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Thx @Hisham Masaad for organising and leading this drive. Badayer is always fun to drive in. I've been away for a while but couldn't resist seeing a drive post on Badayer without participating 🤠🤠. The drive was executed perfectly and nicely, frankly speaking i didn't feel the time passing. we need more of those unforgettable drives. It was nice catching up with @Krishna R, @Gary F, @Stumpy Paj, @Bravoechoand the rest of the drivers. Hopefully, I will be back on regular drives as usual starting from September😇😇.. Ahmad

Please listen to @Davie Chase how guiding the FJC getting out of his sideway stuck . Brilliant

@Hisham Masaad it was fantastic to drive under your lead. It was a while and i need to say it was amazing as anytime before with you. The convoy contributed to have a great fun day. Just to mention @Krishna R so nice to follow you, @Gary F i do apologise to lost you:) but it was excellent safe feeling to have you behind me. @DP1011 what to add, always hopeful and smiling:) yes, my phone is secured each drive now:) i wish you a wonderful sunday and see you the next weekend again.

i can send u live location and you can join directly in deserr😁 @Islam Soliman

Drive Report Highlights : 1. After the sudden heavy rain and hail in the afternoon I expected to face ponds at the side of the road and to drive on soaked sand . However that was not the case at all and to the contrary it seems that the heat evaporated every drop. 2. The meeting : by 8:45 pm every one was ready for the “reverse drive “ looking forward to break though the darkness safely. 3. The route : west to big red we headed straight north east and it didn’t take us long to realise the consistency of the sand soft like how we wanted it to be. Turning south now to ascend gradually climbing big red from its northern side and negotiating its nasty bowls at top descending its south side and back north and east in multiple loops.once on the eastern flat side we entered the “ dark side of the moon “ to drive technical and super technical far east and then back toward the midway between the 🐊rock and big red to attack the slip faces now in in and out bowling with switching in pretty fast pace till we we reached pink rock climbing it from behind ( not the usual way we do ) . From there descending the ramp that we always used to ascend it . Once down we boosted the drive continuously till back to big red for a final attack before the exit. 4. No ropes , no shovels . Just couple refusals which was self recovered amazingly . 5. The convoy : super amazing adhering to the rules of desert night drives and always safe. 6. The Drivers : Honestly I have to say every one did more than great and many times the radio was silent as every one was in max focus especially in the super fast boosts . Big thanks to @Joji varghese as the perfect second lead . Same goes to @Benjamin for his coordination and excellent clear communication as always . Also lot of thanks for @Rajiv Sam the “ lone wolf “ at the back keeping a vigilant eye on the pack . Also It was great pleasure driving with @Senthil Kumar and @Sunil Mathew who joined us at the last moment. I enjoyed this drive and it was one of my best night drives so far . Thank you all again and wish you pleasant week ahead Cheers Seidam

While I planned for a bit more long-range dunes, it turned out to be mostly a technical drive. Having said that it is impressive to note that we drove about 82km at 25.5 kmph moving speed. I must say the end few min was the highlight of the drive when I pushed the limits in the Little Sweihan area and just kept quiet because I knew better not to jinx the concentration of the team. When I thought that the convoy was out, I opened my mouth to express my astonishment at what the convoy did. Alas it was a dune too soon and we had a couple of refusals. We did only half the planned track as you can see below but I am glad we still did it because i was in two minds and was actively considering going direct towards the exit track. Otherwise, the track was a bit bushier than I remembered from last month and took a bit more time to come out of the greenery. Thanks to @Cha, @Fabien Monleau and @Juan R for managing the convoy. For a first-time Fewbie drive @Theo09 you were exceptional. Also, a big shout out to @Rk ram, @FERNANDO SYRIO, @Saverio Arena & @Cristian for your flawless participation in the drive. A map and few stats from my gps recording:

Really great drive , a new perspective for me being sweep. I’ll be using my radio with the longer antenna for future drives , I suspected a few times my comms were not getting through. Also even with only 11 cars, the convoy seemed to stretch 300-500 meters at times. @Stumpy Paj I managed to get a good video of your perfect climb at iftar bowl. Nice job. https://share.icloud.com/photos/067bKkNifZA09F2Mi4fV2AUUA thanks @Hisham Masaad for finding me after my car decided the rear diff lock was having an error despite being off an the stability control had an error also being off. And giving me the opportunity to sweep. @Jaro Tuzinsky good drive and amazing Crests and the self recovery in the first one was excellent . @Ahmad Nerat great to catch-up. @Bravoecho switch those yokos around to the white lettering Good to see you again @Krishna R and @DP1011 @Mark B always good to talk gladiators and their endless upgrades.

