Innehållsförteckning för Issue 577 från Caravan World

I am excited to be taking the helm of Caravan World, but alas it will be short-lived as I’ve decided to go more 'glamping' than 'camping' and have taken on a new role (outside of Adventures Group) launching a new luxury travel magazine. Caravan World is an institution and it was a difficult decision to make, but you’ll be left in great hands within the Adventures family. In this issue, we give you the second half of the AL-KO Toughest Tow Test content, and you’ll see much from former editor Tim Van Duyl and field editor Peter Quilty, who have tested practically everything possible to ensure a smooth run on your next travels. I have also continued my investigative features on topics of significance to the industry, which impact your…

Australian Caravan Club (ACC) is calling for a summit to resolve issues between truckies and RVers on the road. Chairman Craig Humphrey says the ACC and other recreational vehicle clubs and trucking organisations are running individual campaigns to educate both truckies and vanners, but a summit could pool ideas together, save on each individual organisation’s resources, and see a targeted and more effective campaign. He wants to see protocols developed for both road-user groups. “All affected stakeholder groups need to collaborate together, be working off the same page and at the same time, be delivering the same message. At the moment we are seeing several stakeholders including our own club using individual resources, at times with slightly different messages, that are not reaching the full targeted audiences. “Collaboration between all…

The recent Brisbane Supershow marked its 50th anniversary with an array of firsts and a record-breaking caravan construction. Among the highlights were a team of Lego builders who raced the clock to finish a life-sized replica of a vintage caravan made entirely out of Lego bricks. The team worked 20 hours a day to meet the end of show deadline. The van, a 2.2m high, 5.0m long van knocked out a smaller replica of a European van to take the Guinness Record. The Aussie record-beater, a 1973 Viscount Royal replica, needed close to 280,000 bricks and included interior cabinetry, bed and kitchen. “I’ve worked on a few large-scale builds over the years but nothing involving more than 25,000 bricks or larger than two metres in length so to move to…

“Imagine my surprise when I read the said vehicle converter is advertising adding an extra axle to a VW Amarok” As I write this I am not long back from being at the Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow. As usual, the manufacturers, dealers and distributors all had their latest and greatest on show. I have to say that of all the major east coast shows, it s one of my favourites, mostly because it often has items on display unique in Queensland character not usually seen in the southern shows. There was a little bit more state parochialism than usual on display because of that State of Origami thingy (I’m not really a sporting person) happening way down south. At least, that was the explanation as to why everyone…

SEDAN SAFE TO TOW? Q I have a 1998 Toyota Aurion V6 automatic and tow a 1998 Olympic pop-top single axle caravan. I have had the van weighed, and fully laden it comes in at 1420kg. The down weight on the tow ball is 150kg, the Toyota specs say it can take 160kg, and the car can tow 1600kg. Also, I use two of the older-style solid weight distribution bars. I have been towing this van for some time now and have had no problems whatsoever with an actual fuel consumption of 12.78L per 100 full-to-full, Newcastle to Port Macquarie. The only problem I have had is with all the negative comments I get from fellow travellers: “front-wheel-drive is no good”, “sedans aren't designed for towing”, “the transmission is…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.23m (27ft) External body length 5.93m (19ft 5in) External body width 2.35m (7ft 9in) Travel height 3.05m (10ft) Internal height 1.94m (6ft 4in) Tare 2450kg ATM 3050kg Payload 600kg Ball weight 200kg EXTERNAL Frame Meranti Cladding 3mm flat aluminium panel Chassis 4in main rails, 4in raiser, 6in A-frame, SupaGal Suspension AL-KO Enduro Outback Coupling AL-KO Click Lock Pin Coupling Brakes 12in electric Wheels 16in alloys, with 265/75 R16 mud-terrain tyres Water 2x 95L (fresh); 1x 95L (grey) Battery 2x 120Ah AGM Solar 2x 150W Air-conditioner Finch Gas 2x 9kg Sway control Optional INTERNAL Cooking Swift four-burner cooktop (gas), grill and oven Fridge Evakool 12V compressor 210L Microwave Swift Dluxx Bathroom Thetford C223 cassette toilet, with full fibreglass shower Washing Machine Destination RV 3.5kg Hot water…

