How-to-set-up

EV Camping Made Easy: Tips from Real Tesla Travelers

The idea of camping in your electric vehicle used to feel like a stretch. Now? It’s a movement.

More and more drivers are ditching hotels and tents in favor of their EV camper setups. Why? Quiet overnight stays. No engine hum. Warm air and cool tech. It’s the best parts of road travel—and Tesla’s Camp Mode makes it even easier.

But before you start charging up for your next adventure, here’s a guide based on real-world experiences, plus how the right sleep system—like the Havnby Tesla Bed—can turn your EV into a restful sanctuary.

Tesla Model Y EV camping interior with mattress and cooler setup

Why EV Car Camping Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Car camping in an EV like the Tesla Model Y or Model 3 has major upsides:

No engine idling noise while you sleep
Auto temperature control in Camp Mode (available in Tesla)
Flat cabin space for a mattress or sleeping gear
Lower costs (no hotels, and less spent on fuel)
Clean energy feel—many enjoy the eco-conscious lifestyle

But there are caveats too:

Cold weather drains battery faster
You’ll need to manage power if using accessories
Not all EVs have a usable Camp Mode or large sleep area

This is where Tesla shines—and where good prep makes all the difference.

The Bed: It Changes Everything

Sleeping on folded-down seats? Not fun. Stacking duvets? Always sliding. Real Tesla campers almost universally agree: a form-fitted mattress is essential.

The Havnby Mattress for Tesla Model Y is designed exactly for this purpose:

Flat, level 0° sleeping surface (no incline)
4.5” adaptive foam with air support (no bounce, no sag)
Rolls up and fits in frunk or sub-trunk
Pet-safe, kid-safe TPU materials
Sets up in under 1 minute

It’s like bringing a hotel bed on the road—without the hotel bill.

💬 “My back didn’t hurt for the first time camping. It felt like sleeping at home.” — Tesla camper from Reddit

How to Keep Food Cool & Power Flowing

You don’t need a full EV camper van build to stay comfortable. Just smart choices.

12V Fridge or electric cooler stores food for 2–3 days
Use the frunk as a cold box when traveling through colder regions
Portable power stations like Jackery or EcoFlow run lights or cooking tools
Avoid energy-hungry heaters—Camp Mode regulates temperature just fine

Bonus: use a power splitter to charge devices + keep a small LED lantern nearby for reading or setup.

Comfortable sleep setup with Havnby foam bed inside Tesla Model Y

Packing & Storage Tips from Tesla Owners

When your car is your home, every cubic inch matters. Here’s how to make it work:

Pack soft duffel bags instead of rigid boxes—they shape to fit
Store night-use items (toiletries, water, snacks) near the front
Stash rarely used gear (shoes, extra clothes) under the Havnby mattress
A small folding table + single burner stove = portable kitchen
Use Havnby’s window shades to keep light out & privacy in (yes, you need these)

Camp Mode vs Vent Mode — Which Is Better?

Real users share mixed advice on this. Here’s the breakdown:

Mode	What It Does	When to Use
Camp Mode	Maintains temp, keeps systems active, preserves lights, USB, etc.	Cold nights or high humidity
Vent Mode	Pulls in outside air, no active temp control	Mild climates, saves more battery

Tip: Always crack a window slightly or use vent mode if you’re sensitive to CO₂ levels inside a sealed vehicle.

EV Camping Isn’t Just About the Car

It’s about freedom. Wake up by a mountain lake. Sleep steps away from a trailhead. Make coffee without leaving your bed. That’s the soul of EV camping—and your car makes it possible.

Just add good gear and real rest.