Leaderboard

Trip Report. What a night, Superman truly back into action caught flying all over Area 53 after 3 weeks of exposure to kryptonite. With myself in the lead, @Javier M in second lead, followed by @Roshan Abraham, @MATHEW FELEX, @Shamil and @Frederic and @Gaurav bhai in the sweep. Earlier @Gaurav and myself were flying to the meeting point to brief the new personal on board, but had to wait and thus got somewhat delayed in our start. The first bit itself was fun but soft sand which made it difficult for all 7 cars to go through. A little reroute saw better results with 400 meters without a stuck, but it was that kind of a night where the sweep team had to do overtime to keep the convoy moving. Every time I tried to make through closer to Iftar bowl we were faced with a soft sand wall which was impossible for all 7 cars to clear. Slowly but surely we moved around the Iftar Bowl to find a path that would finally let us through. There were a lot of hits and misses, but close to early morning hours we finally found a track and almost made it through. Just edging at the back side of Iftar Bowl waiting for the rest to catch up, I came to find out that one of the cars was caught up in an awful pocket. I made my way back to the sweep team and assisted with a couple of tugs that had the vehicle in a better position. From here @Gaurav bhai took over and got it out in a jiffy. With the sun coming out, we played a while on the Iftar Bowl. This was time for @Javier M to bow out as his friend Ramon was not feeling so well. Rest of us headed 100 meters away from the action to a safe spot with a shade which was not going to last very long. We lay our spread and enjoyed recapping the horrid night behind us. With the sun becoming just a bit unbearable we had a quick ride in the daylight to exit. We all inflated our tires and promised to meet another time. So in short the drive was challenging yet fun. It had Superman written all over it but not without the help of the sweep team. So until next time I bid you all farewell. See you all soon.

Luxgen parts! I swear and Im not kidding here the first time I even heard the name luxgen was in this thread. Wouldnt the dealer in DIP have parts for it?

I used to see one of these parked outside a garage in al quoz. It must be there for almost a year. I guess the garage have no idea how to repair it. It always interested me but I never wrecked my brain thinking about it. I was driving in Barsha today and I saw one in the wild and it piqued my interest so I did some research. That company got hit with bad luck after bad luck and eventually bad luck closed them. It must take some massive testicles to drive a car like that every day when you know you can’t get parts for it. Fun fact - Carlos Santana had one and crashed it into 2 parked cars in 2013. If anyone has ever seen Santana’s 1969 Woodstock set, I don’t think he fell asleep. More likely he was trying to steer his car towards the sky.

Sorry to say this but if any car dealership take 3-4 weeks for getting parts, that means they themselves is not convince with that brand and just outsourcing parts from Oman, KSA or China just for the heck of it instead of stocking it here. Used car ownership is a marriage between the parts and service provided by dealer or outside workshop. If you can't find these, then you should be better changing this "UNSUPPORTED" brand with much loved brands in UAE, whose spare part type no:1, 2, 3 and scrap is readily available in a day's time.

Miss you all Guys. Hope you all had a wonderful time.,👍🏻

Thanks @Gaurav for pointing the shops, will check it later. and also for @Rahimdad and @Frederic for the concern, I will take note for this.

Even when I am driving a auto my right hand rests on the shifter and especially when I recently drive a manual then my left feet also kicks hits the left kick panel in a auto car...

Yes exactly Mr. Adel cars & Bikes Al Quoz 3 guy did the same. They told me they took it for some lathe machine and put a new rubber cover with grease.

I'm really curious to know how in first place that pipe busted in such a new car....? Overheating gear oil, offroad, bad design, known error, not fit for GCC heat......?

We can definitely put that in one sentence: “ i received my salary and went to get some beers and a movie, but I maxxed out my credit cards and got a nasty call from the wife” 😂

Thanks @Frederic for giving me wonderful support in that extra adventurous night drive where we were having 1 stuck every 10 min average. I was really very fortunate to have you as a second sweep that night. Without your physical and calculative support and patience I would have gone crazy with so many stucks in one drive. Your team player attitude is really something special that we rarely see in today's offroader. Really thank you from the bottom of my heart, when I was fully exhausted and drained that I crashed first on the mat where we suppose to eat, which I have never done that before. You are on a very right path to excel and learn lot more than others to reach the higher levels, just because you "genuinely" love to help people and in return learn lot more than just usual recovery skills.

