Where does my insurance cover me?
Insurance can be tricky, and working out whereabouts you’re covered is a big box to tick before heading off on your next trip.
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Marty Ledwich
22 posts
Would you tour in a tractor?
When Pat sent Marty Ledwich on a hunt for some unusual vehicles touring around the country, we’re not sure he had old tractors in mind.
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Bio-fuels – coming to a bowser near you
Australia’s move to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 means EVs are coming whether we like it or not. Could bio-fuels allow us to keep our current 4WDs for just a little longer? Let’s play a game, shall we? Put your hand up if you intend to purchase a new 4WD sometime over the next 10 years. Keep your hand up if you want to tow a big caravan with that new 4WD and perhaps travel around the country with it. OK. You guys and gals with your hands still up, keep reading because what I’m about to tell you may put a pretty sizable dent in your plans. Consider for a moment that the Australian federal government has committed this country on the path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We could argue the merits of that decision until the cows come home but in reality, it is a moot point because, like it or not, it’s going to happen. At the very least, Australia has fallen into step with the rest of the developed world and that can only be a good thing. What I do want to know now is how are we going to get there and what does it actually mean to the average person like you and I who enjoy getting out in this wide…
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Big mods for the Big Lap
As we travel around this great country, we get the opportunity to meet other fellow travellers living on the road or doing the big lap. Almost all of them are doing it in a 4X4 of some sort, and many towing a camper trailer or large caravan. What amazes me is just how optioned up many of these 4X4s are. There’s the usual fare of bullbars, driving lights, suspension lifts, and rooftop tents. All great kit for a touring rig. But then there are those who fit every conceivable option and accessory available to them with barely a thought to whether or not they will actually use all this gear. What many fail to consider is that all this kit takes up valuable space and adds considerable weight to their 4X4s. So much so that they have barely enough room for the essentials and their vehicles are dangerously close to exceeding their weight limits. Doing the big lap around the country involves many hours of driving great distances in the heat and rough conditions of the outback. It places a great strain on both vehicles and occupants. To my way of thinking, if you want your vehicle to be reliable and safe, less is more. Here are 5 essential modifications that I believe you need to make to your 4WD…
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Why I’m Not Buying a 300 Series
The 300 Series Toyota LandCruiser would have to be the most anticipated new vehicle release in decades but is it a worthy replacement for the venerable 200 Series? Our resident not-so-grey nomad, Marty Ledwich, reckons it’s not for him just yet and here’s why. Toyota’s all-new 300 Series LandCruiser has been with us for a little over 3 months and much has been written about it since it first hit the streets. As the owner of a 200 Series LandCruiser, I’ve been following the commentary with great interest, particularly the feedback from those who have made the transition and those who have decided not to. I have to say, opinions sway both ways. If you’re considering making the switch, the decision is going to be a difficult one, to say the least. The arguments for upgrading to a 300 Series are quite compelling. The new Cruiser is a more modern vehicle sporting the latest technology. It is lighter, more powerful and supposedly more fuel-efficient. It arguably addresses many of the shortcomings of the vehicle it replaces which was looking pretty outdated five years ago. And while the prices for a new 300 Series are a little eye-watering (not to mention the wait times), the prices people are paying for second hand 200’s are positively atmospheric. You’re not likely to find…
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Insurance premiums for your 4X4 are getting more expensive, but why? And how can you save a few dollars?
Have you received your 4X4 vehicle insurance renewal yet? If you haven’t, you’re likely to be in for a shock as our resident not-so-grey nomad Marty Ledwich found out recently when his arrived. Unfortunately, the news isn’t good. Premiums are on the rise. A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in our new caravan, working on my laptop, looking for things to do during our visit to Canberra and thinking “how good is my life”. That was until my email pinged that I had received a notice for my car insurance renewal. Normally I would just flick this over to my wife who takes care of our finances and not give it a second thought but something inside me made me open it up and check it out. I had heard that premiums were on the rise. Crikey, that was an understatement. The next words that came out of my mouth cannot be repeated here. Suffice to say I had a bit of a shock. The insurance premium on our 200 Series LandCruiser had risen by 30%. No, that isn’t a typo. A 30% increase or an additional $300 per annum! Given we had not had any claims or changes in circumstances in the last 12 months, I was keen to find out what had happened. I called my insurer (who…
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Budgeting for The Big Lap
How much does it really cost to travel around the country in an RV? Now on his third lap of Oz, Marty Ledwich shares his tips for budgeting for the big lap and sticking to it. Budgeting for the big lap is one of the most asked questions on caravanning and camping Facebook groups, and for good reason. You need to know how much it is likely to cost before you head off. But how much should you budget for the big trip and how do you stick to the budget? Well, after being on the road now for the last three years and not having gone broke yet, we reckon we have the answer and it is a lot simpler than you could imagine. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? It is almost completely impossible for me to say to anyone how much the big lap is going to cost them for one fundamental reason. My particular situation would be completely different to the next person. I travel with my wife and our three dogs. I have an income but my wife does not. We sold our home and all our possessions so we have no pre-existing bills to pay with the exception of the costs of insuring and maintaining our car and caravan, both of which we own outright.…
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Travel: The Creb – Bloomfield Track Loop
80 Series luminary Kev Smith explores the CREB – Bloomfield Track loop and reckons the way back is better…! Words and Images by Kev Smith Around the country, there are some…
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2021 Guide to Expedition Vehicles
So a ute won’t cut it, and you need something bigger. Maybe an Expedition Vehicle is the go but what are your options? These days we’re taking more gear and heavier…
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The Limestone Coast
The southeast corner of South Australia is home to some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery, landscapes, and natural wonders. Find out why the Limestone Coast should be on your bucket…
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The ugly truth of Overloading your Roof Racks.
We are all very concious about the weight of the gear we shove into our vehicles but, when it comes to roof racks, it seems if it’s out of sight,…
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2021 Sydney 4WD and Adventure Show Postponed to March 2022
The current Covid situation in NSW has left 4WD and Adventure Show organisers no option but to postpone the 2021 event. The COVID-19 hits just keep coming with the postponement…
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Tough Looking Taupe – a new colour for Lotus Caravans
The tough just got tougher. Lotus introduces Sand Taupe – a new colour option to their range of new caravans. If you’re wanting your new Lotus caravan to stand out…
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Mundi Mundi Bash rescheduled due to Sydney’s Covid outbreak.
The Outback Music Festival Group, organisers of the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, have today announced that the event date will be pushed back by five weeks, with the inaugural music…
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Total Tools announced as a major sponsor for the Pambula Motorfest and Swap Meet
The organisers of the Pambula Motorfest and Swap Meet welcome Total Tools as their major sponsor for the rescheduled event. The Total Tools Pambula Motorfest and Swap Meet is the…
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TJM Releases 4×4 Accessories Range for New Nissan Navara
The all-new Nissan Navara is out now, and so too is TJM’s range of products for one of Australia’s most popular utes. The new Navara has a bolder design language…
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TJM’s awesome new high-performance Twin Air Compressor.
TJM has officially announced the arrival of an all-new twin air compressor that will allow 4WD owners to stay ahead of the pack on their next adventure. A good quality…
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Big Red Bash still on….for now!
Preparations for the Big Red Bash event continue in Birdsville with the full support of Queensland Health and Tourism and Events despite COVID-19 lockdowns. Event organiser and director of the Outback Music Festival Group Greg…
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Illawarra Caravan Camping Holiday Expo Cancelled
Unfortunately, the worsening COVID-19 situation in NSW has forced the cancellation of an Illawarra favourite. The Illawarra Caravan Camping Holiday Expo planned for the 2nd to 4th of July at Kembla Grange Racecourse has…
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REDARC Launches the new BCDC1212T – Trailer Battery Charger
REDARC has introduced a new, more versatile 12 volt, 12 amp, input current limited, on-trailer battery charger; the BCDC1212T. The BCDC1212T is the ideal battery charger for trailers with electrical…
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Volkswagen’s Tiguan has had a Major Update
Volkswagen Australia’s best-selling model – the multi-award-winning Tiguan SUV – has received a major update that enters showrooms from next month. With a range of equipment shared with the Mark…
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THE ALL-NEW ISUZU MU-X: Sneak peek..!
The All-New Isuzu MU-X is coming, with a first look detailing new levels of technology and bold and dynamic design. Ahead of the full Australian reveal in the coming months,…
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