Some caravan setups are designed for weekends away.
Others are designed to become a way of life.
Craig Nottage’s Ford F350 and Retreat ERV combination definitely falls into the second category.
Known on the road as Bourbon and Blues Off Road, Craig has built a touring setup designed around long-distance travel, off-grid independence and having everything he needs to explore Australia comfortably.
From Starlink and rooftop camping on the truck to approximately 2,000 watts of solar and 270 litres of water in the caravan, almost every part of Craig’s setup has been chosen with life on the road in mind.
And the story of how the entire combination came together started with a chance encounter at a caravan show.
From a Caravan Show to a Retreat ERV
Craig walked into the Caravan and Camping Show planning to buy a caravan.
One of the first people he ran into was Jimmy from Core Off Road in Rockingham.
Craig already knew Jimmy, so naturally he asked what he was doing at the show.
Jimmy told him he was looking at caravans himself before giving Craig a simple recommendation.
Go and see Luke.
Craig headed over and had his first proper look at the Retreat ERV.
He liked what he saw.
But he wasn’t prepared to buy the first caravan he walked into.
Craig went around the show and looked at plenty of alternatives before eventually finding himself back where he started.
At the ERV.
This time, he bought it.
Then He Needed a Bigger Truck
Buying the caravan solved one problem.
It created another.
Craig realised the vehicle he had at the time wasn’t going to be the ideal tow vehicle for the setup he wanted.
Before the F350, Craig had owned a 79 Series LandCruiser.
He describes it as a good vehicle, but not exactly the most comfortable thing for covering huge distances.
So Craig went back to Core Off Road.
His request to Jimmy was straightforward.
Build me a truck.
Jimmy had another idea.
His own Ford F350 — originally built as Core Off Road’s personal show vehicle — was about to be replaced.
Jimmy offered it to Craig.
They negotiated a deal, and suddenly Craig had the other half of his ultimate touring setup.
Inside Craig’s Ford F350
Craig’s F350 isn’t simply there to tow the caravan.
It has become an extension of his touring setup.
The truck has an enormous amount of internal space, something Craig particularly appreciates after his time in the 79 Series.
The touring equipment continues outside.
There’s a rooftop camper that gives Craig another sleeping option, along with Starlink to help him stay connected while travelling.
Around the back, the storage system has been designed for practical life on the road.
Craig carries a fridge — which, by his own admission, is mainly reserved for beer — while most of his food stays in the caravan.
There’s also a coffee machine, air fryer and induction hot plate.
A pull-out pantry adds even more storage, while another section houses recovery equipment and other gear needed when travelling away from the bitumen.
MaxTrax are mounted on the vehicle, and Craig carries the equipment required to get himself out of trouble when travelling remotely.
It’s a setup designed around self-sufficiency.
Bourbon and Blues Off Road
Craig travels under the name Bourbon and Blues Off Road.
The inspiration isn’t particularly complicated.
He loves bourbon.
And he loves blues music.
It’s a name that fits Craig’s personality and the way he travels, and it’s also where people can follow his adventures online as he explores more of Australia.
Meet “The Dumpy”
Behind the F350 sits Craig’s 21-foot Retreat ERV.
Craig affectionately calls the caravan “The Dumpy.”
The name has a special meaning.
Craig’s father’s nickname was Dump.
After both of Craig’s parents passed away and their home was eventually sold, part of that chapter of his life became connected to the caravan.
Naming it The Dumpy means his father remains part of Craig’s travels.
It’s one of those small details that turns a caravan from something you own into something genuinely personal.
Fully Electric Touring
One of the biggest reasons Craig originally chose the Retreat ERV was its fully electric setup.
That remains one of his favourite features.
Craig loves the electric barbecue in particular.
While some people question whether an electric barbecue can deliver the same cooking experience as traditional alternatives, Craig has no concerns.
It can barbecue, but it can also operate as an oven, giving him more flexibility when cooking on the road.
And for Craig, being fully electric is about far more than cooking.
It fits into the broader way he wants to travel.
Around 2,000 Watts of Solar
Covering the roof of Craig’s ERV is approximately 2,000 watts of solar.
Craig regularly gets onto the roof to keep the panels clean, which is why he carries a ladder as part of his touring equipment.
For extended off-grid travel, maintaining the solar system is simply part of life on the road.
Combined with the ERV’s electrical system, it gives Craig the ability to travel without constantly worrying about finding the next powered site.
270 Litres of Water
Power isn’t the only thing Craig has planned for.
Water is just as important when travelling remotely.
Craig carries approximately 270 litres of water onboard the ERV, giving him significantly more flexibility when he’s away from towns and caravan parks.
When you’re planning longer stretches of off-grid touring, carrying enough water can determine where you can go and how long you can stay.
Craig has built his setup accordingly.
Storage Everywhere
One of Craig’s favourite features of the ERV is the amount of storage.
Touring full-time means carrying much more than you might need for the occasional weekend away.
Craig uses the various storage compartments for everything from food and equipment to additional fuel and touring essentials.
He also carries a small freezer for meat, along with another fridge.
There are spare tyres, recovery equipment and a heavy-duty jack capable of lifting the truck when required.
It’s not about packing lightly.
It’s about having the right equipment when you’re hundreds of kilometres from home.
Built for Serious Touring
Craig has upgraded the tyres on the caravan to a heavier-duty setup.
He also runs independent suspension and carries equipment designed to deal with punctures and tyre damage while travelling remotely.
Behind the F350, Craig says towing the Retreat is incredibly comfortable.
The truck has the size and capacity to handle the caravan confidently, which was one of the biggest reasons he made the move away from his previous vehicle.
Together, the F350 and ERV have become a combination designed for serious Australian touring.
Next Stop: The Nullarbor
Craig is now preparing to tackle the Nullarbor.
Knowing how expensive and widely spaced fuel can be across parts of the journey, he’s carrying additional fuel as part of the setup.
It’s another example of how Craig approaches travelling.
Prepare properly.
Carry what you need.
And make the rig capable of taking you where you want to go.
For Craig, this isn’t simply about owning an impressive truck and caravan.
It’s about creating the freedom to travel Australia on his terms.
Follow Bourbon and Blues Off Road
With his Ford F350 up front and The Dumpy behind him, Craig is ready for the next chapter.
The Nullarbor is next.
After that?
There’s a lot more Australia waiting.
Follow Craig’s adventures on Instagram at Bourbon and Blues Off Road and watch the full rig tour to see exactly how he’s set everything up.