After the last week Fewbie+ to Intermediate level, it's time to have a chilled out and relaxing desert drive in this hot and humid summer. This time we are changing the area to a different route to start from end of Awir and reach the Mahafiz area through desert. You got it right, that we will start from Dubai and end in Sharjah from a desert route enjoying all the dunes on our way. This area is filled with very broad dunes that are easy to climb and exit, perfect for any newbie to get the hang of desert driving with a pinch of dune bashing. If the convoy response is good we will play in the nearby area at a fewbie level to push the spirit and fun few notches, nothing extreme. Offroad lights are recommended for a night drive, but if you don't have you can still safely drive with your HIGH BEAM. When: 11 July 2019, Thursday Meeting time: 10 PM, the convoy will move at sharp 10:15 PM - "NO EXCEPTIONS" Where: ADNOC at Sharjah - Kalba Road GPS Coordinate: https://goo.gl/maps/CjXEpdPqn3NZ7Y8j7 Level: Newbie, Fewbie & Above (NO ABSOLUTE NEWBIE PLEASE) Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 10 inches of ground clearance. Plan: Drive, train and enjoy till about 3 am and then break for snacks. What to bring along: Snacks whatever you like with little extra to share, water, liquids, smiles, stories, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 4:00 AM MUST READ: Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities Off road Driving Etiquette's Off-road Convoy Rules Please RSVP on the below calendar:

Whether you are originally from right or left hand drive country, which hand you use more often driving in the UAE? Don't tell me both the hands - as that was only for driving test. After that we all use one hand more than the other. If you don't rem, then pay attention next time you drive and you will find out very quick.

Depends on thr car really. The rental sunny I notice myself driving with both hands. Need both to keep it going in a straight line. The range usually with the left. With my left elbow rested on the door sill ( It has thick doors wherr you can easily rest your arm )

Weak pump, low fluid, air in the system or a combination of the three

ah ok. thanks, i didnt know that place was dubai

Nope, it's technically Dubai. And we will take right from first interchange and then head on our left side, where first few kms will be in Dubai and then we cross the sharjah border as shown in below map with dotted lines.

Once you drive another car for a number of days, you always feel strange driving a Pajero as I always find a big difference. Pajero steeering is generally heavy. Happened to me too post vacation where I drove a BMX X1 whose steering was slick as anything. Came back and thought there's something wrong with my Pajero. Having said that, I do feel my Pajero's steering wheel keeps varying in terms of heaviness from time to time. Sometimes it feels super heavy, and sometimes becomes really light on the hand. and I am not talking post car wash or service where it becomes generally lighter. I am talking about daily use. It's weird, could be something wrong with my car as well ..

Hi @Gauravbhai, just a small doubt - since you mentioned we will be starting from dubai and exiting in sharjah but the meeting point is the adnoc station in maleha road which is technically sharjah right?

He will arrange it and it takes 3-4 weeks

It's a China car you won't find it in the used unless it's a knock off of any known brand they do copy German us or Japanese Korean cars but it's a long shot or might as well be a wild chase

The Authorized Dealer of Luxgen in DIP suggested to replace the entire Axle "Shaft Assembly Drive" as per the Picture. Can any member advise where to procure Luxgen Parts in U.A.E. or online.

Suspecting it happenned on the night drive in Qudra. Took quite a bad hit there and the mechanic who took it out suspects it took a hit once before the skid plate was put.

What about the 2 post lift and how much tons...?

Dont believe everything you see

There’s too much stuff to list, it will take me weeks. If anyone wants to come and look they’re more than welcome.

Just my two cents but this is the kind of mod I would never recommend doing. On modern cars where remote start is built-in from the factory, there are lots of requirements and checks before the ECU actually starts the car. If these aftermarket things are being installed by a guy in a dark alley without proper knowledge or workmanship on soldering and crimping, your most critical wires will be left exposed and messed with. Like @Rahimdad mentioned, it wouldn’t be the first car that burns down due to these mods.

When getting the job done please ensure they are doing a proper job with the proper wiring and fuses required. Many a shoddy job has seen cars burn down to a crisp and insurance wouldn't cover it because you have applied an improper mod. BTW I think you mean JGC.

I really do use both hands all the time and I’ve noticed that I do it at all speeds. It’s not a conscious thing, it just happens. I think you’re right about the caution part. It’s been so long since I have actually been driving properly and now that I am, my brain is subconsciously telling me to always be careful. Before I don’t care if I’m speeding a bit, I’ll pull the handbrake on roundabouts for fun, driving is fun, now I’m watching everything I do.

Yes, maybe because you are consciously doing it. We all use both hands when we are in high speed or extra caution is required (30%). Im talking about rest of the 70% time when you are driving like an autopilot and something else going on in your mind - salary, wife, beer, movie, credit cards, etc.

