Tesla has recently begun shipping a $3,000 tent attachment for the Cybertruck, but customers are expressing dissatisfaction with the product.
Contrary to the sleek design promised in Tesla’s advertisements, buyers have described the Basecamp Tent as resembling a tarp more than a luxury camping accessory. This has led to a debate over whether the high cost is justified by the product received.
Promised Features vs. Delivered Product
The first batch of Tesla’s tent attachments for the Cybertruck has sparked outrage among buyers due to unmet expectations.
Advertisements highlighted an ‘ultra-soft mattress’ and an ‘enhanced camping experience.’ However, customers have reported that the actual product lacks the allure suggested by the promotional pictures, leading to widespread disappointment.
Advertisements Misaligned with Reality
Tesla’s promotional efforts for the Basecamp tent claimed it would attach evenly to the back of the Cybertruck, providing ample space for a family and offering screened windows for stargazing.
However, new owners have shared their experiences, showing a product that appears more like a tarp extension, fitting a maximum of two people, which starkly contrasts with the advertised family-friendly space.
Social Media Outcry
The sentiment on social media platforms, particularly X, formerly Twitter, reflects a growing discontent with Tesla’s Cybertruck tent.
Users like Dangum P.I. have openly criticized the product, stating, “Nothing about the 2019 CyberTruck reveal is meeting expectations,” and labeling the tent a “monumental failure.” These comments highlight a significant gap between customer expectations and the delivered product.
Design Criticisms Surface
Design criticisms have been harsh, with comparisons being made to less desirable conditions. Plump Pixel, a design company, commented on X that the Basecamp tent resembles “an unpolished homeless encampment.”
Such comparisons demonstrate the disconnect between the product’s marketing and its reception by the public and experts alike.
The Long-awaited Release Disappoints
After unveiling the Cybertruck and Basecamp add-on in 2019, Tesla began delivering the vehicle to customers by the end of November 2023.
However, the tent was not available for purchase until the following month, leading to further anticipation. The awaited product, however, has not lived up to the expectations set by years of anticipation, according to customer feedback.
Complicated Installation Process
The process to install the tent attachment is not as straightforward as advertised. Customers must visit a Tesla Service Center for the professional attachment of tent brackets to the vehicle’s side rails, a step that adds complexity and inconvenience.
Additionally, the need for a manual pump to inflate the tent contradicts Tesla’s promises of simplicity and ease of use.
Missing ‘Tent Mode’ Feature
One of the touted features of the Basecamp tent was the ‘Tent Mode,’ which was supposed to auto-level the Cybertruck for a comfortable sleeping experience, even on an incline.
However, customers have reported that this feature is missing, with one owner detailing their experience of sliding down while trying to sleep in the tent, indicating that the feature was not implemented as promised.
Customer Feedback Highlights Missing Features
Customers have expressed frustration over missing features, particularly the ‘Tent Mode.’ One customer on X highlighted the discrepancy, saying, “It costs three thousand dollars and the instructions tell you to activate ‘Tent Mode,’ which does not exist in the car.”
This has led to questions regarding the accuracy of Tesla’s product descriptions.
Rust Issues on New Cybertrucks
In addition to the tent concerns, new Cybertruck owners have reported issues with rust on their vehicles, occurring less than two weeks after purchase.
One owner detailed their experience on the Cybertruck Owners Club website, noting that orange spots appeared after just two days of driving in the rain, raising concerns about the vehicle’s durability.
Mixed Reviews Despite Concerns
Despite the issues surrounding the tent and reports of rust, some reviews of the Cybertruck itself have been positive.
Owners have praised its smooth ride, design, and engineering. This indicates that while there are significant concerns about certain aspects of Tesla’s latest offerings, there are also aspects of the vehicle that are receiving favorable feedback.
The Debate Over Value
As customers weigh the pros and cons of Tesla’s Cybertruck and its tent attachment, the debate continues over whether the overall value justifies the high price tag.
With mixed reviews on the vehicle and significant criticism of the tent, the Tesla community is left to consider the worth of these high-dollar features and whether they meet the expectations set by the company’s ambitious promises.