Even though inside the Savannah 563 is a kitchen more than capable of catering for a group of five, the fact is the van's svelte body means at least one of the party is going to miss out at the table. So, the addition of the slide-out kitchen is, for me, the highlight of this van. It comes with a two-burner stove that is long enough to put a decent skillet on or cook two good-sized pots, and is directly plumbed to the existing gas system. With it is the all-important sink which gives it more bench space than the internal kitchen, a huge plus when catering for the masses, but probably my favourite addition is the fridge drawer from Dometic. It is not big enough to be your only…

“This purpose-built 5.8m (19ft) semi offroader showed it's primed for adventure, with its rough-and-ready style.” Broken Hill and surrounds has been a silver screen setting for some iconic films featuring bizarre, eccentric and futuristic ‘transport’. Many movie buffs would recall the Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe “V8 Interceptor” in Mad Max 2, the BMW electric concept car in Mission Impossible II, and Priscilla, the large tour bus in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, all of which temporarily traversed this outback region. But none of these have been tougher than the super-strong caravan sextet - albeit not from the celluloid genre - that descended upon the isolated and rugged terrain of the Barrier Ranges for AL-KO's Toughest Tow Test. And one of the ‘super six’ was the aptly…

Hands up all those people who can remember when you could get any colour scheme you wanted for your caravan, as long as it was some shade of white? Actually, older readers might well remember the earlier finish of untreated aluminium. Well times have changed, if the very bright lime green of Wonderland RV’s XTR 1906 is any guide. Indeed, several of the Wonderland range is available in bright colours, but there are less distinctive colour schemes available, too. In a way, the bright colour scheme is appropriate for this van because it’s a family layout, complete with bunk beds. The XTR 1906 has an external body length of 6.0m (19ft 8in) which allows room for everyone. Given the ATM of 3500kg and the Tare mass of 2880kg, that also…

Willow RV commenced operations in January this year, but it's not fledgling by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, its two-man brainstrust - Eddie Wills and Ian Jow - bring decades of construction and design expertise to the table. Currently, they are based in a temporary factory in Pakenham, Victoria, with the intention to move to a larger facility in the same area in the near future. “This contemporary cubicle is so spacious a bathroom baritone could bounce off some impressive acoustics” And some ‘winds of change’ were strikingly evident during CW's recent review of a Conifer 624X at Kurth Kiln Regional Park in the Dandenong Ranges. The 6.38m (20ft 11in) tandem-axle van certainly carried some significant points of difference including its exterior armour, stunning interior decor contrast, shower…

"Pedders claims the upgrade will reduce stopping distances for a fully laden D-MAX by 12.3m from 100km/h." Drum brakes are long lasting and robust, but they are old tech and do not offer the heat dissipation and reduced stopping distances of more modern disc brakes. Pedders knows this and has created kits to replace drums with shiny new discs on a range of popular utes like the Ranger, BT-50, HiLux and D-MAX. Pedders claims the upgrade will reduce stopping distances for a fully laden (at Pedders GVM+ load of 3450kg) D-MAX by an astounding 12.3m from 100km/h when braking hard. This represents a major improvement in a critical safety area, and quickly had AL-KO fitting its shop double-cab with the upgrade. The kit is complete with all mounting hardware, discs,…

I don’t know how many times I’ve randomly thrown all and sundry under the bed while preparing for a camping trip. The end result is a hodgepodge of gear that resembles a dog’s breakfast! And I can always bet that the item I require first on setting up at the campsite will be at the bottom of the mishmash. But no longer after recently witnessing a DIY fitment of under-bed dividers that has put a smile on the dial of this haphazard traveller. NB. These images and step-by-step captions depict the simplicity of this installation of under-bed dividers performed by The RV Repair Centre foreman, Paul Hewat, in Bayswater (VIC). STEP 1 Before attempting to place dividers under your bed we suggest that you obtain the boxes suitable for your…

