With travel restrictions easing across the nation, thoughts are turning from ‘cabin fever’ to ‘iso escapes’ and Australian manufacturers of recreational vehicles are set to benefit as domestic holidays become the new norm.
NSW motorhome specialist Trakka has just released a new top-shelf, 6.0-metre long, all-terrain campervan based on the latest Mercedes-Benz four-wheel drive, mid-wheelbase Sprinter van.
The sixth variant in Trakka's Sprinter-based Jabiru range, the new two-berth Trakka Jabiru J2M AWD is designed for "travellers wanting complete confidence off grid in the Australian Outback," according to the 47-year-old campervan conversion specialist.
Trakka’s latest adventure machine is powered by a 140kW/440Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel with seven-speed auto transmission, combined with a dual-range transfer case and raised suspension for low-speed off-road crawling.
The Jabiru J2M also comes loaded up with a 140-litre fresh water tank and 93-litre fuel tank, Truma diesel hot water and air heater and a 200Ah lithium house battery fed by 200W solar panels for off-grid adventures.
Trakka says the Jabiru J2M is its "most agile and nimble [campervan] yet" and for more gung-ho types there's the option of underbody bash plates and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain or mud tyres.
The interior layout includes front seats that swivel around to face a removable dining table, a kitchenette with sink, diesel cooktop, microwave and fridge, combination shower/toilet and a permanent east-west double bed at the rear.
There are plenty of storage options including kitchen cupboards and drawers, overhead lockers and an underbed 'boot' accessible from the rear, along with built-in fly screens for the rear and side doors as well as the roof hatch. Exterior accessories fitted include an outside shower, roll-out awning and detachable picnic table.
Being a Trakka, there are plenty of high-quality fixtures and fittings throughout including scratch-resistant 'Slimtec' bench and table tops, driver's side bedroom 'Space Pod' and slide-away bed step, electric sliding toilet, and funky LED mood lighting as seen in the recently released Trakka Akuna.
All this campervan technology doesn't come cheap, however, with pricing for the Trakka Jabiru J2M AWD starting at $195,000.