🤣 Trunk Tetris: Can You Really Jam Three Checked Bags Into a Tesla Model 3? A Hilariously Stretched-Out Guide 🚗
Let’s be real, folks. You bought a Tesla Model 3. You’re killing it with the futuristic vibes, the instant torque, and the whole saving-the-planet schtick. You’re living the electric dream. But then, the universe throws a curveball: a road trip or, worse, a trip to the airport with your entire family... and their huge checked luggage.
We've all been there, staring into that relatively compact trunk space, wondering if it's more of a black hole for charging cables than a luggage cavern. The official cargo volume is around 15 cubic feet (or 425 liters) just for the rear trunk, with an extra chunk in the frunk and sub-trunk. That sounds okay on paper, right? But the Model 3’s trunk opening is like threading a camel through the eye of a needle. It’s a tight squeeze, a classic sedan trunk situation. So, can you manage to fit three massive, checked luggage bags? It’s time for some serious "Trunk Tetris," baby!
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| Can You Fit 3 Checked Luggage In Tesla Model 3 Trunk |
Step 1: Know Your Bags, Dude 🧳
The first, and arguably most crucial, step in this whole escapade is to truly understand the enemy. Not all checked bags are created equal. This ain't a one-size-fits-all scenario.
1.1 The Great Luggage Size Divide
We're talking about those big, beefy suitcases, the ones the airline agent eyes suspiciously and makes you drop on the scale like a prized hog. A typical large checked bag is around 29 to 32 inches tall. If you’re rolling with three of those absolute units, well, you're looking at a challenge that rivals finding a parking spot in Manhattan on a Friday night.
Small Checked Bag (The 'Medium'): Maybe 25-27 inches. This one's your best friend in this Model 3 nightmare.
Large Checked Bag (The 'Standard Big One'): 28-30 inches. This is where things get dicey.
The Absolute Unit (The 'Oversize'): 31+ inches. If you have three of these, you're gonna need a roof rack, friend. Seriously.
The bottom line: The feasibility of fitting three bags is heavily dependent on whether your "checked luggage" is closer to the smaller-side or the larger-than-life-side of the spectrum. Aim for medium-large.
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Step 2: The Main Trunk Strategy: Go Vertical! 📐
The main rear trunk of the Model 3 is deceptively deep but has a relatively narrow opening. This is where your spatial reasoning skills, which you thought peaked in college when you fit a whole futon into a tiny hatchback, must be re-activated.
2.1 The Critical "First Bag" Placement
You have to commit to the most difficult bag first. Think of it as the keystone of your luggage arch.
Slide it deep: Turn the first bag (ideally your largest one, but not your tallest) on its side or back and push it all the way to the deepest part of the trunk, near the back seats. This maximizes the depth usage. Don’t just plop it in there; you need to angle it in past the lip of the trunk opening. This can be a bit of a pain in the butt, but it’s the key.
2.2 The Side-by-Side Squeeze
Once the first bag is in, the game is on. You have two bags left and rapidly diminishing patience.
The Second Bag: Try to get the second bag standing upright, or also on its side, right next to the first. This is where the wedge shape of the Model 3 trunk’s side walls will start to make you sweat. You may need to tilt it at a crazy angle to get it past the opening, then straighten it up once it's inside.
The Third Bag (The Clutch Moment): This one is going to be the absolute brawler. It must fit perfectly in the remaining space. You’ll likely have to tilt it almost completely on its side, maybe even diagonally, and then gently but firmly massage it into place. We're talking millimeter precision here. It’s like trying to get the last slice of pizza out of the box without messing up the cheese.
Pro Tip: If your bags are soft-sided, you have a fighting chance. Hard-shell cases? You might be out of luck, buddy.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Step 3: Don’t Forget the Hidden Gems! 💎
If, and let's face it, when, you fail to get all three monsters into the main trunk, the Tesla Model 3 is here to save your bacon with its sneaky, lesser-known storage areas.
3.1 The Sub-Trunk (The Secret Basement)
Lift the floor panel of the main trunk, and behold! A surprisingly generous well of extra space. This sub-trunk is clutch for those odd-shaped items or, crucially, one more bag!
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What fits: While a large, 30-inch checked bag won't fit here, a smaller, carry-on sized rolling bag or a smaller checked bag (like a 25-incher) might just squish right in. Even if it's not a whole bag, this is the perfect spot for shoes, toiletries bags, or heavy items to keep the weight low.
3.2 The Frunk (The "Fabulous" Front Trunk)
Ah, the frunk! The quintessential EV flex. It’s definitely not huge—around 3.1 cubic feet (88 liters)—but it's still a space that would be an engine block in a gas car.
The Power Move: This spot is generally a no-go for a large checked bag, but it’s perfect for a carry-on or a backpack, which helps free up room in the rear. Get your charging cables, emergency kit, and maybe a small carry-on bag in here. Every cubic inch counts!
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Step 4: Alternative Strategies (When You're Strapped for Space) 🤯
If your three checked bags are enormous and the rear trunk is laughing in your face, it’s time to pivot.
4.1 Fold the Seats (The Nuclear Option): This is a no-brainer if you don’t have rear-seat passengers. The Model 3 has 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Drop 'em down and you get a massive continuous cargo space. You could probably fit a whole kayak in there, let alone three suitcases! But, if you have passengers, this is a bust.
4.2 Get a Roof Rack (The Pro Move): If you're going on multiple big trips, invest in a Tesla roof rack. It’s a game-changer for bulky items or that third suitcase that just won't play nice.
4.3 The Passenger Lap Solution (The "Last Resort"): Can your rear passenger hold a carry-on at their feet? Can someone wear their bulkiest jacket instead of packing it? Every tiny concession helps when you’re dealing with the final, tight squeeze.
The Verdict, Drumroll Please...
Yes, you can technically fit three checked luggage bags in a Tesla Model 3 trunk, but it’s gonna be a seriously tight, sweat-inducing, 'did-I-just-scratch-my-paint' job. It works best if your bags are on the smaller side of "checked luggage" (think 28 inches or less), and you utilize the sub-trunk and frunk for any overflow. You're going to feel like a master puzzler when you finally get that lid to close, but you'll have earned the bragging rights!
FAQ Questions and Answers 💡
How to maximize luggage space in the Model 3's rear trunk?
You maximize the space by placing the first, largest bag deepest in the trunk and slightly on its side to clear the narrow opening, then using smaller bags to fill the space around it, working from the back of the car forward. Think Tetris Master and eliminate air pockets.
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What is the volume of the Model 3's frunk?
The Model 3's front trunk (frunk) typically offers around 3.1 cubic feet (88 liters) of storage space. It's usually big enough for a small carry-on suitcase, grocery bags, or charging cables.
Can you fit a set of golf clubs in the Model 3 trunk?
Yes, a set of standard golf clubs can generally fit in the Model 3 trunk, but you often have to place them diagonally across the trunk opening or remove the driver to make it work without folding the rear seats.
How much total cargo space does the Tesla Model 3 offer?
The Tesla Model 3 offers a total cargo capacity of approximately 24.1 cubic feet (or 682 liters), which includes the main rear trunk, the sub-trunk (under-floor storage), and the frunk (front trunk).
Should I get custom-fitted luggage for my Tesla Model 3?
If you travel frequently and absolutely need to maximize every inch of space, custom-fitted luggage sets for the Model 3's trunk and frunk are a great option. They are specifically shaped to fill the unique contours, eliminating wasted space.
Would you like a side-by-side comparison of the Model 3's trunk versus a similar sized gas sedan's trunk to see the difference in luggage accessibility?
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