28 | Touring Test: Trakka Trakkaway 720

Single beds makes the Trakkaway 720 spacious, versatile and, well, super…

by Richard Robertson

Super Singles?

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It’s a funny thing about single beds; be they in a motorhome, hotel room or at home. They seem to make people ‘looking in’

think intimacy has passed, yet more often than not result from the realising that a good night’s sleep is worth it’s weight in gold (and for everything else there’s improvisation!).

For example, Project Polly has single beds that do double duty as our daytime seating and dining area, but at night can also be made up into a giant kingsize bed. While we don’t spend anywhere near as much time in Polly as we would like/should, the reality is we’ve made up the big bed once in nearly four years of ownership. Between my insomnia and Mrs iM’s badly disrupted sleep patterns due to her international flying career, we’re a nighttime match made a very long way from heaven. At home, we have a kingsize bed but sleep European-style, with separate doonas.

In a motorhome, single beds provide the opportunity for couples to sleep well, with minimal disturbance to their partners, plus the option of travelling with a friend. It’s a great compromise and one that seems to be gaining increasing acceptance in the wider RV world. Enter the Trakkaway 720….

Not too long ago Trakka offered a range of coachbuilt motorhomes under the Trakkaway name. However, the increasing popularity of its van conversions, plus the near-runaway success of its compact Trakkaway 700 (with its clever rear slide-out bed) saw the range rationalised to just the one model. While demand is still strong, it’s interesting that a single-bed variant of the 700 is the machine that once again expands the Trakkaway range.

In the November 2018 issue I wrote a detailed preview of the Trakkaway 720; its features and

Smile for the camera: Fiat’s Ducato still looks good and there’s no mistaking the name. Note the very neat LED light bar installation just above the number plate. Also, the streamlined nose moulding acts as a sun shade.

the Fiat Ducato beneath it. This issue I want to talk about what the new model is actually like to live with and whether the move to single – or more correctly ‘twin’ – beds is a positive one.

Trakka is one of the few manufacturers to have registered demonstrators, so when the very first Trakkaway 720 came ‘on fleet’, Mrs iM and I jumped at the chance to spend a couple of nights away in it. We’ve travelled quite a bit in the Trakkaway 700 and so decided to take the 720 to one of our favourite camp spots: Carcoar Freecamp overlooking Carcoar Lake in Central Western NSW. It’s were we first stayed in the 700 and so it seemed only fitting to take its younger sibling there. Once on-site we set up the 720 and began to take stock of its features and differences.

Living Thing“The interior feels quite minimalist, in a positive way,” Mrs iM said, “and very spacious”.

Trakka’s interiors have long leaned towards Europe and used to reflect Scandinavian-esque decor. In recent years the move has been away from the all-over light wood decor and towards solid colours with contrasting bright finishes, keeping the company at the forefront of contemporary RV interior design. The signature matt silver-grey roller shutter doors for cupboards, wardrobe and bathroom remain, and are a model of form and function: Not only do they look good and are simple to operate, they can’t swing open or get in the way. Not essential, but a great option none-the-less, is the light brown leather upholstery that adds a

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Cheers! Four of us dined comfortably, with Mrs iMotorhome using the small side table to the right as a dining table extension.

real touch of class, while the hide quality and workmanship appear exceptional.

The 720’s floorplan is straightforward and comprises a front lounge, mid kitchen and bathroom, and a rear bedroom. What that simple description doesn’t convey is the smooth integration of each area into a truly liveable ‘whole’, plus the versatility it offers – versatility very much enhanced by the twin-bed layout.

If you’re familiar with the Trakkaway 700, basically nothing has changed forward of the bedroom. The front lounge/dining area still seats four in comfort and features swivelling cab seats and an easily removable dining table (stored in the wardrobe) for maximum space efficiency. The small, wall-mounted, flip-up

corner table between the dinette seat and driver’s seat is retained and perfect for coffee, lunch or drinks.

The L-shaped kitchen, which sits between the dinette and bedroom, has good if not excessive bench space and plenty of drawers for pots, pans and other large items, rather than space-wasting cupboards.

“I’d sacrifice some drawer space for a small slide-out pantry if it were possible as there’s not really anywhere easily accessible to find jars, bottles, spices and all those other pantry items,” Mrs iM noted. “And while I’m not a fan of the diesel cooker, the optional inverter makes using the (supplied) portable induction cooker easy when freedom camping, especially on the outdoor table. In fact the inverter is a must, I

The huge dinette side window is a beauty, while the cab blinds block sun as well as providing privacy and snap into place in seconds. Mrs iM also loved the colour and finish of the optional leather upholstery.

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think, because it also means I can use the microwave if required and the Nespresso machine – absolutely required! – making freedom camping totally civilised”.

“The other thing I love about the kitchen is it isn’t intrusive. There’s plenty of space between it and the bathroom (across the aisle) for the two of us to pass by without squeezing or feeling like we’re getting in each other’s way,” she continued.

