The UItimate Tesla Model 3 Camping Upgrade: The Hidden Sub-Trunk Fridge
Introduction: Redefining the Tesla Camping Experience
For the modern adventurer, the Tesla Model 3 is more than just a car—it's a passport to freedom. Its minimalist interior, expansive glass roof, and silent, emission-free operation make it the perfect basecamp for everything from a weekend at the coast to a cross-country road trip. The built-in "Camp Mode" turns your cabin into a comfortable, climate-controlled sanctuary. Yet, for all its innovation, there's always been one piece of the classic camping puzzle that didn't quite fit: the cooler. Juggling melting ice, soggy sandwiches, and limited space in the footwell has, until now, been an accepted compromise.
What if you could unlock a new level of convenience and luxury? Imagine a dedicated, powered refrigeration solution that seamlessly integrates into your vehicle's existing space, preserving your food and drinks perfectly without wasting a single inch of precious cabin or trunk room. This isn't just an accessory; it's a fundamental upgrade to your mobile lifestyle.
That upgrade is here. We are thrilled to introduce the ultimate solution for the discerning Tesla camper: The Hidden Sub-Trunk Fridge. This innovation transforms the often-overlooked lower trunk storage into a perfectly chilled compartment, redefining what it means to be self-sufficient on the road. As a brand dedicated to intelligent enhancements for Tesla owners, Temai engineered this product to be the missing piece in your perfect adventure setup.
With this integration, your Model 3 gains a capability previously reserved for custom camper vans:
- True Integration: It occupies the factory sub-trunk space, maintaining a completely stock and tidy appearance when not in use.
- Plug-and-Play Power: Connects directly to your Tesla's 12V battery system, operating efficiently even while the vehicle is in "Camp Mode" or sentry standby.
- Uncompromised Storage: Frees up the entire main trunk and cabin for gear, luggage, and sleeping space.
- Camping Luxury: Enjoy chilled beverages, fresh ingredients, and reliable food storage wherever your journey takes you.
Discover how the Temai Glacier 310 Sub-Trunk Fridge moves the Tesla camping experience from clever hack to refined, effortless adventure. Let's explore the details that make it an indispensable upgrade for your next journey.

The Allure of Tesla Camping and the Case for a Dedicated Fridge
There's something uniquely liberating about Tesla camping. Your car isn't just transportation; it's a mobile basecamp powered by the giant battery in your driveway. You have climate control, entertainment, and a serene, emissions-free "room" with a panoramic glass roof. It's the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and modern comfort. But to truly elevate this experience from good to great, you need to solve one critical puzzle: food and drink.
Relying on a traditional cooler is a step back in time. You're left dealing with:
- Melting Ice & Soggy Food: The inevitable mess that drains away and leaves your provisions waterlogged.
- Temperature Inconsistency: Your drinks are never quite cold enough, and perishables are at risk.
- Wasted Space: A significant portion of your precious cargo area is consumed by bulky ice packs or bags of ice.
- Constant Maintenance: The need to find, buy, and replenish ice during your trip.
This is where a dedicated, integrated fridge becomes a game-changer. Imagine opening a hidden compartment to find perfectly chilled drinks, fresh ingredients for a campsite meal, or safely stored snacks—all without ever leaving your Tesla's ecosystem. It transforms your Model 3 from a car you sleep in into a true, self-contained micro-RV.
At Temai, we engineered a solution that aligns perfectly with the Tesla ethos: smart, efficient, and seamlessly integrated. Our Glacier 310 fridge is designed specifically for the Model 3's sub-trunk, utilizing that often-underused space to provide luxury-grade cooling without sacrificing an inch of your main cargo or passenger area. It's not an add-on; it's an upgrade that completes the Tesla camping experience.
