My vision for Tesla camping is not about buying every accessory available. It is about putting together a practical setup where the car, camper and equipment each have a clear job.
A Little Guy camper provides a dedicated sleeping space and a place to organise the camp kitchen. A suitably fitted Tesla can offer a second sleeping area with a mattress and privacy shades. A compatible vehicle-to-load power setup can supply selected electrical equipment at camp.
I am expecting my own Model Y YL in roughly two to three weeks. Once it arrives, I want to show the actual layout, connections and day-to-day use, rather than promise results before testing them.
How does a Tesla and Little Guy camping setup work?
The idea is simple: tow the camper to a suitable campsite, set up an outdoor living and cooking area, and use the camper and car as separate spaces. Where compatible, V2L supplies external equipment; the Tesla manages its own cabin climate through its vehicle systems.
Start by exploring our Little Guy camper range, then use the camper configurator to plan your preferred model and equipment. Treat the build as an enquiry for a confirmed specification, price and timeline, not an assumption that every pictured accessory is included.
Choose the camper around your sleeping needs and travel style
The range includes Deluxe, Deluxe Plus, Cruiser and Rough Rider. The Deluxe is the compact, double-bed option; the Deluxe Plus offers a wider queen-bed layout. The Cruiser offers a longer floor layout, while the Rough Rider is the off-road-oriented option.
Bed size, usable floor length, suspension and loaded weight matter more than choosing the most expensive model. Compare the current model specifications before deciding.
A camper's off-road specification does not make the towing vehicle suitable for every track. Match the entire combination to the route, conditions and vehicle limitations.
Camper options: build the parts you will actually use
The following equipment is listed on our Little Guy options page. Prices below are indicative add-on prices, subject to confirmation with your build.
KickAss 2000W Single Zone Induction Cooktop: $99.95
The KickAss 2000W induction cooktop offers electric camp cooking with compatible cookware and a suitable supply, with 10 power levels from 200W to 2000W. It is a useful match for a correctly specified V2L setup or powered campsite. Check its input rating before choosing your power equipment, and use it only in an appropriate cooking area.
Custom tri-fold camper mattress: $517 Deluxe or $578 other models
The custom tri-fold mattress is sized for the camper — a double for the Deluxe and a queen for the other models. It is a separate item from the mattress used inside the Tesla. Choose the correct camper version and confirm what bedding is included in your base build.
Two-door or three-door galley cabinet: $759
The two-door galley cabinet helps organise kitchen equipment and is listed for all models. The three-door galley cabinet provides an alternative layout for the larger models and is not listed for the Deluxe. Confirm your chosen cabinet layout rather than treating both as a combined upgrade.
Optional 59L water tank with outlet: $1,259
The 59-litre water tank provides stored water and an outlet for cooking and washing up. It is optional, not standard equipment. A full 59L tank adds approximately 59kg of water, before the tank and fittings, so include it in your payload planning.
Custom roof-rack brackets and Rhino Rack bars: $770
The camper roof-rack option creates scope for compatible carrying accessories. Confirm rack load limits, mounting requirements and any separately purchased awning or carriers. Roof bars do not mean an awning is automatically included.
KickAss 400W Portable Air Conditioner: $599.95
The KickAss 400W portable air conditioner is a true compressor air conditioner, so it cools and dehumidifies — which matters on a humid Queensland night. It is rated at 3,100 BTU and draws about 420W while running. Allow for that load in your power planning and follow the unit's ventilation and drainage instructions.
BBQ platform: $259
The BBQ platform provides a dedicated support area for compatible equipment. The platform is not the BBQ itself. Follow appliance clearances, campsite rules and any fire restrictions.
How can V2L be integrated into the camper setup?
V2L means vehicle-to-load: using a compatible vehicle power system to supply external electrical equipment. It is the part of this setup that could make electric cooking, device charging and selected camp appliances more convenient.
There are two paths to consider: the YL's native vehicle power capability with the correct supported equipment, if confirmed for your Australian vehicle, or a compatible aftermarket discharger. They are different systems and their ratings, instructions and warranty conditions should not be treated as interchangeable.
The YL native-power path
For my incoming YL, I will check the Australian owner's manual, the required adapter, actual output limits and permitted operation before demonstrating the camper connection. I also want to verify whether external discharge and cabin climate can operate together in the intended setup.
Until that is checked, this article is my planned arrangement, not a claim that a particular YL output or adapter is already confirmed.
The aftermarket 5kW or 7kW discharger path
Our Tesla V2L discharger is offered in 5kW and 7kW versions. Choose according to confirmed vehicle compatibility, the appliances you intend to use and the unit's supplied specifications.
A headline output rating is not the amount you can draw from every outlet. Each socket, cable and downstream circuit has its own limit. Confirm the supplied unit's nameplate and instructions, particularly outlet ratings, rather than relying on a different variant's specifications.
The product page also includes a Tesla warranty caution about stationary power use. Read the current documentation before deciding whether this route suits your vehicle.
Connecting power to the camper safely
Our camper information describes a 15A external caravan inlet. Confirm the electrical installation on your chosen build and have a licensed electrician verify the proposed V2L supply, protection and connection method before powering the camper through that inlet.
Do not modify plugs or assume that a socket adapter makes differently rated equipment compatible. Use only suitable, approved equipment and follow the source and camper instructions. Never connect a portable supply to household fixed wiring.
