After a five year hiatus, Sydney motorhome specialist Trakka is expanding its successful Volkswagen range from just pop-top campervans to now include the new Akuna based on the front wheel drive VW Crafter van, with its 130kW bi-turbo diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Joining Trakka's Torino and Jabiru van-based motorhomes, the new Akuna is the product of a three-year development process and is available in different wheelbases lengths and three different layouts.
The Crafter makes for a popular van-base for motorhomes because of its many car-like comfort features, tech and driving ease, with its standard equipment including emergency autonomous braking, driver fatigue detection, crosswind assist, front and rear parking sensors, an eight-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth and voice control, while Trakka adds VW’s optional rain sensing wipers to its spec.
Trakka's trademark motorhome bathroom module – an electric sliding toilet that hides under the basin that keeps the toilet dry when showering and provides a larger showering space, thanks also to its fibreglass module and a substantial cutout in the roof during production – has been adapted to the Crafter, while the $150,000 entry level 2S 600 regular wheelbase model comes standard with swiveling front seats and sleeping for two in its transverse rear double bed, with a driver’s side bedroom ‘Space Pod’ adding more foot room.
Taller travelers have the option of the long wheel base Akuna with north/south single beds or space pods for more leg room on either side of vehicles with an east/west double bed.
Being a Trakka, which has built its reputation over the past 46 years catering for adventurous travelers, the Akuna is also fully equipped for off-grid living.
Using only the diesel-engined Crafter has allowed the company to capitalise on a single fuel source and fit a diesel fueled cooktop and diesel fueled water/room heating.
Meanwhile, the Akuna’s Enerdrive power system that starts with its 200W roof mounted solar panel feeding a 200Ah lithium house battery with its solar five-stage lithium charger, DC-DC and optional 2000W inverter ensures its self-sustainability.
While flexible thermal insulation made from closed-cell foam and sliding side and rear door insect screens ensure comfort in independent style travelling.
Trakka's monitoring system incorporated in the Crafter includes a digital touch screen for checking water levels and battery condition, while its integrated LED lighting can be controlled and dimmed with touch switching.
New motorhome-friendly materials incorporated in the Akuna include its bench and tabletops that are produced from environmentally friendly compact 3D laminate, while a new lightweight, high-tech fiberglass reinforced thermoplastic composite material is used for the Akuna’s flooring.
Crafter-based Akuna models are priced from $150,000-$160,000 drive away, including on-road costs, plus options.
Also read: