Trackabout: 25 Years of Adventure
For over 25 years, Trackabout has been producing high-quality camper trailers designed to take travellers anywhere their hearts desire. A family-owned company for all that time, Trackabout has made its reputation on building trailers that are made to handle even the toughest terrains while offering the convenience and comfort that Aussie adventurers demand.
I spoke with Ellie Doolan and Nick Johnson from Trackabout at a the www.OnlyVans.com.au 2024 Caravan and Camper Excellence Round Up, where they introduced their latest version of the Extenda and shared how the business is evolving to meet the needs of both seasoned and new campers.
The new Extenda model is built with one goal in mind: simplicity. “Designed for quick and convenient setup with lots of storage, but small enough to get you anywhere,” Nick explained. Although still offering an immense 3300 litres of organised storage, the latest version of the Extenda has been scaled back somewhat to reflect the needs of Trackabout’s customers, many of whom are upgrading to a camper trailer for the first time.
A Tailored Experience for Every Customer
What truly distinguishes Trackabout is their personalised approach to building trailers. As a small, family-run business, they offer a hands-on experience that larger companies can’t match. “Being a family-owned company, we’re small-scale, so every trailer is built to each customer… It’s a more personalised experience,” Ellie noted. Whether it’s choosing the colours, adding extra storage, or customising the suspension system (with options like leaf, coil, or airbag), Trackabout trailers are tailored to each customer’s specific needs.
Trackabout’s commitment to customer engagement doesn’t end when the trailer is sold. Throughout the entire build process, customers receive updates, including build photos of their trailer at various stages—from chassis construction to powder coating. “We’re in touch with you the whole way through… There’s a lot of communication throughout the whole build process, so that keeps the customers excited as well,” Ellie said.
Built for Durability and Adventure
Although it can be tempting for brands to get caught up in trend-chasing, Trackabout has proved that long-term success is possible by sticking to what you know and are known for. For Trackabout’s camper trailers, that’s durability and capability. As Nick explained, “The way they’re designed and manufactured, they’re a strong, quality product and will go anywhere you’re brave enough to take it.” This reputation for rugged performance is what has kept the brand thriving for decades, even withstanding the challenges of a competitive market.
The company’s focus on simplicity and reliability means that Trackabout trailers don’t need “all the bells and whistles.” Instead, they offer a comfortable camping experience while keeping the connection to nature and adventure at the forefront. “It suits those people that want to still feel like they’re camping but with a few creature comforts,” Ellie added.
Expanding with Torus RV: From Campers to Caravans
Despite sticking to its guns, Trackabout isn’t afraid to adapt and grow, as evidenced by its latest move to partner with Torus RV, a brand that manufactures full off-road caravans. As the Queensland dealer for Torus RV, this partnership has allowed Trackabout to expand its offerings and give its customers the option to transition from a camper trailer to a caravan while still getting the same level of performance they’re used to.
“If we can capture that audience, then it’s worked well for us,” Nick says of the partnership.
Customer Connection: The Heart of Trackabout
Of course, you don’t make it to 25 years in business without looking after the people who support you, and at the core of Trackabout’s success is its unwavering connection to its customers. From meeting them at shows to providing personalised build updates, Trackabout ensures that every customer feels valued and involved in the process, and it is this philosophy that keeps them coming back—and why the brand has maintained such a loyal following over the years. “We don’t just take your money and leave you in the dark until you get to pick the trailer up,” Ellie emphasised.
Over the past 25 years, Trackabout has created a community of adventurers who trust the product and the people behind it. “Overall, the product is really great and has been tested and proven over so long that we’re at a pretty comfortable stage. The best thing about being the manufacturer is we have the capability to make improvements as technology and customer expectations change,” Ellie tells me, something that is a testament to Trackabout’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Looking Ahead: Simplicity and Innovation
As the industry continues to shift, Trackabout remains committed to their core principles—simplicity, quality, and durability—while also seeking out creative ways to adapt to market changes. Speaking of the downturn the industry has seen over the past 18 months, Ellie said, “It’s also given us the opportunity to step back and try and come up with some creative ideas on what we can do moving forward.”
With new partnerships, a growing product range, and a dedication to customer service, Trackabout is poised to continue its legacy as a trusted name in the Australian off-road camping market.
To explore the full range of Trackabout models, head to www.onlyvans.com.au/for-sale/make/trackabout
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