Couple swaps 4x4 for truck to tow van

Brian and Kathy Paxton are caravanning veterans having been at it for 20 years with camping and fishing adding especially to Brian’s life – it’s how he likes to wind down after a tough week at work.

“As the underground drill maintenance supervisor at work, I often do long 12-hour shifts, so caravanning and camping is my way to relax and unwind. I’ve had memorable experiences meeting some great people and seeing a lot of the country along the way,” Brian said.

Kicking their caravanning passion into full gear, Brian and Kathy have decided to go on the road for the next four years, travelling across Australia.

And bringing their dreams to reality is their new Isuzu NPR 45-155 Premium SWB Tradepack, effortlessly towing their caravan to the destinations of their choice.

Prior to their new purchase, Brian’s old four-wheel drive was struggling with the heavy task of towing their 26-foot caravan, so he made the choice to upgrade to a truck.

Living in Kadina, South Australia, Brian and Kathy use their Isuzu Tradepack for more than their caravanning trips. The couple admit to using the truck like a car, sometimes to make the local supermarket run.

“It’s so easy to drive the truck that we take it to the supermarket too.

And Kathy doesn’t even need a truck license for it; she can still tow the caravan with her car licence, which adds to the convenience.

In preparation for their off-road adventures, Brian has made sure that the truck is kitted out with the best accessories.

The back has also been equipped with four tool boxes, accommodating a fridge, tools, an extra fuel tank and batteries.

“We have even added a box for all our firewood and related supplies. All we have to do is drop the tailgate on the left-hand side, open up the boxes, and everything is easily accessible,” Brian said.

With a gross vehicle mass of 4500kg, power of 114kW and torque of 419Nm, the Isuzu has plenty of punch.

“The seats are very comfortable, and we’ve even got great covers for them,” said Brian.

“I’ve got great vision out the front when I’m on the road because I’m seated a bit higher, which is a welcome change from driving my four-wheel drive.

“The turning circle on this small wheelbase truck is just fantastic. It’s better than a four-wheel drive because I can actually turn the truck around sharper on a narrower road, which is a real bonus for us,” he explained.

For Brian and Kathy, what also sealed the deal is knowing that they can rely on Isuzu’s service centres when on their travels.

“As we are going to be on the road for at least a few years, Isuzu’s large presence with depots all across the country is quite reassuring, not to mention their product support.

“This lets me know that we are taken care of,” Brian said.

Overall, Brian is really pleased with their new truck, which is already his favourite transport.

“We are over the moon with the purchase—we won’t be paying fines in the eastern states for an overweight vehicle, which is another bonus!”

“An overweight car can lead to a $1,500–$2,000 fine. But that’s something we don’t have to worry about anymore since we’ve gone for a 4.5-tonne truck that tows a 3500kg van.

“Isuzu’s really got it right for us caravanners,” Brian exclaimed.

And now that they have their house-on-wheels sorted, where to next for the caravanners?

Brian said, “We’ll be heading to New South Wales, visiting our daughter.

“We’ve got children living in different parts of Australia, so we’ll have to drive between those places.

And Kathy added, “That is why people buy caravans—to keep up with their children!”