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Watteau @Watteau Niki @Niki Ahab Shamaa @Ahab Shamaa Ranjan Das @Ranjan Das Matt.T @Matt.T Alain Canivet-Abikhalil @Alain Canivet-Abikhalil Christopher Assal @Christopher Assal Chinthaka Ruwan @Chinthaka Ruwan Humayun Ghias @Humayun Ghias Great to know we will be getting together tomorrow morning. The drive idea? Start in the dark at Murquab Mosque and make our way through some of the long range dunes on offer and then attack the technical 'light' before we hit the Sheikh Zayed sandway. Last time we made it to here, we could not take full advantage of this Baja section. We will then have the choice to turn into one of the super technical sections that trap the best of drivers or into a complex of dunes that give the chance to sweep and swoop, ridge ride and side slip ... or both. As we get to Qudra, we will make our way to Last Exit, time permitting, through a set of soft dunes where the most adventurous normally do not venture. Or not ... Bottom line, tomorrow morning is about holiday fun. Challenging but not ridiculous, fast but not furious, demanding but not dangerous. @Jeepie and myself are looing forward to seeing you there. Convoy list and start point to be published within the hour.

I have been doing some research on car cooler solutions and these are my findings. Hope it is useful for some. These are some of the questions you need to answer to decide on the right cooler for you: Cooling technologies – what’s available? Cooling and freezing in hot climates What size should your cooler be? Which energy sources do you want to use? Avoid a flat vehicle battery Are you concerned about noise from your cooler? Will you travel for long or short periods of time? Coolers for use away from the vehicle Is it possible to cool “passively” without the need for power? Do you want to pre-select a target temperature? Cold drinks for the driver Easy to clean features Refrigerate and freeze simultaneously Is there a cooler that can heat too? There are essentially 4 ways one can keep their food or drinks cool or cold and I have listed them down from the cheapest to most expensive, and have tried to answer the above questions. 1. Isothermal: or Passive coolers are your normal cool boxes. These are least cost options and don’t have any maintenance as well as any power requirement. One needs to provide cold substance - generally water ice, dry ice or ice packs to keep the contents in the box cold, which results in loss of space inside the box. But in the desert driving situations they are best as they can take any tumble without any worry. One can buy normal plastic ones in any supermarket or hardware stores as well as on amazon – they are the cheapest ones one can buy. You can also buy just water Jugs. These plastic ones are generally good for an afternoon drive. Going up the price range – Decathlon have some flexible cool bags which are light and give longer cooling period. Going further up on the value chain – you will find Dometic branded coolers that promise to keep the content ice-cold for days. How to Keep Your Icebox Cold for Longer: Pre-chill the food and drinks you plan on packing. Fill the cooler to the top with food and drinks. Freeze bottled water to store in empty spaces. Store your cooler out of the sun. Put the ice in last. Don’t drain the water when the ice melts. Pack all the essentials on top. Keep the lid closed. 2. Thermoelectric: These are the cheapest powered car cooler you see on the market. They are light weight, and they cool as well as warm contents inside. One can get these in very small sizes – e.g. 6 liters and up. Some drawbacks include, they are noisy operators, use a lot of battery power and as one cannot set temperature, and they heavily depend on the ambient temperature. They generally keep the inside temperature anywhere between 10-20 degrees C cooler depending on the models. 3. Compressor: They work like the normal household fridge i.e. they have a compressor built in them hence the name. The pros of these type of coolers, are that they use minimal power for operation. You may set the desired temperature anywhere between 10 degree C and -22 degree C depending on the model and the cooler will maintain that temperature – therefore it can be used as a freezer or fridge. From functionality point of view, it is considered the best of all, but one downside is that it can be a bit pricy. Some of the compressor refrigerator units work both on household power as well as car cigarette lighter port on the car while some models are designed to work with solar as well. You can get some of the models with dual zones and you can set individual temperatures such as one side as fridge and other freezer. Many users connect it to a standalone battery that is connected to the car cigarette lighter, so that the cooler continues to work while the car is not running and prevent drain on the main car battery, while keeping the cooler in operation. Some of the well-known coolers come with auto cut off function, whereby they switch off if the car battery comes down a pre specified level. Non-branded or Chinese (Crony) versions available for as lows as AED 440 for 15 liters ones on amazon. They will last well for a year or two but there after you might face some issues. Amazon and Dragon Mart are the best sources of these coolers. Dometic is the most famous of the mainstream brands. CFX3 is the latest series of their coolers. You can buy in 25- (going to be available soon) 35-, 45-, 55- liter single zone coolers and 75-, 95- and 100-liter dual zone coolers. They come equipped with Bluetooth and WIFI as well as accompanying apps, using which one can set the desired temperatures as well as monitor it and also monitor the battery. status. I was looking for the CFX3 25 for my 2 door Jeep to keep at the back but it would still be a bit larger. These coolers can be installed on their own sliding racks and can be tied down. They have sturdy handles. Older generation models are also available in the market. I would not buy them unless I am getting it at a good discount, or they are of the desired size, since one can buy some smaller size coolers that server the intended purpose. While the compressor technology is mostly same the designs have been changed since previous generation models and some functionality has been improved e.g. color screen for monitoring etc. ARB also have some decent coolers and my understanding is that ARB only designs the coolers and Dometic manufactures them for ARB. Currently Ace is running good discounts on Domestic Coolers. 4. Absorption: These coolers work using either AC, DC or Gas. It is most efficient while working on propane or gas and are used for off grid locations where electric power is scares but will use ten times more power using AC or DC sources of power. They need to be on level, else they won’t work. One cannot set temperature and can only reduce the internal temperature by 10-20 degrees compared to outside. They are basically gas based coolers that can also somewhat work on AC or DC power. My recommendation is to get an Isothermal/Passive cooler as the least cost option for desert driving and put some iced water bottles along with chilled water bottles in it. For camping or day trips I would prefer Compressor based coolers. For Small Cars (like in the back of my Jeep 2 Door with rear seat up) I will go for Dometic CF-11, CF-16 or CF-26 (while they are old generation, they work nice & Ace has a good discount on CF-26s for Eid). For larger cars I would recommend CX3 series coolers (latest generation, again Ace has some cool discounts running currently on the CX3-45s, I will skip the CFF series unless desperately going for that discount).

