Eco-Nomads

13/03/2026

Swapping our hard working 2007 Nissan Patrol for a new Ford Ranger Super Duty completely changed the way we tow and travel. From smart towing tech and a relaxed, stable drive to a growing off grid canopy setup with solar, storage, and 12V power, we’re finding this heavy duty ute is built for exactly the kind of long-distance, caravan life we love. Follow along as we share what we’re learning, what we’re bolting on, and how the Super Duty performs towing our Eco-Nomads home around Australia.

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 Tonnea...

09/01/2026

Since my last blog, 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). So far, the Super Duty is living up to the hype as a great tow vehicle.

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 Ettamo...

03/01/2026

Upgrading Our Tow Rig: From a Nissan Patrol to the 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 aro...

11/12/2025

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.

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 ...

30/11/2025

Many Grey Nomads want to shrink their travel footprint, but practical, financial & systemic barriers make decarbonising tough. In our latest blog, we unpack the biggest challenges Grey Nomads face on the road to low‑carbon travel and explore how they can be better supported in making the shift.

👉 Read more & join the conversation

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 an...

23/11/2025

Sustainability research is not just academic; it’s a lifeline for humanity and the planet.

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 challen...

17/11/2025

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 it also comes with a carbon cost. From towing fuel to campsit...

29/09/2025

Hello Canberra, the Eco-Nomads have arrived 😁

26/09/2025

Found a beautiful spot to camp next to the river in the Gundagai, New South Wales RV camping area.

26/09/2025

On the road again 🎶 Next stop Gundagai, New South Wales

24/09/2025

Spending a few days relaxing at Lake Hume before moving onto Canberra