Since the Volkswagen Transporter T6 launched last year, it's provided a blank canvas for camper van converters around the world, and we've seen some very different interpretations, from the new in-house California, to the free-swinging Tonke Van, to the free-loving Flow Camper. The latest to cross our radar is one of the burlier VW camper vans we've seen. The Trakkadu All Terrain van from Australia's Trakka takes campers to all types of destinations, over pavement and bare earth, and treats them to a comfortable evening or three, complete with solar power and a hot shower.
The latest Trakkadu AT package has been adapted to the T6, serving as the versatile on/off-road adventurer of the Trakkadu T6 lineup, which runs the spectrum from basic road-touring camper, to higher-spec luxury camper, to full-blown off-road warrior (we'll look in on that last one a little later).
A bestseller at Trakka, the Trakkadu AT leans more toward the "off-road warrior" end of the scale, but is also designed with an eye toward highway comfort and fuel efficiency, making it a natural choice for travelers that plan to spend a lot of their time on pavement but also want the capability to roll over the dirt and through the mud.
The AT package starts with the VW T6 LWB HD with 2.0-liter biturbo diesel, which distributes up to 177 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque to the four wheels through a 7-speed DSG automatic and VW's 4Motion AWD system. The vehicle is also beefed up with a 7,055-lb (3,200 kg) gross vehicle weight rating (gross vehicle mass in Australia) and factory rear differential lock. Trakka's road-going T6 campers have a lower GVWR of 6,614-lb (3,000 kg).
Other base vehicle equipment includes a driver alert system, reverse camera, rear parking sensors, post-collision braking, cruise control, and radio with Bluetooth and App Connect. The driver and front passenger swivel seats have lumbar support and armrests.
Trakka upgrades the T6 with a Seikel heavy-duty suspension adding new struts, shock absorbers and springs up front and new springs and shocks at the rear. Ground clearance increases from 7 to 8.7 in (180 to 220 mm), and Trakka bolts on Seikel engine and gearbox guards for protection against bangs and scrapes. It also drops in a heavy-duty bottle jack for mechanical issues. Goodyear Cargo Vector all-terrain tires help out in the on/off-road performance department, and the available AU$2,350 (approx. US$1,750) alloy bull bar gives the AT the nasty, "bring it on" demeanor it flashes in the photos.
While the exterior is built to rough it, the Trakkadu AT interior features elevated comfort thanks to Trakka's amenity filled "plus package" and other equipment upgrades. A standard 120W solar charging system helps keep the 100-Ah AGM battery topped off while also trickle charging the starter battery. The electrical system is managed through a central control system and powers the dimmable LED lighting, fan, 80-L compressor refrigerator/freezer, water pump, and 12V and USB outlets.
The Trakkadu AT's gas-strut pop-up roof increases interior headroom to 6.9 ft (2.1 m), and the rail-mounted sliding rear bench adjusts interior space as needed. The roof comes standard with a storage shelf, and an optional bed adds sleeping space for one adult or two children, supplementing the two-berth folding rear-seat bed.
The right-hand driver-side kitchen area includes a glass ceramic cooktop fueled by the diesel tank feeding the engine. The diesel stove eliminates the need for an extra tank of cooking fuel and makes for one-stop fuel-ups. The fridge/freezer is integrated into the kitchen unit, as is a glass-top stainless steel sink.
A 55-L fresh water tank is located on board to prevent potential damage problems and ground clearance issues with undercarriage mounting. It feeds a hot water system, which makes the rear shower much more comfortable for full-body cleanups. A simple dining table mounts indoors or out, and there's also an electric awning on the van's side and a rear annex tent.
The Trakkadu AT starts at AU$120,000 (approx. US$89,500) and options not previously mentioned include a diesel room heater, TV/DVD player with antenna and leather upholstery. Trakka currently sells its vans in Australia only.
For those who want something that leans even more "off road," Trakka also offers the AU$137K (approx. US$133,000) Trakkadu ORP (Off Road Pak). This package includes the alloy bull bar standard, adds a snorkel, ups ground clearance to 9.8 in (250 mm), swaps in a Seikel six-speed manual Torque & Trail low-ratio gearbox and Cooper Discoverer tires, and includes extra protection around parts like the sills, rear differential and muffler. It has an auxiliary fresh water tank in place of the AT's 30-L gray water tank.
The video below shows how the Trakkadu AT's interior transforms from driving to camping mode. You can also see plenty more of the van's angles and equipment in our photo gallery.
Source: Trakka