How to Choose the Right Car Camping Platform for Your Vehicle
Car camping isn’t just about saving money on hotels — it’s about freedom. Being able to stop anywhere, sleep safely inside your car, and wake up to the sound of birds instead of city noise.
That’s why choosing the right car camping platform matters. Not all setups are the same — and what fits perfectly for one car or one person might not work for another. At Teraglide, we’ve designed every detail to help you sleep flat, stay organised, and enjoy real comfort on the road — whether you’re travelling solo or sharing the space with someone else.
From Tesla to Every Car
Our story started with Tesla Model Y owners who wanted a proper bed inside their car — flat, strong, and quick to set up. But the idea grew fast. People started asking: “Can you make it for my Subaru? My Toyota? My Ioniq 5?” And that’s how Teraglide became what it is now — a custom-fit camping platform for almost any car.
Every platform is designed specifically for your vehicle, following its curves and seat layout. No one-size-fits-all, no wasted space — just a perfect fit.
What to Look for When Choosing a Car Camping Platform
1. Size and Fit
Every car is different — seat angles, trunk depth, even where the armrests fold. A universal platform might rattle or leave gaps under the mattress, while a custom-fit setup sleeps flat like your bed at home.
2. Height and Comfort
The height of your platform changes everything. A lower platform (like our CORE) gives more headroom — perfect if you want to sit upright inside your car. A taller one (like our PRO) offers more storage and space underneath, including access to the sub-trunk. And our new adjustable model gives you both: choose a lower setting for short trips or raise it for long journeys with more gear.
3. Materials That Last
All Teraglide platforms are made from high-grade birch plywood with HPL coating, finished with smooth edges, and produced using 100% renewable energy in New Zealand. That’s not just for durability — it’s for sustainability. No rust, no sharp corners, no toxic coatings.
4. Everyday Car Compatibility
Your car is your everyday companion — school runs, groceries, work commutes. You shouldn’t have to drive around with a full camper setup all the time. That’s why Teraglide platforms can be fixed to Isofix mounts and removed in a minute — no tools needed. Use your car normally during the week, and turn it into a comfortable camper only when you want to escape.
Comparing the Teraglide Models
| Model | Height | Storage | Fits Fridge | Ideal For | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRO | 27 cm | Large + sub-trunk access | ✅ | Long trips, Tesla owners, organised travellers | ~2 min |
| CORE | 20 cm | Medium | Optional | Families, everyday cars | ~1 min |
| SOLO | 24 cm | Split 60/40 | ✅ | Solo travellers | ~1 min |
| NEW Adjustable | 20–28 cm | Modular drawers | ✅ | Flexible setup for one or two people | ~2 min |
Coming soon: Our new adjustable platform can easily switch between double and single mode, so you can travel solo or with a partner. It’s built for better organisation — more storage underneath, variable height, and the same Teraglide strength and simplicity.
Comfort and Organisation
The biggest difference between sleeping on folded seats and sleeping on a platform is quality of rest. A platform gives you a perfectly flat sleeping surface, no bumps, no seat gaps, no sliding mattress. Underneath, you’ve got room for luggage, food, and a compact 12 V fridge — models from Dometic or Alpicool fit neatly into the Tesla sub-trunk or under the Teraglide PRO. You can even add a bamboo clip-on table to create a mini kitchen for morning coffee or dinner under the stars.
The Lifestyle Factor: Why Car Camping Is Booming Worldwide
In the past few years, car camping has exploded in popularity across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the US. People are discovering that you don’t need a campervan or rooftop tent to travel comfortably — your car can be your home.
A study by Tourism Research Australia shows a record 15 million camping trips in 2024, most of them by people using regular cars or small SUVs. The Guardian calls it the rise of “micro-adventures” — short, spontaneous trips that don’t need planning or hotel bookings. And RV Industry Association reports that camping now accounts for 40 percent of all leisure trips in North America.
For many, it’s not just about saving money. It’s about unplugging, spending time outdoors, and reconnecting with nature — even if it’s just for a weekend.
If you’re planning your next escape, check out these guides on our blog:
- 🦘 Travelling in Australia? Read Car Camping in Australia: What’s Legal and What’s Not.
- 🇳🇿 Heading to New Zealand? See Car Camping in New Zealand: What You Can and Can’t Do.
- 🇪🇺 Planning a trip across Europe? Visit Where You Can Sleep in Your Car in Europe.
- 🇺🇸 Driving across the US? Read Where Can You Sleep in Your Car in the USA.
- 🇯🇵 Exploring Japan? Check Car Camping in Japan: Where You Can Sleep in Your Car and Where You Can’t.
Everyday Freedom, No Compromise
The best part? You don’t need to modify your car, drill holes, or change the interior. Every Teraglide platform folds into your trunk and locks into place — ready when you are. In a minute, your car transforms from weekday commuter to weekend getaway machine.
So if you’ve been dreaming of escaping the city for a night under the stars — this is your sign. Pack your sleeping bag, plug in your fridge, and let your car do the rest. Whether it’s a Tesla, a Subaru, or a Toyota Prado — with the right platform, your car becomes a tiny, comfortable home on wheels.