Review: Stockman Trekka

In early August, I had the enviable opportunity to check out something new from Stockman. This company has been in operation for 20-plus years. It all began with the Australian-built Stockman Pod trailer, which I’m sure you’re familiar with, such is its familiarity on our roads.

Over time, the company branched into building caravans, the Rover and the Trekka. These vans are built in China, with some finishing work done here in Australia. The Trekka is a fairly new addition to the Stockman fleet. The thing is, many manufacturers make bold claims about their vans. On its website, Stockman uses the tagline, “It’s not just how it looks – it’s how it works.”

When I arrived to check out the Stockman Trekka Ultra XT, I was therefore expecting something strong, cohesive and well thought out.

When I laid eyes on this rig for the first time, I had the impression that Stockman wasn’t exaggerating. It looked like a small beast, ready for some rough-and-tumble touring in off-grid locations. It was going to be a good day…

EXTERNAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Ultra XT is the mid-spec version of the Trekka, though of course you can further option it up with a host of features. That was the case with our Trekka Ultra XT.

First, the Trekka is all about storage. It’s fibreglass nose cone is designed to fit almost anything. Lets start there. This nose cone is a separate module, mounted to the A-frame. With two large doors either side, access is easy… and the space inside is as impressive as it is versatile. 

Stockman has included two shelves that run the width of the space, though you can remove sections as needed to make space for larger items. On the rear wall, there’s a full-width rack to which you can mount accessories such as the stabiliser leg winder. Even better: Stockman has 3D-printed neat clips to suit, which should make using that rack a lot easier.

This nose cone, by the way, is also home to a large fridge slide, though a portable fridge isn’t included in the overall package. This entire storage space is lined in marine carpet, which should be easy to clean.

More storage space exists on the offside. One locker, in fact, not only provides a place to put your gear, but also access to crucial services, including the onboard water pump, the back of the 130L Bushman fridge-freezer, the Renogy 3000W inverter, as well as the Truma Combi diesel water and space heater. I loved this setup.

Further to the rear: a locker to hide the van’s 12V nerve centre, including a 40A MPPT controller for the 600W worth of solar panels mounted to the roof, a 120A mains charger, as well as a 50A DC-DC charger. The system uses Bluetooth and touchscreen controls inside the van, as well as mobile app control over wi-fi. The system even includes an inclinometer! Overall, there’s a generous 600Ah of lithium battery power on offer within the Trekka Ultra XT pack.

The highpoint of this van’s exterior, however, is undoubtedly the kitchen. Lift the large ‘lid’ on the nearside to reveal a recessed section complete with a two-burner induction cooktop, a sink, numerous storage options, and even a 30L drawer fridge, though that fridge is an additional option. One neat benefit of this setup: the lid, which lifts on gas struts, acts as shelter, so you could theoretically stop for a quick lunch while staying mostly out of the whether, without having to deploy the electric awning. Sharp-eyed readers might also notice that there’s a window placed within the kitchen so you’d be able to pass coffee or food through to someone on the inside.

One small point: Stockman has also included a 4.5kg gas cylinder along with the ability to hook up a portable barbecue. While this van is otherwise ‘gas-less’, the idea is to have a backup – just in case. Besides, some people simply prefer to cook with gas.

Our review van was also fitted with Bosch sway control (optional) as well as the self-levelling Cruisemaster Body Control System (also optional). 

The Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension (which includes an air outlet to allow you to use the onboard air compressor to adjust your tyre pressure) on this van is part of the Ultra XT pack, as is the aforementioned 12V system.

The rear bar seen on this van is also an option over and above the Ultra XT pack, but it’s one I would definitely include. It’s shaped more like a nudge bar, saving weight and serving as a mounting point for two jerry can holders and even the tank for the Truma Combi.

SETTING UP THE STOCKMAN

The Stockman Trekka is intended to be as simple as possible for the user. To that end, the company has included electric rams to lift the pop-top roof. Simply undo the over-centre catches at each corner and press a button. No longer is lifting a pop-top roof a back-hurting affair. The same can be said about the awning – just push a button.

Let’s touch on the construction of the van. The walls and roof are composite sandwich panels comprising an outer skin of aluminium and an inner skin of fibreglass. In between is 25mm of XPS foam, which gives the walls their strength, rigidity and insulating properties.

Speaking of insulation, pop-tops obviously have an inbuilt disadvantage. However, to address that, Stockman has provided two layers of canvas for the pop-top extension. During my time with the van, it was a very windy day. The outer layer of canvas flapped and carried on while the inner layer stayed calm and still.

Now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that living space inside this van is not the same as in a 20ft caravan. That said, I think it’s an excellent setup. The bed sits on a raised platform (which provides space for the recessed external kitchen) and there’s everything you need within arm’s reach: 12V fans, reading lights, wireless charging points, storage compartments and more. A TV rests on a swivel arm at the foot of the bed. The setup isn’t complicated, but it works.

A couple of large drawers are positioned under the bed, meaning you can make use of this space without it becoming an ordeal.

The rest of the interior is taken up by a two-person bench seat with detachable dinette table, and a small kitchen bench area with a sink, some storage space and an under-bench fridge. A fibreglass combo shower/toilet is positioned in the front offside corner. Nothing too fancy or complicated.

There is a certain simplicity to the layout that I appreciated. Cooking indoors will require a portable induction hotplate, and yes, the sink is quite small, but the Trekka is quite a different beast to your typical van. It’s built around outdoor living, solid and thoughtful. Beyond that, it looks great.

SUMMING UP

It’s not just how it looks – it’s how it works. So says Stockman, and I tend to agree. Our review van was optioned up with a lot of gear over and above the Ultra XT pack, from the Body Control System to an engineered ATM upgrade to 3400kg, but the price still came in at $131,678. Note that in standard Ultra XT form, though, that the price tag is $114,990 – not bad at all.

For people who want or need a van with a cavernous storage system, a van that does all of the hard work for you, that looks solid and dependable… this could be the one. I dream about one day spending time in the goldfields, and for that I’m going to need a home on wheels. 

And yes, this could be the one.

THE SCORE 

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

STOCKMAN TREKKA ULTRA XT SPECS