Trakka and Fiat have set a new luxury standard in the 'motorhome' sector with the new Trakka Veneto, which is now being launched across New Zealand, and is based on the acclaimed Fiat Ducato.

This is not just because Trakka has equipped the Veneto  650 and 700 with every luxury feature and to their normal high quality, but  also because the Veneto  700 has air suspension ensuring a new level of comfort on the move.

The Trakka Veneto’s use of the new Alko chassis version of the Fiat Ducato enables the Veneto 700 version to be equipped with air suspension. However, this is not the only improved feature boasted by the Veneto, but also, thanks to its low and compact design, it has provided Trakka with the ability to offer more interior space, more versatility and more features than any conventional motorhome occupying the same space on the road.

“The Alko chassis provides us with a lower and wider chassis with more compact suspension,” explains” Trakka’s Dave Berry. “This means that out designers have more space to play with, both to provide room inside the Veneto and to hide away technology such as water storage and power systems.

The air suspension not just provides our customers with a better ride, as it can cope with a wider variety of loads; it also enables our designers to add more features.

The cream on the cake is that the chassis is fully galvanized, the ultimate long term solution against rust. Galvanization means that even if it is scratched, the zinc coating ‘heals’ over the scratch and stops further corrosion.”

The Alko AMC Air Suspension is fully automatic, controlling the ride quality and height of the rear axle, adjusting to changing loads and maintaining ride height regardless of load. Additionally it is possible to raise the tail of the Veneto to cross rough ground or the get to the ideal parking place.

The advantage of the Alko chassis is immediately apparent with the height of the door step entry to the main cabin. It is so low that, unlike the vast majority of motorhomes, no additional step is required to enter the Veneto. Once inside the Veneto, again, the Alko chassis advantage is clear with the low step down from the cab into the living area, making the interior of Veneto more spacious, light and airy.

The Fiat Ducato, already applauded for the benefits it endows all motorhomes that use it as the base vehicle continues to offer all the features that have made it  so popular. The advanced 2.8 litre JTD engine offers a unique blend of performance and economy, with 300 Nm of torque ensuring that even under fully laden conditions the Veneto can hold its own on the road. At the fuel bowsers the JTD again shows its advantage with fuel consumption as low as 9 to 11 l/100 in typical conditions.

The Ducato comes as standard with remote central locking, air conditioning for the front cabin, twin air bags, power steering and digital CD audio system. The mirrors are a fine example of Fiat’s dedication to detail. On each door there are two mirrors in the same frame, one conventional mirror and one wide angle one, and all four mirrors are power operated.
 

Trakka is renowned for its own attention to detail at all points in the design and production process and their motorhomes have an enviable reputation for durability, quality and design. This makes them highly sought after in the used vehicle market.

“The Veneto truly is a motorhome that may be used in any season, anywhere in New Zealand,” explains Mr Berry. “Our aim was to provide it with the insulation to cope with extremes of heat and cold, the windows to cope with any weather and space and comfort to make it a real home.”

The Veneto uses a molded gelcoat exterior, providing good looks, resistance to minor damage and it is easy to maintain. The main panels are Styrofoam composites, which is 10 times stronger than conventional polystyrene and it offers an insulation gain of 25 per cent. For the sides and roof it is 25 mm thick, while for the floor it is 40 mm thick, significantly reducing noise.

Adding to the insulation package are the double glazed windows that are top hinged for greater ease of use and better ventilation in all conditions. Completing the package is a huge skylight, four times larger than the conventional roof opening and enhances the interior ambiance with more light and ventilation.

The interior of the Veneto has lounge that can be quickly and easily converted into the primary sleeping area with a large double bed, two metres long and 1.65 metres wide. This may also be configured as two single beds. Above the cab is the secondary sleeping area, which, due to its location, may be left made up as a bed, adding to the ease of use of the Veneto.

The built in seats/bed in the rear have an integrated steel frame, providing security and, thanks to the built in seat belts, safety for people traveling in the rear. The lounge /dining area is completed by a large multi position table.

The kitchen is superbly well equipped with a microwave oven standard and the 700 adding a gourmet grill, oven and rotisserie to the standard kitchen package. The Fridge is a large capacity 110 litre unit and there is the option of a 186 litre fridge for owners planning to really escape civilization. The kitchen uses a durable, easy to clean stainless steel finish with glass tops on the sink and stove to enlarge the work space.

The bathroom has a fully molded fibre glass shower to make it fully waterproof and easy to clean, while a power fan vent boosts comfort. A vanity unit, sink and toilette are all standard. The cabinets used through the Veneto use euro-plywood construction with 15 mm laminate inside and out that is strong and scratch resistant, while its light weight boosts the payload of the vehicle. There is also a drying cabinet for damp laundry wet clothing and a massive 950 litres of exterior accessed storage areas.  for larger sporting and camping equipment.

Water is catered for with 125 litres of fresh water, 95 litres of grey water and a 38 mm filter ensures quick filling. The Truma gas hot water service is extremely quick & efficient uses gas or mains power when available. Hot and cold water may be accessed from the outside and there is even an exterior shower – ideal for beach use. The self containment certificate means that the Veneto can stay overnight where other vehicles are banned.

 “The Veneto is, we believe, the ultimate motorhome,” says Dave Berry. “It isn’t the largest because it doesn’t have to be. Fiat’s advanced design means we can put more into a smaller package, making it easier to drive and more economical to own, while the Alko chassis means that the interior space and features we have been able to include are normally only found on a much larger vehicle. The Veneto really is the future of motorhomes!”