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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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25 surprising facts about caravanning in Australia
Australia’s caravanning culture is full of quirks, records and unexpected trends that make it unlike anywhere else on Earth. From horse‑drawn vans to high‑tech off‑road rigs, here are 25 surprising facts that show just how big and distinctive caravanning is down under. Early days and hidden origins 1. Long before modern caravans, horse‑drawn travel trailers were used by Australian explorers, workers and holiday‑makers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, blending European wagon ideas with local conditions. 2. The first purpose‑built Australian caravans began appearing in the early 1930s, with small operators like Paramount in Adelaide and others experimenting with streamlined bodies, novel layouts and even patented floor‑lowering systems.…
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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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Eco-Friendly Adventures: How to Be Carbon Neutral in a Caravan
Travelling carbon neutral in a caravan means reducing fuel use, minimising waste, and offsetting emissions—so your adventures leave memories, not a footprint. Caravan travel offers freedom, comfort, and a deep connection to nature, but also comes with a carbon cost. From towing fuel to campsite energy use, every kilometre adds up. The good news? With smart choices and a sustainability mindset, you can make your caravan journeys carbon neutral and even regenerative. 🌿 Step 1: Choose an Energy-Efficient Setup ♻️ Step 2: Minimise Waste and Water Use 🌍 Step 3: Offset Your Emissions Even with the best intentions, caravan travel produces emissions, primarily from fuel. Offset them by: 🛠️ Step…
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The Road to Carbon Neutrality
Travelling in a caravan offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure, allowing you to explore breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems at your own pace. However, balancing this sense of wanderlust with a commitment to sustainability is essential. Going carbon neutral while towing a caravan might seem challenging, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. Here’s how you can embark on a greener journey without compromising on the fun: Travelling carbon-neutral in a caravan is a rewarding challenge that aligns your love for adventure with a commitment to protecting the planet. With these practical tips and a conscious mindset, you can explore the world while leaving a minimal carbon…
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Embracing Solar Power: An Eco-Nomad’s Guide to Harnessing the Sun
Solar panels have become an essential addition to modern caravans as more travellers look for sustainable ways to explore Australia. By utilising the sun’s energy for power, Grey Nomads and #VanLife travellers can reduce their carbon footprint, save on fuel costs, and enjoy a reliable power source wherever their adventures take them. Here’s how to integrate solar power into your caravan lifestyle: Embrace the serenity of nature and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with sustainable living. Harnessing solar power for your home on wheels is a smart, eco-friendly choice that enhances your travel experience and minimises environmental impact. By integrating solar panels into your setup, you contribute to…
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The Joy of Off-Grid Living
Off-grid living allows you to experience the Eco-NomadTM way of life away from the constraints of a modern lifestyle. Enjoying the wonders of nature from the comfort of your home on wheels gives you a deeper connection with nature and a more sustainable way of living. Whether exploring the red outback or parked by a pristine beach, the independence of living and camping off-grid can be profoundly liberating and give you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace. In this article, we’ll explore some benefits of living off-grid in your home on wheels and offer practical tips to minimise your environmental footprint without diminishing the experience. Embracing…