Chapter 1: Why a Sub-Trunk Fridge is a Game-Changer
Every Tesla Model 3 owner knows the magic of the front and sub-trunk storage spaces. They're engineering marvels that turn a sleek sedan into a surprisingly practical hauler. But what if you could transform that deep, hidden sub-trunk from a simple storage pit into a cornerstone of your adventures? That's exactly what a dedicated sub-trunk fridge offers, and it fundamentally changes how you travel, camp, and live with your car.
Traditional camping coolers are bulky, inefficient, and messy. They take up precious passenger or trunk space, require constant ice management (and the resulting watery sludge), and can never truly maintain a safe, consistent temperature for perishables. By utilizing the Model 3's unique architecture, a specialized fridge like the Temai Glacier 310 solves all these problems elegantly.
Here’s why this upgrade is a true game-changer:
- Maximizes Every Cubic Inch: It reclaims otherwise "unusable" deep storage space for a critical function. Your main trunk and cabin stay completely free for gear, passengers, and comfort.
- Set-and-Forget Convenience: Plugged directly into your Tesla's 12V or 16V battery system (with built-in low-voltage protection), it maintains a perfect, consistent temperature for days. No ice runs, no soggy food, just cold drinks and fresh ingredients whenever you want them.
- The Ultimate Stealth Camping Companion: For campers, this is revolutionary. Keep all your food and drinks securely stored out of sight, locked in the trunk, preserving cabin space for sleeping. Wake up and grab a chilled breakfast without ever leaving your car.
- Beyond Camping – Daily Utility: This isn't just for trips. It's for grocery runs that no longer race against the clock, for keeping snacks and drinks cold on road trips, or for having a dedicated chilled space for sports gear, medications, or picnic supplies. It makes your Model 3 a more capable and self-sufficient vehicle every single day.
- A Seamless Integration: Unlike a portable cooler, a custom-designed unit fits the sub-trunk contours perfectly. As a mission-driven brand, Temai focuses on creating solutions that feel native to the Tesla experience—enhancing the car's functionality without compromising its design ethos.
In short, a sub-trunk fridge isn't just another accessory; it's a paradigm shift. It leverages the Model 3's greatest storage asset to provide unparalleled convenience, turning your electric vehicle into a truly self-contained adventure hub and a more practical daily driver.
Chapter 2: Choosing the Perfect Fridge for Your Model 3
Not all portable fridges are created equal, especially when the goal is a seamless, permanent-feeling upgrade for your Tesla Model 3. The sub-trunk is a uniquely shaped space, and a standard cooler or generic fridge simply won't maximize its potential. Here’s what to look for to ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Critical Factors for the Model 3 Sub-Trunk
- Precise Dimensions & Shape: The fridge must fit the exact contours of the Model 3's sub-trunk. A custom-shaped unit sits completely flush, leaving zero wasted space and allowing the trunk floor to close perfectly without obstruction.
- Efficient & Quiet Compressor: Look for a compressor-based fridge (not a thermoelectric cooler) for true cooling power. It should be energy-efficient to minimize impact on your vehicle's 12V battery and quiet enough not to be a nuisance.
- Dual-Zone Flexibility: The ability to split the compartment into two independent temperature zones is a game-changer. Think frozen goods on one side and chilled drinks on the other—all from one integrated unit.
- Seamless Power Integration: The ideal fridge should connect directly to your Model 3's 12V power outlet in the sub-trunk, turning on and off automatically with the vehicle's power state for complete peace of mind.
- Durability & Insulation: Built with robust materials and excellent insulation, it maintains temperature for extended periods, whether you're on a road trip or just using it for daily groceries.
This is precisely why we engineered the Temai Glacier 310 for the Tesla Model 3. Born from our philosophy at Temai of creating deeply integrated, no-compromise accessories, it’s not just a fridge placed in a car—it’s a dedicated appliance designed from the ground up for this specific location. It checks every box: a custom-molded shape for a flawless fit, a powerful yet silent compressor, dual-zone control, and plug-and-play power using the sub-trunk's own outlet.
