Overlanding and car camping with all-electric vehicles can be a bit of a different experience, especially when it comes to storage space. Tesla made the “frunk,” or “front trunk,” a useful feature with the Model S and subsequent offerings and Rivian went even further with its center “pass through” tunnel that is great for transporting unwieldy things like skies and fishing poles in a secure but easy-to-access location amidships in the R1T pickup truck.
Now, a startup called Fruble has launched a campaign with two new storage and car camping solutions for Tesla and Rivian R1S SUV owners with their Camper Kit Lite storage systems. Both have surpassed their fundraising goal on Kickstarter. It’s the third system from Fruble, according to a video posted on the Kickstarter page.
For both vehicles, the Camper Kit Lite system arrives as an IKEA-like flat pack that will need to be built, but Fruble says construction is straightforward and the pieces are custom fitted for Tesla Model Y and Rivian R1S electric SUVs.
In the Tesla Model Y, the new kit takes advantage of the vehicle’s rear cargo space, and will be able to expand with two more units to create a flat sleeping platform with storage below when the rear seats are folded down. Of note: The system only works with the 5-seat Model Y, not the 7-seat version.
If the seats are needed again, the forward units can be rapidly disassembled by hand. The rear trunk unit features a chassis that locks to the vehicle and a main storage drawer on sliders. When the drawer is pulled open, the large sleeping surface flap can be opened to gain access to the Tesla’s lower trunk space, where larger items can be stored. YouTuber Tesla Owners Silicon Valley has a good look at how the system works in practice here:
The storage system in the Rivian R1S is similar in that it can be used with the rear seats up or down and connects to the chassis with the Rivian’s built-in cargo clamps. In the very back, the storage system is taller and more complex. It features two expanding platforms and a top flap that opens to reveal a large storage area big enough for cooktops and other meal-making gear.
Both the Tesla and Rivian offer A/C outlets and built-in inverters connected to their primary batteries for 120-Volt A/C power, but campers will need to make sure they do not overload the inverters. The Tesla owner in the video constructed a more robust 12-volt system with a larger inverter for his specific requirements (including long stays inside the vehicle).
The Camp Kit Lite systems are constructed from 12mm Birchwood with lacquered surfaces for water resistance, according to Fruble. Project backers can expect to pay about $1,000CAD/$735USD for the Tesla trunk setup, and $1,199CAD/$890USD for the Rivian trunk module, plus shipping costs, which can be substantial due to the weight and size of the flat pack. Prices for the additional modules for use with the seats folded were not specified on the Kickstarter site.
More information and FAQs are here.