Hi All, Location for start has been added. The EPPCO on the E66 is the last gas station before the drive. Convoy numbers as below. As I have had terrible interference on all my drives recently we will use the NEW CARNITY CHANNEL 10. See you in the morning.

Hi All, Drive plan - Maleha to Margham and Lisaili. If you are up for this, the plan is to make a whistle stop tour covering Maleha (Fossil Rock) to Faya, Faya to 2nd December, 2nd December through Pink Rock to Big Red and from Big Red to Margham, Margham leads to Lisaili. That's the plan. Where we get to in the time allotted depends 100% on the route, the drivers and the conditions. We will cover truly varied terrain, technical dune complexes and maybe even hit a few tracks. Sounds like a drive for you?

Congrats on the Rubicon. I will update my records. See you tomorrow.

Can’t wait! See you guys in the morning….. 🚙🏜

Great article ! For my offroad driving, i have a handy cooler bag in which i put some cooling elements from the freezer. It's big enough, yet not too big, because in my little Pajero there is little room left. For camping, we use the passive coolers and get some ice bags from the nearest petrol station. Works great. I have not tried any electric models yet, as my 12V power socket is already full with GPS phone, Bluetooth module, and other stuff

@Lakshmi Narasimhan your second drive RSVP is confirmed. See you on Wednesday morning

Means 90 - 120K, just like all of us start low and keep stretching on weekly basis, lol. Jokes apart, in 70K you can get decent Wrangler JK 3.6 with 280 hp (post 2014) and similar year FJ Cruiser 2014-2015. Both are quiet capable and comparable and 100% fit for any extreme drives, with very minimal underbody protection and mods. FJC being Toyota, will def offer better reliability and resale VS Wrangler, but if your heart is set on Wrangler, go for it as after 2012 Wrangler has improvise on reliability a lot.

