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Getting the Ford Super Duty ready for off-grid use
After leaving Hartly, NSW, the Super Duty pulled our caravan up the short but steep mountain (6.75% gradient) to Lithgow without any problems, with more than sufficient power, even though I’d started loading it up. The Super Duty came standard with the steel tray, to which I added an Aussie Tonneaus Wildback canvas canopy incorporating ladder racks on which I mounted 2 x 250w solar panels. Under the canopy, I installed : I decided not to install the alternator charging kit and am still of two minds as to whether I’m going to, seeing that the Super Duty does have a trickle charge set up already, meant for the trailer/caravan…
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Ford Super Duty – Still a happy customer
Since my last blog, after buying the Ford Super Duty just before Christmas, we have towed our 21.7‑foot caravan (around 3200 kg) with an additional 400 kg on the ute from Ballarat to the Blue Mountains (Hartley). We followed the M8 to Melbourne, then the M31 north‑east, overnighted at the Ettamogah Pub just past Albury (a great free‑camping site), then turned onto the A41 at Coolac and continued through Bathurst and Lithgow to Hartley – altogether around 900 km. Before setting off, we used the Smart Hitch to check both the ute’s payload and the tow‑ball weight, which showed 300 kg (this changed slightly once we got into the vehicle).…
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New 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty
We’ve used our 2007 4X4, 3-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged 4-cylinder Nissan Patrol to tow a 21.7-foot caravan over 16,000 km (probably slightly overloaded at around 3200kg), but we always felt the Patrol was working at its limits, especially when traversing hilly country. We generally towed at around 90km/h and a lot slower in the mountains, which we usually tried to avoid. In looking to upgrade our tow vehicle, we considered what the market had to offer, from the Ram, Silverado, the new lower rated 4 cylinder Land Cruiser and even trucks, finally, with my heart still set on the discontinued V8 Land Cruiser, we decided on a 2026 Ford Ranger Super…
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Barriers to decarbonisation in the Grey Nomad community of Australia.
Grey nomads face several practical, financial, and systemic barriers to decarbonising their travel, even though many are keen to reduce their environmental impact. The main obstacles are the high cost of low‑carbon technology, patchy infrastructure in remote areas, and the design of current RVs and travel patterns, which make it hard to switch quickly to electric or solar-powered travel. High upfront costs and limited budgets Many grey nomads are on a fixed retirement income and are cautious about making significant, one‑off expenses, which in turn makes low‑carbon upgrades difficult. Lack of charging and refuelling infrastructure The most significant practical barrier for grey nomads is the absence of reliable, fast charging…
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Why sustainability research matters
Sustainability research is essential because it provides the knowledge and innovations needed to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure that future generations can thrive. Sustainability research connects science, society, and policy to create practical solutions for global challenges. By focusing on long-term resilience, sustainability research ensures that today’s actions do not compromise tomorrow’s resources. The United Nations defines sustainability as meeting present needs without limiting future generations’ ability to meet theirs, and sustainability research is critical to making that vision a reality. Sustainability research responds directly to global crises such as climate change, poverty, and environmental degradation by offering evidence-based strategies to tackle interconnected challenges. It also drives innovation,…
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Eco-Nomads Support Local Communities
Travelling by caravan offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse landscapes and cultures. However, ensuring that your journey positively impacts the communities you visit is crucial. Supporting local communities while caravaning not only enriches your travel experience but also contributes to the sustainability and prosperity of these areas. Here’s how you can make a difference: Travelling by caravan provides an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure. By making conscious choices to support local communities, you ensure that your journey not only benefits you but also leaves a lasting positive impact on the places you visit. Remember, the heart of travel is connection, and every small effort counts towards…
