Automotive

Trakka's latest camper van heads for the Outback with off-grid power and slick versatility

Trakka's latest camper van heads for the Outback with off-grid power and slick versatility
Trakka Jabiru 2S
Trakka Jabiru 2S
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The Jabiru's two single rear beds combine into a double, when preferred
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The Jabiru's two single rear beds combine into a double, when preferred 
Each of the split rear beds adjusts into a chaise lounge for sitting and relaxing at camp
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Each of the split rear beds adjusts into a chaise lounge for sitting and relaxing at camp
Trakka offers both a fixed fridge and a swivel-out indoor/outdoor fridge drawer in the entryway
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Trakka offers both a fixed fridge and a swivel-out indoor/outdoor fridge drawer in the entryway 
Meal prep aboard the Trakka Jabiru 2S
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Meal prep aboard the Trakka Jabiru 2S
Swivel cab seats and a removable dining table provide dining space for the van's two occupants
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Swivel cab seats and a removable dining table provide dining space for the van's two occupants
Trakka fully updates its Jabiru camper package around the all-new third-gen Sprinter
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Trakka fully updates its Jabiru camper package around the all-new third-gen Sprinter
Tracka will offer the Jabiru 2S in AWD as well as 2WD
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Tracka will offer the Jabiru 2S in AWD as well as 2WD
The Trakka Jabiru 2S starts at $180,000 or $200,000 for the AWD variant
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The Trakka Jabiru 2S starts at $180,000 or $200,000 for the AWD variant
The outdoor shower doubles as a faucet for the bucket sink
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The outdoor shower doubles as a faucet for the bucket sink
An off-grid power pack helps keep the lights on when getting away from organized campgrounds
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An off-grid power pack helps keep the lights on when getting away from organized campgrounds
Solar panels turn that sunlight into battery power
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Solar panels turn that sunlight into battery power
The Jabiru 2S sleeps and seats two people, an interesting option for #vanlife couples
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The Jabiru 2S sleeps and seats two people, an interesting option for #vanlife couples
The fridge drawer swivels outside for use at the exterior kitchen or when grabbing a drink outside
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The fridge drawer swivels outside for use at the exterior kitchen or when grabbing a drink outside
Trakka will add four-seat Jabiru models after getting the 2S launched
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Trakka will add four-seat Jabiru models after getting the 2S launched
Trakka Jabiru 2S
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Trakka Jabiru 2S
Enjoying some company at camp
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Enjoying some company at camp
Trakka Jabiru 2S
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Trakka Jabiru 2S
The hot/cold outdoor shower doubles as the sink faucet
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The hot/cold outdoor shower doubles as the sink faucet
Swivel the fridge out and you can easily access drinks without climbing aboard
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Swivel the fridge out and you can easily access drinks without climbing aboard
Each "space pod" adds a little room and has an opening window
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Each "space pod" adds a little room and has an opening window
Screen door up
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Screen door up
Inside the Trakka Jabiru 2S
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Inside the Trakka Jabiru 2S
The bathroom features an electric retractable toilet to make more space for showering
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The bathroom features an electric retractable toilet to make more space for showering
Add the Alfresca Pack and portable induction cooktop and you have a complete outdoor kitchen to complement the indoor kitchen
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Add the Alfresca Pack and portable induction cooktop and you have a complete outdoor kitchen to complement the indoor kitchen
Trakka Jabiru 2S
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Trakka Jabiru 2S
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We've been watching the new third-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter morph into different camper vans in Germany, the UK and the US. Now Australia's Trakka, builder of small on- and off-road motorhomes, has given us our first look at a gen-3 Sprinter camper van from down under, and it's arguably the most impressive yet. The Jabiru camper van uses a full off-grid power suite and multifunctional, space-optimizing components to support highway and backway adventurers as they escape on quick holidays or extended off-grid expeditions.

While we were busy preparing for summer by checking out camping vehicles of all sorts at Overland Expo West, Trakka was announcing the new Jabiru van in the lead-up to Australian winter. It's not quite as burly as some vans of Overland Expo, but with the standard all-diesel and electrical power system and optional factory all-wheel drive, it's ready to venture comfortably to all parts of the map.