Choosing the Right Air Compressor for Desert Off-Roading in the UAE Off-roading in the UAE desert requires lowering your tire pressure to improve traction on soft sand. While some exits conveniently lead to nearby petrol stations where you can reinflate your tires, this is not always the case. For that reason, carrying a reliable air compressor is an essential part of any off-road recovery kit. It is one piece of equipment you do not want failing when it is time to head back onto the tarmac. Depending on your tire size and the type of compressor being used, reinflating tires can take anywhere from 2–4 minutes per tire to more than 25 minutes for a full set. Under the UAE’s intense desert heat, minimizing inflation time becomes more than just a convenience — it is an important factor for both comfort and equipment longevity. In this article, we will look at some of the key technical considerations when using an air compressor and explain what to look for when purchasing one. Heat Management: The Biggest Challenge The primary challenge with air compressors is heat generation. Compressing air creates friction between air molecules, and this process naturally produces significant amounts of heat. The temperature increase is most noticeable around the piston head, but the air hose itself can also become extremely hot during operation. This is why most quality compressors are equipped with cooling fins and a short metal outlet pipe designed to dissipate heat before it reaches the rubber hose. Even so, compressors should always be handled carefully after use, as certain components may become hot enough to cause burns. It is completely normal for a compressor to heat up during operation, especially when running continuously or operating in high ambient temperatures such as those experienced in the UAE desert. To reduce overheating and extend the lifespan of your compressor, it is recommended to: Keep the compressor in the shade whenever possible Avoid running it continuously for extended periods Respect the manufacturer’s specified duty cycle Allow the unit to cool down between inflation sessions when necessary Understanding Compressor Performance One important factor often overlooked is that inflating a single tire at a time can limit most compressors to an effective airflow of approximately 70 liters per minute (LPM). Even if a compressor is rated for higher output, airflow resistance from a single tire valve can restrict performance, forcing the compressor to work harder and generate additional heat. For high-performance compressors with greater airflow capacity, using a dual-hose or four-hose inflation system can significantly improve efficiency. Inflating multiple tires simultaneously reduces overall runtime, lowers operating temperatures, and makes much better use of the compressor’s available airflow. This setup is especially beneficial for vehicles equipped with larger off-road tires, where inflation times can otherwise become lengthy and demanding on the compressor. What to Look for When Buying an Air Compressor Choosing the right air compressor for desert off-roading is about more than simply buying the most powerful model available. Reliability, durability, and real-world performance are far more important when you are regularly inflating tires in harsh desert conditions. Below are some of the key factors to consider before making a purchase. 1. Warranty and Brand Reputation A quality compressor is an investment, and a reputable manufacturer should stand behind its product with a solid warranty. Premium brands typically offer warranties ranging from 4 to 5 years, which helps justify the higher purchase price and provides peace of mind for frequent off-roaders. Unfortunately, long warranty periods have become less common in recent years, making brand reputation and after-sales support more important than ever. 2. Airflow Output (LPM / CFM) Compressor performance is usually measured in either: LPM (Liters Per Minute) CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) As a reference: 2.3 CFM ≈ 65 LPM In general, higher airflow means faster tire inflation. For most off-road applications, compressors delivering 50 LPM or more will perform adequately, while larger tires and multi-tire inflation systems benefit from significantly higher output. However, comparing compressor specifications is not always straightforward. Manufacturers do not always use the same testing standards: Some advertise airflow at 0 PSI (free air delivery) Others provide ratings at 40 PSI, which places a much greater load on the compressor This means that published numbers can sometimes be misleading, and real-world performance may differ significantly from what is printed on the box. 3. Duty Cycle Air compressors generate substantial heat during operation, which means most units cannot run continuously without periodic cooling. The allowable runtime before cooling is required is known as the duty cycle. Manufacturers may express this in different ways: Time-based rating: Example: “20 minutes per hour” Percentage-based rating: Example: “33% duty cycle” In both cases, the meaning is essentially the same: the compressor can operate for approximately 20 minutes within a one-hour period before it should be allowed to cool down. This becomes particularly important for drivers who go off-roading frequently or who need to inflate larger tires. Exceeding the duty cycle repeatedly can quickly lead to overheating, reduced lifespan, or permanent compressor damage. 4. Hose and Accessory Quality The quality of the included accessories is often overlooked but has a major impact on usability and durability. Pay close attention to the quality of: The coiled air hose The pressure gauge The clip-on air chuck Poor-quality fittings and hoses are common failure points and can become frustrating during repeated desert use, especially under high temperatures. 5. Automatic Pressure Shut-Off A useful premium feature is an automatic pressure shut-off system. This function allows the compressor to stop automatically when the inflation trigger is not engaged, reducing unnecessary strain on the motor and limiting heat buildup. It also makes operation more convenient and efficient during multi-tire inflation. 