Outdoors

Dreamcase auto bed turns a Tesla into an electrified mini-campervan

Dreamcase auto bed turns a Tesla into an electrified mini-campervan
Cutting out noise and emissions in a pristine environment with a Dreamcase-outfitted Tesla Model S
Cutting out noise and emissions in a pristine environment with a Dreamcase-outfitted Tesla Model S
View 19 Images
With Tesla's "Party & Camper" mode, you can use the battery with the car parked, powering select systems like climate control, audio and lighting
1/19
With Tesla's "Party & Camper" mode, you can use the battery with the car parked, powering select systems like climate control, audio and lighting
The Dreamcase wears a Tesla-like font and car-matching color
2/19
The Dreamcase wears a Tesla-like font and car-matching color
The Dreamcase all made up
3/19
The Dreamcase all made up
Cutting out noise and emissions in a pristine environment with a Dreamcase-outfitted Tesla Model S
4/19
Cutting out noise and emissions in a pristine environment with a Dreamcase-outfitted Tesla Model S
Views like these are why primitive/wild in-vehicle camping has gained some popularity
5/19
Views like these are why primitive/wild in-vehicle camping has gained some popularity
Dreamcase all folded and ready for travel
6/19
Dreamcase all folded and ready for travel
The Dreamcase Tesla Model S camper enjoys an idyllic, mountain-ringed lakeside camping spot
7/19
The Dreamcase Tesla Model S camper enjoys an idyllic, mountain-ringed lakeside camping spot
Tesla Model S with Dreamcase mattress set
8/19
Tesla Model S with Dreamcase mattress set
Dreamcase mattress folded up and ready to zip away in the case
9/19
Dreamcase mattress folded up and ready to zip away in the case
The actual case levels out uneven trunk/seat backs to create a more uniform sleeping surface
10/19
The actual case levels out uneven trunk/seat backs to create a more uniform sleeping surface
Dreamcase says quick-packing (i.e. stacking the mattress with the case rather than inside it) allows for set up times of about one minute, rather than the 2.5 or so it takes when fully packed
11/19
Dreamcase says quick-packing (i.e. stacking the mattress with the case rather than inside it) allows for set up times of about one minute, rather than the 2.5 or so it takes when fully packed
Dreamcase mattress set up in the Tesla Model 3
12/19
Dreamcase mattress set up in the Tesla Model 3
Dreamcase may leverage Tesla's style and popularity, but its kit also fits many other vehicles, including the Porsche Cayenne shown here
13/19
Dreamcase may leverage Tesla's style and popularity, but its kit also fits many other vehicles, including the Porsche Cayenne shown here
Setting the Dreamcase up in a Tesla Model X
14/19
Setting the Dreamcase up in a Tesla Model X
We find the Dreamcase Tesla Model X camper particularly intriguing
15/19
We find the Dreamcase Tesla Model X camper particularly intriguing
It's a bit of a narrow double, but two people can squeeze on (or one can stretch out and sleep quite comfortably)
16/19
It's a bit of a narrow double, but two people can squeeze on (or one can stretch out and sleep quite comfortably)
Dreamcase turns the Tesla Model X into an AWD mini-camper
17/19
Dreamcase turns the Tesla Model X into an AWD mini-camper
Enjoying the view from a Dreamcase camper
18/19
Enjoying the view from a Dreamcase camper
A nice night to car camp
19/19
A nice night to car camp
View gallery - 19 images

Rivian hasn't even spit out a production truck yet, and it already has a pretty sweet all-electric camper. A Tesla camper, however, remains a thing of designer renderings, quirky DIY solutions and one-off special builds. That's a shame because Tesla really is in the best position to make a fully electric RV with enough range, style and comfort to popularize zero-emissions camping, something we're not expecting this beast to do. Maybe when Tesla starts rolling out semis and pickup trucks we'll see a proper e-RV. In the meantime, Dreamcase sells a fold-out bed that can turn a Model S, Model X or Model 3 into a basic mini-campervan.

Based in Slovenia with fellow RV brands like Adria Mobil and Sipras, Dreamcase actually offers sleeping kits for a large variety of vehicles, from Jeep Cherokees to Porsche Panameras. The company's advertising makes it abundantly clear that Tesla vehicles were absolutely the driving force behind the design, though. And why not, Tesla already offers a "camper" mode, all it really needs is the actual camper.

The Dreamcase wears a Tesla-like font and car-matching color
The Dreamcase wears a Tesla-like font and car-matching color

The Dreamcase isn't quite a Sipras-style all-in-one camper box, but it does take care of the most important part of the camper equation, packing a foam mattress, duvet and pillows into a sleek, functional carry case. The folding mattress features four panels, expanding out into a bed within a couple minutes. The case itself folds out into a sleeping platform, raising the height of the trunk to match the folded rear seats for a more level night of sleep. At just 37 to 39 in (94 to 99 cm) wide, the Dreamcase is really a twin-size mattress, probably better for a single person than two. We suppose a couple or mother and child could make it work, but it certainly looks extra cozy. The 76-in (193-cm) length, on the other hand, is enough to accommodate the average male or female comfortably.

The Dreamcase mattress can also fold into other positions, working as a makeshift lounge chair. The individual panels can also split apart and serve as outdoor seating cushions.

Enjoying the view from a Dreamcase camper
Enjoying the view from a Dreamcase camper

While the Dreamcase doesn't include any other camper equipment, like stove, shower or toilet, it's the perfect complement for Tesla's Party & Camper mode, showing the advantages that all-electric camping can offer. As you may recall, that mode is designed to allow those hanging out inside a parked Tesla to keep the climate control, air circulation, audio and select lights running, essentially using the high-capacity lithium battery like the secondary leisure battery you'd find in a motorhome or trailer. So not only do you have a mattress to sleep on but also a climate-controlled cell with available music and lighting – not bad for a barebones camper.

The Tesla Dreamcases start between US$709 and $779 (before duties or taxes), available for the Model 3, five-seat Model S, and five- and seven-seat fold-flat Model X. The base kit includes the case, mattress, pillows and duvet. Other compatible vehicle models include the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Volkswagen Atlas, and Volvo V90 and V60 Cross Country wagons.

A nice night to car camp
A nice night to car camp

The design is nice enough, but for $700+, we'd be inclined to settle for a home build of sub-$100 tri-fold or inflatable mattress and simple leveling solution, enjoying the same Tesla camper-mode overnighting features for a lot less money. But we suppose style and design matter more than a little money to many a Tesla buyer, and the Dreamcase is certainly a fancier, all-inclusive option for those looking to jump in on car camping and overnight travel. Plus, sleep in your Tesla for a few nights instead of a hotel and the Dreamcase can pay for itself.

Dreamcase got the Model S kits to market in 2017 and followed up with the Model X and 3 kits last year. It's compiled quite a selection of YouTube videos of Tesla campers in action. Here's a particularly nice video of a Tesla camper zipping between alpine campsites:

Dreamcase for Tesla Model S - Camper Mode Activated

Source: Dreamcase

View gallery - 19 images
2 comments
2 comments
vince
At least you can run the AC at night to keep cool and sleep good whereas with an ICE vehicle you risk CO poisoning and an early trip to the graveyard.
ljaques
Nah! I'll wait and put a camper shell on my Tesla pickup. Vroom, vroom! https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/9/20856576/tesla-pickup-date-elon-musk Yup, that's an F-150 in the bed of the Tesla. VBG