Trakka is initially launching the 7.1-m (280-in) Jabiru in two-seat/bed 2S floor plan. Two longitudinal single beds fill out the bedroom area in the rear and can combine into a double bed. Each bed features a hinged head that can adjust into chaise lounge configuration for reading and relaxing during the day and evening.

Each of the split rear beds adjusts into a chaise lounge for sitting and relaxing at camp
Each of the split rear beds adjusts into a chaise lounge for sitting and relaxing at camp

Trakka uses flared van sides to create what it calls "space pods," offering a sense of individualized bedroom space with extra elbow room and opening windows. The skylight overhead brings plenty of light to the rear bedroom area but can be replaced with an optional air conditioner for those expecting hot, muggy nights.

Directly ahead of the righthand driver-side bed, the wet bath uses an electric-retractable toilet to get the most out of its compact space. Simply power-slide the cassette toilet away under the sink and enjoy a fuller shower area. In addition to sliding, the toilet swivels for added legroom when seated. Water to the bathroom and other fixtures is supplied by a 140L fresh water tank and drained to an 80L gray water tank.

The bathroom features an electric retractable toilet to make more space for showering
The bathroom features an electric retractable toilet to make more space for showering

The aisle-spanning kitchen area packs in a glass ceramic cooktop, microwave, stainless steel sink and plenty of storage. The diesel cooktop, cabin heater and hot water boiler are all fueled by the same diesel fuel powering the 188-hp turbo-diesel V6 engine, eliminating the need to deal with LPG, something that Trakka explains can be difficult to source in the Outback. Another handy feature is the available dual-fridge layout — the standing fridge/freezer inside gets augmented with a "refridgerotator" drawer that swivels around for easy outdoor access.

Swivel the fridge out and you can easily access drinks without climbing aboard
Swivel the fridge out and you can easily access drinks without climbing aboard

The dining area is a very compact, simple space for two, rotating the driver cab seats around to face a removable table. Integrated tabletop cupholders help keep things stable.

The Jabiru's onboard electrical equipment comes powered by a 200Ah lithium house battery wired to 200 watts of solar charging (upgradeable to 300W). Jabiru owners can keep an eye on battery levels and other van metrics via the touchscreen and accompanying smartphone app. A 2000W inverter is available optionally.

Those that prefer cooking and working outside will want to opt in on the available Alfresco Pack, which includes a worktop that attaches to the side of the van, a collapsible sink, a hot/cold outdoor shower to feed the sink, and the aforementioned indoor/outdoor swivel fridge. Also available is an indoor/outdoor induction cooktop that turns the outdoor worktop into a full kitchen. A retractable awning and LED lighting overhead complete the highly functional outdoor space.

Add the Alfresca Pack and portable induction cooktop and you have a complete outdoor kitchen to complement the indoor kitchen
Add the Alfresca Pack and portable induction cooktop and you have a complete outdoor kitchen to complement the indoor kitchen

Beyond the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel and 7-speed automatic transmission mated to it, the base Sprinter brings with it cruise control, active brake assist, attention assist, nav-infotainment, front, side and window airbags, parking package with 360-degree camera, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Additional features like Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control and leather upholstery are available as add-ons.

The Jabiru 2S starts at AU$180,000 (US$125,600), and the all-wheel drive option tacks on AU$20,000 ($14,000). Trakka also plans to offer off-road equipment options like all-terrain tires and protective armoring. After getting the 2S rolling out, Trakka will add the 4S floor plan with a front-facing dual-seat bench in front of the bathroom compartment and a transverse double bed in back, prices to start at AU$185,000.

Source: Trakka

View gallery - 25 images
4 comments
4 comments
Kay S Watson
This is one of the most beautiful and functional çampervans I have seen. It is perfect!
Shazbot!
Are you guys ever going to write a story about a campervan that isn't $100k+, or one that the average Joe can afford?
FabianLamaestra
Shazbot!: VANDOIT has reasonably well-equipped Vans between 30 and 80 k.
I like the design of this Trakka van very much, but honestly, it only sits two people and is extremely expensive.
Havafati
First there is the Bush, then there is the Outback. Whilst this rig might be ok for the light gravel roads of the bush, I highly doubt it would last in the Outback. The photos in this article show it in the Australian Bush. The Australian Outback is a harsh unforgiving place that chews up pretty campers and caravans and spits them out. I don't think I'd do the Plenty Hwy or the Gunbarrel Hwy in this, as much as the wife would like it.