How To: Keep 12v ON to Power eCooler or CPAP Machine – For Tesla Cars
Electric vehicles are increasingly popular, and many Tesla owners are discovering the appeal of camping with their cars. With generous interior space, comfortable seating, and advanced features, a Tesla can be a practical option for road trips and overnight stays. However, some owners run into power issues when trying to run devices like electric coolers or medical equipment such as CPAP machines that require continuous power.
Below is a simple, real-world workaround that some owners have used to keep the 12V outlet powered overnight.
One Tesla owner shared their experience attempting to run an eCooler during a camping trip. They tried using Sentry Mode and Camp Mode, but once the vehicle entered sleep mode, the rear 12V outlet on their Model Y stopped supplying power. While troubleshooting, they accidentally left a duffle bag on the driver’s seat. The car interpreted the added weight as an occupied seat, prevented sleep mode from activating, and kept the 12V system active. The cooler continued running without interruption.
This simple trick—placing weight on the driver’s seat—has worked for some owners who need continuous power for devices like coolers or CPAP machines. For users who rely on medical devices overnight, maintaining uninterrupted power can be critical.
That said, this is an informal workaround, not an official Tesla-supported feature. Tesla frequently updates vehicle software and power management behavior, so this method may stop working in the future. Still, for now, many owners report that this approach keeps the 12V outlet active through the night.
