Crusader Caravans sets CIV record with fourth Manufacturer of the Year win

Melbourne-based power solutions provider Arizon Off-Grid has been awarded the 2026 Caravan Industry Victoria Excellence in Component Manufacturing Award for the second consecutive year. The award was presented at the Caravan Industry Victoria Hall of Fame Awards in Melbourne. Over the past 12 months, the company launched 11 new products, including the Nexus Series Power Control Systems and higher-performance solar panels.

A collision occurred on the Pacific Highway at Wardell, New South Wales, on June 27, involving two cars, one of which was towing a caravan. The caravan detached from the vehicle during the crash. An elderly passenger was treated for shock by paramedics; no other injuries were reported. Lane 2 was blocked but traffic continued to pass.

Ford Australia has introduced the Ranger Super Duty, a pickup redesigned from the chassis to function as a light truck. It features a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 producing 250 hp and 600 Nm, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and reinforced suspension. Braked towing capacity is 4,500 kg, with a gross combined mass exceeding 7,500 kg. Standard equipment includes a snorkel, underbody protection, and all-terrain tires. The pickup is built in Thailand and South Africa; its launch in Argentina has not been confirmed.

Tasmanian company Tasvanlife has launched Australia’s first fully electric camper vans for hire. Based on the Farizon SV van with an 82 kWh battery, the converted campers achieve a real-world range of around 245 km. The rental includes free charging up to 150 km per day at ChargeFox, Evie and Exploren sites. Initially two vans are available, with three more expected by October 2026.

HipCamp has published a selection of seven wild camping sites within two hours' drive of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Overnight rates range from A$37 to A$363 depending on capacity and amenities. Most locations have no mobile reception and require four-wheel drive.

Walkinshaw Automotive has developed a fifth-wheel hitch package for the Chevrolet Silverado HD, boosting towing capacity to 8,000 kg. The option is available for vehicles built from Q3 2026 and costs between A$18,000 and A$20,000.