped me keep my expenses low while not working.
A gas car would have gotten me around faster, but I wasn’t in a rush. It gave me extra time to stretch my legs and explore. A rough estimate is that for every 10 hours driving, it took an extra hour with charging compared to filling up with gas. However, there are plenty of chargers and the cost was much lower. And I’d often slow charge for free!
If you’re thinking about Tesla Model Y camping and still have questions, feel free to comment on any of my YouTube videos. And as a favor, I’d appreciate it if you’d subscribe as well. Because that helps me as a small creator.
Here’s how you can Find Free Tesla Chargers. I also put together a chart that shows recent Tesla Model Y Price Drops. You’ll see the full price history since its release.