We’ve recently dusted off the Trakka media archives and found some solid gold amongst the yellowing pages of numerous ‘80s newspaper cutouts. Let’s roll back to 1989 when the cost of a postage stamp was 37 cents and Nintendo had just entered the market with its flagship gaming console. While we were wrapping up a decade, 1989 also saw the launch of Trakka’s journey with Nissan.

The trend for self-contained campers had intensified by 1989 at which time Nissan worked in conjunction with Trakka to produce the fully equipped motorhome based on the long wheelbase Nissan Urvan, 'Future'.

The completely self-sufficient camper was selling for around the $35,000 mark, depending on the engine, transmission and specified options, and featured a roof mounted solar energy system, (jointly developed by Trakka and BP Australia), which meant a whole new world of “free camping” suddenly opened up for campers.

The Urvan offered power for up to five days so you could operate your refrigerator, electric water pump and fluorescent lights. What’s more it featured a built in hot water system and shower, an indoor/outdoor cooking facility, dual water tanks, and it gave buyers a choice between a five speed manual and a four speed automatic transmission, as well as 2.4 litre petrol engine and a 2.7 litre diesel engine.

At the time Nissan’s light commercial sales were running hot with the company recording its best sales in four years. With the ability to transport and sleep up to four people, the Nissan Urvan was loved and appreciated by couples and small families, who simply wanted to get off the beaten track and into nature. A dream so many people still have today.