European Bailey announced it will be assembling its Pamplona vans in Australia. Bailey, which says it builds the lightest caravans in its class, already designs and builds the Rangefinder and Coastal range in Australia. It was importing Pamplona, but says it'll now assemble the vans in Australia, creating more jobs in RV manufacturing in Melbourne. National marketing manager Lance van Geelen says they can't say how many jobs at this stage but, “we will be setting up a separate production line and we'll need to employ new jobs for that”. He says the original Pamplona had some limitations in the design and it will adjust it to a chassis designed and manufactured in Australia with greater ground clearance, large water tanks, greater payload capacity and a new entrance door.…

Aussie campsite technology is making waves with RedVision by REDARC and the RS-1 King Single Swag and HOTSPOT camp chair by OZTENT recognised at Australia’s recent Good Design Awards. RedVision, which lets travellers control their van and camper electronics either by mobile phone or dedicated LED unit, was described by the jury as a great overall product, earning plaudits for its ease of use . “This is a clean, integrated solution that is reliable and robust. Clever interface that is super simple to use and operate. “The fuse box can be accessed easily for replacing when needed and a faulty fuse is lit and identified, making it really easy to replace - big plus for that,” the jury wrote. According to REDARC, RedVision protects and distributes power accepting inputs from…

“The long descent caused considerable brake fade and by the time we’d reached the track junction, our brakes were cooked!” It’s a scary feeling when your husband suffers a medical episode and you’re left to pick up the pieces. Such was the case after our Big Lap when my husband Mike developed a phobia for towing. There were a couple of clues that point to the root cause of the problem. For starters, we’d been homeless for 13 months, used to big open spaces, as we explored our great country. Yet, suddenly, we were thrust back into the hustle and bustle of city living. During the trip, there’d been a couple of ‘close calls’ which may have played a part. The first happened during the descent into Adelaide from the…

DO35 V3-R ALL-TERRAIN DROP-ON COUPLING The DO35 Drop-On Coupling is designed, tested and manufactured by Cruisemaster™, home to Australia’s leader in all-terrain towing technology. With full 360-degree articulation to reduce the risk of roll-over, smooth ADR compliant locking mechanism and patented ‘Check Lock’ system the DO35 means added safety whether on the Highway or going offroad. The DO35 V3 is easy to install and compatible with all major WDH systems out of the box. Valued at $405, the DO35 Drop-On Coupling gives you peace of mind on your next adventure.…