1) For the engine oil, stick to the spec/grade advisable as per the owners manual and buy the best oil you can like Mobil 1, Castrol etc. and Fully Synthetic (Not semi synthetic and not mineral oil). Reason for this is oil is the life blood of your car engine and many garages cheap out on these to squeeze profits including many dealerships. So buy the BEST OIL money can buy and hand over to the garage. 2) Ask mechanic while oil change to check all engine and gear foundation (mounting), they are small rubber pieces that wears out with age and change once they are torn or broken. 3) Throttle response can be due to car is due for service, so gauge that point again once engine oil, oil filter and air filter is changed. If still response is sluggish, ask mechanic to clean the throttle body too (small job). 3.1) Feeling change of gear is not good sign, how badly you feel? Little jerk or loud shaking? Is it only from 1st to 2nd gear or in all gears? When was gear oil changed?

Very nice efforts Goutam @Looper truly helpful bits and pieces to save time for everyone in market for cooler for off-road drives. With the title line, I thought its about Tranny or Engine Oil cooler as I hold special PhD on car engine cooling failures and thought I might learn something more, lololol. For drinks cooler, I used Waeco Fridge in the past and due to noise, wiring, constant bumps while off-roading I gave up. Anyone thinking of buying these fridge, make sure warranty does cover off-road bumps, it wasn't in my Waeco fridge case. Tried few local brands cool box and was totally disappointed that water was at room temperature after an hour. My father-in-law gifted me his Coleman old cool box and I was surprised that it can hold refrigerated cold drinks (not freezed) chilled up to 12 hours and reasonably cold until 24 hours. I only add ice or ice pack for overnight drives, and not for day drives.

Reliable, Expert, Experienced, Best, Trustworthy, Competent - These words doesn't go well in garage industry. I have recently suffered from "so-called" experts with 25 years experience, who cannot do transmission swap job professionally and left with leaking seal (twice), shaft cover grinding noise (twice). I have to visit them 3 times to receive a patch up job with tons of humiliations and obligated behavior. Bottom line, don't fall for these words and fake reputation. Educating yourself little and on-site supervision goes a LONG WAY. For periodic maintenance any decent workshop near your place can do the job, depending on how specific you can be with list of things to be changed, replaced or repaired as per owners manual. Second ask them to put your old parts in the boot so you can be sure that they have changed it. The less you trust, the better it is. Third follow owners manual guidance as much as you can for fluids, specs, intervals irrespective of any garage or mechanic advices. Are you experiencing any specific issue on which you are confused or incline to head to reliable garage?

Very good one @Looper, looks I went through what you have mentioned. Usually i dont work hard on searching about something I want to buy, but when it came to the cooler, I spent some time. And since I dont do camping, the best option (and after friends suggestions) I bought the Dometic basic one and working very well. With the ice packs it is working very well, handy, and easy to move and put wherever needed.

@Looper @Fredericour cooler gurus … this is a great write up and opinion piece! I like the product below and know it’s easy enough to build one at home also … my use case would be (once they allow it again) to have this for the kids sports events… having to stand watching 25 matches of netball/rugby in September/October could be made bareable with this https://www.icybreeze.com

Description sounds amazing! Looking forward! See you all soon

Sounds very exiting Richard @Wrangeld. Looking forward, see you and rest of the gang tomorrow morning.

There is no waitlist as the drive is tomorrow. I will add you.

That's fine.

@Srikumar I am signing in with 50-50 probability of joining due to some engagements .if someone on wait-list (not till now I believe) will step out. Owise will only be able to confirm by Tuesday. Hope thats fine? Let me know and will plan accordingly.

This is the 1st time I'm driving with you @Srikumar even though I have done 67 drives already with Carnity. Its my honor and pleasure to meet you and drive with you this coming wednesday.