Choosing the right fridge is the most important decision in this upgrade. By selecting a unit designed specifically for the Model 3's ecosystem, you ensure a clean, professional installation that looks and functions like it was always meant to be there.

Chapter 3: The Installation & Setup Process
One of the most compelling features of the Temai Glacier 310 fridge is its seamless, tool-free installation. Designed from the ground up for the Tesla Model 3, it transforms what could be a complex project into a simple 5-minute task. Here’s your step-by-step guide to going from box to chilled drinks.
Step 1: Preparation & Unboxing
Start by clearing out your sub-trunk. Remove the existing floor panel and any items you have stored. Unbox your Temai fridge and accessories. You’ll find:
- The Glacier 310 fridge unit
- A dedicated power cable
- A removable divider/tabletop
- User manual
Step 2: Positioning the Unit
Simply lower the fridge into the sub-trunk space. You’ll notice it’s a perfect form-fit, occupying the deeper section on one side. The robust construction sits securely without sliding. This precision engineering is a hallmark of Temai's philosophy of creating tailored accessories that look and feel like original equipment.
Step 3: The Simple Power Connection
This is the genius part. No wiring, splicing, or tapping into your car's battery is needed.
- Locate the 12V socket in the main trunk of your Model 3 (on the left side wall).
- Plug the included power cable into this socket.
- Route the cable neatly along the trunk lining and tuck it into the sub-trunk.
- Connect the other end into the dedicated port on the back of the fridge.
The system is designed to operate safely from the 12V socket, drawing power intelligently when the car is on or in sentry mode.
Step 4: Reassembling & Dual-Mode Functionality
Place the included divider board over the other half of the sub-trunk to create a flat, level surface. Now, reinstall your original Tesla sub-trunk floor panel on top. Everything sits flush, and your trunk looks completely stock.
You now have a dual-zone storage area:
- Chill Mode: The hidden compartment below is a powerful fridge/freezer.
- Storage Mode: With the fridge turned off, it becomes a secure, insulated lockable storage bin, perfect for groceries or sensitive items.
Step 5: Powering On & Control
Turn on the fridge using the front control panel. Use the intuitive buttons to set your desired temperature, from freezing -4°F (-20°C) to cool 50°F (10°C). The digital display shows the set temperature and the internal temperature. You’re now ready to load it up with your road trip essentials!
Pro Tip: For best efficiency, pre-chill your drinks and food before a trip, and try to keep the fridge as full as possible. The unit is incredibly efficient, but this will help it maintain temperature with minimal energy draw.
Chapter 4: Living with Your Hidden Fridge
Your Mobile Kitchen Command Center
Once your Temai Glacier 310 is installed, it transforms from a simple appliance into the heart of your mobile adventures. It's no longer just about keeping things cold—it's about unlocking a new level of convenience and spontaneity. Imagine finishing a hike on a hot day and having chilled drinks and fresh fruit waiting for you at the car, or deciding to extend your beach day because you have the provisions for a sunset picnic. The fridge integrates seamlessly into the Tesla's "always ready" ethos, turning your Model 3 into a true basecamp.
Pro Tips for Daily & Adventure Use
To get the most out of your hidden fridge, a little strategy goes a long way.
- Pre-Chill is Key: Always pre-cool the fridge for 20-30 minutes before loading it with food and drinks. This ensures it doesn't have to work overtime to bring everything down to temperature, conserving your Tesla's battery.
- Master the Zones: Use the adjustable temperature settings intelligently. Set it to 0°C (32°F) for drinks, dairy, and ready-to-eat items. For longer trips with raw meats or perishables, drop it to -2°C (28°F). The Glacier 310's precise digital control makes this easy.
- Battery-Friendly Operation: Don't worry about vampire drain. The fridge is incredibly efficient. For ultimate peace of mind on multi-day camping trips, simply enable "Camp Mode" in your Tesla. This keeps the vehicle's systems (and your fridge) running optimally while using energy intelligently.