VALUE FOR MONEY Quite simply, it’s worth every cent… It’s money well spent!” TOWABILITY “It didn’t 'ruffle a feather' - literally a bedspread - out on the toughest of tracks” LIVEABILITY “They reckon a man’s home is his castle. Well, this palatial van is fit for a king” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Vanquished the rugged Barrier Ranges… Say no more!” LAYOUT "Showcases a roomy interior with a huge emphasis on exceptional quality control" QUALITY OF FINISH “Reveals high calibre cupboard construction from lightweight ply, benchtops with ‘invisible joins’ and a premium acrylic finish to doors and drawers” BUILD QUALITY "Perfectly constructed van. The end result is a flawless amalgamation of high attention to detail - inside and out” 8. CREATURE COMFORTS “Alluring ensuite, bedazzling bedroom, indulgent kitchen and lavish living…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 7.4m (24ft 3in) External body length 5.63m (18ft 5in) External body width 2.39m (7ft 10in) Travel height 2.65m (8ft 8in) Internal height 2.045m (6ft 8in) Tare 1855kg ATM 2255kg Payload 185kg Ball weight 130kg EXTERNAL Frame Aluminium Cladding Composite panel Chassis Galvanised hot-dipped Suspension AL-KO Enduro Outback Coupling AL-KO Off-Road Ball coupling Brakes AL-KO 10in Wheels 15in alloys, with 235/75 R15 all-terrain tyres Water 2x95L (fresh) Battery 110Ah Solar 80W Air-conditioner Yes Gas 2x4kg Sway control AL-KO ESC INTERNAL Cooking brand Four-burner cooktop (gas), grill and oven Fridge 185L Thetford three-way Microwave LG Bathroom Yes Washing Machine No Hot water Swift gas/electric 20L OPTIONS FITTED NA PRICE AS SHOWN $58,500 MORE INFORMATION To enquire about this caravan, please visit golfcaravans.com.au  or phone 1300…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.2m (26ft 10in) External body length 5.8m (19ft) External body width 2.36m (7ft 9in) Travel height 2.95m (9ft 8in) Internal height 1.97m (6ft 6in) Tare 2450kg ATM 3300kg Payload 850kg Ball weight 150kg EXTERNAL Frame Meranti Cladding Aluminium Chassis 6in G&S SupaGal Suspension AL-KO Enduro Cross Country, twin shock Coupling AL-KO Click Lock Pin Coupling Brakes 10in offroad Wheels 15in alloys, with 235/75 R15 mud-terrain tyres Water 2x95L (fresh); 1x95L (grey) Battery 2x120Ah AGM Solar 2x150W Air-conditioner Houghton Belaire 3400 Gas 2x9kg Sway control AL-KO ESC INTERNAL Cooking Thetford full oven Fridge Thetford AES 192L Microwave Swift 23L Bathroom Thetford ceramic toilet; full one-piece moulded shower Washing machine NCE 3.2kg Hot water Swift gas/electric 28L OPTIONS FITTED NA PRICE AS SHOWN $72,990 plus freight (drive-away,…

VALUE FOR MONEY “Certainly a high spec van but everything is a quality build” TOWABILITY “It certainly has this in both the electrical and water departments” LIVEABILITY “Given what has been fitted in, the internal space is quite user-friendly” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Clearly a van designed for offroad travel in far flung places” LAYOUT “A few compromises given the external length” QUALITY OF FINISH “Items like the piano hinges and lithium battery set the tone” BUILD QUALITY “Seems to be a cut above the average” CREATURE COMFORTS “Has just about all of them right down to personal fans” INNOVATION “Frame and chassis structure are a little different to the norm” X-FACTOR “The green colour says it all really, but there are a few more hidden items as well”…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Overall length 8.37m (27ft 6in) External body length 6.38m (20ft 11in) External body width 2.47m (8ft 1in) Travel height 2.96m (9ft 9in) Internal height 1.95m (6ft 5in) Tare 2365kg ATM 2800kg Payload 435kg Ball weight 190kg EXTERNAL Frame Polyurethane Cladding Aluminium composite Chassis 6in hot-dipped galvanised Suspension AL-KO Enduro Outback Coupling AL-KO Off-Road Ball Coupling Brakes Offroad Wheels 15in alloys, with 235/75 R15 tyres Water 2x95L Battery 1x100Ah Solar 1x120W Air-conditioner Houghton Belair 3400 Gas 2x4.5kg Sway control AL-KO ESC (Optional) Kitchen Slide-out with cooktop and fridge (Optional) INTERNAL Cooking Swift four-burner and grill Fridge Thetford 185L Microwave LG Bathroom Thetford cassette toilet (C223-CS), with full-height fibreglass shower Washing machine Daewoo mini 2kg Hot water Swift gas/electric 24L OPTIONS FITTED Nil PRICE AS SHOWN $68,242.20 MORE INFORMATION…

The 200 series LandCruiser is a tough beast but it does have some limitations. The rear of the 200 Series sits fairly low, especially compared to older LandCruisers with owners often complaining that the spare wheel spends a lot of time being dragged along the ground. Moving the wheel is an option but so is lifting the suspension which can also aid ability off-road through more suspension travel and more capable shock absorption. Pedders may have started life as a shock absorber specialist but is forging a reputation for doing great things for all parts under the car with TrakRyder suspension and brake kits one of the latest product groups. TrakRyder Suspension kits can come in different options for a massive range of cars; for the 200 Series there are…

