How I Built My Tesla Model Y SUV Camper (Kitchen, Bed, Storage, DreamCase)

[@mathewwilson2286]

The fact that you did this in the dead of winter is what's truly impressive!!

[@EverydaySandro]

Canadian Winter too!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you. 🙏 I had to go inside pretty regularly to warm up myself.

[@Angelboy99]

I know now what plan B I need for my Tesla Y in case my wife throws me out of the house ;) 😊 - good job!

[@LivinginTesla]

😂

[@user-vl1bo6pf7g]

It's 2024 now, I saw your video when it first came out and it's still amazing. Your building and design abilities are second to none.

[@LivinginTesla]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@AdjustinThings]

The quality of work with the tools and space available is nothing short of amazing.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks so much Justin!

[@MrCoolTwin]

THis is the best car caamper build ive seen for model y great job man!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank so much Nile!

[@theodorehaskins3756]

My man you got some mad skills going on there, I wouldn’t even attempt to do something like this! Also shout out to your narration and your photography skills too!😎👊🏽

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@nicholasthon973]

You could have easily rounded the wood edges with that snazzy router and a 1/8th round-over bit. Then you could skip the edge guard.

[@LivinginTesla]

True! Ouch, thank you!

[@enes.7720]

My guy not only built this thing with a portable router and a cheap drill but he did it in the dead of winter! 👍🏼

[@LivinginTesla]

haha much thanks!! 👊

[@DreamCase]

Great job man! Incredible Camper Conversion, and the end result was packed with features and it looks awesome - Be Adventurous

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you guys! Wouldn't be the same without Dreamcase!

[@jeffbransky7966]

Very cool. A lot of though went into that setup. However, here’s another thought. Propane gas is a liquid under pressure. If you invert the can as shown in the video, liquid propane will be expelled from the tank. You can’t run your stove, or any appliance with liquid propane. Tilt the can up to use the propane in gaseous form as it was designed to be used.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you Jeff! I noticed that after using the setup a few times and have since rotated it to the other direction. Great catch!

[@errorfive]

360 view of the whole project would have been a nice add but cool video! Wanted to see how it looked from the front looking into the setup

[@allenfazer]

Would you consider changing from the model Y to the new VW buzz? That would give you so much room!

[@LivinginTesla]

It's definitely great to have more room, however, I'm often driving on pretty bad roads and the buzz doesn't look like it has a high enough ground clearance for my needs.

[@MorryB]

I think that even Norm Abram (This Old House) would be proud of your craftsmanship and attention to detail. Incredible job!

[@LivinginTesla]

Wow amazing, lots of tutorials, I just subscribed! Thanks Morry!

[@MorryB]

@@LivinginTesla Check out old episodes here on YT of his 'solo' show 'The New Yankee Workshop' for even more great content!

[@jackychu0830]

Hey!! Nice to meet you today at Tesla Takeover. I am the guy who speak Mandarin and asked your help to take video. I saw this video couple month ago. That why you look so familiar. Very happy you make it success. When will you come to California next time? Like you mentioned. Today's video voice quality is super bad. I would like to make a new one if have chance.

[@BigMosh]

This is dope as a tesla employee I love seeing things like this !

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks for watching the vid Hal! And thank you for your hard work at Tesla!

[@InspirationLabs-ff8vf]

BEST Model Y camper build I've seen!

[@bonilla2022]

Is there another material that can be included in places to reduce weight without compromising strength? All electric, no gas option? How about a vehicle to line hook up? GREAT PROJECT Happy Trails 😎👍

[@guringai]

We use an induction cooktop plugged in to a Bluetti battery to cook with. & Plug the battery into the cigarette lighter socket in the back of the Tesla model Y to keep the battery charged. Ideally one day Tesla will have a 240 v outlet inside, like Hyundai Ioniq or BYD already do.

[@LivinginTesla]

That will be a truly prefect setup! 😍

[@darylfortney8081]

Eventually I will need to do something similar but for the cybertruck. hope there is some good 3rd party solutions so i don't have to work as hard as you.

[@LivinginTesla]

That'd be so cool with the Cybertruck. The building process is certainly fun in its own way!

[@bryanhauer]

Great job! Reminds me of Mav's setup, but in a Model Y. Well done 👍🏻 Hope to see you on the road 😀

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Bryan! Mav is awesome!

[@ITubeTooInc]

@@LivinginTesla Who's Mav? Another KZbinr?

