Martin has been a part of the TRAKKA team for the past three decades. His extensive experience and knowledge make him a familiar face to anyone who has interacted with TRAKKA during this time. If you've attended a TRAKKA show or visited TRAKKA’s showroom, chances are you've crossed paths.
Martin's involvement goes beyond initial interactions. He‘s been a crucial figure in ensuring that customers are well-informed and comfortable with their new home away from home as they drive out. His comprehensive understanding of every TRAKKA model allows him to guide clients through the decision-making process, even for repeat customers who have made multiple purchases over the years. Whether it's a solo adventure, family vacation, or any other type of travel, he has a deep understanding of TRAKKA's product range and can recommend the most suitable option.
Over the years, Martin has witnessed the evolution of TRAKKA's pop top campervans, vans, and coach-built motorhomes, observing how each model has improved and adapted to meet the changing demands of customers. Beyond development, Martin has followed client experiences and adventures as part of the TRAKKA Family.
But what about on the road experience? We recently had the opportunity to chat with Martin about one of his many journeys: this one to Birdsville in our impressive Jabiru J2 2WD motorhome for the Big Red Bash event. This particular Jabiru model, based on the 7.1m long Mercedes-Benz Sprinter long wheelbase rear wheel drive.
Equipped with diesel-fueled heating appliances, roof-mounted solar panels, closed cell foam insulation, and TRAKKA's first standard Lithium house battery system, this camper was designed to withstand the cold desert night temperatures and operate remotely for extended periods of time. Combining efficiency and convenience to ensure a comfortable experience even in the most challenging camping environments.
The latest premium Jabiru J2 2WD offers a perfect blend of functionality and reliability, making it an ideal choice for adventurers seeking both on road performance and comfort. With its thoughtfully designed layout and innovative technology, this Sprintervan conversion allows travellers to enjoy the freedom of remote exploration while maintaining a high level of self-sufficiency.
Martin's experience with the Jabiru J2 2WD on his Birdsville trip provides valuable insights into its performance and suitability for remote travel and offers a glimpse into the unforgettable adventure he had while attending the Big Red Bash event in Birdsville.
Friday 12th July
Day 1
TRAKKA to Narromine 500 kms. This is a trip I’ve done many times (in various TRAKKA models) as my wife grew up in this area. Our normal route is via Richmond, the Bells Line of Road across the mountains and then onto Mudgee, Gulgong and then a great back road through to the Dunedoo / Dubbo road and onto Narromine. However, seeing as we were starting from TRAKKA this time we decided to head up the M1 to Newcastle and then cut across to Denman, Merriwa, Cassilis, Dunedoo, Dubbo ending at Narromine and the main reason for this choice was to avoid the Sydney traffic heading west on a Friday afternoon. Upon our arrival at Narromine we checked into the Rockwall Tourist Park where the guests were just starting to bring out the cheese and biscuits and settle in to watch the magnificent sunset a flat Narromine can offer.
Saturday 13th
Day 2
Narromine to Charleville 780 kms. Although this was a fairly long drive it was effortless in the Jabiru, especially with stretches such as that from Nyngan to Bourke which is basically 200 kms of dead straight road. From Bourke we went through Enngonia and onto Queensland's Cunnamulla, Wyandra and finishing at Charleville where we checked into the Charleville Bush Caravan Park for the night.
Sunday 14th
Day 3
Charleville to the Betoota Hotel 675 kms. Straight out of Charleville was a mix of sealed roads with lanes for both directions and narrower single lanes for both directions with wide dirt shoulders. This is where we encounter the first high speed Road Trains, which meant quick decision making and rough exits off the road. From Charleville we headed west to Quilpie and then north/west to Windora and this is the last fuel stop before you get to Birdsville (i.e. approx. 380 kms away). As you can imagine, we weren’t the only ones heading out to the Big Red Bash so the line-up to the fuel station was two lanes wide and ran all the way down the main street and around the corner and it took a couple of hours to work our way through it. From Windora we continued west along the Diamantina Developmental Road which is a pretty good sealed road allowing swift travel, however, after approx. 100 kms we turned off onto the Birdsville Development Road and this is where things take a dramatic change as this is a heavily corrugated dirt road and Birdsville is still 275 kms away. Anyway, we reduced our speed, lowered the tyre pressures and picked our line as best we could and the Jabiru performed admirably, eating up the kilometers as we took in the amazing scenery. Approx. 170 kms out from Birdsville we turned off to the legendary Betoota Hotel where we enjoyed the festivities and camped for the night next to the river only a stones throw away from the hotel.
Monday 15th
Day 4
This was a leisurely 170 km run into Birdsville as we were no longer under any pressure time wise, however, once we arrived we were faced with another extensive fuel line as everyone wanted to fuel up before they headed out to the Big Red Bash. Anyway, it was just part of the adventure.
We live in a very big country with vast distances to explore and doing it in a Motorhome such as the Jabiru was fantastic. We covered in excess of 2000 kms in three and a bit days and ended up at the base of Big Red (i.e. the start of the Simpson Desert). We experienced all sorts of roads including one of the worst I’ve ever been on (i.e. the Birdsville Developmental Road) and the Jabiru took it all in its stride.