Fitting an AL-KO Click Lock Pin Coupling is not a difficult process, anyone with basic hand-tool skills can do it. What you need is a good set of spanners, a large shifter, grease and a torque wrench. Before you start you should make sure you have the right hardware for the job. Having good quality bolts, nuts and washers that you know the torque specs for is essential as is having flat ground and a set of wheel-chocks to stop your trailer moving. AL-KO specifies a minimum requirement of M12 Class 8.8 or ½ inch Grade 5 Bolts. STEP 1 As you will be disconnecting your handbrake, always ensure your caravan or camper is on level ground and secured from rolling away. Use a good set of chocks to prevent…

Constructed from heavy-duty aluminium, the Folding Step is easy to install, can be bolted to the chassis of most caravans and motorhomes, and neatly stows away to a compact size when travelling. To use the folding step, simply pull out from underneath your RV. With a larger landing step, it can be relied upon for bearing weight up to 225kg. That means you can carry a fully loaded fridge and not worry about it coping with the weight. Plus it's backed by a one year manufacturer's warranty for that extra peace of mind. Accessing your RV and ensuring safe entry and exit just got a whole lot easier! DOMETIC FOLDING STEP RPP $149 More info dometic.com/en-au/au…

Millions of Australian employees are researching and booking their next holiday when they should be working according to a new study by comparison site finder.com.au. The research reveals two in three Australian workers – equivalent to eight million people – actively plan their next escape on the boss’ time. It shows the average Aussie employee spends 57 minutes a week doing research, which equates to a cumulative total of 7.6 million hours wasted every week. This lost productivity is costing Aussie businesses $280.8 million in wages every single week, or $14.6 billion annually. Male employees are more guilty of vacation distraction with 67% admitting to organising travel at work compared to 61% of female workers. Men use 64 minutes a week dipping into work time to plan a holiday in…

To starve the threat of fruit fly in South Australia's Riverland region, Citrus Australia is urging travellers to dispose of vegetables and fruit from their camp at dedicated sites as they approach the region. In May an outbreak of Mediterranean fruit fly (Med-fly) was declared in the township of Thevenard on South Australia’s west coast, following a detection of larvae in the area. Every year the South Australian government spends about $5 million keeping fruit fly and other pests out of South Australia to protect the state’s $1.25 billion horticultural industry, and backyard fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Fruit fly isn't just found in citrus fruit, but also bananas, pears and tomatoes. For more information visit: http:// www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/fruit_fly…

Hello Caravan World, I really enjoy reading the magazine. Plaudits also for incorporating in future issues a segment on the topic of caravan 12V applications. Perhaps one item that your guru may like to address is the addition of a second battery to an existing caravan 12V system that currently only has one house battery. What needs to be considered when assessing the capability to accept the additional battery, what needs to be considered in choosing the new battery, and also the fitting and wiring. For reference caravan, may I suggest a Jayco Silverline? Best regards, Bob Murray Hi Bob, Thanks for your question. Many RVers find one battery isn’t enough to service their requirements, especially on a van such as a Silverline where there are many appliances. To have…

DUST SEALING Our first van was an off-road model, but it was far from dust-proof. I solved the problem with a filter material that is used in the return air vent in ducted heating, which I got from a heating and cooling supplier. It is about 10mm thick and I purchased half a square metre cut it to size, attached it with duct tape, and when I got home from a trip took it off washed it and stuck it back on. The beauty of this product is that it allows the air to circulate while blocking the dust. Robert Millsom, Seaford Dear Robert, Thanks for the great advice. Dust is a real menace, and it's wonderful to hear such a simple fix resolved the issue for you once and…

