Great video Ronnie. More ideas: * Check out what other outdoor enthusiasts are doing. You might learn a perfectly acceptable way of meeting your needs from motorcycle tourers or backpackers. * 2 vs 1 vs 0 fridge. You left off 0. You can still eat well with non-refrigerated stuff and the icy cold beer will taste all the better when you get to the pub. Those backpackers and motorcyclists sure don't have one and they get by just fine. I understand the seduction as much as the next guy. That comfort comes at a big cost though. * If you need/want a cold box, but only for 48 hours or so, plain old ice, dry ice, or gel cold packs might do just fine. Simpler, cheaper, and fewer points of failure too. * A bumper winch isn't the only way to winch. Kinda like there're more ways to drive a nail than a pneumatic nail gun, air hose, compressor, etc. (that is the easiest way though, I'll grant that!) * More weight means you burn more fuel, which means you need to carry more fuel (weight) for the same range. * How much off-road night driving are you _really_ going to do? Plan to make camp every afternoon? Do you need quite that many lights? * All of the above combined, you may decide you don't need a house battery system, battery charging system for it, and all that stuff anymore. * Shade/shelter. Personally, I pull up next to a buddy and we stretch a tarp between our roof racks. Shock cord in the corners. Loop over and clip each corner and done. Far lighter than the awning systems, about as fast to deploy, reduces weight up high, and stores safe from damage. (A friend snagged his awning on a tree. The tree won.) * I also sleep in a hammock slung between the two vehicles, or the vehicle and a tree, or a couple of trees. Not for everyone, but I like it. Super light too. It can be set up on the ground in a pinch. Hammock backpackers have devised some really fast setup and tear down approaches, or you can pack more knowledge and less gear by learning a couple of handy knots. It'll be as fast and instinctive as tying a bathrobe before you know it. * Along with that, there's a saying that we pack our fears. If you're not careful you'll realize you're adding "tow truck" to the packing list because what if you get stuck. Start small with non-technical terrain, make friends with some experienced people, and build up to it. You don't need to clear out the outfitter's shelves to have a fun and safe time. * If you don't add all that weight, you may find the stock suspension is perfectly fine. Yay! Money saved for more toys, trips, or beers. :D Hope someone finds a useful nugget in this old man's rambling.

Great vid. Ronny is one of the few 4wd personalities that actually give good advice. How many 79’s do you see on TV with every possible accessory on it because it was given to the presenters.

Another way to save weight is leave ya missus at home 👍 For most Aussies that's usually about 150kgs👌

Ronny, you’re not the first to talk about this, but I think you might be leading a major shift in how people wheel, and how they think about trucks in general.

pretty cool! First overlanding style video I've seen to date that actually takes a common-sense approach to saving weight. As a backpacker, I'm always having to analyze what I pack and why I'm packing it. When I've gotten it wrong I know when I'm only two or three miles into the trail and regretting the weight. The problem with 4X4 touring or camping is that many people don't realize they're overweight until they have snapped an axle, cracked the frame or ended up with an expensive fine. considering fuel costs and tire replacement intervals alone, spending the bucks on lighter weight gear pays off in no time at all!

Steel armour for rock crawlers and Aluminum for Tourer / Overlander, is my rule of thumb. Great advice!

I only ever air up my tyres up to half full...saves half the weight.

Ronny the lightweight evangelist! Having watched the progress of your build over the years it's obvious you've learned this lesson the hard way.

I once had two plastic Jerry cans on my roof rack when I rolled the truck. They didn't even look like Jerry Cans anymore but only one had a small puncture. I was still able to empty them into my tank. (Truck rolled right back onto its wheels)

This is the most advanced level yet! Being able to travel light is the ultimate in adventure travel. Ask any experienced hiker or adventure motorcyclists. I do both, and keeping it simple, light and compact is the key to success.

Everyone is missing the BIG ONE Buy a White vehicle , it’s the lightest colour 😉👍

Personally I think the first thing to do when setting up your rig is to take it to a set of vehicle scales and find out your base line weight. Especially once you have your barwork and 4wd mods knowing how much freeboard you have for weight when you go camping is essential for starting your plans. Alot of vehicles so not include a full take of fuel in their vehicle weights.

Great advice. I couldn't believe the amount of junk I saw people hauling through the Simpson Desert. The only things I didn't skimp on were the things that would get me out alive - water and fuel. Improvising is half of the fun. Travelling light is key for remote area travel.

Thank you for making a mega shit ton of mistakes that we can learn from. Great video 👍

Great video Ronny. The most important weight reduction that most 4wders can make is go back to stock wheels and tyres! All the gear you load into your vehicle is sprung weight. Heavy wheels and tyres is unsprung weight. Much worse for handling, braking performance. I was running 33's on my 79 dual cab and it handled like a bloody boat. I put the stock GXL alloys with stock tyres back on.....huge improvement. Great advice on alloy trays! I optioned my 79 last year with a heavy duty alloy tray. 3 weeks ago fitted an alloy canopy which weighs about 150kgs. So it's almost as light as just having a steel tray! Absolutely no need for a steel tray for camping/touring purposes.

Awesome set of videos. I could cry when I think about the thousands of hard earned dollars I've spent on modifying vehicles over and over again. Then breaking axels, drive shafts etc due to being over weight. I did receive some bad programming from the military so I always used military grade stuff which weighs more and packed for every conceivable scenario, that was nuts. It literally took me 30 years to learn that light weight and good quality is worth every penny as long as you need it. The last thing both my wife and I still need to learn is we don't need 5 changes of clothes for a month long trip. The big issue for us is weather and temperature changes in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Northern British Columbia here in Canada. This year we had sleet, rain, blistering sun and heat all in the same day....and today it was +20 celsius and now it is -1. Great points and thanks for posting these as we are modifying our truck again....great timing!

Been building mine for 6 using exactly these ideas. Bought the 4wd with a brand name steel roof rack (96kg with mountings) and recently gave it away after I bought an Iron-man full length alloy rack (33kg with mountings). My available roof load jumped from 4kg to 67kg but I shed overall the overall load (gvm) to have space to upgrade my charge system for the 4wd and caravan. Glad to hear I am not the only one thinking like this.

anyone i get to my workshop for fabrication i try talk them into Aluminium, it just makes more sense, if your throwing gravel and rocks on your tray everyday then go steel otherwise i will build you an aluminium one ! good video mate.

Great advise. I come from a hiking and light weight camping background. So I still use my hike stove and cooking gear every trip away. Being light weight takes up less space as well which is a big help on longer trips away. Less weight = less fuel = more beers.

Very informative, I converted my 6 seater to 4, and set my carry to the 2 person equivalent. With little compromise. I'm there. And happy with it.

This is truly great stuff! I found a good teacher for traveling light is to Overland by motorcycle (or study their pack outs), when that pack out is sorted, transfer it to the 4x rig. Then add the 4x "only" required accessories (recovery gear, parts, tools etc.). After that, if capacity is left, add upgraded/convenience items. Also, drop excess personal weight (many benefits). My 2¢.

Long time backpacker here. Weight is a killer whether you carry it on your back or load it in your car. Great advice. Really like your vids. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the inspiration I'll be going through my draws today to see what I can take out!

Wow, superb video. I too am a "1 piece of kit-2 uses" guy too. This clip really opens your mind to the thought process. Thanks Ronny.

Thanks Ronny, I'm doing all the research I can and saving for a 79 , I like the patriot super tourer, looking at other 4x4 companies also, when I'm ready its going to be awesome.

Great vid Ronny, the less gear you take, the less time you spend packing and unpacking it on the trip

Great advice Ronny! Thanks for all your tips and comparisons.

top advice Ronny, some great comments, I have a single cab with twin 90 litre tanks I only fill the main tank and half the sub tank to save weight when towing

Cheers for the vid mate. Always great to listen to people with proper knowledge and wisdom, especially for wheeling.

I have always been of the mindset of keeping things as lightweight as possible. I just underwent my first 3 week long trip where I was pretty much packed to the gills and we learned a lot--what is needed, what can be left behind, and what we could probably do without. We were on our own so we had no ability to rely on others in a caravan which meant I had to bring tools to keep us going. Thankfully I only had to use tools once over 4700 miles in 3 weeks!

Thanks for saving me a lot of time and money from your experience Ronny. Great knowledgeable vid ✌️

Having a short wheel base 4x4 I have to pack like a "through hiker".

Great Video. I am building a slide on camper and so much of what you are saying is so relevant to me right now. So its Aluminium and composite panels all the way. All the Rivets and less of everything to keep the things inside my GVM. So thanks again and keep honest clear info comin!

Ronnie.... gotta say that although I do (sometimes) consider weight and have already done some of things you suggested.... this is the best 4x4 related video I’ve seen... really, really great stuff. 👍🍻

Another great video Ronny. Very good information well thought of. Thank you for taking the time to share this much needed info with us. Safe travels out there. Squirrel 😀

I'm glad I have watched to for the last couple year's. Ronnie keep it Up!!

I dont know about anyone else, But the Sea to Summit compactable sleeping pillows are the best and super light!

We use w Waeco CFX 65 Dual zone. It has never missed a beat and draws stuff all amps.👍👍

Awesome Ronny Great work .... , another great video and advice I'm officially hooked . Wish your videos and advice were around 20 years ago when i used to tow my house around the bush and had all the GEAR but no IDEA lol KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !!!!!

Big ticket items where I have saved bulk weight in one go: 1. remove unneeded seats or swap to lighter more confortable aftermarket drivers seat. 2. replace winch cable with rope 3. Don't tow and you save 200kg towball downweight. 4. Choose alloy wheels 5. Only carry enough fuel and water for the trip I'm doing. 6. self inflatable mattress instead of heavy stretchers 7. replaced steel roof rack with alloy and used a smaller gas bottle like you mentioned

Ronny, great video as always! Thanks for doing what you do!

Excellent Ronny! Coming out swinging some truth! Love it! Hälsningar! 👍

Awesome video mate. Awesome food for thought. Cheers mate,keep up the good work 👍

Thank you so much! Great info. Wish I learned your lessons years ago.

I think a point you missed is this.... reducing weight gives you horsepower! Instead of spending $3000 on modding your engine and exhaust.... Just remove 300kg

Minimalist 4x4 driving setup excellent, We need it also for caravaners as well

Great video ! Like the condiment and spice idea a lot !! Im going with a low profile winch bumper...its light but it also can be added on to for armor purposes if I ever get to that.....No overland bed rack for me though....Im going with a molle system for mounting tools and accessories. I need a cheap 12v system video......that would be light , hahaha

Very Very useful information, thanks for sharing, once again you nailed it.

Great helpful video. Thanks Ronny.

Ronny, thank you for your advises and all your videos!

Excellent follow up informational video! Add lightness. And put all heavy items down low in your rig.

The next chapter is going to be "shaving save weight?" Great video, I like the idea to think like a hiker to reduce gear weight

best video so far mate . I am a big fan of travelling light and not taking so much useless crap . It makes everything easier

If you need the space that 2 fridges provide but don't want to run 2 motors, consider using a Two Zone that clips on top of the base unit. That way you can have a freezer (at the bottom) and a fridge (at the top). When it comes to Jerry cans, we have been using them for over 20 years and the ONLY one the ever had a leak in it was a steel one. We got rid of that and have used plastic ever since.

thank you for very detail video on way build 4x4 tour

another great vid Ron

Awesome. Applies to your house as well! Design your life

Great vid and advice Ronny!

Thanks again ronny, much appreciated. Another valuable video to your collection. Talking about lightweight, I think you maybe have to find someone with one of last years "works" landrover, aluminium chassis and whatnot. I'm hooked on toyotas, but nice to see how the other half live... At 150 bag o sand a pop, and that's GBP, not dollars I'm talking about, so needless to say, not everyone will have one as only so many were made, 150 or there abouts. Its a 5.0 v8 petrol, I hear with 400bhp in 90 or 110 form. See ya m8, be looking out for your next vid.

Awesome video and great advice. Thanks for doing it

Dual cab with tub and canopy: 1 x 60L fridge, fixed, no slider. Using plastic boxes for storage, with straps to keep in place. Cab rack takes only clothes and bedding, in a dedicated cab rack bag. Roof rack on canopy for jack, shovel, solar panel. Rear seat comes out for more gear storage. Auxiliary batteries up against headboard in tub, forward of rear axle. Tent fits in a bag, no roof top tent. ...and put it over the weigh bridge when setup, but otherwise empty, gives me the new tare weight, over each axle. Keep track of other gear we add buy weighing them on a 150kg scale.

great video. Thanks

Man, you're content is so good. Thank you very much for it mate! 🙌🙏

Love your work Ronny

Man you spent some money getting it right. Great vlog as im just about to start a 78 build thanks love your channel

Great video Ronnie. My rule is that something has to have a good reason to stay in my life if I haven't used it for 3 months.

Thanks for another good video Ronny. An important thing to consider is your vehicle type. Utes have a greater load capacity than your average wagon so being mindful of your weights is even more important there. I started looking at my setup a couple of months back so a timely video. You'll have to let us know what the new fighting weight is with the changes you've made.

Great advice Ronny.We can tend to get sucked in to advertising telling us what we must have. Once I started going back pack hunting I soon learnt how to work out what I needed and what isn’t necessary depending on which environment I was going into and for how long.You’ve shared many helpful tips for us to think about and action. Somehow I think that EBay, Gumtree and Trading Post are going to be inundated with heaps of excess 4x4 and camping gear items for sale. Safe Travels.

Love that cruiser setup

Great video. Cheers mate

Good Video Ronny. You also need to ensure the GVM is spread over the max axle ratings. There is also max limits on roof weights. Strategic planning of where accessories are fitted between axles will help balance the vehicle. Every mod adds weight to the vehicle mass, that's from bigger tires & springs to every switch, light and length of cable, plus your gear that is unless you remove something. So as Ronnie is saying plan well from the start which includes buying a vehicle that will give you the carrying capacity you require including the weight of the mods you want to add through out the vehicle.

Some Great tips ronny

Great video ronny

Great tips. Thanks heaps

Best Channel. 👍👍 Thanks mate.

Vice grips work great for a cheap pot grabber, they are a multiple use item.

Consider titanium hiking gear. It's light strong and usually packs small.

Good food for thought Ronny

Good stuff......goo advice...Thanks

Some very good ideas thanks for sharing mate ATB

awesome content, from a newbie thankyou

Another great video!

Saw you coming through Peterborough SA, enjoy the rest of your trip. (I was in the white Surf)

THAT one was very good - back to the basics and very well spoken... To us, reducing weight, became kind of Olympic sport, and after each trip - we know a little more for the next improvement , but still do take my real pan, as this is what I like to have ;-) and two real glasses for the wine ;-) Cheers axel

nice one with those smaller plastic containers for sugar and stuff. shame they not easy to find on some areas or they just in specialized hiking shops and cost a lot money. but in some places they sell tomato sauces and other sauces in those soft plastic stuff. i would say if you still need your car for daily driving just use soft bags or plastic boxes to put stuff and then when you come home just remove them andd you have your car space back for other needs.

Maxtrax as leveling blocks. Genius, I wish I could claim that.

Excellent information excellent advise very useful tips.......⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great vid mare😁😁

Great videos Ronny!

Great advice

You forgot about tyres. If you are not doing anything extreme you don’t need large tyres. Check out the math with rolling weight and the weight of spares. It’s huge. I’ve been using 31.5 for years without problems. I go anywhere but places designed to challenge hardcore off-roaders. Check out Graham Cahill with 4wd Action. Crazy tracks and he makes it on 31’s. Biggest weight savings and fuel economy, smaller tyres.

Hi Ronny you are so right the amount of junk that so many people carry is in the land of the never never, for cooking I only have 1 fry pan, 2 billy's that fit inside of each other 1 for Coffey/tea and 1 for all cooking and I do not have a stack of knives forks I only have 1 for each person, there a old rule that learnt very early "Keep It Simple" try to only take stuff that can be used for more than one use

Finally, someone talking about pillows! I always bring my own, cause every single camping pillow I've tried has been sh*t!

The problem with most people including me is we have this "just in case " mentality.....we know we wont need to bring something but we still bring it with us "JUST IN CASE....."and that defeats our purpose of lightening up our load.😀😀😀a As usual another great video from you mate and very much looking forward to see you and team at tge FWD and camping show here in Adelaide. Cheers Ronnie👍

Great video, love this sort of content mixed in with the traveling ones. After having my own experience with a heavy 79 up to the cape a few years ago I decided to weigh everything before a big Kimberley trip. After working out the added items to my 79 (being the usual things added for touring) GVM 3300kg minus Kerb weight 2065kg = 1235kg pay load, minus....... 1055kg of added stuff (including people, fridge, batteries, water, roof top tent, bull bar & winch, spare tyres, alloy box's & 300kg alloy tray) I had 180kg left. That's right with my 79 completely empty but setup ready to go I could add 180kg's of stuff to survive and that didn't include fuel which you guessed it my factory toyota tanks can hold 180L of diesel Let's just say we still went on the Kimberly trip, I tried very hard and spent a fair bit of money making my setup lighter but guarantee we were still over weight, I even removed the tow bar I can see now that most vehicles are overweight almost impossible to be under when 4wd touring. The bit that surprised me the most about this video was the weight of a fridge slide... WTAF??... 50kg for a fridge slide? that's insane

Good stuff.

Great video Ronnie. Damn birds laughing in the background. 😂

As far as removable stuff that gets added to go away, the big test for me is whether the same springs work well whether the truck is loaded or empty. If it works in both cases, then it isn’t too much gear.

Thank you very informative…

Sickest tips!