Volkswagen Crafter: Achtung Camper Motorhome is a Hotel on Wheels

It’s not uncommon for us to receive a list of questions related to the Achtung Camper Motorhome and safety and size are right at the top of the list.

If a motorhome is on your radar, then this blog has everything covered and discusses what you need to know about the Volkswagen Crafter, our choice of vehicle for our motorhomes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woyaSH2T1Xg

Speaking with Andy Scott, Sales Manager at Rex Gorell Volkswagen, he says that size is key with the Volkswagen Crafter. “Volkswagen have always had campers in mind when designing vans and that definitely applies to the Crafter. Achtung Camper convert the medium wheelbase version of the Crafter and that offers plenty of room to fit a sleeping area, kitchen, toilet and more, as well as extra head room,” says Andy. 

“It’s also one of the rare vans that come as a 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) with the factory option Rear Differential Lock, so you can certainly take it further off the beaten track than other vans. Typically other brands either don’t do AWD or if they do, they are incredibly expensive!”

THE CRAFTER BASICS:

• The Crafter comes with the choice of 2WD (front-wheel drive) or 4Motion, as Andy mentions this is the term that Volkswagen use for all-wheel drive models (NB: 4Motion is currently not available)
• It has plenty of head space as the height of the Crafter is 2.7m.
• The length of the Crafter is slightly under 6m. It can easily be parked in a standard carpark. That’s a bonus!
• The Crafter can comfortably and legally carry five passengers, due to two additional seatbelts in the rear, and a bench seat in the front. This is not a common feature of other motorhomes on the market.

 

THE FUNCTIONS:

THE ENGINE:

The engine is a twin-turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. It uses AdBlue to achieve its Euro 6 emissions compliance. Did I lose you? AdBlue is the marketing term for a fluid used in the exhaust systems of some diesel vehicles. It is injected into the exhaust gases and burnt at very high temperatures to break down harmful nitrogen oxides. It’s a good thing!

Thanks to the dual turbos there’s ample flexibility and pulling power. The eight-speed automatic transmission presents slick gear changing and there is an option to go manual.

ANDY’S FAVOURITE FEATURES:

Andy’s standout options with the Crafter are the swivel seats.  The Crafter can also be orderd with a bench seat in the front cab, giving our campervanners the option to seat five.

“It also offers a large amount of optional driver assistance and safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist, for those long drives,” says Andy.

LET’S TALK MORE SAFETY:

• Driver Fatigue Detection – this is a system that uses visual and audible warning signals to detect if a driver needs to take a break
• Seatbelt Warning – an alert that the driver is not fastened
• Airbags – front, side and curtain inflatable cushions designed to protect driver and passenger on impact
• Cruise Control with Speed Limiter – confidently set your speed for uphill and downhill drive
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)- maintain a safe distance from vehicle ahead
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) – this prevents the wheels from locking and maintains manoeuvrability
• Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) – technology that prevents under and over steering
• Crosswind Assist – this is a sub-function of the ESP that helps deal with high crosswinds and activate brakes if needed
• Traction Control System (TCS) – this is a secondary function to prevent wheel spinning excessively
• Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) – distributes the engine torque (a measure of force) to the tyres without slippage
• Multi-Collision Braking (MCB) – this feature triggers braking after impact
• Hill Hold Assist (HHA) – prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on an incline
• Rear View Camera (RVC) – simplifies parking by showing a limited view of the area behind the vehicle
• Sensor-Based Side Protection – alerts driver with visuals and audio if close to a hazard
• Front Assist with City Emergency Braking – warns driver if they are too close to vehicle ahead
• Lane Keep Assist – alerts the driver if vehicle unintentionally drifts across a lane
• Park Assist – vehicle automatically assumes control when the reverse gear is engaged
• Hill Descent Assist – this is available with 4Motion and allows a safe descent

HERE ARE SOME OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

• 4Motion
• Driver assistance 4Motion package
• Driver assistance packages
• Heated seats
• Acoustic warning
• Upgraded headlights
• Upgraded satellite navigation system
• Leather steering wheel
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Heavy-duty suspension upgrade
• Vehicle alarm system
• Another extra set of keys
• Roof racks rails
• Third seat in the front cockpit

Still feeling overwhelmed?  Call us for a face-to-face chat to talk through the features, specifications and options. We highly recommend arranging a time to visit the showroom and our sales manager, will guide you in the right direction. We guarantee that you will walk away with a clearer idea of what you want and need with your motorhome.

The Achtung Camper Motorhome was recently reviewed by Caravancampingsales.com.au and worth a read.

Important to note only front-wheel drive Crafters are available from December 2022. Due to part shortages from Europe.

Call: 03 5200 9185
Email: sales@achtungcamper.com.au