Trakka Kombi campervan

By Malcolm Street

For many, the venerable Volkswagen (VW) Kombi campervan, mostly the T2 model, was either their introduction to the campervan/motorhome lifestyle or else their abiding impression of what campervanning was all about. With the onslaught of Japanese vans in the late 1970s and early 1980s in Australia, the VW campervan became scarce and almost disappeared as a new van conversion.

However, VW persisted with the T3 and T4 models, moving from a rear air-cooled motor to a front water-cooled unit, until it regained much of its market share. Not sitting on its laurels, VW has launched the T5 which may be as successful as the T4.

Van conversion company Trakka has a long association with VW. Although we hoped to review the latest Trakka conversion based on the VW T5, deadlines overruled and we have something of a compromise: a very recent pop-top conversion based on a T4 Syncro van as well as a test drive of an unconverted T5 van.

Outside

Because of the snug fit of the rising roof, there is not much indication of this being a campervan, apart from the Fiamma awning. There’s a rail alongside for a clip-on table also used inside as a space-saving technique

An awning on sliding door vans is a very useful. With the awning about half way out, it prevents rain entering the van when the sliding door is open great for warmer climes.

Inside

The kitchen and storage space occupies most of the offside. The Trakka VW has a slightly more European look with the rising roof ‘hinged’ at the rear. The interior layout means head room is not sacrificed. The pop-top lifts up very easily with a two-stage unlocking mechanism and gas struts which lift the roof into position. Large screened windows supply plenty of light and ventilation.

The kitchen is quite basic but has all the essential items – IndelB 85 litre 12V fridge, two-burner Origo cooktop and small stainless steel sink. The cooktop is fueled by denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) and so can be used inside or out and without the need for gas cylinders. Above the sink is an Ellipse fluorescent light, a 12V socket and a twin 240V powerpoint. There are three drawers, a small benchtop area and horizontal pantry underneath.

The rear seat can form a dinette when the swivel mechanism for the table is fixed to the seat base and slid forward. When not being used, the table and leg are stored behind the driver’s seat.

For sleeping, the seat is folded flat and forms a 6ft 2in x 3ft 10in (1.9m x 1.2m) bed in conjunction with the rear cushion. Setup takes about 30 seconds and there are two halogen reading lights, a small offside hanging cupboard and flexible hose external shower that can be used when the tailgate is open.

Water supply is 12V pumped and there’s a 15 litre heat exchanger water heater that also has a 240V element.

All the electrics, house battery and battery charger are hidden below a rear cupboard false floor and Trakka supplies an emergency starter switch if the main battery is flat.

It’s worth noting the Trakka conversion, not just the original VW van, has the full ADR certification – something not all manufacturers have.

On the road – T4

VW’s Syncro van is an all wheel drive unit and our vehicle was powered by a 2.5 litre turbodiesel unit that drove through a five-speed gearbox.

Modified suspension lifts the VW about 35mm and is fitted with Yokohama Geolander All Terrain tyres, adding another 40mm to the height.

With a maximum power output of 77kW @ 3500rpm and a max torque of 250Nm @ 2000rpm, the 2.5 litre turbodiesel powered along very nicely. It was fun to go back to a floor-mounted gear shift. However, the gearstick was slightly in the way when moving to the rear of the van.

As well as the usual necessities of power steering and power disc brakes, the T4 also has dual airbags, power windows and power mirrors.

Although the VW has been raised, it made little difference to handling and there were few squeaks and rattles.

On the road – T5

It was a brief and impressive time behind the wheel of VW’s new baby. The T5 will be available with two diesel motor options in Australia – 1.9 litre or 2.5 litre. The newer 2.5 litre turbodiesel produces an interesting 96kW @ 3500rpm and 340Nm of torque at 2000rpm.

But an uprated 2.5 litre motor that produces an astonishing 128kw@3500rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2000rpm will more likely be made available here. It will be a very potent turbodiesel motor!

The 1.9 litre comes with a dash-mounted five-speed gearshift and 2.5 litre has a six-speed gearbox in either manual or auto form. We’ve come a long way since the days of the humble T2 Kombi.

Summing up

There’s also no doubt of the advantages of a van like the T4 which can be used easily as passenger transport and an around-the-town vehicle, yet still be a weekend escape machine.

Campervanning Kombi-fashion is not going to be for everyone though, mainly because it is going to be relatively lightweight travel and a certain amount of setting up and packing up is required. However, Trakka’s well fitted out conversion will ensure it is done with style. Things like the easily-erected rising roof and the minimal fuss bed make it very easy. Even in a van this size, all the minimal home comforts are fitted.

Contact Trakka P/L, 9 Beaumont Road, Mt Kuring-gai, NSW 2080, (02) 9472 9000, email: info@trakka.com.au or visit <a href="http://www.trakka.com.au/"><span><u><font color="#0000ff">www.trakka.com.au.</font></u></span></a>

We liked

Useable kitchen

Awning over sliding door

Euro styling

Full ADR certification

We would have liked

Gearshift off the floor