Tesla's Cybertruck Could Be The Perfect Overlanding Vehicle For The Adventurous Folks

When Rivian revealed its R1T truck, there was barely any information known about the Tesla pickup truck. However, a few details slowly started to emerge and it looked like the latter will be more of a performance-oriented truck. In the meanwhile, Rivian took an alternate approach to become a household name in EV adventure lifestyle segment. Just around the time when Tesla was basking in its “Under $50,000” news, Rivian started promoting its R1T truck as an EV camper instead. Until the launch of the Cybertruck, it looked like both these rivals are promoting different unique selling points. However, it looks like Tesla is stepping into Rivian’s territory now. In one of the official images, the Cybertruck is seen with a bed tent and an outdoor kitchen. Although there is no word on it yet, there is a possibility of Tesla offering a camping setup as optional. Rivian must be fuming right now!

Camping Equipment Is Growing To Be A Big Market

Overlanding has become quite popular lately. It is no more restricted to vans and crossovers primarily. Even during the 2019 SEMA show, truck manufacturers like Ford had multiple overlanding concept trucks based on the Ranger and the F-Series. Rivian, too, tapped into this market even before launching the truck to become synonymous with it. And now, we have Tesla doing the same. One of the images in the official batch of Cybertruck pics that were released by Musk’s company indicated that; although, there is no official word from the California-based company.

We Need More Details On This

The Cybertruck has a big 6.5-feet bed and comes with a body structure that makes it an automatic choice for overlanding purposes. As you can see the image, a bed tent and an outdoor kitchen can easily be accommodated here by pulling the tonneau cover all the way back. The kitchen setup looks to be from a storage box that has almost the height of the tailgate. There seems to be a two-burner stove along with a sturdy foldable shelf that works as the kitchen counter. This could be a long shot, but promoting it as an overlanding truck could be one of the reasons why the Cybertruck is shaped so differently. However, it is still not as intricate as the Rivian R1T’s. There seems to be no fridge or water storage as well. But, again, this is based on the only image Tesla has released.

Rivian Has A Full-Fledged Setup In Place

The startup from Michigan, however, has a detailed setup which it revealed at the Overland Expo West in Flagstaff Arizona. Rivian also replied to a user on Twitter stating the specialized kitchen will be available as an official accessory right from the launch of the truck. The R1T's retractable kitchen includes two induction burners, cookware, utensils, and a sink with five gallons of water storage. Rivian will also offer a 12V refrigerator in the frunk. To clarify the battery consumption, Rivian also stated that "users can light their surroundings and cook using the vehicle’s power for over a week using only 20 kWh — or 11 percent — of the largest 180-kWh Rivian battery pack.”

It’s Not Just About The Kitchen

Apart from the kitchen setup, the R1T equipped with the camper requirement showed us a variety of other "products" on offer as well. The Rivian R1T featured roof rack-mounted Maxtrax recovery boards, a built-in air compressor, a shovel, and a Hi-Lift jack. While the others are self-explanatory and feasible options here, the hi-lift jack is as gimmicky as it can get on the R1T. The Rivian R1T is devoid of any high lift points, and using it anywhere would damage the body parts. So, instead of being an actual useable part, the hi-lift jack is a mere feature on paper. Since the Tesla Cybertruck comes with an armored underbody, it could feature high lift points.

Final Thoughts

An overlanding-ready Tesla Cybertruck looks more in its element than a Cybertruck without it. That’s how oddly-shaped the truck is. Although Tesla managed to keep the Cybertruck a secret right until the launch, this may have actually backfired. People were vocal about the design on Twitter and it largely looked to be negative. Had Tesla given glimpses of the shape of the truck, do you think viewers would’ve been more accommodative and accepting? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.