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Dear Desertnauts. Let's prepare tomorrow's drive. Our meeting and deflation point is here: https://goo.gl/maps/cTHmtYxAqW878k5W8 . This is located along the Faya Truck Road; please make sure you have a full tank of gas, and that you fill up as close to the meeting point as you can, depending on which area you are coming from. Also make sure you have enough water and/or other fluids with you. We plan to drive for no less than 4 hours, and there will not be too many stops in between, so have with you all that you need to feel comfortable. Please make sure you each have at least a functioning and fully charged radio. Given the number of members joining the drive, higher ranked drivers may not have enough extra radios for those who do not come with it, and/or experience radio failures during the drive. The drive will proceed almost in a straight line from the entry to Nahil, but we'll have the chance to stop at some scenic and interesting places: the "Den's Fox", Sweihan Pond, and Nahil Lakes. The necessary off-roading skills will be first of all concentration and endurance, some speed-driving on open terrain (not dangerous at all), as well as straight up and down dune crossings, some side-sloping, and descents from taller dunes and/or ridges. The convoy order at the moment will be the following: @Abdullah A. in Second Lead @Taka at #3 @Nikki1007 at #4 @Yanis BOUGHEZALA at #5 @Albert_Spa at #6 @Raj K at #7 @Chema at #8 @Jinu Varghese at #9 @DG707 at #10 @Matt - monkeywrench at #11 @Jabir at #12 @Kushal Thakkar at #13 @Gunjan Jain at #14 @_Piotr_ at #15 and @Danie at #16. See you tomorrow, with the kind request to reach at least 15 minutes before 8:00 AM, so we may leave on time at 8:00 AM. Have a nice Saturday evening.

Fewbie Drive Report – Murquab to Qudra Secret Dunes Thank you mostly everyone for joining yesterday’s drive and for arriving on time, despite the multiple road closures on Hessa Street and Umm Suqeim Road due to what may have been a cycling race. A Strong Convoy We had a solid convoy of experienced Fewbie drivers, joined by a mix of FB+ and Intermediate levels, with @J-P L providing Support, which created a free‑flowing, well‑paced drive with just the right amount of challenge and learning moments. Warm-Up & Skill Building We started by moving westward through Murquab, warming up on familiar dunes, ridges, and approachable technical terrain. This was a great area to practice: controlled side sloping smooth ridge riding steady hill climbs Everyone handled this section nicely, keeping the energy positive and the convoy tight. Sabkha Break We stopped on the sabkha for a short break, some socialising, and a round of spontaneous random questions that kept everyone entertained. Perfect weather, good company—always a nice midpoint reset. Into New Territory We continued toward Qudra and passed through an area I hadn’t explored before. The dunes there were tight, technical, and required precision, which made the terrain engaging but also where we encountered our main incident of the day. Thomas’ Pop-Outs In those tighter formations, Thomas slid off a low ridge, causing sand to build up against the sidewall of his front-right tire, resulting in a pop-out. Because his Jeep wouldn’t engage a drive mode and was stuck in neutral, we first pulled him onto a flat patch using the recovery rope. After fixing the front tire, we discovered a partial pop-out on the right rear tire, which we reinflated. Thomas also shared that he had opted for 7.5-inch rims instead of 8.5-inch, which may have contributed to the pop-out tendency with his current tire size. Thank you to @J-P L, @Abdullah A., and everyone who jumped in to help—solid teamwork as always. Given we were close to the end of the drive and right by the track leading out, @Thomas54675 exited early to get his Jeep checked. He mentioned he’ll likely be switching to the 8.5-inch rims going forward. Final Stretch – Qudra Secret Dunes The rest of us continued into the Qudra Secret Dunes for the last 45 minutes or so. A great way to end the afternoon—fast, flowing, fun. Judging from your comments and your passengers’ feedback, I think we all enjoyed that final section. Roles & Acknowledgements A big thank you to: @J-P L – Support (Centre Forward) @christian – Second Lead @frederic demolder – Sweep Excellent work keeping the convoy smooth, safe, and coordinated. Also, thank you to everyone who already shared positive feedback posts on the forum—much appreciated and great to see. Closing Glad to hear so many of you—and your passengers—enjoyed the drive. Wishing you all a fantastic weekend ahead, and looking forward to seeing you in the sand again soon.