[@vennauer]

@@ITubeTooInc yeah thats literally his youtube name. Mav

[@myharryface]

Most of what you used a router for you should have been using a jigsaw. Sooooo much easier and faster. --- Fun build, I hope you are enjoying it.

[@LivinginTesla]

I couldn't agree more! I had minimal tools and didn't want to buy too many of them.

[@kimberchick8527]

I applaud your diligence to complete this in the snow.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Kimber!

[@PaulSage]

I love that you're selling kits - but if you team up with someone who's proficient with Sketchup - you could sell plans for sale so others could DIY them (shipping plywood kits is likely going to be expensive, whereas I suspect we all have (or many do have) a big box store full of plywood fairly close to home...). Great work!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks for the idea Paul!

[@Billistac]

I wish I saw this video when I had my model Y. I have always wanted to do something like this with my Tesla.

[@Jeremy_Cruz]

I’m going to attempt this this weekend is there any chance you can share the exact measurements you used for the wood pieces?

[@LivinginTesla]

I can't share the exact measurements, unfortunately 😔 but you can find the crucial numbers in the build 2.0 video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaLNfnycrtSGh9ksi=mH6f69o9KBIdBddJ

[@Jeremy_Cruz]

@@LivinginTesla thank you sir! Look forward to seeing you one day on an adventure!

[@superteamvideo1930]

Why not forgo all the built in storage and get a portable stove, portable tabletop/sink, use an inflatable mattress and store everything in a clear plastic tub when not in use? Even have a closeable bucket for toilet. Then, you can store everything in the back of the car and still have use of the 2nd row seats.

[@LivinginTesla]

For me it’s more a permanent setup since I travel by myself. But for sure, if you have other people with you, 2nd row seats would be important

[@xzinx]

Why not use a 2 person rooftop tent? Id imagine it would be the same range with the weight vs drag

[@specterfranck]

My man this has got to be the best and quickest but most informative video on turning a Model Y into a camper! Great video!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you! 🙏

[@joecdb22]

Can you please share or post the plans with dimensions to build these cabinets

[@NinetyTres]

Takes MY camp mode to the next level, well done

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks buddy!

[@mikeallensonntag]

Your doing a great job. I like the use of the router, your basically using it like jig saw. Great idea.

[@LivinginTesla]

Router is so great, I just learned that recently.

[@neuriprince]

I am envious (in a good way) so much! Admirable how you took extra steps to make this setup look good and stylish (with the vinyl wrap and corner protection), and also how well it fits with the overall design of the car. Very thoughtful! Hope to get my hands on a Tesla one day and do the same! Thanks for sharing!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you, really appreciate it! I hope you get one soon!

[@svanhoogstraten]

awseome. I was thinking to RV the west caost but couldnt find aby small fuel efficient RV;s ThenI thought why not just camp in a tesla. Way more fuel efficient. you juts prided the answer

[@Nils_1984]

Impressive! You did a really good job. Handyman! Just one question, why not remove the back seats? for noice concerns maybe? Cause the seats do absorbe a lot of noice

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you! I don't have a place to store the seats if I were to remove them.

[@md82892]

Why didn’t you remove the back seats and use that area for extra storage space?

[@tesla-spectre]

this is bloody impressive. i think if you would make a nice manual with all parts needed, fotos etc you might try to sell it as a selfpublication on amazon. i was only wondering as a non-camper: why did you use a gas unit rather than electric which you could feed by the 12V outlet in the trunk from the main battery.

[@rmblue22]

Was wondering the same Great build btw!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks guys! The 12v outlet is very limited and can’t really support high current equipment like a stove. I think it’s separated from the main battery.

[@rono33]

I believe I saw another model 3 or y owner on here did have a higher current capability by connecting heavy gauge leads with an inline fuse of course, directly to the 12v battery, which in turn gets recharged by the giant lion battery. That way it’s not running through the tiny low current trunk socket. Just an FYI I saw someone else do in case you want to run a microwave or stove. Great work. Nicely done!

[@andymowatt8254]

@@rono33 The max is 100W from those "lighter sockets" AFAIK, which may well work, but is likely not ideal. Cybertruck will solve a lot of these kinds of issues. ;)

[@rextilian]

really well done the two sided tape idea instead of the clamps was brilliant. looking forward to seeing it in action. .

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks shnee!

[@t_amri]

The fact you did it all yourself. Hats off. Why only 7 k??? Subbed!

