4X4 CAMPERVANS

Kimberley Kampers is celebrating 30 years as one of Australia’s longest-standing RV manufacturers with the launch of the deluxe Kruiswagen, based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD van.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles collaborated with recreational vehicle manufacturer Jayco to create the Crafter Kampervan lifestyle vehicle. Upgrades were incorporated in mid-2025.

We didn’t think the VW Caddy light commercial van would be a candidate for a camper conversion, but the VW factory thought otherwise. The end result was a surprisingly useful little travel machine that was upgraded in 2025.

This pop-top conversion on the ubiquitous LandCruiser Troop Carrier was the brainchild of Stefano Bonetti, who upgraded it for 2021 and 2025.

Interstate, one of Australia’s newest motorhome manufacturers, has expanded production for its signature model Interstate ‘One’, along with a twin single bed alternative to the double bed model.

Volkswagen’s Commercial Vehicle arm revealed the 2025 Transporter in August 2024. Dubbed the T7, it’s based entirely on the Ford Transit Custom van and is scheduled for Australian release some time in 2025.

Taree-based Jacana Motorhomes is employing its 30-year motorhome expertise in smaller vehicles. The Hiker is based on Toyota’s HiAce van and can be ordered in 2WD, 2WD ‘X’ and 4WD configurations.

South Yarra Volkswagen Commercial Centre and Vanlife by Roadtrek came together to release a top-of-the-line luxury campervan, based on the VW Crafter and designed for Aussie conditions. 

Trakka has built the Akuna campervan on VW Crafter medium and long wheelbase vans for some years, but until early 2022 didn’t make a version on VW’s 4Motion model.

The Trakkadu All-Terrain model has an automated transmission that we reckon many buyers will want. We checked out three of them, on- and off-road.

An Australian manufacturer and tradesman – and also a grey nomad – is demonstrating that fun and comfortable family life on the road doesn’t have to be expensive.

With the release of the pop-top-roof ‘Beach’ variant and the availability of after-market campervan furniture for the Transporter there was renewed interest in the Crafter’s smaller sibling.

This Queensland company is best known for its hinged security door kits for popular vans, but also produces FRP shower modules; portable toilet, gas and battery boxes, pop-tops and high roof conversions.

The Jacana Envy fit-out is available on medium-wheelbase and long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, with four-wheel-drive available as an option.

The Jacana Seeker fit-out is available on medium-wheelbase and long-wheelbase VW Crafter vans, with 4Motion four-wheel-drive available as a low-cost option.

This Horizon Motorhomes’ Waratah 4×4 was the personal rig of Horizon’s founder, Clayton Kearney. It was the second Waratah 4×4 Clayton had custom-built for personal adventures and he didn’t spare any expense

Many tradies and handy-folk have built their own campervans and motorhomes. Here’s a guide to the process, so you can see if such a project is right for you.

One of Trakka’s earliest camping conversions was done on the LandCruiser Troop Carrier, more than 30 years ago. The last development of the Bushman pop-top was a new design.

Trakka has expanded its Jabiru range with the introduction of two upgraded 2020 variants that are based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4.

Many outback travellers are looking for a go-anywhere campervan. Is Trakka’s Trakkadu the solution, Allan Whiting asks.