Can You Camp In The Bed Of A Tesla Cybertruck?

People have strong opinions about the Tesla Cybertruck. Some say it's slick and futuristic, showcasing Tesla technology at its best. Others dismiss it as an overwrought plaything. Perhaps you see a fearless blueprint for a greener tomorrow, or maybe you see an $80,000 wannabe Batmobile. Like the original Volkswagen Beetle and the ill-fated DeLorean, the Cybertruck is a bold new design, unlike anything ever seen on the road, and it has attracted a vocal spectrum of fans and haters.

But here's a fun question: Can you set up a tent in a Tesla Cybertruck? When you drive this space-age beast into a remote forest and open up the rear bed, can you comfortably sleep in it? After all, Tesla is the most famous pioneer of electric vehicles, which theoretically attract eco-friendly customers. There is a growing number of EV-friendly routes around the world, and this truck is equipped to go pretty much anywhere, even traversing rocky slopes and shallow rivers. Unlike Tesla's sedans and sports cars, the Cybertruck is a rugged machine with a special "Off-Road Mode"; operators can manipulate traction, stability, and suspension with a few taps on the control panel. What are the chances you can bivouac in it, too?

The short answer is: Yes, you can. If you're going to sleep directly on the bed, note that its dimensions are 6 feet by 4 feet, so vertically inclined travelers may feel a little cramped, and pairs will have to get cozy. You could throw a couple of sleeping bags back there and call it a night — or you could get a little more creative.

The Cybertruck is still new, of course, and many casual observers don't even realize it has a bed in the back. Indeed, the truck has a tonneau cover, which conceals the bed inside its origami-like body; the cover automatically rolls up, like a cross between a convertible roof and a garage door, and the tailgate drops down like any other pickup. You can carry a maximum payload of 2,500 pounds back there, far more than any camper would need.

An entire industry has grown around the "truck tent," which you can raise and attach to almost any typical truck bed. Companies like Napier have made it their mission to turn any pickup into a camper, complete with nylon shelter, rain flies, and zippered entryway. Vehicle-camping has become a popular option for people who don't like to sleep on the ground, and with a little preparation, sleeping in a truck-tent can be a lot of low-maintenance fun.

But the arrival of the Cybertruck has naturally sparked ingenuity, as well. The new California-based company Mars Adventure Gear currently specializes in Cybertruck accoutrements, such as a specialized rack system for placing roof-tents, crossbars for small-boat transport, and various accessory mounts for other outdoor equipment. In theory, you could ride this thing into the savannas of Tanzania or the tundras of Nunavut and have everything you need (as long as you can eventually find a charging station). Your only real challenge will be finding the right campsite.