Sorry, but both hands 😂 I was actually thinking about this when I was driving to work this morning and noticed I had started using both hands on the wheel. I used to drive right hand on the wheel, left hand on the gears when I was in my RHD home country where most cars are manual. Now 99% of stuff I drive is automatic so I guess my spare hand found it’s way back onto the wheel.

Insurance is available 24x7 in Oman immigration building.

@Rahimdad thanks again for the fantastic lead in the beautiful area 53. Some areas were proven to be a bit tricky with soft patches and all of us had to stay on our toes a bit, which is actually a good thing when driving at night. @Gaurav your skills as first sweep are something I really look forward to learn in the near future. Your fast reactions, anticipation, clear communication, and the ability to stay calm and composed is what makes a true crew member. Thanks for the assistance and company on this adventurous night. Thanks to the rest of the team for keeping the spirits high, even after consecutive stucks or refusals. The more time you will spend with your car the more you will feel it’s strengths, weaknesses, and you will learn how to apply either a feather touch or a full lead foot on the pedal at the right appropriate timing. Idem ditto with keeping distance which like Gaurav bhai mentioned needs constant adjusting based on the terrain, overall pace, and person in front of you. @Shamil when I announced that I didn’t see you in the convoy anymore you seemed to got lost. Don’t be afraid to immediately announce on the radio that you don’t see any team members anymore and best to stop the car and walk to the highest dune nearby. We’ve all been in similar situations and I know it feels a bit scary. see you guys soon !

Then in this scenario it can't be wheel balancing, its more mechanically powered or engine related issue, that requires physical inspection to be 100% sure. Totally agree with @Barry and @shadow79 advise and those both are the quiet close possibility as it's vibrating only while hitting the gas. It's worth digging into how axle has been repaired earlier, because while axle is powered it may be causing this vibration.

Go to this tire and accessory market in sharjah (highlighted area) and you will find plenty of accessory shops in one line. So that you can compare the right fit product vs pricing in one visit and get it install. Avoid weekends, as they are super busy and you might have to visit again if installing this remote starter is a lengthy task. https://goo.gl/maps/nS3pQUU1THnCauuE7 If you are based in Dubai, you can visit the naif car accessory market having 100's of shops selling these remote starter kit. It's diagonally opposite the Hyatt Regency after the shindaga tunnel. https://goo.gl/maps/AM5p4SwE26VF4QtG9

