First things first. This is the Trakka Akuna A2M. This means it’s a camper based on Volkswagen’s Crafter commercial van, and in this case, it is the smallest version of the Akuna, on a mid-wheelbase. There is also a long wheelbase available either with four seats or an extended bedding arrangement.
The A2M is the cheapest Akuna at $150,000 and sits above the smaller, less lavishly equipped, and VW Transporter-based Trakkadu range (which the brand is most famous for), but below the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Jabiru.
Unlike the Trakkadu and Jabiru ranges which have lifted 4x4 drivetrains for go-anywhere camping, the Akuna range is front-drive only.
The A2M is remarkably equipped and packaged, with plenty of Australia-specific fittings.
On the long list of inclusions is a horizontally-placed double bed, a driving area which converts to a dining area courtesy of rotating ‘captain’s’ seats, and a fold-out bench, full dimmable LED cabin lighting, a self-contained bathroom (with shower and motorized toilet), a microwave, a fridge and freezer, drinking water filtration system, and ceramic cooktop.
Trakka calls the Akuna a ‘single fuel source vehicle’ meaning it has plumbed the Crafter’s diesel fuel tank for burners which power the hot water system and stovetop. The main advantage of this is doing away with the need to carry gas or other alternate fuel source.
For the Australian climate, pretty much every window aperture has a fly screen, and there is a 200W solar system to help charge the separate lithium-ion battery pack which powers the camper’s amenities. Power monitoring and in-built systems controls are stowed away in one of five overhead lockers.
On the outside there is a powered awning which is also lit with a dimmable LED, and connectivity for water mains as well as an inlet for powered campgrounds and an exterior household-sized power outlet.
As a vehicle the Akuna has standard LED headlights, a wide angle reversing camera and commercial-sized wing mirrors, an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as cloth front seat trim and a decent, optionally upgradable, active safety suite which we’ll explore later.
That’s not all though. The Akuna comes with a comprehensive suite of options, some of which are necessities if you’re already paying the asking price.
Our camper had the ‘Alfresco Pack’ ($3000) which includes a second drawer fridge, external table with collapsible sink, exterior heated water supply (which can double as an outdoor shower), and an extended solar system which boosts total solar supply to 440W.
There’s also the ‘VW Plus Pack’ ($6500) which bundles together a suite of VW’s options for the Crafter, including a more comprehensive safety suite and the 'Trendline' styling pack.
Finally, our car had a set of satin black Trakka alloys (to replace the standard VW steel wheels) at a cost of $2190, and the 2.0kW inverter ($1370) to add real oomph to the onboard power.
Trakka also offers a tow kit (1400), premium upholstery ($1650-$3500) roof-mounted air conditioning ($3250) and what we’d consider necessary for reasons explained later, an induction cooktop ($540).
So, it’s certainly a pricier camping option than some others out there, and there’s a long list of optional extras, but there’s also a lot included for such a relatively compact vehicle.