I know I change my mind, like every 3 seconds; but while researching my post on new campervans for sale in Australia, I think I may have found my new, favourite best small campervan Australia.
The smallest campervan with a toilet and shower in Australia, are those that are built on the Fiat Ducato LWB or the Volkswagen Crafter MWB.
On the Fiat we have the Avan Applause 500, Horizon Melaleuca, Nova RV E2S and Adra Twin.
And on the VW Crafter you can get the Jacana Seeker or the Trakka Akuna A2M.
And it’s the Trakka Akuna A2M that has totally taken my fancy.
I do acknowledge that anything that’s ‘best’ on the internet is purely subjective, so here are the reasons why I think the Trakka Akuna is the best small campervan in Australia.
BTW – I’ve chosen a not great time to write about the A2M, because it’s undergoing a massive change, as we speak! A whole, new revamped model is scheduled for launch at the end of 2021 / beginning of 2022.
So below I’ve written about the current version, and will update it for the Akuna 2022 when it launches!
Here’s why the Trakka Akuna A2M is the best small campervan in Australia:
Shortest length that includes a bathroom
At less than 6m (I mean, the tiniest smidge under 6m) this campervan will fit into most car parks, making the transition between rural and city driving easy. (She’s tall though, so parking buildings are going to be a no-go.)
Innovative features
Things that make life a little bit easier, not deal breakers, but really useful.
Things like the double hinged fridge so you can open it from either side; the extra fridge drawer which can be accessed from either inside or outside the van; or the diesel fueled cooking & hot water system which means you only have a single fuel source onboard.
Space maximisation
This is a biggie in my book; Trakka have come up with some really clever ideas to maximise the space inside your van.
The slide away toilet is the bomb! This patented system slides the toilet away beneath the hand basin at the push of a button. Giving you a lot more space to shower in than most RV wet baths.
Thin table/counter tops
Trakka have developed, what they call SlimTec, which are thin, yet durable table and counter tops. Much as I love a butcher block kitchen bench, the SlimTec looks great… and saves a lot of weight!
Emphasis on off-grid capabilities
Lithium batteries, solar charging, 12V and USB outlets and digital monitoring of electrical and water systems are standard on all the Trakka campervans. Coupled with the toilet, fresh water and grey water tanks, you’re set for free camping almost anywhere.
Cons
Ah, but it’s not all lollipops and rainbows; there has to be some give and take, a little compromise. And here are the compromises:
Bed layout
When you have such a small motorhome, space really is a premium so the east/west bed configuration makes the most sense. While I think it would be great for a solo traveller, or a couple that aren’t too tall (185cm bed length); anyone over 6ft would need to sleep diagonally and if you’re a couple, one of you is going to have to climb over the other to get in/out of bed.
Interior decor
The interior decor is pleasant with neutral tones and a nice wood finish option on the exterior of the bathroom. It’s got a modern, but not too space age shiny.
However, I’m not a fan of branding on the interior or the lighting decoration on the bathroom door, but it’s certainly not a game changer IMO.
2WD
This is a front wheel drive only so you’ll wanna be sticking to the hard stuff only.
I always look at vans through the lens of a full time traveller, and even though it’s small (which is what I like) I think the Akuna would be great for full time #vanlife.
You’d have to be careful with your payload (which is gonna be the case for any MWB van) but it’s the perfect base for embracing a minimalist and free-camping lifestyle!
Specs
Vehicle Volkswagen Crafter MWB
Length: 5.99m 21’
Height: 2.67m (2.77 with air con)
Internal height: 1.93m
Fresh water: 140L
Grey water: 80L
Toilet cassette: 16L
GVM: 3,550kg
Payload: 609kg
Max towable: 2,500kg
Price $150,000
If you’re seriously considering the Trakka Akuna A2M there’s a pretty comprehensive review here: https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/trakka-akuna-a2m-79989 that includes a video that is really helpful.
Trakka Akuna A2M 2022 – coming soon!
As I mentioned, this revamped Trakka Akuna A2M is coming at the end of 2021 / beginning of 2022, and I’m excited to see what the final product looks like.
They’ve teased us with a few details and here are the proposed changes (as far as I can see):
- North/south bed – No more climbing over your partner to get in and out of bed! This area can also be converted into a dining or reclining area.
- Bathroom doesn’t appear to include the hideaway toilet anymore – I could be wrong (I hope I’m wrong).
- Portable induction cooking rather than diesel – instead of the ceramic cooktop it looks like cooking will be done on a portable induction cooktop that can be stored away in a drawer when not in use.
- Base price is $142,000 – now that’s totally unheard of, huh! Base price for the new model is lower.
- Four motion all wheel drive option
You can sign up to the email list to be notified when the new model is launched, just head to https://trakka.com.au/models/akuna
BTW – this is not sponsored or anything, it’s just me gushing and wishing I had a beauty like this one to travel our amazing and vast country. <sigh>
What do you think, is the Akuna A2M as great as I’m making it out to be? What am I missing?
Looking for the right van / campervan for you?
I’ve created a spreadsheet with all the vans, campervans & motorhomes that can be bought new in Australia.
It includes the exterior dimensions, interior height, base price, seating and bed layout, bathroom, solar and air conditioning; with links to each one.
