We have a very interesting programme this week. We are out at Mundi Mundi for the Bash and have met a few interesting people. We are actually chatting to a few of the vendors that are there selling their merchandise.

So first up on the show is John Dynan or Dino or (aka Emu man). We did meet John last year but thought this time we would chat while he is selling his wonderful and colourful paintings. John has a studio at Silverton that you can visit daily.

In 1985 he became a full time artist to meet the demand that had grown for his paintings.
John paints the Outback, its flowers, its unique colours and some of its more interesting features. https://www.store.johndynon.com.au/

Whilst at the Bash we met this time a food vendor, Pelagrinno Wood Fired Pizzas. We stop by and chat to Achow, Aka and Bert the driver. They are the only wood fired vendors there, They chat about the business and how they are enjoying their time at the bash and certainly feeding the hungry hoards at the bash.

Next on the show we once again catch up with Petah and Duncan from Silverton Outback Camels, who are there doing camel rides and also a petting zoo for the younger children, they are certainly busy with 8 camels constantly on the go. When not at the bash you can call in as you drive into Silverton for a camel ride, they are also making room for visitors to camp as well on their property. https://silvertonoutbackcamels.com.au/

Now heading in a different direction we head to St George and visit Riversands Winery and have a great chat to Jack who is a backpacker working at the winery. He is working to save some funds to continue his university degree on Marine Biology.

Whilst here don’t forget to have a tasting of their wines, the most western winery in Queensland and once done sit outside and have morning or afternoon tea or even lunch outside in their beautiful gardens. https://www.riversandswines.com/

Lastly on the show we once again catch up with Jeff DeAth from Checkweight. This weeks show is about the 5 things that effect your weight on your car.

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.

Yes do you really need that imperial socket set your dad gave you.

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……..