New Trakka Volkswagen Crafter campervans coming

Sydney-based motorhome manufacturer Trakka has revealed details of its new motorhome range called the Akuna, which joins the existing Trakka Fiat-based Torino and Mercedes-based Jabiru medium-size campervans from December in two wheelbase choices over three model grades.

Based on the front wheel-drive Volkswagen Crafter, with its 2.0-litre 130kW turbo-diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, the new Trakka campervan comes in Akuna 2S 600 mid-wheelbase and Akuna 2S 690 and Akuna 4S 690 long-wheelbase versions.

The Akuna 4S 690 is set to arrive by year’s end, with the 2S 600 and 2S 690 to enter the market in 2020.

Almost three years in development, the new Crafter-based Trakka Akuna features new materials including fibreglass-reinforced thermoplastic composite flooring instead of the usual plywood.

Trakka claims the new flooring material is light, non-absorbing and strong. The Akuna also introduces 3D laminate in the fit-out, used for the benches and table tops.

Otherwise, the Akuna will arrive with signature Trakka features such as an electric sliding toilet that can be moved under the basin to allow more shower space and an Enerdrive power system comprising 200Ah lithium house battery, 200W solar charging system, 240V lithium charger, and DC-DC and solar five-stage lithium charger with optional 2000W inverter.

The Trakka Akuna is also a good option for free camping with the standard Remote Pack featuring diesel-fuelled cooking and water/room heating, 200W roof mounted solar, flexible thermal insulation made from closed-cell foam, and sliding side and rear door insect screens.

Priced from $150,000, the mid-wheelbase Akuna 2S 600 is 5.99m long, has a 3550kg GVM and offers a two swivel-seat layout. There’s also an east-west double bed with driver’s side external fibreglass pod to ensure comfortable bed length.

The first of the long-wheelbase models, the Akuna 2S 690 (from $155,000) has a body length of 6.84m and a 4100kg GVM. It's also a two- seater configuration with front swivel seats, while the bedroom features north/south single beds which convert to a double if required.

The range-topping long wheelbase Akuna 4S 690 (priced from $160,000) is 6.84m long and has a 4100kg GVM. It boasts a four-seater layout with front swivel seats that meet a double lounge.

Seatbelts for the four occupants are all lap-sash and there are two ISOFIX child anchor points included on the rear bench seat. The permanent east-west double bed has external fibreglass pods on either side for comfortable bed length.

Options for the Akuna range include a $5000 Alfresco Pack, which provides additional solar, externally accessed additional fridge, work bench and external wash up/shower facility.

There’s also a $7500 VW Plus Pack, which adds driver aids including lane assist, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, side park distance control, park assist and adaptive cruise control, along with Trendline styling.

Also on the options list is a portable induction cooktop and 2000W inverter system (instead of, or in addition to, the diesel fuelled cooktop), a GSM antenna instead of the more traditional TV/wind up antenna combination and 240V air-conditioning.