“I wasn’t a fan of the optional ‘Al Fresco’ outdoor entertaining unit the first time I saw it. But now I’ve used it I’d have to have it. That second fridge makes a lot of sense as it’s more than just a beer fridge. I would use it when cooking outside and as extra

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Above: The kitchen has decent bench space, enhanced by the almost-flush fitting Webasto diesel-fired cooktop. There is plenty of drawer space, but a small slide-out pantry would be a good inclusion. Below: The optional outdoor Alfresco Pack includes a fridge and slide-out sink, and Mrs iM decided it’s a must-have.

Each bed has an adjustable tilt-up end, making then ideal for reading or watching TV. There’s a mass of storage beneath the beds and a deep drawer under the shared bedside table. Note how easily our Duvalays roll up out of the way during the day.

storage – cold or not – depending on food type when stocking up for longer travels. I love having hot and cold running water outside and the simplicity of the removable plastic bowl for washing up, while the drawer is perfect for barbecuing utensils and other bits and bobs. Yep, tick that option box!”.

Trakka’s patented Switch Mode Bathroom (SMB) is still a great compromise between minimising floorspace and maximising showering space and toilet ‘convenience’. The cassette toilet electrically retracts beneath the vanity unit when not required and the resulting space makes for spacious showering. At least it does when the wrap-around shower curtain, which keeps toilet paper, towels and the doorway dry, is installed! It’s absence was an oversight that prevented us from using the shower this time, but the SMB is still one of the best bathrooms available.

Bedroom Business

On the surface the change to twin beds doesn’t seem that radical. However, it totally changes the feel and versatility

of the floorplan. More than just replacing the island double with two singles, the change has necessitated a re-engineering of the Trakkaway’s rear end: Not only is the slide-out gone, it’s 20 cm longer and has a bigger boot, plus a larger window.

“I’m afraid this is the motorhome I want,” Mrs iM remarked, knowing full well our bank manager would laugh in our face. “It feels spacious like a slide-out motorhome but without the complexity and fiddling. It feels open and uncluttered, yet it has everything I want. I love the way all the features work together unobtrusively. It’s all very simple and easy”.

A big part of Mrs iM’s impression of spaciousness relates to the bedroom. Whereas

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in the Trakkaway 700 the bed becomes something of a ‘wall’ when the slide-out is retracted, in the 720 the bedroom just feels like an open continuation of the living area. That impression is aided by the big square ‘picture window’ in the back wall, plus large side windows and a roof hatch. Between them they flood the bedroom with light and can do the same with fresh air if required or desired.

There’s a mounting socket in the floor between the beds for the main dining table and it means you can set up the space as a secondary dining or work area. Or, you can just have a feast while relaxing in/on the chaise-lounge-style beds, which really are the 720’s party piece. Cleverly, their rear ends tilt up sun-lounge style to several positions, making them ideal for kicking back to watch TV, read or whatever. However, you don’t have to raise the ends to sit up in bed: that’s because there’s wall space either side of the big rear window if you just want to prop yourself up with pillows or cushions.

Between the bed heads is a large, fixed unit that does double duty as a shared bedside table. It has a deep, slide-out drawer at the front, plus a lift-up lidded section at the back that opens to reveal 12 V and twin USB charging outlets and plenty of room for phones and other devices needing charging.

Back to the beds: Not only are they are of differing lengths, they’re also different shapes. The driver’s-side bed is slightly shorter at 1.83 m (6’) and tapers at the foot to (almost) smoothly blend in with the line of the kitchen unit. It’s worth noting Mrs iM commented the tapered bed wasn’t a problem for her 165 cm frame and so it’s really nothing more than a curiosity; not least because the taper leads to an asymmetric shape for the bedroom floor that feels slightly odd (but also adds to the 720s character).

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Top: The huge back window really opens up the bedroom. Above: The dining table stores easily in the wardrobe, while the pole-mount system for the detachable TV is a beauty. There’s a second pole in the dining area and moving the TV takes about a minute.

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The twin bed arrangement transforms the rear of the Trakkaway 720. Not only does it open it up, it provides a secondary living/entertaining/working space thanks to the removable dining table. Note the uncluttered back wall, allowing space to fully sit-up in bed if you don’t want to use the bed’s sun-lounge-style ends.

The other bed is marginally longer at 1.97 m (6’ 5”) and straight, although its foot goes slightly under a shelf that’s part of the reasonably-sized wardrobe. Both beds are a comfortable 0.8 m (2’ 7”) wide and easily accessible – not too high or low – and we had a good night’s sleep in our Duvalays, which are perfect for such a bed arrangement.

What I Think

There is much I’ve brushed over or not mentioned in this review because of space; things like the

central locking that includes the side entry door, the ducted air-conditioning, the diesel-fired central heating, hot water and cooking (thus eliminating the LPG system), to the almost bewildering array of dimmable LED lights. Then there’s the simplicity of the pole-mount system that lets you move the TV between the bedroom and dinette in a minute (as well as swivelling it to watch from outside).

It’s this sheer level of thoughtful, evolutionary innovation and integration that reinforces Trakka’s position at the top. The 720 is a worthy addition to the Trakkaway range and works on so many levels, making for relaxed travelling and therefore happy owners; especially those single minded enough to understand the whole-of-experience benefits this new bed arrangement offers.