@Mikhail Lukichev : I just got back from Musandam yesterday . I have prepared something that might help you for your trip. THINGS TO REMEMBER 1. Unclear about rules regarding border crossing with Alcohol. (Atana Khasab has a bar called Darts Bar 26.213723, 56.233832) 2. Carry a pen each to fill up forms at the Oman Arrival Hall to save time. They do not usually provide pens. 3. Almost all the places in Musandam use Arab Emirate Dirhams. 4. Save your and officials’ time by applying for e-Visa beforehand (Incase the online application asks for Port of Entry – Al Daara Border) 5. Not clear regarding ownership papers of car - Best if vehicle is under driver’s name. In case of vehicle under mortgage / Rent a Car: approval papers from the necessary organizations are a must) 6. For Oman Visa details: Use “http://www.rop.gov.om/old/english/dg_pr_visas_agcc.asp” to check eligibility for AGCC Visa (50.00 AED – Only for residents of GCC Countries belonging to selected category). Though I have been told that other professions which are not mentioned in the site have also been approved such as ‘clerical analyst’, etc. 7. Definitely take water slippers because the beaches have pebbles and sharp stones. 8. During checking Omani official asked me if I'm carrying any professional camera such as DSLRs . ( Maybe have to pay extra , not sure ) UAE TO OMAN Border Procedure 1. Drive on E11 towards towards Al Dara Border via Ras Al Khaimah . 2. Drive over one-way tire killer at 26.048322, 56.086789 and park vehicle at 26.049580, 56.088251 on right side. 3. Enter UAE departure hall at 26.049787, 56.087717 with: a) Passport b) Vehicle registration card Ask for exit stamp (mention clearly that you’re travelling to Khasab and NOT there for visa change at any of the counters). Pay 33.00 AED per passport for exit stamp (ONLY by card – e-dirham OR Credit card | e-Dirham card cannot be recharged from the office, have to be recharged beforehand) .Receive exit stamp on passports and an extra slip Pink-White slip (keep it safe). 4. Return to vehicle and move to 26.050195, 56.087695 and pass slip to official through window. 5. Park car at 26.051296, 56.087772 and enter Oman arrival hall in front. Carry: a) Passport b) Vehicle registration c) Oman coverage vehicle insurance d) Address of stay e) e-visa if you have applied for VISA online at ROP (https://evisa.rop.gov.om/) 6. Ask Omani officials for VISA form and complete the form (Carry pen each beforehand). Go to counter and provide passport and form alone to official. Provide others when asked for. Pay 50.00 AED (payable as cash / using Card). Receive passport with visa and extra Pink-White (keep it safe) . 7. Move to 26.051993, 56.088070, park car and exit car (only driver) and pass slip to Omani official. Open boot and show to official. Receive slip with approval stamp after vehicle checking. 8. Move to 26.054293, 56.088090 and hand over approved slip to Omani official through window. 9. Drive to Khasab OMAN TO UAE Border Procedure 1. Move to 26.051477, 56.087608 drive through counter with passports. Receive Oman Exit Stamp from the official (Free). 2. Drive ahead and park at 26.050336, 56.087269, and walk to UAE ARRIVAL HALL at 26.049790, 56.087411 with passports and ask for Entry stamp at any of the counters. (Clearly mention you already have residence visa and not there for visa change). Collect passports with UAE entry stamp and extra Pink-White slip. 3. Drive to 26.048406, 56.086474 for vehicle checking. Provide official with the slip. After checking, receive slip with approval stamp. 4. Drive to counter 26.048037, 56.086488 and pass the approved slip through the window. 5. Drive to Ras Al Khaimah. PLACES TO VISIT (BASIC ONLY) 1. Al Jadi Beach Photo Point – 26.172592, 56.173098 (Great) 2. Khasab Fort – 26.198137, 56.249173 – AED 5.00 entrance fee + Information CD + Oman tourism pamphlet (Great) 3. Jabel Harim – 25.976958, 56.231624 (Great) 4. Cliff over-looking Bassa Beach – 26.213799, 56.234985 (Great) 5. Bassa Beach – 26.212017, 56.236424 (Bleh) 6. Khor Al Najd View Point – 26.091901, 56.363611 (Great) 7. Khor Al Najd Camping Spot – 26.096429, 56.331921 (Bleh) 8. Bukha Fort – 26.144883, 56.153464 (Bleh) 9. Al Khalidiya Acacia Forest Entrance – Can drive through - 26.045059, 56.363629 (High chances of getting stuck in mud if rained recently) (Great) 10. Al Khalidiya Children’s Park Entrance - 26.043421, 56.366832 (Bleh) 11. Al Qala’a Fort – 26.141703, 56.173098 (Bleh) PLACES TO EAT 1. Al Shamalia Grill Restaurant – (Equivalent of Indian cafeterias in UAE) Try grilled : Prawns/ Hammour / Lobster. Family section available on 1st floor. Don’t expect fine dining / luxury, it’s a cafeteria. Also delivers to vehicle / hotel room around Khasab. 2. LULU Hypermarket - 26.199750, 56.250536 – Ready to eat food available near Bakery section + Great for shopping . 3. Wadi Qada 4. Telegraph Restaurant 5. Aroos Musandam I have uploaded word file also along with this reply . Musandam.docx

For Oman mainland it's 3 months validity on UAE Visa. Not sure for Musandam as generally there the rules were a bit relaxed.

@Frederic I experienced the fytoplankton last year in Miami beach, at first it was scary since it was my first time and I had no idea about what it was. Once my cousin brother explained me the phenomena I was at ease and really enjoyed the moment. It is magical.

We went for a beach camping last year. Drove to the port of Khasab and asked one of the fishermen to take us to one of the nearby beaches along the coastline. Was in the area of below coordinates: 26°12'35.4"N 56°16'21.7"E * Beware to arrange your visas online, as the visa on arrival option has been stopped. * Most fishermen only speak arabic. We luckily had a friend with us that spoke it very well. * You will need to have ownership papers of the car when crossing the border. If it's under leasing or different owner you will need to arrange a POA form, and even then it's sometimes a bit of a hassle. * You will need to have Oman coverage in your insurance and prepared to show this paper at the border. If not you'll need to buy insurance at the border (takes a bit of time during busy periods) https://evisa.rop.gov.om/ * Definitely take water slippers because the beaches have pebbles and sharp stones. We had a fantastic time and saw the magical show at night called the fytoplankton. It emerges during certain times of year but you will only see it at night when you move your hand in the water, or just at the shoreline. We went swimming in it and it felt like magic (remember the movie Life of Pi..) https://epod.usra.edu/blog/2018/02/bioluminescence-in-the-gulf-of-oman.html

You are absolutely Right, This brand is already stopped by the dealer "western Auto" It was not a marriage it was Mutah (Temporary Marriage) to buy 5-6 months to earn the revenue back from the investment made recently.