[@oliverschlicht5534]

Hey Jimmy, thank you so much for your impressions and this thoughtful idea! I have recreated it, according to my requirements, and am thrilled! I am now looking forward to three weeks in France and Spain! Next year I am with it, certainly further optimized, half a year in all of Western Europe on the road! Greetings from Europe/Germany/Berlin

[@LivinginTesla]

WOW Oliver! Just Wow! I just saw your photo on twitter. I’m impressed and very excited for you. Thanks so much for sharing and enjoy your trip with your wife!

[@Oliver-ni2zx]

Hi Oliver, where cannimsee some pics of your creation? Twitter id? Thx

[@LivinginTesla]

@@Oliver-ni2zx twitter.com/mrsamies/status/1542756176038862848?s=21&t=5VjuxRZHqvM2p_r9hDs4VQ

[@chrisdee7931]

I'm not jealous. I'm not.

[@tashi282]

amazing-except you could use Exped mattress to save space.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Tashi! Nice! I was using something similar last year, but felt like going with something more proper and permanent this time for comfort 😄

[@Gugong_camp]

I think he's good with his hands.🥰

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks buddy, keep doing what you do!

[@SomeSillyMate]

I love to come back to this video and see the progress you’ve made

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you!!! 🙏

[@annwoods7119]

Such an awesome build Jimmy 👏! So happy to have met you! 🤗

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you so much, Ann! Likewise!!

[@GamerplayerWT]

Question: You have your stove sitting on top of wood. Fire danger?

[@wooac]

Nice. Are the drawings with the dimensions available?

[@EduardoMartinsJundiai]

I’d like to see the dimensions too. Thanks.

[@LivinginTesla]

My initial drawings are quite off and based on 3/4 ply. 1/2 ply is what I would suggest and I just fix things as I go.

[@akramahmed4920]

This is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life ✌🏻

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Akram!

[@kiyi9960]

One of the best Tesla Model Y camping videos I've seen. Keep it up!!!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Ki!

[@aelaan12]

Wow, i had not seen this before. Just imagine pulling up somewhere near Lake Huron or Lake Ontario or even the great lakes in the North along HW 11. I saw your tent as well. Since it is all made of wood would you consider looking into aluminium? Fabrication might be much more expensive though....

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you 🙏 Metal fabrication does seem to be more expensive, I think wood does the job more than well enough!

[@billwoods6759]

Wow.. You are one talented dude. Great job! I wish there was a way you could set up this business model nationally.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks so much Bill!

[@cebo2012]

Hello, great job, but I would like to know where did you get the plus cable from the front to the trunk

[@LivinginTesla]

Do you mean the water tube?

[@pm1741]

do you have another video of this thing in action?

[@charlielin2514]

I really want to try to make what you made but i don't have the tools or skill,I want to see you make it with no editing and see the full progression of your making it so I can maybe make it myself. I also live in Vancouver.

[@LivinginTesla]

Hi Charlie, I plan to be back in BC around spring/summer time and may be able to help out. I think you might be mostly unsure about how to use a router, check out this Blake Weber's truck camper build where I learned the skills and inspired for my own build. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gV6uZGSQd5aciLs

[@charlielin2514]

@@LivinginTesla thank you!

[@DirtyTesla]

Awesome! That took a lot of skill.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you Chris!

[@mattbarker1923]

Excellent video Jimmy - Thanks! Are you able to say how much space in height there would be between the new camper base & the glass roof please? I’m a side sleeper and wondering how much I’d have if I built one of your kits. Thank you very much again for your video, inspiration & any help.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you and it's 24"!

[@brianriebedriveselectric]

Wow! Fantastic build! Looking forward to the next video. Excellent work.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Brian!

[@klownicle]

Welcome back!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks man!

[@QuadHealer]

Wow! That is a good-looking camper unit. Nice quality and is easily removable too. It will be difficult to do any better. Good job!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks so much Jesper!

[@Grayox]

Super sick my dude! Cant wait to see TSLA420 trending! You make outstanding content, keep em coming!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Cody, appreciate it!

[@mrWierdhippo]

Amazing build! Thinking of doing this when I get mine delivered! Do you expect to deal with any issues of the water tank/lines freezing in cold temperatures?

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you and that's exciting! Yes, the water tank and line was frozen when I was doing the test recently. It's definitely an issue if the car is left in the cold for too long. But after camp mode all night, they were back in liquid state.

