Tesla Model 3 Roof Tent: how to Turn your Electric Car into a Camper

Anyone who drives a Tesla Model 3 and is considering a roof tent usually wants one thing above all: to be on the road without complications, to be able to spend the night outdoors – and to do so as climate-friendly as possible. But is that really practical? Does a roof tent even fit on the Model 3? And what about costs, range, everyday usability, and comfort?

In this article, you will find exactly the answers you need:

• Which roof tents are compatible with the Tesla Model 3
• What you should know about roof load, assembly, accessories, and approval
• How a roof tent affects range, battery, and consumption
• Why a roof tent on the car roof often offers more than a tent trailer or the Tesla camping mode

Why a Roof Tent for the Tesla Model 3?

A Tesla Model 3 roof tent opens up the possibility of traveling sustainably with your own vehicle and spending the night in the middle of nature – without conversions, without a motorhome and without restrictions in everyday life. For anyone who wants to be on the road spontaneously, this combination is a well-thought-out alternative.

If you want to spend the night spontaneously by the lake, in the Alps or on a remote campsite, you don’t have to drive a bulky motorhome or make an expensive conversion in the interior. The combination of electric car and roof tent is not only much more economical than a classic camper, but also much easier to handle.

• No complicated maneuvering like with a caravan
• No searching for special parking spaces like with a large camper
• No conversion or expansion in the vehicle itself
• No excessive weight that reduces the range

Instead of refueling, you simply charge on the go – at Superchargers, public charging points or directly at the pitch with a power connection. This not only saves money, but also significantly reduces energy consumption and thus your impact on the environment.

With the right roof racks, the permissible roof load of 68 kg is maintained, and the sensitive glass roof is also protected. A roof tent can be set up and taken down in just a few minutes. After the trip into nature, it can be easily dismantled and the Model 3 can be used directly again in everyday life – with high performance and a range suitable for everyday use. Whether for commuting to work, running errands in the city or the next family outing.

Advantages of a Roof Tent for the Tesla Model 3

A Tesla Model 3 roof tent is more than just an overnight accommodation – it expands the use of the vehicle by a completely new camping function without affecting everyday life.

Environmentally Friendly on the Road

• No diesel, no exhaust fumes
• No bulky motorhome or heavy tent trailer needed
• Less weight means lower energy consumption
• Ideal for tours through sensitive nature reserves and national parks
• Charge instead of refueling: electricity is available almost everywhere – even at the campsite

A Tesla with a roof tent consumes less electricity than conventional camper diesels. As a result, the impact on nature and the environment is significantly lower – with full travel comfort at the same time.

Range Remains Suitable for Everyday Use

Despite the additional roof load from the tent or a bicycle carrier, the range remains at a level suitable for everyday use:

• Up to 629 km WLTP – with a roof tent about 300–400 km
• Charging stations throughout Europe – often directly at supermarkets or highways
• Superchargers with high charging power for short stops
• Charging possible overnight at the campsite
• Particularly practical: Norway has the most charging stations per capita worldwide

With a little planning, camping with an electric car is possible almost anywhere today – even on remote routes.

You can find even more information, tips and personal experiences about camping with an electric car here.

Comfortable Sleeping Space on the Car Roof

Compared to the Tesla Camping Mode in the interior, a roof tent offers more freedom of movement and sleep quality:

• Enough space for 2 to 4 people
• Integrated mattresses with a good lying surface
• Protection from wind, rain, insects through ventilation and mosquito nets
• Elevated sleeping space for more safety and better view
• Additional storage space for clothing or equipment
• Expandable with awning, table or small accessories on request

Sleeping on the car roof means: falling asleep undisturbed, waking up with a panoramic view – and no elaborate preparation in the vehicle itself.

Suitable for Everyday Use and without Conversions

Another advantage is the uncomplicated use in everyday life:

• No expansion in the interior necessary
• Roof racks and tent can be attached quickly and removed again
• The permissible roof load of 68 kg is maintained – even with the Tesla Model Y
• No impact on the glass roof if suitable carrier systems are used
• Roof box, table, awning and other accessories can be easily combined

After the vacation or the trip, the tent can simply be dismantled again. The vehicle is immediately ready for use again – whether for shopping, driving to work or the next weekend trip.

Roof Tent vs. Tesla Camping Mode

Many drivers of a Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y use the so-called Camping Mode when traveling: The air conditioning remains active, the vehicle keeps the temperature in the interior constant, and the battery supplies power overnight. But this variant has its limits – especially if more than one person is traveling or the car should remain usable during the day.

A permanently installed sleeping space is missing, the rear seat is limited, and the constant conversion (e.g. folding down the seats, repacking luggage) costs time and nerves.

A roof tent on the car roof offers many advantages here – especially on longer vacations, spontaneous excursions or overnight stays on a remote campsite.

The direct comparison shows which option has proven itself better in practice:

In the roof tent, you can not only spend the night, but also use it as a retreat during the day for reading, resting or drinking coffee – even on smaller parking spaces. In addition, the vehicle remains free inside, e.g. for taking a dog, bags, accessories or a small table.