- Organization Wins: Use small bins or collapsible organizers inside the fridge to separate items. This makes finding your yogurt or cheese slices a breeze without having to unpack everything.
Beyond Camping: The Everyday Game-Changer
While it's a camping superstar, the fridge's utility shines every single day. It becomes an indispensable part of your routine:
- The Ultimate Grocery Getter: No more rushing home with frozen goods. Run all your errands, knowing your ice cream and seafood will stay perfectly frozen.
- Commute Refreshment: Keep your morning smoothie chilled until you get to work, or have a cold sports drink ready for the gym after hours.
- Weekend Adventure Fuel: Spontaneous road trips, day hikes, beach days, or sports tournaments are all enhanced. You're always packed and ready to go.
- Costco & Bulk Shopping Companion: Buy in bulk without fear. The spacious 31L capacity means you can transport a week's worth of perishables in perfect condition.
The Temai Difference: Designed for the Tesla Life
Living with this upgrade is so seamless because it was born from a deep understanding of the Tesla experience. As a brand, Temai is focused on creating intelligent accessories that integrate perfectly with your vehicle's ecosystem. The Glacier 310 isn't a generic cooler shoved into a trunk; it's a custom-engineered solution that respects the Model 3's design, power system, and smart features. This thoughtful design is what turns a great product into a transformative part of your daily life and adventures.
In short, your hidden sub-trunk fridge stops being a "mod" and simply becomes how your car works. It’s the upgrade you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Chapter 5: Addressing Common Concerns & FAQs
We know that modifying your Tesla, even in a non-invasive way, brings up important questions. Here, we tackle the most common concerns about installing a dedicated fridge in your Model 3's sub-trunk.
Will This Drain My Car Battery?
This is the #1 question, and the answer is: it's designed not to. The Temai Glacier 310 is engineered for efficiency and integrates with your Tesla's low-voltage system. It uses advanced compressor technology that draws minimal power. For perspective, running the fridge for 24 hours typically uses less energy than driving the car for 15 minutes. Furthermore, Tesla's software manages the 12V battery and will alert you if power gets low, giving you ample time to plug in or start Sentry mode to initiate charging.
Is the Installation Complicated or Risky?
Not at all. The core principle behind Temai's design is plug-and-play installation. You are not cutting or splicing any factory wires. The fridge connects directly to the 12V power port in your sub-trunk (or to the included dedicated harness that taps into existing connectors). The entire process takes about 10-15 minutes with no special tools required, and it's completely reversible.
How Much Space Does It Actually Take?
The fridge is custom-molded to occupy the deep, unused portion of the sub-trunk, a space that is notoriously awkward for storing most items. You retain full use of the main upper trunk and the frunk. It's a brilliant use of otherwise wasted space, adding functionality without subtracting practical storage.
Can I Use It While Driving?
Absolutely! That’s one of its best features. It runs seamlessly whether you're on a road trip, parked at a campsite, or just running errands. Your drinks and snacks are always chilled and ready to go.
What About Ventilation and Heat?
The sub-trunk is a well-suited environment. The fridge is designed with integrated ventilation and a high-efficiency compressor that generates minimal heat. There is no risk of damage to your Tesla's interior components, and the system is thoroughly tested for safe operation in this specific enclosure.
Common FAQs at a Glance:
-
Q: Does it come with a warranty?
A: Yes. Temai products come with a comprehensive warranty, reflecting our confidence in their quality and reliability. -
Q: Can I remove it easily?
A: Yes. The installation is non-permanent, allowing you to remove the fridge in minutes if needed for any reason. -
Q: How cold does it get?
A> The fridge can cool to well below freezing (as low as -4°F / -20°C), allowing it to function as a freezer, or maintain a perfect beverage temperature at ~37°F (3°C). -
Q: Is it noisy?
A: The compressor is very quiet. You likely won't hear it over the ambient noise of driving or a quiet campsite. -
Q: Will it affect my vehicle warranty?