The discharger is not waterproof. Keep it dry, ventilated and protected in accordance with its instructions. Do not enclose it in a way that blocks cooling.
What can you run at camp?
Possible loads include compatible lighting, phone and laptop chargers, a fridge, television and selected cooking appliances. The answer depends on the actual equipment, not just the appliance category.
A kettle, coffee machine and induction cooktop can each draw substantial power. Plan to use higher-demand appliances one at a time where necessary, and account for starting surges as well as normal running load.
For a microwave, check electrical input power rather than only its advertised cooking output. For any appliance, stay within the lowest applicable limit across the source, outlet, cable and camper circuit.
I will demonstrate the equipment and combinations that actually work with my setup once they have been checked.
A mattress and shades turn the Tesla into another useful space
Alongside the camper, an in-car sleeping layout can provide flexibility for a couple or family. The camper has its own bed; the Tesla can offer another resting area where the vehicle layout and mattress fit allow.
Our Model Y camping mattress is listed for the earlier Model Y and Juniper. Its current listing does not confirm YL fitment, so I will not assume it fits the six-seat YL. That layout needs its own measurements and a suitably confirmed mattress.
The model-specific camping shade set adds privacy and helps block incoming light. For compatible Juniper and YL versions, an electric roof sunshade can complement the window shades by closing off overhead light.
Shades do not actively cool the cabin. Follow the vehicle's camping and climate instructions, maintain appropriate airflow and monitor battery level. Never leave children or pets unattended or rely on climate settings as a substitute for supervision.
Camp Mode is a vehicle function. It is not powered by plugging the external V2L discharger into the car: cabin systems and external equipment both ultimately use energy from the vehicle battery.
Cold food and drinks without a freestanding fridge in the main boot
A 16L side fridge suits everyday drinks and snacks. A 33L sub-trunk fridge provides more capacity and refrigeration or freezing.
Both use existing storage compartments rather than creating extra space. If you fit a sub-trunk fridge, that compartment is no longer available for storing a camping table or other bulky gear.
Think about access with a mattress or luggage in place, and confirm the fridge's power supply while parked. Do not connect a DC fridge directly to an AC V2L outlet without the correct manufacturer-approved power supply.
Outdoor living, entertainment and connectivity
My vision includes a suitable table and chairs beside the camper, shade from a correctly fitted awning where selected, and organised kitchen storage rather than loose appliances throughout the car.
A television, microwave, coffee machine or Starlink system can be considered as separately selected equipment. They are not automatically included with the camper, rack or galley cabinet.
Starlink has its own service and connection requirements. It does not get its internet through the Tesla, and service depends on the plan, location and sky visibility. Streaming on any screen also depends on the appropriate connectivity and supported services.
Powered campsite or vehicle power: plan both options
At a suitable powered campsite, the camper's approved electrical installation can use the site supply with the correct equipment. For vehicle-powered camping, the supply and connection need to be verified for the specific combination.
The benefit is flexibility, not unlimited electricity. Do not connect competing sources unless the installation is specifically designed for that operation.
Battery planning also matters. Leave a realistic reserve for driving to your next charger, including towing, hills, weather and a contingency. A low-battery cutoff does not guarantee enough range to reach the next town.
Towing and range: what I want to measure with my YL
Before towing, confirm your exact vehicle's approved towing capacity, towbar and towball limits, braking requirements and the camper's loaded weight. Include water, options, luggage and food rather than comparing empty trailer weight alone.
Towing changes energy consumption. Speed, wind, terrain, trailer shape and load all matter. I will not publish a promised range percentage or overnight runtime before measuring my actual combination.
My planned demonstrations will cover packing, mattress fit, fridge access, power connections, appliance loads and battery use. That should give Australian owners a more useful picture than a showroom specification alone.
Build your camper around your routine
Start with the sleeping layout and travel style. Then choose kitchen storage, water, comfort options and carrying equipment. Finally, match the power system and Tesla accessories to the jobs you need them to do.
Use the Little Guy camper configurator to explore your build and submit an enquiry. Confirm model specifications, option availability, pricing, delivery and accessory costs before proceeding.
This is the setup I want to bring to life: a Tesla, a compact camper and useful equipment chosen for a reason. Once my YL arrives, I will start replacing the plans with real photos, demonstrations and measured results.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Tesla power a Little Guy camper through V2L?
Potentially, with a compatible power source and a correctly verified camper connection. Confirm vehicle compatibility, output limits, electrical protection and inlet requirements before connecting equipment.
Is the water tank standard on a Little Guy camper?
The 59L water tank is listed as an optional addition. Confirm the equipment included with your selected build.
Can the Tesla and camper provide separate sleeping spaces?
Yes, that is the planned concept, provided the car has a suitable verified mattress layout and the camper bed suits its occupants. YL mattress fitment needs separate confirmation.
Do privacy shades keep the Tesla cool overnight?
Shades help block light and add privacy, but they do not actively cool the car. Follow the vehicle's camping, ventilation and climate instructions.
Does V2L power Tesla Camp Mode?
No. Camp Mode uses the vehicle's own systems. V2L supplies external equipment. Both can draw energy from the vehicle battery, and simultaneous operation must be checked for the particular system.
Are the camper options and Tesla accessories included in one base price?
Do not assume they are. Factory options add to the camper build, while Tesla accessories and other equipment should be confirmed separately in your quote.
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