A Tesla Model 3 roof tent saves battery, creates more space, ensures better sleep and can be used faster – particularly practical for anyone who camps more often or wants to stay overnight independently on the road.

Tesla Model 3 and Roof Tents from CAMPWERK – the Perfect Combination

Now that it is clear that a roof tent can easily be combined with the Tesla Model 3 or the Tesla Model Y, the next question arises: Which model suits your vehicle, your plans and your everyday life?

Because: Not every tent is automatically compatible with every vehicle.

Decisive are among other things:

• the permissible roof load (68 kg for the Model 3)
• the number of people who should sleep in the tent
• the design of the vehicle (sedan, glass roof, with or without roof rack)
• as well as the desired accessories (e.g. awning, roof box, solar panel, table)

At CAMPWERK you will find roof tents that are exactly tailored to the requirements of vehicles such as the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. The maximum roof load of 68 kg is taken into account – as well as approval, vehicle registration and the aerodynamic requirements.

CAMPWERK Models at a Glance:

These models are all:

✔ compatible with the glass roof of the Model 3 and Y

✔ safely mountable with the appropriate roof rack system

✔ suitable for the permissible roof load of 68 kg

✔ aerodynamically designed, so they do not make any noise while driving

✔ combinable with accessories such as roof box, tent trailer, awning or table

✔ built from lightweight, weatherproof materials with an insulating effect

How to Find the Right Model for your Tesla

Which roof tent is right for you depends on your use:

• Solo travelers or commuters often choose the BDV Solo
• For road trips with friends or your partner, the Adventure is ideal
• If you are traveling with children, a dog or a larger family, choose the X-Cover 2.0

If you are unsure which model fits your car, the CAMPWERK team will be happy to help you – online or on site.

Are you planning a road trip for two? In this blog article about roof tents for traveling for two you will learn which models are particularly suitable.

Possible Destinations with your Tesla Model 3 Roof Tent

Simply drive off, charge on the way – and spend the night where it is most beautiful. That is exactly what traveling with the Tesla Model 3 roof tent is all about. Whether spontaneous weekend tour or multi-week road trip: Europe offers countless routes that are perfect for electric cars and roof tents.

The following two example destinations show how uncomplicated and comfortable camping with the Model 3 or Model Y works today.

Germany – Short Trips with Charging Break

With the Tesla Model 3 roof tent, spontaneous excursions through Germany are easily possible – without a hotel, with direct access to nature. The comprehensive network of Superchargers and public charging stations ensures that even remote regions are easily accessible. Many campsites today offer power connections directly at the pitch – ideal for the nightly charging break.

Popular destinations for drivers in Germany:

• Allgäu – lakes, mountains, short stages, good charging infrastructure
• Lake Constance – border-near destination with many campsites
• Harz – dense forest, altitude, panoramic view
• Saxon Switzerland – perfect for hikers and nature lovers
• Eifel – volcanic landscapes, lakes, quiet pitches

With realistic ranges of 300–400 km (even with a roof tent, roof rack or bicycle carrier), a single charge is usually enough for the outward and return journey – especially practical for weekend campers.

Norway – Road Trips through Fjords, Lakes & Wilderness

If you want to go further out with the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, you will find one of the best countries for camping with an electric car in Norway. Almost 100% hydropower electricity, thousands of fast charging stations and remote nature make the country the perfect destination for environmentally conscious drivers.

Ideal for:

• Traveling with a child, dog, partner or friends
• Self-sufficient road trips with a tent or in combination with a tent trailer
• Trips to places where fixed accommodation is rare or expensive
• Users who want to be independent and stay overnight on the road

In regions such as the Lofoten, the Hardangervidda National Park or around the Sognefjord, campsites with power connection are standard. This means: no range stress – even on demanding routes through the mountains or along the coast.

Conclusion: Sustainable Camping with Tesla Model 3 Roof Tent from CAMPWERK

A Tesla Model 3 roof tent combines sustainable mobility with the desire for freedom, nature experience and uncomplicated camping. Without a bulky motorhome, without a hotel booking – but with clear advantages:

✅ No exhaust fumes when driving
✅ Low energy consumption thanks to aerodynamic model
✅ Overnight stay directly at the lake, in the forest or at the campsite
✅ Combinable with accessories such as roof box, awning, bicycle carrier
✅ Suitable for everyday use thanks to removable tent and free use of the car

Anyone who values a small ecological footprint, real relaxation in nature and full independence will find a convincing option in a roof tent – whether for weekend tours, family vacations or long road trips.

One provider that specializes exactly in these requirements is CAMPWERK, Germany’s largest roof tent expert. The roof tents from CAMPWERK are optimally tailored to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y – light, well-designed and compatible with the appropriate roof rack system.

Here you can find out everything you need to know about the right roof racks
Whether solo travelers, couples or families – at CAMPWERK you will find various models that match your roof load, your vehicle registration and your travel plan.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Tesla Model 3 Roof Tent