Welcome to the June 2025 Newsletter 

Our first task each month is to thank the generous people who have donated to the OTA website. We earn some advertising revenue, but donations are very important for us. Don’t forget that anyone who donates $50 or more to the OTA website goes into the regular prize draws that we will make throughout 2025. Make sure you’re in the running.

Our March-April 2025 prize draw went to a member of the Toyota LandCruiser Club of WA.

The 2024/25 new 4WD model rush continued through May, still largely initiated by new Chinese vehicles, with some responses by established brands. Traditional brands are going to get hurt a lot more throughout 2025/26.

In News we reported on Ford’s Lion V6 engine recall; GM’s Silverado V8 recall; Pedders’ 75-year anniversary; ARB’s 50th; a review of Two Tone Pony’s excellent Born on the Roadmusic album and we previewed June’s Qld Supershow.

Our Buyers Guide – Medium Utes updates included an on and off road test of RAM’s new six-cylinder 1500 Laramie model and details on the latest Toyota Tundra that we’re testing later this month.

In Large Wagons we noted updates to the GMC Yukon, the addition of an Overtrail spec’ to the Lexus LX range and more options for the Land Rover Defender.

In Small Wagons we upgraded our GWM Tank 300 report.

In Campervans we updated the VW-Jayco Kampervan and VW Caddy California specs, and the changes to the 2025 Bonetti Cruisinator.

Our latest Camper Trailer entry was Jayco’s Crosstrail toy hauler.

In Off Road Vans & Trucks we finally tested the excellent 2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 van and reported on the latest VW Crafter range, and the significant mid-2025 upgrades made to the Isuzu FSS and FTS truck models.

In Camping – Power we updated our report on the EcoFlow River 2 power supply.

In Destinations – Planning we added a fitness piece that should appeal to mature travellers and, in Travel Destinations, we added the info that facilities at Seisia, at Cape York, are probably closed for the 2025 Season – fuel and supplies are still available at Bamaga.

Phew!

If your interests run to old bikes, cars and trucks, check out our other website: www.historicvehicles.com.au.

We’d like to wish all our website visitors and subscribers safe travelling in winter 2025. The Channel Country is slowly drying out, but check with local authorities before venturing into the SA-NSW-Qld Corner. The upside is massive water flow into the Lake Eyre basin, so expect increased traveller numbers on the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks.