First on the show we meet Tom and Jenny. They are full time travellers and we fist met them at the Nanango Music Festival and followed them to Bony Mountain.
They sold up everything 18 months ago and hit the road with their 2 dogs. They have a 5th Wheeler which is 35 foot and 3 slide outs and a truck. Jenny is the navigator and Tom is the driver. They are both in their 70’s
They were running out of time and wanted to get on the road and see Australia. They have been talking about this for many years. They were both in agreeance to hit the road then spent time looking for the right rig to be comfortable for full time travel.
Tom also plays the squeeze box, so they also find their way to the country music festivals and musters, but also head back to the Hunter Valley for medicals.
Next on the show Phill chats with Jed and Trudy or their act is The Hillbilly and the Hobbit. at the Bony Mountain Folk Festival. They come from Crows Nest in Queensland and also run their own festival each year in June.
Jed and Trudy also run a festival at Thargomindah in outback Queensland and its a growing festival at the rodeo grounds, this year there was over 300 caravans. There are walk ups during the day, they also have the State of Origin playing and do cook ups and damper.
They have 8 cd’s available which can be purchased at festivals, they write their own songs but also covers, starting back in 2009 as walk up artists.
Next on the show Phill chats with Ken Wilson from Truck Friendly Caravan Road Safety Program. This weeks topic is general safety tips.
With so many new caravanners on the road there are many tips Ken can give you.
Firstly the smoke alarm make sure its working properly and the battery is changed every year. Also the fire extinguisher should be accessible and give it a good shake every month or so to get the powder distributed and also what fires you can use it on. Also they do have an expiry date.
If cooking inside the van ensure the blinds/curtains are away, more common sense is needed just like at home. If cooking outside watch for smoke so you don’t set of your smoke alarm. Another alarm to get is for carbon monoxide alarm. Ensure you dont seal up the vents on the door as this helps to clear the poisonous airs from the van.
Things for outside the van, is to create a list and get into a routine, like winding in the legs, bring the awning in, the side steps and even the antenna. Another good tip is to not have the power cord coiled up, unwind it as it can get hot spots and could cause a fire. A good idea is to have a few leads of varying length and if you need to make longer join and get a water proof cover over the joins.
We always find people seem to come and chat to you as your packing up, ensure you go round and double check everything, like the hand brake, chains, lights are plugged in, but we also go round and check the other persons jobs as well.
You may also have your own things on your list. But share the duties and travel safe.
