The 3Tray is a small tray designed to fit in the front part of the Tesla Model 3 center console in front of cup holder. The space is basically one big compartment that is not useful to access stored items while driving. This small tray fits at the top of the compartment providing quick and easy access to small items. You can organize sunglasses, lip balm, coins, ID badges and much more; making them all within easy reach when needed. There have been a lot of different trays pop up on the market and when you search for model 3 console trays; there is 1 type that is being re-branded and sold by many different companies. The 3Tray was designed by one person working out of his home. After comparing the different products it is easy to see why the 3Tray is a better product.
The following is an interview with Lee, the creator of the 3Tray
[TS] Do you remember when you first heard about Tesla?
[Lee] I remember noticing Tesla when the Model S first came out but not thinking too much of it. I’ve always been a car guy, Porsche 911 had always been my dream car even since a little boy. When Model S first came out, I didn’t dismiss it or look down upon it, but it just was another cool/interesting car that wasn’t Porsche. Then when Model X came out, I remember thinking that Tesla was doing some interesting things in terms of design. Of course Tesla was getting more attention by that point and I developed an interest (sure wish I had bought stock back then….). It was in the fall of 2015 when mumblings of Model 3 started is when my obsession began, and I knew – even months before the Model 3 reveal – that I just had to have one. I was a line-waiter on 3/31 and then went home to watch the reveal event.
[TS] Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?
[Lee] March 31 was pretty memorable. I, and a colleague, took the day off from work and went to our local Tesla store to line-wait. Everyone there was so excited to be there and to be part of history in the making. Then watching the reveal later that night was a pretty big deal for me. The Model 3 blew my mind the first time I saw it.
[TS] What were your thoughts then?
[Lee] I really didn’t know what to think. All I knew was I wanted one so badly and that I didn’t know what to expect. I had never sat in or even explored an EV up until that point. I didn’t know about regen, about the torque response, range anxiety (or lack of), charging networks, etc. But somehow I just knew it was gonna be huge.
[TS] How long did you have to wait before you could get a Tesla?
[Lee] I was a line-waiter on 3/31 and I took delivery in Feb 2018, so just about 2 years. It’s the longest I’ve waited for a car in my life, by a long shot. As an adult, cars have been fun toys and when I’m ready for a new toy, I get it. In the past 10 years, I’ve had 8 different cars (one at a time). During the wait, I did explore buying a CPO Model S just to tide me over, but I didn’t.
(CPO = Certified Pre-Owned)
[TS] What model of Tesla(s) do you have?
[Lee] I have a first-production (VIN < 6000) LR RWD Model 3 in blue, named Azura. I’ve had it paint-corrected and coated in CQuartz ceramic coating, and will be getting a chrome delete next week. I have all glass (except for windshield) tinted; since I was one of the very first in my city to have a Model 3, it was difficult to find a tint shop who could competently do the back glass with one piece of tint. I have 18″ EVwheelsdirect turbine wheels in satin black for my summer wheels, and the OEM 18″ wheels for winter wheels. I installed a Blackvue 2ch dash cam and I’ve also upgraded my door puddle lights and trunk lights with AO lights.
(AO = Abstract Ocean, another company highlighted in this series)
[TS] How long did you have your car before you knew you wanted to create the 3Tray?
[Lee] In the summer of 2018 after owning my car for about 4 months, I was looking to buy a product like the 3TRAY but could not find any to buy. It was surprising. I said to myself, ‘someone needs to make something like this’ …….. and a few minutes later I said to myself, ‘maybe *I* need to make it!’
[TS] What was the biggest challenge you had going from concept to reality?
[Lee] I was fortunate to quickly find a local 3D design with whom I work really well. The multiple cycles of design iterations > rapid prototyping > testing and revising went smoothly. However, the biggest challenge was learning about and navigating the world of large-scale modern injection molding production. There are a lot of small invisible details that can throw a wrench in the whole process, including some things that need to be incorporated in the item’s design right from the start.
[TS] How long have you been doing this?
[Lee] This is my first venture in to 3D design and injection molding, though I’ve had several other ventures previously. So I’ve been in this space for almost a year, but in business for over 15 years.
[TS] What kind of reaction have you had from the Tesla community?
[Lee] The response from the community to the 3TRAY has been amazingly positive. Many people were looking to solve the same problem I was and they love the 3TRAY. I have formed partnerships and friendships with customers and other vendors and we are all contributing to the community.
[TS] Any specific stories or experiences you would like to share about what you are doing or about any individual experiences with your product?
[Lee] Being a sponsor of #FrunkPuppyFriday is a great joy for me. I love animals and of course love Tesla so being able to have a fun way to combine the two is nice.
[TS] How has doing this changed you, either this product or just being a part of the Tesla community, how do you see this whole experience has changed you?
[Lee] I’ve learned a lot so far and I know I will learn more as the journey continues. Hopefully there will be some local meetups so I can meet other owners in my area or possibly some vendor workshops for us to all help each other.
[TS] If you could meet with Elon Musk for lunch, what would you want to talk about?
[Lee] In the interviews I’ve seen, there have been rare glimpses into how difficult it is for Elon to constantly have his mind at full speed. He’s said it’s torturous. So I wouldn’t want to ask him any uncomfortable questions but I’d like to hear him talk about that. Also, I’m curious how he explains his work to his kids. They’re still relatively young so they wouldn’t necessarily understand why daddy spends at least 80 hours per week working.
[TS] What about you, what inspires you?
[Lee] People who don’t settle. I don’t like to settle for ‘ok enough’
[TS] Do you have any advice for any other budding entrepreneurs wanting to do their own thing?
[Lee] Keep challenging yourself. Be willing to do anything you have to so you are successful. That doesn’t mean you actually have to do it, but you have to be willing to.
[TS] Is there anything else you would like to share so people know a bit about the human behind the 3Tray?
[Lee] I’m just a passionate Model 3 owner who wanted to solve a problem. I’m not a large overseas company, I’m just one person who is challenging himself to accomplish things.
[TS] What is the best way for people to find you and about The 3tray?
[Lee] Check out the Amazon item page for description and reviews –
follow @Tesla3Tray on Twitter
This following is a comparison review by Tesla Social of the 3tray vs the other popular one you find online.
Tesla Social is mostly about the social aspects of the Tesla community. There are many stories that bring the community together and have fun. Do you have a story to share? email us at: teslasocialclub@gmail.com
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Wade Anderson is a Model 3 performance owner, he runs the Tesla Social website and YouTube channel.