By Ellen Dibble
We completed a 2500 mile trip camping overnight in our new Tesla in June. It was very successful.This was our first long distance and after the trip we had 3500 miles on our 24 Tesla Y Long Range AWD.
I spent a lot of time planning my charger stops. I wanted to drive at least 2.5 hours without stopping most of the time. I wanted to charge to 90% to keep stops longer but fewer. So I ignored the advice from other drivers to stop for a few minutes when the car recommended it and the charging notice that there was enough charge to go on. We never went below 10% when stopping at a charge stop. I found the car’s estimates as we were traveling pretty accurate and as a rule went 4-5 miles per hour over the speed limit. That made us moderate drivers on I 70. I double checked on Apple Maps for Tesla superchargers and also used the phone app, A Better Route Planner. I found it difficult sometimes to alter the Tesla and ABRP suggestions to fit what I wanted to do. But as I learned ABRP I got better at the details.
The planning worked out pretty well. After each charge which lasted 30 to 40 min I set the navigation for the next one. Stopping for 30 minutes or a little more was a good rest and we often ate during this time. I brought plenty of food. I figured we got about 3.26 miles per KWh charged and we had about 300 lbs of camping gear.
We share driving and I used Auto Pilot most of the way while Dave just used Cruise Control. I found that Auto Pilot really helped in windy Kansas. The car self corrected in the lane and took a lot of the tension out of the drive. Nevertheless I got weary of the Auto Pilot slowdown when I switched lanes. It was uncomfortable to know cruise was turning off and I had to have my foot on the accelerator.
I had a great time camping because I am passionate about camping and camping equipment. I was well-prepared for the trip, having most of the necessary gear. During the journey, we drove all day and stayed overnight at various campgrounds. Initially, I underestimated the power needed and my old 120-volt charger couldn't keep up with the demand, especially with the camp mode running the fridge and air conditioning in the heat. To address this, I stopped using the camp mode and instead manually cooled the fridge using my power system when necessary. This approach worked well the first night, but afterward, we had sufficient charge for the rest of the trip. We had campground electricity except for one night at a rest stop.
Here is the camping gear we brought and the additional weight it contributed. I purchased any new items from Amazon, indicated with a plus sign and their respective costs.
Weight of Packing for Camping Supplies
+window darkening shades and roof shade 5 lbs $75
Rear
+Bourge RV Fridge 30 lbs plus food 20 lbs $150
Extension cord 2 lbs
Folding Table (half of Coleman) 6.5 lbs
Cascade Designs Jumbo Sleeping mat with 1/2” foam under hips 6.5lbs
Light down sleeping bags/sheet 6 lbs
1 wt 12v Crock pot 4.5 lbs
32 oz 120v hot water kettle 1lb
Lexan Dishes 2 lbs
Rechargeable Air Pump 1 lb
120 v portable Charger 7.5 lbs
= 107
Middle
+200 amp lipo Battery 44 lbs
+1500 watt Inverter 10 lbs
+20 amp lipo Charger 1.2 lbs
+120 and 12v Power Outlets 12v 1 lb
Small Coleman Cooler 5 lbs
Plastic box of dry food 15 lbs
Duffle bags of Clothes 40 lbs
Under front seats
Stove 4.5 lbs (butane 1 burner)
+Yeti French press 2 lbs gift!
+Coffee Mugs 2.5 lbs gift!
Mess kit 1.5 lb
=164 lbs
Frunk
+Rear tent $89 plus aluminum poles $40 20 lbs
+Folded Chairs 9.2 lbs $80
Small folded chair 4 lbs
Stool 1 lbs
Water tank not filled and
Collapsible Bucket with bowls. 1 lbs
=42 lbs
Total=315 lbs
Although I purchased a foldable potty and had a box of supplies such as compostable bags, toilet paper, and absorption powder, I ended up not bringing them. We set up camp close to the bathrooms and simply walked there instead.
The most significant cost was the portable power station I put together by hand. I also purchased a big water boiler that I didn't end up using. However, that's a story for another time.
I purchased a budget-friendly SUV hatch tent that has since increased in price, providing additional space for sitting, eating, or standing to get dressed. The tent features three large doors but lacks windows. Its black exterior is complemented by a reflective interior and a cloth floor, as opposed to the heavy and cumbersome plastic floors that are difficult to fold compactly. I invested an additional $40 to replace the lengthy fiberglass poles with aluminum ones, which significantly improved the ease of setting up the tent by allowing the poles to slide through the tent sleeves more effortlessly. During a stormy night at a rest stop, we opted not to set up the tent after deciding against going to the campground.
The Tesla outfitted with a filled middle floor area and cushioned with pillows is comfortable for an overnight. We are not tiny but don’t mind sleeping relatively close. The width is about the same as a double bed except that it narrows at the knees very similar to a backpacking tent.
Tesla measurements.
Curb weight
4416 lbs
GVWR 5712
Acceptable Load 1296 lbs
Frunk 13.8” x 27.6” x 13.8
Lower trunk 13.8 x 23 x13.8
Upper width 31.5 x 18.5
Rear Total length 78.7 “
Rear width narrowest 37”
Widest by doors 51.2”
Height 27.6”
Middle. Behind passenger Seat.
15”x 10” between front seats x 12” If shoved under console.
Rear lower trunk
13.8” x 27.6” x 13.8”
Rear upper trunk
16.9” x 35.8”
There is ample space in the car considering its size. The camp mode feature is excellent, with a 12v outlet in the rear for connecting a refrigerator. Camp mode ensures climate control is maintained and the outlets remain active, allowing for activities like playing music and watching TV on the screen. What else could you ask for? We had a wonderful time attending a friend's 50th anniversary party over the weekend. We spent two days traveling there and another two days returning, enjoying the hospitality of staying with friends during our visit.
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