6. Electrical Protection Features Quality compressors should include built-in protection systems such as: Inline fuse protection Thermal overload protection These safety features help protect both the compressor and your vehicle’s electrical system in the event of overheating, excessive current draw, or electrical faults. While these protections are generally standard on premium models, cheaper compressors may omit them entirely. Below a typical specs example of a Bushranger Black Max: Duty cycle is 30 minutes @40psi at 24°C ambient temperature. Obviously the ambient temperature will be much higher for us here in the UAE, so you will need to take that into account. Keep the compressor in the shade while using (or even on the inside of the car if possible) and keep your engine running. These compressors are rated to work most efficiently at 13.8 Volts, so your alternator should be running. Below i will be going through most of the brands we have encountered in the club, and how we can rate them: Premium Brands (****) Brands like ARB, Bushranger, TJM, Dobinsons, and Mean Mother, are the most famous premium brands that will be providing a quality unit that should last years. ARB and Bushranger/Viair have the advantage that you will find spare parts for them, so if you are interested and savvy, you can rebuild your compressor later on. Price range of these compressor is from 750 AED upwards up to 2500+AED. The main reason why they cost more is due to the quality of materials used, higher duty cycle of their compressor, and of course marketing as well. ARB ARB has the single cylinder unit for about 1000AED, while its big brother will be around 2,700AED. They have by far the best quality of hoses and gauges, and these units should last many years if being well taken care of. MeanMother The Mean Mother Adventurer is the only brand/model we know of in the UAE that offers 5year warranty, hence this model has become very popular in our off-roading community. You will find the Adventurer III model for around 750AED (150lpm), but now there is also the Adventurer IV which is having slightly better performance (180lpm) and costs about 999AED. We have heard about a few models failing but were replaced within warranty. Bushranger / Viair Bushranger/Viair has a range of different models with output ratings from 52lpm up to 72lpm. (Black Max for 800AED and Max Air III for 1120AED). The Max Air III has an automatic pressure shut-off. Their compressors are extremely reliable, but i have never been impressed with their yellow plastic coiled hoses and clip-on, except for the black hoses they use on the old SuperMax and the newer Max Air III model. Their smallest model (RV Air for 599AED) is the minimum in terms of output flow (52lpm) and will take quite some time to inflate your tires, but should work fine. Dobinsons Dobinsons have the Zenith model (170 lpm) that is being sold for 999AED. Quality looks top notch with good set of accessories and backed by a premium quality brand. Midrange Brands (***) Golden Camel The "Golden Camel" brand with its red compressors, sold in single cylinder and double cylinder models are fantastic performers for the price (200 AED for the single big cylinder 160lpm, and 280AED for the double cylinder compressor (300 lpm). Yes the hoses break, the electrics fail sometimes, and it won't be the most reliable compressor, but for that price it's worth a try if you want it. You will find the hoses also separarely in DM, and if you are a bit handy with a soldering gun you might make an attempt to replace the switches or solder a wire back on. They now even have a mighty big 4-cylinder unit, which pumps out an impressive 300lpm. The problem nowadays is that you have even "fake" Golden Camel compressors, who look 100% identical, but their quality is even more of a question mark. I recently bought one and it started overheating and shutting off after only two tyres. The vibration coming from the compressor makes me wonder about the tolerances used in the manufacturing process. On the other hand i also have a single cylinder Golden Camel that has been going strong for 3 years now and never failed. Vitaly Vitaly is a brand that basically re-labels these Chinese compressors and sells them at a higher price in hardware stores like ACE and Speedex. Again they are a bit of a gamble and the only advantage you will have is you will get at least 1year warranty through these stores. T-Max These compressors are looking very similar to the DM Single big cylinder compressors and the Mean Mother Adventurer. There is a smaller 72lpm unit and a big 150lpm unit. Prices are similar to Vitaly, and T-Max seems to be a reputable Australian brand, so perhaps the build quality will be a slight notch above the DM compressors. Volcano I recently stumbled upon this brand via a shop in Ajman. They are manufactured in Taiwan and manufacture compressors for high end brands as well. Their biggest compressor model is the B850 which is being sold for about 650AED. Have seen them on sale in DM as well. They come in a sturdy box, with decent hose (like the Bushranger top model) and have a pressure gauge with automatic cut-off. Flow rate is 98lpm. Brands/ Models to avoid: -The smaller "Golden Camel" Compressor. Absolutely worthless. Also sold under the "X-Cessories" brand name. -Mini compressors to connect to the cigarette lighter: Will last only a few drives. Not made to inflate weekly from 15 to 35psi, unless you want to wait for 25mins or longer. Will overheat easily because of this. These are made for sedans and bicycles. The Black and Decker and Michelin models seem to work better, but it will take you upwards of 25 minutes to inflate your tires. If you happen to have one of those, i strongly recommend to only inflate to about 25psi you can then drive to the nearest petrol station and use their compressor. If you are in the market of buying a new compressor, i hope this article can shed some light and useful information that will guide you in the right direction. As you can clearly see, inflating tyres on a 4x4 in the summer heat requires a big powerful compressor that can quickly inflate your tyres before overheating or shutting down.

Excellent drive doc @M.Seidam, really enjoyed the fast pace, the bowls, innumerable criss cross/ switches and climbs… the technical area was also pretty intense , More so for me and my car, trying to save my bumpers and fuel tank guard 😀 ( lost one during a previous tech drive, going over a bush sand mound !!) … Great to reconnect again with all fellow drivers, and to engage in post drive chit chat @Joji varghese @Benjamin @Senthil Kumar and @Rajiv Sam

Couldn’t agree with @Mark B more. Great lead @Hisham Masaad, great pace, great location and on time like a Swiss watch. Just put up some photos in the gallery

Good morning @Frederic and all . I am very sorry I missed the alarrm and just woke up now so won’t be able to make it on time .. enjoy the ride and hopefully will see you all soon