T4 vs T5 Campervans

[jets]

I have just returned from Alice Springs driving a T5 KEA campervan. I thought I would give my impressions as a comparison with my own T4 Trakka. The most impressive feature I found on the T5 was the 6 speed auto, a big advance over my 4 speed. The gearing was slightly higher,just under 2400rpm @ 110kmph against 2600 @ 110 for my T4. Surprisingly the fuel consumption was heavier @ 9.4L/100km as compared with 8.5 in the T4 at the same speed.{the T5 would have been heavier with HWS & tanks for fresh & waste water etc]
Everywhere you look there are improvements, the dash is nicer, sound system better, door pockets better etc. I didn't think my van was obsolete though & I am happy to stay with the T4.
The Kea coversion was good on first impression but after 3 days living with it & looking in closer detail it's not up to Trakka standards, the elevating roof by comparison is crude.
These vans are a great way to travel [for 2 people] fast, economical, fit in carparks[ including underground] & are a pleasure to drive.
KEA are replacing their small Toyotas with VWs, & currently have 60/80 in the fleet. I asked Alice Springs & Adelaide KEA offices if the T5 were reliable. Both confirmed they were very good, although they have only been using them for a year. The van I was driving had done 63000km & was faultless.

[gregozedobe]

.....The gearing was slightly higher,just under 2400rpm @ 110kmph against 2600 @ 110 for my T4.

Which motor did the Kea T5 have ?

On my manual 128kw 5cyl I'm only pulling just over 2000 at an indicated 110 (which is an actual 106 according to the trip computer).

I don't have a pop-top, and my camping load is probably a bit lighter, but on the highway I get an indicated 7.2 litres/100km (but an actual 7.8 calculated from fill and distance). I have noticed my consumption is higher when it is cold (less than 10 degrees celcius), and while the engine is warming up.

[jets]

I believe it was 128kw. I checked the consumpion after filling up at Eldunda & then refueled at Coober Pedy. Temp was probably around 25degreesC, the road was almost level & there was a slight tail wind.There were a couple of times when my wife let it sneak up to 125km/h but most of the time we were travelling at 110. Kea actually quote a figure of 10l/100km as what to expect.
I wasn't able to check any other legs of our trip because the price of fuel varies a lot [169.9 at one place] & you just top up enough to get you to the town where you know the fuel will be cheaper.
The T4 manual is also higher geared than the auto. & is considerably more ecomical.

I have since read the paperwork & it was 96kw not 128kw as previously stated.

[WEDEL.1]

Where are the pics Rob?

Maris

[jets]

Where are the pics Rob?

Maris

I was hoping nobody would ask for photos. You may have to help me with posting Maris.

[phaeton]

I can help out too Rob, unless Maris beats me to it

BTW www.photobucket.com have free image hosting now

BTW2 you guys should see the innovations Trakka have implemented on the VW Crafter/MB Sprinter Jabiru Motorhomes (an electric sliding toilet under sink, what smarties Trakka have in engineering )

[jets]

Thanks for the offer. I will try & sort it out myself, probably next week.

[jets]

Here are the Photos I promised:


Blue Kea T5 Campervan. I drove this unit from Alice Springs to Adelaide. Picture was taken in Marla Bore NT.


Red Kea T5 Campervan. Photo taken at the Kea depot in Alice Springs NT.


Droving cattle on the road south of Alice Springs. Epitomises casual outback lifestyle. This road is named the Stuart Highway and connects Adelaide and Darwin.

[phaeton]

Nice pics

[Seano]

Epitomises casual outback lifestyle.

I don't wish to be critical but my caption for the last caption reads:

"Epitomises a manifestation of the myth of the casual outback lifestyle in a photo taken by someone who knows little about it".

........droving is a prick of a job.