Tesla's Camp Mode allows you to maintain USB ports powered and keep the climate running
Teslarati
Say you’re cruising down a deserted highway in your Tesla and you’re starting to get sleepy, or you’re taking a road trip through a national park and the nearest hotel is too far away… so you pull out your mattress from your trunk, fold your backseats down and get ready to spend the night in the comfort of your car. The next thing you do is turn on Camp Mode.
When your Tesla is in Camp Mode it will maintain the optimum temperature and airflow inside the cabin (which you can adjust to your convenience). Your lighting setup will also be maintained, and even the music if you want to listen to some chill tunes while you relax inside your car.
Camp also keeps your low voltage outlet and USB ports powered so that you can charge or use your electronic devices.
The touchscreen also remains on so you can play music, browse the internet, play games in the arcade, or watch shows in Tesla Theater (requires Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi).
Sentry Mode and Alarm
While Camp Mode is active, Sentry Mode and the vehicle alarm system are disabled, as well as auto lock (so you don’t have to constantly lock and unlock the car as you come and go). Because of this it might be a good idea to manually lock the car when you go to sleep.
How to Turn Camp Mode On
To enable camp mode, set your car to park, tap the temperature icon at the bottom of the screen and then tap on ‘Camp’.
You can also enable it using the Tesla app. Tap the Climate section, slide up the bottom drawer and select the ‘Camp’ option.
Turning Camp Mode Off
To turn Camp Mode off simply shift the vehicle out of Park or disable the mode either via your smartphone or by tapping on the temperature icon at the bottom of your screen and selecting a different mode.
Some drivers recommend creating a Camp driver profile, which automatically sets your preferences for when you're ready to crash for the night. Make any necessary modifications, such as moving the seats all the way forward, and then select your chosen temperature.
How Much Power does it Drain?
In an eight-hour period, the typical battery consumption of Camp Mode is roughly 10% of the charge. The battery will be consumed more quickly if it is really cold or there is bad weather, simply because the car will have to work harder to maintain the interior temperature you've selected.
Even at low temperatures for an eight-hour period, you're looking at a 15 percent usage rate.
Tesla’s vehicles equipped with heat pumps like Tesla Model Y or the 2021 Model 3 should be slightly more efficient while in Camp Mode.
The power drain of Camp Mode, however, is not an exact science, and it will vary greatly depending on many factors such as outside temperature and in-cabin settings - don’t risk depleting your battery.
If you’re staying at an RV park it is good to remember that many of them offer an option to charge your electric vehicle, which would be the ideal condition to run Camp Mode in.
What Happens if the Battery Gets too Low?
You cannot use Camp Mode if the battery percentage goes below 20%, in order to save the battery from depletion and allow you to reach the nearest charging station.
Which Models have Camp Mode?
All current and past Tesla vehicles have Camp Mode as a standard feature. It is also not required to have access to Tesla's Premium Connectivity in order to receive notifications regarding Camp Mode, or to enable it from your smartphone.
Tesla has finally launched a tow package for the refreshed 2024+ Model 3 in North America. While Tesla offered the tow package in the European and Asia-Pacific markets, this is the first time it has been made available in North America.
Until today, owners have had to use third-party hitch options, which do not support Tesla Tow Mode support or other features and can void your warranty.
Tow Package
The new package includes a high-strength steel tow bar, with the standard 2” receiver and 7-pin connector. As the package enables Tow Mode, the full trailer harness is also part of the installation.
As per Tesla’s specifications, this hitch supports towing up to 2,200 lbs (998kg), which is lower than the Model Y, Model S, and Model X, whose hitch supports up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg). You’ll need a 2” hitch and a ball of your choice to get towing with this new receiver, which neatly tucks away underneath a panel that’s accessible via two plastic bolts, similar to the rest of Tesla’s lineup.
The tow package neatly tucks away when not in use.
Not a Tesla App
You can purchase the Model 3 Tow Package for $1,300 USD or $1765 CAD on the Tesla store or through your Tesla app. Installation is included in the price, and the parts are shipped directly to your local Tesla service center, where they’ll be installed. However, delivery can take one to two weeks.
As a note, this package is only compatible with the 2024+ Model 3 RWD and AWD. The Performance model is not compatible, likely due to the larger rear motor's size.
Installation
The total package price also includes shipping to your local Tesla Service Center. In addition, Tesla will enable the config changes that will allow you to use Tow Mode. The entire process takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the scope of work, as some Model 3s will require additional harness wiring.
It’s nice to see Tesla finally adding this much-missed feature to the North American Model 3, as many customers have had to use third-party solutions up to this point. Now, anyone can tow light loads with the refreshed Model 3 while also keeping their vehicle under warranty and taking advantage of Tow Mode.
Tesla has partnered with XPEL, one of the leading manufacturers of automotive tints, for an OEM-approved window tint. Previously, Tesla did not approve window tints on its vehicles and had even denied warranty claims for window issues if the windows were tinted.
Over the past year, Tesla Service has stopped denying warranty claims for cracked windows caused by excessive motor force, factory misalignments, or other minor issues — even when window tints are applied.
XPEL / Tesla Partnership
With this partnership, Tesla owners can find window tints directly through the Tesla app, just like they’d find any other Tesla accessory. The difference is that the purchase is completed on XPEL’s website instead of through the Tesla app.
Tesla is essentially promoting the service and presumably making it an approved product. However, the Tesla owner also benefits from having a better warranty instead of just going through XPEL directly.
XPEL offers two official tints for all Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck - its Prime XR+ and Prime XR lines. The best part is that XPEL and Tesla’s combined warranty covers the cost of reinstallation if the glass is damaged under Tesla’s vehicle warranty, which means you won’t have to pay anything additional to get your tint replaced.
You can check out the official specifications of the two tint options below.
Prime XR +
Prime XR
Infrared Heat Rejection
Up to 96%
Up to 85%
UV Protection
Blocks 99% of Harmful UV Rays
Blocks 99% of Harmful UV Rays
Glare Reduction
Up to 95% Glare Reduction
Up to 95% Glare Reduction
Technology
Dual-Layer Nano Ceramic
Single-Layer Nano Ceramic
Vehicle tints, like the ones XPEL offers, have numerous advantages. They reduce cabin heat, block UV rays, minimize glare from external light sources, and increase privacy.
The order is placed through XPEL’s website, and then you will be referred to your local installer. They will conduct the installation, and then you’re set and ready to go - no payment is needed from the installer. The process takes between 1-2 business days, including time for the tint to fully set on the glass. This reduces the chance of the window tint peeling prematurely from your frameless window, which automatically lowers and raises when you open and close the door.
For now, this service is only available in the United States, and you can get referred to an XPEL official installer through the button on XPEL’s Partner website here. You can select the shade/tint percentage of your window film on the installation date.
Of note, windshield tinting is not available through the partnership program, but XPEL advises that your local installer can provide you with an additional quote on the day of installation.
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