Van for grand treks - which way to go??

[brabo]

I am hoping to prepare a van based on TDI/DSG/4motion for grand treks over the coming years. I want a van that will comfortably and securely seat 4/5 full size adults (kids are basketballers) for the daily drive and day trips but transform to a two seat touring van with sleeping for the grand treks. I don't require a pop-up roof or built in cook top although I would like a fridge and organised storage.

On the face of it the California variant available in the UK would be suitable, although it has the roof and cooker and only four seats. Can this vehicle be easily imported, compliance applroved and VWA recognise a warranty?

All the local Transporter based custom conversions I have looked at tend to focus on campervans that have inadequate seating for daily and local touring to regional centres for basketball. Is there someone who will convert to order?

VWA does not offer the range of Multivan variants and OEM supplied accessories or even the flexible purchase/config options with seating packs, sleeping pack etc to suit requirements so unfortunately you have to buy a configuration that is unnecessary. Reimo have a various interesting kit for RHD Multivans that looks almost ideal but it means wasting the seats; does anyone have any experience with importing these kits and installing? Another possibility is to install one of these kits into a Transporter so long as the rails can be supplied.

Suggestions appreciated.

[WABIT]

try a TRAKKADU Campervan aussie built too

[4wheels]

Definitely recommend Trakka ( TRAKKA - Campervans & Motorhomes ), though I haven't heard anything about DSG 4Motions through them yet. No doubt they'll come. I still think they are the best converters, although there is more competition now than when I bought in 2007. They are only a 4 seater (but roomy) and they only do the long wheelbase vans, which can be a bit of a restriction for the most serious off-road work. But how serious are you going to be in such an expensive vehicle? Mine took me to Cape Yorke with no dramas though. You'd be welcome to come and have a look at mine some time. I'm in Fairfield. Ring 03 9481 5673 to arrange.

I was at Burwin's (Ferntree Gully) the other day (they didn't have a DSG 4Motion yet), but I asked the salesman whether there would be a Kombi Beach in the new range, and he thought not, as the last ones were pretty slow sellers. That's a pity for you, as that might be an answer. Another alternative may be to get a crewvan (5 seater) and convert the rear seat to lay down for a bed, with a platform at the back. I also saw a new Multivan (7 seater) where the the rear bench lay back, and then the whole thing raised up so that it made a fairly even surface with the folded forward centre seats. Curious, but maybe workable as an overnighter.

Brian
2007 T5 Trakkadu 4Motion

[brabo]

Definitely recommend Trakka ( [url=http://www.trakka.com.au/]

thanks for that. The beach was one of the variants I saw on the web however I will take you up on offer to have a look at your van as I live near Fairfield (drove there this morning!). The trakkadu is as good a local option I found. And if trakka replaced the cooktop, fridge and sink with just an upright type fridge like the California then it would be it would be near perfect since it would allow the drivers seat to fully rotate. I prefer a microwave and portable bbq than a cooktop.

I had been thinking SWB van but LWB might add a removable double seat using the floor rail system. Obviously no problem with the legroom but do the rear seats offer sedan like comfort and support? I can take the kids on 4-6 hour trips and old style benches don't cut it these days.

I am not looking at rockhopping, mud swamping, dune busting mountain goat off-road stuff but would be looking at established tracks of the type you would prefer not to take a 2wd family sedan. I don't need the trakka off-road pack with replacement gear box, raised suspension etc but would add some underbody protection. Maybe 2wd will suffice if you can get to Cape Yorke, but would it comfortably do the Gibb River Road in nor-west WA?

[WABIT]

yeah brians trakkadu is insane! i loved it the first time i saw it at the orig SEDF! amazing piece of kit

dom

[4wheels]

thanks for that. The beach was one of the variants I saw on the web however I will take you up on offer to have a look at your van as I live near Fairfield (drove there this morning!). The trakkadu is as good a local option I found. And if trakka replaced the cooktop, fridge and sink with just an upright type fridge like the California then it would be it would be near perfect since it would allow the drivers seat to fully rotate. I prefer a microwave and portable bbq than a cooktop.

I had been thinking SWB van but LWB might add a removable double seat using the floor rail system. Obviously no problem with the legroom but do the rear seats offer sedan like comfort and support? I can take the kids on 4-6 hour trips and old style benches don't cut it these days.

I am not looking at rockhopping, mud swamping, dune busting mountain goat off-road stuff but would be looking at established tracks of the type you would prefer not to take a 2wd family sedan. I don't need the trakka off-road pack with replacement gear box, raised suspension etc but would add some underbody protection. Maybe 2wd will suffice if you can get to Cape Yorke, but would it comfortably do the Gibb River Road in nor-west WA?

Had a look at that Gibb River site. From the pics and descriptions I'd say it looks about the same as the main road to Cape Yorke, but we did a lot of rougher side trips, although I gave the old Telegraph Track a miss (mainly due to the long wheelbase). On the sort of road pictured, 100Km/hr seemed quite comfortable in the 4Motion. It seems really stable in loose conditions. Ps; Mine is the standard 4Motion (not 2wd), without the Trakka 'Off Road Pack' and still on the original Michelin road tyres at 62K. I am on my 3rd set of fuel tank straps though, so I think I'll look for some underbody protection before my next big trip. I work from home most days, so next time your out this way, just give me a ring.

Oh, and the rear seats. I rarely use them, and have hardly ever sat in them, but I suspect they'd be a little flat and upright compared to a sedan. The new Multivan seats look nicer. The extra sprawl room compensates a lot though. I've even had some-one working on a lap-top on the table in the back (on the Cape Yorke Road actually).

Brian

[4wheels]

Just to give you a bit of an idea of the conditions we tackled there are some pics here Kombis to the Kape 2008 A pictures by 4wheels_photos - Photobucket . Not many of my own van of course, as I was usually driving. There are 5 other albums there as well, which you should be able to navigate to. I've also got a good video, made by one of our fellow travellors, which you could look at when you come around if you like.

Brian

[4wheels]

Then there's this as well. YouTube - Flight of the Volksies - Kombis to the Kape Again, not much footage of my own van, and I didn't do the worst of it. Still, a bit of fun.

Brian

[brabo]

thanks Brian. When I first read your post I did not realise your beast was 4motion hence comments on 2wd; 4motion the business I'm talking about but I need auto. Unfortunately this combo was not available in older models. I watched one set of videos of a trip to Cape Yorke and I think you were wise to give the track route a miss. Me, I would be happy just to get there. Easier road the better.

p.s. But amazing drive with the old 2wd bus. He's a braver man than I to tackle that. Good effort with the video.