[@clee1173]

Wow, you used a lotta screws. From an engineering standpoint, you probably could've used adhesive glues to supplement the mechanical connections to reduce weight. do you still use this original build? or the production build in your MY?

[@LivinginTesla]

For sure. I definitely overused screws for my first build, but it felt really sturdy. I agree, the new models (Lite, R1S) now have minimal screws and assemble like legos! I'm not using the original build anymore, but I am using the early production model of the original kit.

[@Amaranth81]

I'm surprised you kept the rear seats. That could have been removed to create additional storage space.

[@stephantimmers9843]

Think anything like this is possible with the model S? I'm asking because i can get those with unlimited free supercharge

[@oliverschlicht5534]

Model Y SUV Camper Do you perhaps have the exact measurements or plans for rebuilding and would you share them?

[@LivinginTesla]

Hi Oliver, I don't have the exact measurements as some of my initial sketches were messed up and just fixing things as I go.

[@xiaoren8871]

Just curious, how do you avoid people form peeking in while sleeping in a parking lot?

[@LivinginTesla]

My windows are super tinted and recently add blinds to the rear windows.

[@cathi_ag3]

Cool camper conversion in a Y. I've always seen these in typical "overland" vehicles, so good on you for making it in an electric.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you! You can surprisingly do a lot with minimal space.

[@CarsonGalloCarsonJGallo]

Great Minds think alike. I velcroed my inverter just recently as well.

[@LivinginTesla]

Nice! velcro ftw!

[@charleshood]

I really like it! The bed looks pretty thick though, how much room does that leave between you and the roof?

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Charles! The whole bed is 11" rise, leaving about 19" headroom. It still "feels" really spacious because of the glass when laying down, but there's definitely not enough physical headroom for sitting up right.

[@JosephHowes2003]

I wonder if anyone sells a water dispenser like that with a built-in filter.

[@Sebastiancrowe731]

I want to do a similar build with my model s and you've given me ideas, thanks!

[@GolDDarius]

You had an idea and went forward with it. This is some beautiful stuff right here.

[@LivinginTesla]

Much thanks Darius!

[@MichaelOrtega]

Would you take requests to do a build for another model y?

[@LivinginTesla]

Depends where you’re located?

[@MichaelOrtega]

@@LivinginTesla Connecticut. But I haven’t taken delivery yet. I was just curious if you did. This is such a great job 🙂

[@glenm5679]

That's fantastic Jimmy! Well done! I can't wait to see you putting it to the test.

[@glenm5679]

Oh, did you have any issues with your heat pump in the cold weather?

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Glen! No, I'm glad that I haven't experienced the heat pump problem.

[@AnnLeiSoCal]

Beautiful job! I only want to camp in my model 3, while waiting for my model Y...nothing that elaborate but still job well done.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you Ann! I used to camp and live out of my Model 3. It definitely works too, just need to be more minimal.

[@flukeylukey7559]

Awesome job, is there much room when lying on the bed.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks! There’s isn’t too much headroom, but for my case im okay since it’s just a sleeping area

[@clncl98506]

Great video. I'm working on mine (for Model Y and later for cyber). This is very interesting & helpful. Thank you.

[@LivinginTesla]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tqtang]

Great video, is there a list on the build such measurements and cuts?

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Thomas. Measurements and cuts are not on the list as this is more of a build as I go project. A few pieces was messed up and had to adopt as I go.

[@mojojuicejoe1]

This is dope. I'm thinking about just going all in and gutting my model Y and doing a full conversion for when I travel for work.

[@LivinginTesla]

That’d be really awesome. I’d love to see it once completed!

[@podoxd]

Oh man this is so well done, Bravo! I’m planning on doing this exact same build in my model Y, would you happen to have the measurements of the plywood pieces? The ones you showed that Home Depot guy. It would be a big help!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks so much! I don’t have the exact measurements on this one but if you go to the camper build 2.0 video, you’ll find the most crucial measurements. From there you just need to adjust the pieces’ height based on your needs accordingly!

[@RowlandvilleTexas]

Brilliant job. But one question: Why keep the second row seats? You lose a tremendous volume of space, and it strikes me as very unlikely that you will use those seats for their intended purpose.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Rowland. You're right, it's unlikely that I'll use those seats. They'll remained folded for probably 99% of the time but I just wanted to have the option to use them if they're ever needed.

