We have owned our Trakkaway 720 for about 6 weeks and could not be happier with our choice. The quality of design, choice of materials and onboard components, workmanship and service have met and exceeded our expectations.
Buying process
We had visited a couple of RV dealers and were surprised at some of the misinformation that we were given. But seeing a range of motorhomes gave us a better idea of what we wanted and we identified Trakka and one other as possible contenders.
We visited Trakka one Saturday morning and were immediately impressed by the whole range but decided that the larger Trakkaway models gave us the space we wanted while still being under 7.5 metres long. Took it for a test drive and knew immediately that this was a strong contender.
We looked at another brand, but their models were longer, higher and it was not clear as to what exactly we were buying. And GVM and payload on those models were mercurial.
Trakka patiently answered all of our questions and really the only issue was the price. This is a premium motorhome and is priced accordingly. But when I comparison priced a cheaper model from another brand with equivalent useful features (diesel heater, lithium battery, extra solar panels, and a few other useful options included by Trakka), the price was only about 5% more.
Build and delivery
We were kept informed of progress, with progress photos and a visit to the factory while our Trakkaway was being built. It was completed and delivered right on time.
The handover was a 3+ hour event, where Martin patiently explained all of the operational aspects of the vehicle and took us for a test drive to make sure we were comfortable with it. There was a lot to take in and to learn, but Trakka provides a comprehensive owner’s manual that describes all aspects of vehicle operation along with useful tips but is not too long to find what you need. I have found this to be an invaluable reference in the early days on the road. In addition, all of the manufacturer manuals are supplied in case I need the extra detail or have insomnia.
Our first journeys
Like most new and complex things, it took us a little while to settle in, but we had no major issues. We went to a caravan park near home and opposite Bunnings, so we could gather the pieces that we forgot, buy some storage baskets etc to organise the drawers, and learn how to set up and pack down with people around to help if needed.
We found that most things worked as expected, with occasional help from the manual to confirm. We called Trakka a couple of times when we couldn’t figure it out, and they were very helpful in diagnosing over the phone. Not many companies give you the mobile numbers of key personnel to call if you have any questions or problems. From personal experience, I know that you only do that if you have confidence in your product and are committed to good customer service. If anything, I have been a little reluctant to call immediately preferring the office, because they deserve their own work/life balance. But was told ‘it’s fine – you should just call my mobile’.
I had been spooked a little by social media commentary about overweight vehicles in the industry, so I put it over a weighbridge empty but with a full tank of diesel and fresh water. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Trakka has been conservative in declaring the tare weight and included the water and diesel in it, or have put the vehicle on a diet, because it came in at 300kg under expected. No worries about payload. When travelling with full tanks and a full kit, we weighed just over 4.1 tonnes, so well under the rated GVM.
We have been pleasantly surprised at just how well the design works. Little things like you can have all of the under-bed drawers open and they don’t interfere with each other. And the ducted air conditioner vent that is immediately above the Sirocco fan that will blow the cool air around the vehicle (not that we have needed it collecting the vehicle in April!). The switch mode bathroom was a concern pre-purchase because technically it is a ‘wet bathroom’, but we have found that the toilet that moves under the handbasin, the supplied curtain that protects towels and toilet paper, and the diesel heater outlet in the bathroom, all work very well. It’s obvious why Trakka uses this design, even in longer vehicles that they produced in the past.
After sales/warranty experience
We found a couple of minor issues with the vehicle that required repair or adjustment, and a couple of mistakes I made that caused minor damage. Trakka arranged a day to suit me when I could bring the vehicle to their factory, and in the space of about 4 hours, all issues were resolved.
I had amazing access to speak with one of their designers about how some of the systems are designed, and the reasons they are built the way that they are. Where I had noticed a couple of features in the onboard systems that were not enabled, there are good reasons why and workarounds, if needed (e.g. how to turn off the red light on the TV antenna booster if we really want to be stealthy).
We have been welcomed into the Trakka family, and I feel confident with our purchase and ongoing service over the coming years. If you are looking for a quality motorhome, Trakka should certainly be high on your list.