“We had someone who listed a van and within four minutes they were booked out.” Justin Hales, CEO, Camplify. RVs have joined the sharing economy in a fiercely competitive new sector of the market, which is creating a plethora of opportunities for those prepared go along . While soft launches for most players in this space took place some three years ago, it’s only now traction is happening, and if the stats are anything to go by, it’s showing no signs of slowing. One of the first on the scene in Australia was Camplify, who officially launched in August 2015. CEO and founder Justin Hales says he and his wife were looking to hire an RV and couldn’t find anything near their suburb, but noted there were plenty of caravans…

On the surface, the subject of tow weights is quite simple yet it has a few nuances that, judging by the questions that come through CW, causes considerable confusion. Unfortunately, because the topic has both safety and legal considerations it’s really not something any of us can choose to ignore. In Australia there’s another reason too because there’s a practical limit on towing weights and that is 3500kg. It’s not a legislated figure but something determined by the tow vehicle manufacturers. Whilst there is any number of vehicles available with a tow rating of 3500kg, getting above that requires something a bit more unusual like a Dodge Ram imported from the USA or a commercial vehicle like an Iveco Daily. I’ll get to the technical jargon shortly, but for many…

Your rig might be tough and you may be too. But are you prepared for ‘what if?’. If you plan to stick to the highways every time you travel - and can’t go anywhere without missing an episode of 'Home and Away' - turn to the next article now. Otherwise, you might want to keep reading. We’re here to think about the unthinkable, the times when your plans go out the window in the face of Mother Nature’s strange sense of humour or when an incident occurs that you’d never really expected. In these situations, it doesn’t matter how tough your tow-tug and trailer are. If you’ve prepped for a weekend at the beach when you’re actually in the middle of a four-week trip to the Red Centre, you’re likely…

Roadstar Caravans head honcho Ken Nizam certainly didn’t mollycoddle his entry-level off-roader - the GT Sport Cross-Country - at AL-KO's Toughest Tow Test. In fact, it was quite the antithesis as, without being gung-ho, Ken was hell-bent on taking things to the limit. Ken was every inch the leader of the pack, and his enthusiasm was infectious. I accompanied him from his Somerton HQ in Victoria, staying overnight in Mildura before journeying on to historic Eldee Station in Silverton, NSW - the base camp for AL-KO's TTT. The 5.93m (19ft 5in) GT Sport Cross-Country was so super silky traversing the bitumen highways of regional Victoria that I hardly detected it was tacking on behind Ken’s Toyota LC200. But this extraordinary van’s ‘tour of duty’ really commenced when a six-caravan convoy…

Approaching the Savannah 563 I liked what I saw. The compact body sits high on a chassis suspended by AL-KO’s tough Enduro Outback suspension. The rear has had consideration for off-road work (though I found out, not enough) and there are plenty of access ports for what looked to be a front bin, and what I later found out was one of my favourite features, an excellent external kitchen. LIVEABILITY An 80A solar panel feeding into a 100Ah battery comes as standard and there is scope to option on more, and with up to 180L of water stored in well-shielded tanks under the floor, there is capacity to stay off-grid a few days at a time so long as you do not blast the rooftop AC. Gas is stored in…

VALUE FOR MONEY For the money you could get a bigger, more opulent road-focused van but for an OK offroader, its value is not too bad” TOWABILITY “A single axle would have been preferred on a van this small” LIVEABILITY “The kitchen is over the top but only beds for two is a let down” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “It is better than Golf lets on, trust us” LAYOUT “I would prefer more emphasis on sleeping inside, or a separate toilet and shower” QUALITY OF FINISH “Very clean and tidy throughout, Golf obviously pays attention to process” BUILD QUALITY “The chassis is tough and the suspension and brakes tougher again but internally it was very basic” 8. CREATURE COMFORTS “It ticks all the boxes, and some, with AC, plenty of…