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Top to bottom: Switch Mode Bathroom’s toilet retracts beneath the vanity unit, providing a large shower cubicle; Shared bedside table has this clever, deep ‘nook’ at the rear for charging your iDevices and general storage; Rear boot can also be accessed via the small hatch behind the kerbside back wheel.

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Second Opinion

Wondering about the practicality of the Fiat Ducato for all-road use? Here’s an excerpt from Allan Whiting’s

comprehensive test of the mechanically-identical Trakkaway 700:

The cab and powertrain module is connected to an AL-KO, hot-dip galvanised chassis that mounts an Al-KO rubber-bushed torsion bar, independent rear suspension. The front suspension struts are also AL-KO components that increase ride height and suspension travel by 40mm over the standard Ducato front end. Ground clearance is 190mm – around the same as many 4WD utes and wagons – but those who want to venture onto rocky terrain should fit an underbody guard, because there’s plenty of expensive aluminium underneath the front end! Also, the intercooler bottom hose hangs down inside the approach angle.

It may seem odd to start off a (2WD) motorhome evaluation discussing its off-road ability, but we were keen to find out how it compared with 4WD models. Were the Trakkaway 700 a narrow-and-low-profile camper van we’d rate it behind the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and well behind the Iveco Daily 4x4, but if compared with wider and taller 4WD motorhomes the Trakkaway 700 scores very well.

It won’t go seriously off road and tackle steep trails or soft sand, but it can manage the lumpy, loose ground you might find when looking for a secluded campsite. If stuck, the Trakkaway’s high ground clearance means that dropping front tyre pressures way down, for increased traction, won’t see it scraping its bumper.

Our off-roading was confined to some rutted tracks with sandy and stony surfaces and the Trakkaway handled that ground with some intervention of the traction control system. Thanks to its independent suspension all around it kept good surface contact and we reckon it had better grip than a rear-wheel-drive motorhome with live rear axle. Very steep, loose uphill climbs might be its nemesis, but it should be easy enough to reverse up those if you had to.

To watch Allan’s full video review of the Trakkaway 700 click here (or skip to 2:42 to just see the hill holder and traction control in action).

SpecsGENERAL

Make Trakka

Model Trakkaway 720

Type B-class

Berths 2

Approved Seating 4

Licence Car

VEHICLE

Make/Model Fiat Ducato with AL-KO Chassis

Engine 2.3 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power 132 kW @ 4000 rpm

Torque 400 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm

Gearbox 6-speed automated manual transmission (AMT)

Safety ABS, Stability Control, Traction Control, Dual airbags

Fuel 120 L

WEIGHTS

Tare Weight 3590 kg

Gross Vehicle Mass 4490 kg

Max Payload 900 kg

Braked Towing Capacity 1500 kg

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 7.2 m (23’ 8”)

Overall Width 2.40 m (7’ 10”)

Overall Height 2.90 m (9’ 6”)

Internal Height 2.20 m (7’ 3’)

Kerb-side Bed 1.97 m x 0.80 m (6’ 5” x 2’ 7”)

Drivers-side Bed 1.83 m x 0.80 m (6’ 0” x 2’ 7”)

Luton Bed - optional 2.15 m x 1.30 m (7’ x 4”)

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SpecsPros…

CONs…

• Flexibility• Quality• Innovation• Equipment• Liveability

• Still a ‘wet’ bathroom• Price

ContactTrakka Pty Ltd9 Beaumont RdMt Kuring-gai, NSW. 2080. T: 1800 TRAKKA (1800 872 552)E: trakka@trakka.com.auW: www.trakka.com.au

EQUIPMENT

Slide-Out No

Awning Dometic Electric

Entry Steps 1 x Electric

Cooker Webasto diesel with glass ceramic top

Rangehood Externally vented with LED lighting

SinkDometic round with fold-down flick mixer, glass lid

FridgeWaeco 136 L compressor (+ 50 L compres-sor with Alfresco pack)

Microwave Sharp

Lighting 12 V LED

12 V Sockets/USB Outlets 12 V & USB

Air Conditioner Truma Saphir reverse cycle

Space Heater Truma Combi diesel-fired

Hot Water System Truma Combi diesel-fired

Toilet Thetford cassette (retractable)

Shower Flexible hose

CAPACITIES

Batteries 2 x 100 AH AGM

Solar 2 x 120 W (3 x 120 W with Alfresco pack)

LPG N/A

Fresh Water 165 L

Grey Water 135 L

Hot Water 10 L

Toilet 19 L cassette

PRICE ON ROAD NSW

From $180,000

As shown with the following options:

$193,750

Alfresco pack ($5000), 1600 W inverter ($2350)

Leather upholstery ($3500), LED light bar ($950)

Tower & electrics ($1950)

Click for Google Maps

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“The optional inverter makes using the (supplied) portable induction cooker easy when freedom camping, especially on the outdoor table.”

Calling All Wilderness Explorers

trakka.com.au