Cybertruck Camping Experience: 5 nights sleeping in the bed vault

[Cybergirl]

I've been using my Cybertruck a lot in mountain areas with zero cell service and the tonneau controls work just fine using Bluetooth without any cellular service. It might even have LESS delay than if using the cell network. That said, I've not tested the Bluetooth reception while inside the closed vault. I doubt there are any Bluetooth antennae in there.

With Bluetooth on, but cell service and wifi off, I'm unable operate the tonneau cover, adjust the vault lights, or turn on the outlets using the app whether inside or outside the vault, but I can open the gate and lock the truck. I don't understand why our experiences differ.

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[HaulingAss]

With Bluetooth on, but cell service and wifi off, I'm unable operate the tonneau cover, adjust the vault lights, or turn on the outlets using the app whether inside or outside the vault, but I can open the gate and lock the truck. I don't understand why our experiences differ.

I will have to test it again when I am out of cell range. I suppose it's possible it was communicating via wi-fi? I just know I can use my phone to open and close the tonneau cover and control the 120/240V outlets where there is no cell service. I get the same behavior in town (as I do in the mountains), with cell service, even if I turn wi-fi and mobile data off on my phone.

 

[Cybergirl]

It might be, depending on the tenderness of one's ass.

 

[rudedawg78]

We spent five nights camping near Cuyahoga Nat'l Park, Ohio, in our Cybertruck last week, sleeping in the vault. Here are some takeaways:

1) Sleeping in the vault with the tonneau closed will raise the CO2 levels to unhealthy levels. Ventilation is a must to keep CO2 below 1000 ppm and to maintain comfortable sleeping conditions (bodies will elevate vault temperature and humidity).

2) Leaving the tonneau cover open a crack for ventilation will allow water intrusion at the gate during a heavy rainfall. Otherwise the vault stayed dry. Our canopy helps keep things dry.

3) You cannot control the tonneau cover or the vault lights without cell service. Even so, positioning the tonneau is hard using the phone app due to delayed response. I position the tonneau using the button controls on the truck, then crawl into the vault through the open gate.

4) Closing the gate from inside the vault with the tonneau closed is a challenge. I wrapped a nylon strap around the gate. I pulled on the strap to close the gate.

5) Tent Mode will level the truck on a sloped campsite, but will prevent closing the tonneau cover. To close the tonneau, put the truck in Jack Mode and remove Tent Mode.

6) Charging the truck at a campsite with 30A electrical service using the mobile connector requires a special TT-30 adapter which will charge at 115V/24A (2760 watts). While charging, none of the truck's power outlets are activated, forcing us to use extension cords to the electrical pedestal to power the fridge, electric blanket, etc., while charging.

7) I found that tire pressures are important on road trips. Under normal loads, the recommended tire pressure is 50 psi. With an extra 800 lb load, I inflated the tires to 55 psi which boosted my driving range not insignificantly. For example, driving 425 miles on relatively flat terrain, no significant wind effect, and temps between 72F and 85F, I got 410 Wh/mi efficiency driving at mostly 70 mph. That's equivalent to 300 miles on a full battery to empty. I started the drive at 69% SOC and ended at 9% with one 45 minute charging stop for 100.5 kWh costing $41.20. That's comes to $0.10/mi. Recharging at home was free from my rooftop solar system.

8) People are getting used to seeing a Cybertruck. The truck draws much less curiosity from people than it did back in February and March.

Great post and feedback. Based on your experience and recommendations, I purchased the TT-30 adapter, as well as the pop-up tent sidewalls (I have the same canopy as you that you recommended on a previous post).

Haven't been camping in the Cybertruck yet, but want to be fully prepared when I go.

Thanks for the share!

 

[firsttruck]

With Bluetooth on, but cell service and wifi off, I'm unable operate the tonneau cover, adjust the vault lights, or turn on the outlets using the app whether inside or outside the vault, but I can open the gate and lock the truck. I don't understand why our experiences differ.

How close to the vault front window was the phone?

What year & model phone?

 

[HaulingAss]

I never understood the desire to camp in a truck bed to begin with! The truck bed is where I put most of my gear if it's raining. Camping (for me) is about getting closer to nature, sleeping on the ground (on something comfortable, of course) and the truck is for mobility and cargo capacity.

 

[RoboTaxi]

Looks like a spring bar?

Correct! It’s their”newer” model called skyliner which is made in-house in Utah.

 

[GFleck]

I never understood the desire to camp in a truck bed to begin with! The truck bed is where I put most of my gear if it's raining. Camping (for me) is about getting closer to nature, sleeping on the ground (on something comfortable, of course) and the truck is for mobility and cargo capacity.

Mostly for us, we just prefer to be up off the ground. All our gear is in totes or waterproof and must get set up at the campsite anyway so no gear issues. Also we love the CT leveling function! It's nice to sleep anywhere and not end up sliding down any incline or on an uneven surface. Personal preference kind of thing.

 

[Texarado]

6) Charging the truck at a campsite with 30A electrical service using the mobile connector requires a special TT-30 adapter which will charge at 115V/24A (2760 watts). While charging, none of the truck's power outlets are activated, forcing us to use extension cords to the electrical pedestal to power the fridge, electric blanket, etc., while charging.

Am I reading this correctly that the miles/hour charge on this is very low? Like maybe twice the traditional 110V outlet? I wish they would release a 240V 30A.

 

[Cybergirl]

Am I reading this correctly that the miles/hour charge on this is very low? Like maybe twice the traditional 110V outlet? I wish they would release a 240V 30A.

Yes, it's slow, abut 2.8 kW. Some campgrounds offer 240V electrical (NEMA 14-50 outlet) which allow you to charge at Level 2 (12 kW).

 

[Cybergirl]

How close to the vault front window was the phone?

What year & model phone?

Within a 2 or 3 feet. I have a Samsung Note 9 running Android 10.

 

[TWRAPS]

I never understood the desire to camp in a truck bed to begin with! The truck bed is where I put most of my gear if it's raining. Camping (for me) is about getting closer to nature, sleeping on the ground (on something comfortable, of course) and the truck is for mobility and cargo capacity.

Not too much camping experience here, but from my perspective I feel like snack for bears sleeping on the ground and I feel protected sleeping in the vault.

 

[GatorCyber]

I prefer the Holiday Inn.
Growing up the poor families camped bc they couldn't afford a proper vacation

 

[Cybergirl]

I prefer the Holiday Inn.
Growing up the poor families camped bc they couldn't afford a proper vacation

I'm fine with most people being disinterested in camping. Part of the allure is getting away from people.

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