VALUE FOR MONEY “This rough-and-ready semi off-roader is a great package that ticks the value-for-money box at just a 'Banjo' under $73K TOWABILITY “Handled the tricky terrain with aplomb being ably assisted by a full AL-KO suite, including Enduro Cross Country suspension” LIVEABILITY “An up-to-the-minute interior gives it some swagger as far as design is concerned” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Displays the capability for conquering environs well off the beaten track” LAYOUT “There's plenty of room to move about, and the bedroom and living zones are rooms with a view” QUALITY OF FINISH “Attention to detail is clearly evident, right down to the heavy-duty spring-loaded hinges on the overhead cupboards” BUILD QUALITY “No issues with the orthodox aluminium armour, which is enhanced by a smooth composite finish to sections of…

VALUE FOR MONEY “It's amazing that this up-specced, bona fide offroader has a price tag under $70K!” TOWABILITY “It wasn't 'put to the sword', but a sturdy chassis and super-reliable AL-KO Enduro Outback suspension resulted in a dream ride” LIVEABILITY “Boasts nearly every conceivable mod con and looms large as an off-grid home on wheels” SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING “Certainly has the capacity to take you on journeys to faraway places, with the only negative being no grey water tank which is available as an option” LAYOUT “A space-saving cafe dinette complements an inviting open plan. There's no feeling of being 'cooped up' in any internal zone of this van” QUALITY OF FINISH “High attention to detail in every regard, highlighted by the impeccable rear ensuite, stunning furniture contrast, and…

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Length 4825mm Width 1860mm Height 1830mm Wheelbase 2845mm Ground clearance 230mm Kerb mass 2040kg Gross Vehicle Mass 2750kg Gross Combined Mass 5750kg Towing capacity unbraked/braked 750kg/3000kg Towball (max) 300kg DRIVETRAIN Engine 3L intercooled turbodiesel Transmission six-speed automatic Power 130kW Torque 430Nm OPTIONS FITTED Stainless steel bull bar, snorkel GENERAL Fuel capacity 65L Suspension Front coil springs, upper and lower wishbones; Rear: live axle, coil springs Brakes Front ventilated discs; Rear: solid disc Wheels 7x18in alloy Warranty Five years/130,000km Roof load 60kg PRICE $52,500 MORE INFORMATION  isuzuute.com.au…

“Choose a broker, like Credit One, that lets you compare all of your finance options rather than just the one or two choices that dealer finance or a bank may offer.” Ready to buy? Want to hit the shows for the best deal? We offer some pearls of wisdom from Credit One’s managing director and founder, Michael Rojek, on getting your finance pre-approved. “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the shows, the crowds, the noise, and the hot sun,” says Michael. “And it can be easy to sign on the dotted line for something that might be a little out of your reach in terms of price, or conversely, even miss out on your perfect van because you weren’t sure if you could afford it or…

Exceptional engineering and high-tech specs combine to create the new Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Limited Edition Watch – the only Swiss watch proven to withstand 130 extreme endurance homologation tests. The space-tested carbon case is 50 per cent lighter and five times more resistant than steel, while the orange Naimakka paracord strap – inspired by NASA space suits and the quality engineering of the Golden Gate Bridge – has a breaking strength of 250kg. The orange of the strap isn't the only eye-catching design and style feature, the I.N.O.X. also features a matte case and camoflage khaki dial with military time printed in red. Add in a protective bumper with a USB rechargeable and built-in flashlight, and it's clear this watch is equipped for the most daring of expeditions. VICTORINOX I.N.O.X.…

These days, the need to have your phone or GPS within easy view is essential for long road trips or travelling to new destinations. That's why the new TekGrip Dash Mount from Bracketron is such a vital piece of equipment for your car. You can mount it to most hard or textured surfaces – including your windshield – and its compact size makes it perfect for transporting from car to car and packing away when not in use. The TekGrip Dash Mount holds most smartphones, tablets, GPS or portable mobile devices and can be rotated 360 degrees for both portrait and landscape viewing. It even has folding support legs for added support, and can be mounted to desks and other hard surfaces when required. With a one year warranty and…