A: Because it's a plug-and-play accessory that doesn't modify the vehicle's high-voltage system or require cutting wires, it should not affect your Tesla warranty. Always consult your vehicle warranty documentation for complete peace of mind.
We believe in transparent innovation—enhancing your Tesla experience should be exciting, not worrying. The Temai sub-trunk fridge is the result of thoughtful engineering designed to integrate perfectly and work reliably, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Chapter 6: Taking It Further: Complementary Upgrades
Your Temai Glacier 310 fridge is the cornerstone of your mobile kitchen, but the right supporting gear can transform your Tesla Model 3 from a simple camper into a fully self-sufficient micro-RV. Here are our top complementary upgrades to complete your ultimate adventure setup.
- Portable Power Station (Solar-Ready): While the fridge runs efficiently from your Tesla's 12V system, a high-capacity power station gives you flexibility. Use it to power camp lights, a kettle, or charge drones and cameras without touching your car's battery. Choose a solar-ready model, and you can pair it with a foldable solar panel for indefinite off-grid power, keeping your fridge cold and your devices charged for days.
- Tailgate Kitchen Organizer: Create an instant outdoor cooking station. A compact, foldable tailgate organizer holds your camp stove, utensils, cutting board, and spices right at the trunk, turning your Model 3's rear into a perfect kitchen counter. It keeps cooking smells outside and your gear instantly accessible.
- High-Quality Window Shades & Privacy Screens: For comfortable sleeping and true privacy, a complete set of custom-fit sunshades for all windows and the glass roof is essential. They provide insulation for better temperature control (helping your fridge work less), total privacy, and turn your cabin into a perfect dark space for sleeping in.
- Compact Camping Mattress & Sleep System: Pair your fridge full of snacks with a great night's sleep. A high-density foam or self-inflating mattress cut specifically for the Model 3's folded rear seats makes your bed incredibly comfortable. Use compression sacks for bedding to save crucial storage space in your frunk and sub-trunk.
- Organized Storage Solutions: Utilize every cubic inch. Collapsible storage bins, hanging organizers for the front seat backs, and a roof rack or hitch cargo box for bulky items like chairs and tents keep your cabin clutter-free. A well-organized car means you can find your headlamp or coffee supplies instantly, without digging.
Each of these upgrades builds upon the foundation of having reliable, silent, and integrated cooling with your Temai fridge. They address the other core aspects of camping—power, cooking, comfort, and organization—creating a seamless and luxurious experience. At Temai, we believe innovation is about solving the small pains to unlock great adventures. Start with the perfect cold storage, and build your ultimate mobile basecamp from there.

Conclusion: Is the Hidden Sub-Trunk Fridge Worth It?
Transforming your Tesla Model 3 into a fully capable, off-grid adventure hub requires smart upgrades that maximize space and utility. The question isn't just about adding a cooler; it's about seamlessly integrating a reliable, high-performance appliance into the unique ecosystem of your electric vehicle.
When you weigh the benefits—preserving your main cabin and frunk space, drawing power efficiently from the vehicle's high-voltage system, and enjoying the convenience of set-and-forget temperature control—the value of a dedicated, hidden fridge becomes clear. It elevates the camping experience from makeshift to masterful, turning your Model 3 into a true basecamp on wheels.
For those committed to this lifestyle, the choice ultimately comes down to integration and quality. A purpose-built solution like the Temai Glacier 310 is designed specifically for this role. It’s not just a portable fridge placed in a hole; it’s an engineered upgrade that fits perfectly, operates silently, and leverages the Tesla's own power architecture intelligently.
So, is it worth it? If your vision for your Model 3 includes spontaneous road trips, weekend camping escapes, or simply the ultimate tailgate setup, then the answer is a resounding yes. It’s the definitive upgrade that unlocks the full potential of your car for adventure.
Ready to transform your sub-trunk? Explore the engineered solution designed for this exact purpose and learn more about our approach to Tesla innovation on our about page.