We also had a visit to The Chamber of the Black Hand. This is a must on any trip to Lightning Ridge. Phill has a great chat with Ron, who started out opal mining but then turned is hand into carving, you will be amazed at what you will see underground. Also you can shop for opals while there.
Welcome! Forty feet underground , images carved and painted in the sandstone walls and pillars. This is your chance to tour this claim which has been worked since the early days of opal mining in The Ridge.
Chambers of the Black Hand has the only opal shop underground. As opal is Australia’s national gemstone, don’t miss out on this great experience. Our map location in Lightning Ridge, NSW is on the 3 Mile Road, 5klms up opposite yellow car door 7.
Check out the website for more information. https://www.chambersoftheblackhand.com.au/
Next on the show Phill chats with Mark Smith, Phill met Mark in Mundi Mundi about another one of there amazing products, Ufixit Tyre Ratchet.
Are the wheel nuts on your vehicle too tight? Are you struggling to change them. Fear not! UFIXIT’s Tyre Ratchet makes it quick and easy to remove these wheel nuts.
Tested on males and females ranging from 10 – 75 years of age, the UFIXIT Tyre Ratchet was found incredibly easy to use. It is also suitable for those in wheelchairs.
Ideal for travellers and 4 wheel drivers, anyone who owns a vehicle, caravan or any type of trailer this is a “must have” for your tool box when on the road.
Check out their website for more great products.
Five things that will make your vehicle overweight or unbalanced.
Following on from our previous blog Five things that make your caravan overweight here are
Five things that will make your vehicle overweight or unbalanced.
1. Drawers
Drawers are the latest “must have” for storage in a 4WD or dual cab ute.
They are handy for easy access to items. Rear Drawers are the perfect solution for keeping the back of your ute neat and organised whether you’re tackling tough tracks or eating up those outback miles.
However they weigh between 70-100 kgs – and that’s a lot of payload they are eating up.
And all that weight is over or behind the rear axle…. ( and that’s important ) https://www.checkweight.com.au/post/check-weight-mobile-caravan-weighing-importance-of-maximum-axle-weight-loads )
2. Fridges and Fridge Slides
So you have the drawers and the fridge slide – so we better now throw in a fridge – So a 70 ltr fridge can weigh around 30 kg (empty) And because we need access to get to the fridge, the location of fridge ends up over the axle or behind the back axle.
Especially if you have a tub.
Those who are lucky enough to have a tray back can at least put the fridge up against the back – as far forward as possible to better distribute the weight.
3. Batteries
So we have the drawers and the fridge – so we really need some backup power – so again the auto electrician will put the battery (and inverter maybe) at the back on the passenger side so its easy to install and easy to get at – problem again all this weight is going on one side and at the back – no wonder the dual cab is leaning to one side…..
At least now you can put the 6 pack of beer in the fridge 😕
4. Awnings
Awnings honestly aren’t that heavy and they are really handy – especially if it’s hot or raining – but again they are on the passenger side – (there is a very good practical reason for that!) Awnings aren’t that heavy – maybe 10-15 kgs – but that’s more weight again that we are adding to the passenger side. So be mindful.
5. Too many tools
Everybody love to think they are a mechanic, and some are. But too many tools are a big weight problem – There’s always tools that you MUST take and there’s some that we like to take and then there’s some that we take in case somebody else breaks down. If your going in groups or travelling with others, share the load, talk amongst yourselves taking only what you really need. Remember just because you have all that space doesn’t mean you need to fill it !
And I haven’t even mentioned, bull bars, snorkels, lights, roof racks……..