[@youtube-chris]

It’s freaking awesome! Enjoy going car-camping with it. I go too seldom so that such a transformation would be a little bit exaggerated and not worth the seldom days out in the wilderness. 🥺

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Christoph!

[@johnrogers1423]

Very impressive, and without a workshop too.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks John! I was planning get a woodshop membership but then we went into a shutdown again here in Canada. I’m glad everything worked out with minimal tools!

[@Chupabrah]

How tall are you? What would you recommend for folks who are 6'4" and above? Model X? Wait for the truck?

[@LivinginTesla]

I'm close to 6'2" and the bed length is just enough for me. Sometimes, I do sleep diagonally.

[@St.eeeeebun]

Is there a reason behind using the pocket holes instead of using screws directly from the top board with a countersink to make the screw flush?

[@LivinginTesla]

I could be wrong, I think pocket holes are stronger and prevent the plywood from splitting

[@St.eeeeebun]

@@LivinginTesla I did some research and it is definitely stronger. something to to do with not screwing into the end grain will make it stronger. Do you have the measurements you can provide on the side pieces that touch the sides of the vehicle (above the subtrunk) and the drawers? i've tried figuring out your measurements but still confused :(

[@jimmycheung3298]

@@St.eeeeebun I have the measurements in the Build 2.0 video. You will need to increase height depending on your needs.

[@nomadicyoutube]

Impressive build and excellent documentation of your build - THANKS for sharing!

[@yaboii5420]

Wow wow wow! This is a great video!! You did a insane job!! 🔥 What’s your background?? I feel like your an engineer or something haha

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks so much! I'm no engineer, I just like to make things

[@Orderflow-sama]

Amazing. Been waiting on the upload!!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank U!!

[@ibrahimsyarikin7699]

The long awaited video has finally dropped! I've kept checking frequently for an update and what a nice surprise to wake up to! I love your hands on creativity and I'm excited to keep up with your adventures!

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks so much for all the support Ibrahim!!

[@jeanettestigen5028]

As you might know in out and the measurements of model Y. Could I transport something 180cmx100cmx10cm? It's a bedhead plate. Would it fit somehow?

[@LivinginTesla]

This is just a slightly too big, but maybe it can fit at an angle, hard to say. The truck may not close.

[@nmisley]

Wow that looks amazing! 👌 great job! I think we will see a lot more people moving into their cars due to the housing crisis.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Ros!

[@StephenAldaco]

SO cool dude I live in my Honda Element but I've always dreamed of living in a tesla! no gas ftw

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks Stephen! I just looked up the Honda Element, some even have a pop up roof? - woah. No gas ftw for sure! Otherwise I'd love to have a VW Westfalia instead :)

[@shanemartin56]

Simply genius mate.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks mate

[@wrenchdoozer]

Do you think your setup can be transported completely in the rear storage area so that the back seats can be used? I am thinking of the scenario where someone bringing a small kid in a child/booster seat. It looks like that might be possible given its modular nature, but I wasn't sure.

[@LivinginTesla]

Although I haven’t tried, I think the front two boxes can be stacked on top of the rear unit. They might block the rear view mirror but should fit really well.

[@wrenchdoozer]

@@LivinginTesla Thanks for the quick reply. Separately, congratulations on hitting the goal on your Kickstarter campaign and I hope you have continued success.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you very much!

[@alexandermclachlan3177]

Looks cool - I just can't believe you didn't go for induction over gas

[@LivinginTesla]

Will switch to induction in the future! Right now just don’t own an external power device 😅

[@fakamada]

I am so jealous of these kind of DIY projects. Awesome job.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thank you!

[@heyheythecat]

Roof rack, solar charger. Let's get it on!

[@canadapros]

This is Brilliant. I live in Toronto too and have model 3. Thank you for a video!!!

[@TeslaFansCH]

If only we had more manual skills. or do you sell a ready made set?

[@LivinginTesla]

Kit in the works :) Join my newsletter for the announcement! eepurl.com/ihN46D

[@1baomao]

Where is the link to the adjustable light you attached to the tailgate?

[@LivinginTesla]

Third link under “Build Parts” www.ohjimmyfilms.com/modelycamper

[@JustAnotherYoutubers]

Good job Jimmy! I wish I had your setup when I did my road trip from Vancouver to ottawa last summer.

[@LivinginTesla]

Thanks man! Now you can build one for your next road trip!

[@RichardJansen-j6q]

First time on your channel, enjoyed your camper project.