Tesla Model Y Camping Setup: The Complete Australian Guide
The Tesla Model Y is quietly one of the best camping vehicles on the Australian market. A flat boot floor, a massive glass roof, Camp Mode to keep the climate running overnight, and enough range to reach most national parks without stopping — it's genuinely hard to beat.
But the right accessories make the difference between a good night's sleep and a miserable one. This guide covers everything you need for a complete Model Y camping setup, built specifically for Australian conditions.
The Foundation: Sleeping Setup
Tesla Model Y Camping Mattress
This is the single most important camping accessory you can buy. Fold the rear seats flat, lay the mattress in the boot, and you have a genuinely comfortable sleeping platform. Our custom-fit air foam mattress is designed specifically for the Model Y boot dimensions — no gaps, no rolling off the edge.
I'm 183 cm tall and fit in comfortably. Two adults fit with room to spare if you pack smart.
Fits: Model Y 2021–2025 and Juniper
Tip: Use Camp Mode overnight to keep the temperature comfortable without draining the battery excessively. Tesla recommends keeping charge above 20% when running Camp Mode.
Keeping Food and Drinks Cold
This is where the Model Y camping setup really shines. You have two excellent fridge options depending on your model and how much cold storage you need.
Side Fridge 16L
The 16L side fridge slots into the left boot well and runs off the 12V outlet. It sits flush against the side panel and doesn't eat into your main sleeping or storage space. Perfect for drinks, snacks, and a few days of food on shorter trips.
Fits: Model Y Juniper and 2020–2024 Model Y
Sub Trunk Fridge 33L
If you're going for longer or feeding a family, the 33L sub-trunk fridge is the serious option. It sits in the under-floor compartment of the Model Y, keeping your entire boot floor free for sleeping and gear. App-controlled so you can adjust temperature without leaving the tent.
Fits: Model Y 2021–2025 and Juniper
Tip: Pre-cool the fridge at home before you leave. It's far more efficient than cooling from ambient temperature on the road.
Shade and Privacy
The Model Y's panoramic glass roof is stunning — but it turns the car into a greenhouse in direct Australian sun. Shade is non-negotiable for comfortable camping.
8-Piece Camping Shade Set
Our 8-piece shade set covers every window — side windows, rear, and the glass roof. Magnetic attachment means no fiddling with clips or suction cups. Blocks sunlight and provides privacy so you can sleep in without the 5am Queensland sun waking you up.
Fits: Model Y Juniper and 2020–2024 Model Y
Electric Sunshade (Roof)
For day use at camp, the motorised electric sunshade rolls out at the touch of a button and blocks heat through the glass roof. Voice activated, with built-in LEDs for ambient lighting at night. A premium upgrade if you camp regularly — available in black or beige.
Fits: Juniper Model Y
Front Windscreen Sunshade
Don't forget the front. A good windscreen sunshade keeps the cabin temperature down dramatically when parked in the sun and gives you privacy from the front.
Fits: Juniper, YL, and 2020–2024 Model Y
Carrying More Gear
Roof Racks
Once you've got a mattress and fridge in the boot, space gets tight fast. Roof racks open up a whole new level of carrying capacity — rooftop tents, cargo boxes, bikes, kayaks, surfboards. Our racks use the factory flush rails with no drilling required and are rated to 70kg.
Fits: Model Y with factory roof rails (Juniper, and most 2021–2025 variants)
Tip: A rooftop cargo box is the most practical addition for family camping — keeps sleeping bags, clothes, and camp chairs out of the boot entirely.
Camp Furniture
Consider a foldable camping table and matching camp chairs designed to complement the Model Y setup — compact enough to pack alongside your camping gear in the sub truck area under the removable floor cover.
It is sturdy enough to place the cooker, pots, and food with integrated seats.
Charging on the Road
Portable EV Charger (Type 2)
Most Australian caravan parks now have powered sites with standard 15A outlets. A portable Type 2 EV charger lets you top up overnight at camp — typically adding 30–50km of range per hour depending on the outlet. It's the difference between arriving at your next destination with a full battery or a stressed one.
Fits: All Tesla Models (Type 2 connector)
Note: This product is dispatched on an as-needed basis — allow a few extra days for delivery.
The Complete Camping Kit: Bundle Option
If you want to kit out your Model Y for camping in one order, our Tesla Accessory Bundles are the best value way to do it. The Winter Camper Bundle and Road Trip Kit Bundle combine the most popular camping accessories at a bundled price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep in a Tesla Model Y?
Yes — comfortably. With the rear seats folded flat and a custom-fit camping mattress, the Model Y boot provides a flat sleeping platform long enough for adults up to around 185–190 cm. Use Camp Mode to maintain a comfortable temperature overnight.
How long does Camp Mode last on a Tesla Model Y?
Camp Mode typically uses around 1–2% battery per hour depending on ambient temperature and your climate settings. Starting with 80% charge gives you a comfortable overnight buffer. Always aim to keep the battery above 20% while running Camp Mode.
Can you run a fridge in a Tesla Model Y while camping?
Yes. The 12V outlet in the boot powers the Side Fridge 16L directly. The Sub Trunk Fridge 33L also runs off the car's power system. Both are designed for continuous use while the car is in Camp Mode.
Do camping accessories fit both the Juniper and older Model Y?
Most do, but some are generation-specific. The camping mattress fits all generations. The shade set and side fridge have variants for Juniper and 2020–2024 — always check the product listing. See our Model Y Fitment Guide for a full breakdown by product.
Can you charge a Tesla at a caravan park in Australia?
Yes — most powered sites have 15A outlets. A portable Type 2 EV charger with a 15A plug lets you charge overnight at camp. It's slower than a Supercharger but more than enough to top up for the next day's drive.
What's the best Tesla Model Y camping setup for families?
For families, we recommend: camping mattress + 33L sub-trunk fridge (keeps the boot floor clear) + roof racks with a cargo box + 8-piece shade set. We're also adding a foldable camping table and chairs to the range later in 2026 — perfect for a proper camp kitchen setup.
Final Word
The Model Y is already a great camping vehicle. The right accessories just unlock its full potential — a comfortable bed, cold food, shade from the Australian sun, and enough charge to keep exploring.
Not sure which accessories fit your specific Model Y? Check our Model Y Fitment Guide or reach out before you order. We're a small Australian veteran-owned business and we'd rather help you get it right the first time.
Leave a comment