This drive is organized in full compliance with the COVID19 guidelines. We expect every member that joins this drive to go through below information and and strictly follow these guidelines. MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: COVID19 Precautions Ban from Carnity Off-road Club Two Way Radio Guidelines Drive Details Level: Intermediate and above Meeting time: 4:30 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: https://goo.gl/maps/EQqfWRB3MifUUV57A Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 9:00 AM P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 12 cars maximum. RSVP will close on Sunday - 9 AM. If the RSVP is full and you wish to join, please mention your name on the drive thread to add on the waiting list Latecomers will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Members without RSVP will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Members that do not confirm the terms of the COVID requirements will be removed from the RSVP list. Please withdraw your RSVP, if you aren't joining, so your spot can be taken by others. Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month. RSVP below

Thx @Srikumar see you all

No problem thanks following link explains all

Hi, Could someone recommend a reliable garage in al qusais for periodic maintenance? I drive an escape 2014. Thanks, Thomas

Check the service history detail and see if they have ever changed the gear oil. Online says 150K miles (240 k kms) means I would change at 120k kms due to adverse use in UAE hot and dusty weather. If its never changed then get the gear oil and gear oil filter change too at the same time. Buy original spec gear oil and gear oil filter from Al tayer parts shop to be 100% its genuine and right spec for your car.

Pls pls find a spot for me!!! Don’t want to miss this marathon drive!!!!!

yes

HI Richard @Wrangeld, i changed my car to a Grey Jeep 4 door couple of weeks back; have updated the same on my profile. P.S. Have already done a fewbie and a fewbie+ with the new one.

Very well explained article thank you @Looper 👍 For half day trip I use the passive cooler option as it’s more practical and with the best brand of the box and cooling elements can even stand for all day. for staying far from the civilisation access the different other options to be considered for sure .

Tried this on one of the drive, it was crystal clear.

Please waitlist me 2nd drive

@Wrangeld can you please add me to wait list for second drive for the week!!!

Good Morning. Enrico and Julie answering This would be my 2nd drive, but I am still very, very green. In addition my wife would like to come and see how it feels driving in the desert so this drive is perfect for us. We drive a GLS 500 4Matic with air suspension clearance 12 inc as long as I do not drive above 60 KM/hrs Confirm I have the front and rear tow point with tow eye.

Kindly waitlist me for 2nd drive

OK

Please waitlist me 2nd drive

@ASHFAQ HUSSAIN you will have to join a Newbie Level drive. We have 2 such drives this weekend.

Hi @Vanessa8580,please WL me, 2nd drive

Have a look below:

To start with if your dashboard was covered in warranty it must be written in your warranty coverage booklet. If you can find that inclusion, then worth pursuing further to quote dealership on emails with that reference and let them deny on the emails too (not verbal). Step 2: Take that written email to consumer rights first and see if they can help. Step 3: Report to Mercedes Germany and seek an explanation on why local dealers aren't honoring Mercedes warranty in UAE. Many times when you report such issues to head quarter, they honor the claim faster and even if its not covered in warranty they can advise UAE dealer to cover it under "Goodwill warranty" (SOMETIMES). So use your words and approach wisely until all above steps are exhausted.

Hi @Hilal Sharafudeen i was not aware of that. If you have a programmed radio, flag, deflator, and shovel, which are the mandatory items for Newbie level, then you can start joining Newbie drives. See you soon in the sand !

Absolutely. In stock version you will be able to take on every level. One of the most important things however is to get good All Terrain Tyres. They will allow you to deflate down to 10-12psi which will improve flotation. Avoid the very heavy BF Goodrich tyres, a Yokohama Geolandar works better in my opinion. We have plenty of stock Wranglers in our club, with most of them only going for different tyres and some minor upgrades. Most of them will put a kill-switch that allows them to easily disable the ABS and Traction Controls. This is an easy fix that any offroad minded garage can do.

@Anish S please add me to waitlist 2nd drive