We’re asking a lot of consumer questions this month. Whether we like it or not we’re all consumers to some degree, and while this wonderful magazine is free, it’s supported by the industries that supply the things we need to enjoy our chosen lifestyle. Although, some of these items might fit in the want, more than need, category.

And who doesn’t love new stuff? If you’re into retro gear then that new stuff may be preloved, or it just may be the budget that’s a bit retro, and you’re always trawling the second-hand sites for a bargain. It doesn't matter where you shop, as long as it results in you leaving home and having fun.

Our feature on the LandCruiser, for instance, looks at a vehicle legend in Australia and why so many are devoted to it. Lots of buyers are never tempted to shop elsewhere, and it surprised me to realise the number of our contributors who are either current or very recent Cruiser owners. You can read about why they made the choices they did too.

And the LandCruiser isn’t a cheap option. Many other vehicles fit the bill as a tow vehicle, on and off-road, and cost a heap less. Do they have their issues? Probably, but the Cruiser isn’t’ entirely bulletproof either, despite what you see on the news as the nameplate chosen by fighting groups all over the world!

In the cost equation, we love a bargain. However, why do we pick the things we won’t spend big on? What ticks your ‘add to cart’ button? And why? Or why not?

Take our story on diesel heaters. Like many items, there seems to be a stark choice: you either pay lots or you pay a little, but you may pay a little a lot, or several times if you’re unlucky with a bad unit. And it raises the charged question about Chinese import items. Some people want things as cheap as possible, while still complaining about the quantity and sometimes questionable quality of items that flood from the world’s warehouse. These imports exist to fill a demand, and it’s a demand we created. A conundrum maybe, but one that often brings to mind the saying about having cake and wanting to eat it too.

And are we ever satisfied with what we do buy? Is there something your vehicle could do better? Or your van needs? Of course! That’s why the aftermarket industry exists, and we’re very happy it does because it shows who’s thinking. From the mundane replacement articles we need to the ‘why didn’t they think of that before?’ items. Our tech story on tuning a Ford Ranger shows one way to extract more from a product to make it better at what you want it to do. You could argue that a different vehicle choice would have bypassed this route, but it’s not always that straightforward. If you refer back to our story on LandCruisers, there are many reasons people buy what they do and want to stick with their brand or model. For example, why move house when building an extension will solve your space issues?

It’s all about your freedom to choose with what you have available to you. From a swag to a full-size coach-based motorhome, it doesn’t matter. It’s the same sky, the same stars.

In the end, most will buy with the wallet, or the head not the heart. Unless your other half leaves you with the ‘’oh, I don’t mind, you choose” minefield. In which case they may leave you too. Choose wisely.

STUFF COMES. STUFF GOES. THAT IS THE WAY OF STUFF.

TIM SCOTT EDITOR - RV DAILY