Ahhh interesting, thanks for explaining @Noufal. I understand more generally that Stellantis can be a bit selective on which dealers get which cars, and they've got some unusual mixes now that the 4xe has been withdrawn. I think we have a couple of people in the club with the 2L turbo, let's see if they post. From discussions that we had, it didn't seem to make much difference with their off-road driving. Here's a comparison of the 2L vs 3.6L engines on the dyno: The graph is a bit of a pain to interpret - but basically the black lines are the 3.6L engine (HP is the line that slopes upwards peaking at 6700 RPM, torque is the one that rises up to 2600 RPM and then sits fairly horizontal) and the green lines are the 2L engine (power slopes upwards from 2500 RPM, peaking at 5600 RPM, torque is the line that sharp goes up peaking around 3500RPM and then sitting level). Couple of observations: 1.) The power band in the 3.6L is wide and progressive, but you need to get all the way to near redline to get all the power. 2.) The power band for the 2L is tighter (3500 RPM to 5600 RPM), but you get most of the power above 4000RPM. 3.) The 2L has marginally less power (6 HP is not much), but has more torque. Initial thoughts: The two cars like-for-like are pretty much the same weight. The 2L is very likely to be able to go everywhere the 3.6L can go. The 2L might require more careful handling during a dune climb (staying in the RPM power band). The increased torque might be nice on the road, and probably won't make much difference in the desert. So at this point I think it now comes to price and maintenance...!

Dear @Danie and @Abdullah A. I will add you to the drive so you can provide support throughout the convoy. @Eddie-Dune-Glider for the moment I will not be able to add you, as the convoy is already quite overextended, and I have asked only the Fewbie Plus members if their were willing to help. If someone will drop out of the signed-in group, I will add (please stay on stand-by). Thanks for understanding.

Indeed it was a awesome drive. And guess what? Getting fixed and ready 😅 Thx again to everyone for the fast fix. Carnity rules 👊

Thanks again @Emanuel for the awesome drive, great selection of dunes and lines, very enjoyable Shout out to our support midfielder @J-P L fantastic as usual Great driving by all the convoy members 👏

Here in dubai its all in 2.0 including the rubicons. Only willys comes in 3.6 with rear diff locks. i test drove one today and felt its more tailored to city use or rock crawling. hands down 3.6

Hi @Emanuel sure the rims might help but the main aim is, I believe, to stay present, balanced and deliberate when riding or crossing dune ridges. I need to lose a bit of my grip on the steering wheel, relax. Ride with an “neutral throttle” and let my Jeep work. My “light” rig and its short wheelbase do act immediately if I pull or steer a bit to harsh. “Smooth is safe” 😁. I think we are all blessed @Gaurav structured Carnity, where we can practice (so many times), gain confidence and Team spirit / camaraderie is encouraged. c u soon 👊

@Ale Vallecchi Hi Ale, some of us fewbies are in the waiting list, any chance of us being popped in the back of the convoy? We won’t be any trouble promise 😆

Hi @Ale Vallecchi. Yes more than happy to help out for a ticket to the drive 😃 Don’t have a tow rope, trolley jack or board but other than that I’m good to go.

Hi @Ale Vallecchi happy to support no worries. Just keep in mind please I don't have the board and jack in case of any pop outs (hopefully none)

Here is our Relive video for yesterdays awesome drive!

@Ale Vallecchi looking forward to the drive. Quick question - is it okay if I bring my kid with me in the car.

There should be more transparency and communication regarding any changes to policies and rules From a well organized group like carnity.

Hi @Gaurav I’m very happy with my promotion! I’m looking forward to continuing learning and helping other in this path! 🙏 I’m feeling very very joyfull ☺️

Great Teamspirit 💪 drive was awesome

It was a great drive with great people indeed. But here’s a question, where did the hair at the back of my head go? 😂 this angle makes it really obvious

Great drive today doing all the fun desert stuff to kick off the weekend. Fantastic convoy that kept things moving at an enjoyable pace with one fun pop out. Thanks to @Emanuel @Cristian @Eddie-Dune-Glider @Noufal @Thomas54675 @Suneedh Wrangler @J-P L @Theo Prado @Guido Ferriani @_Herman_ @frederic demolder @Abdullah A. and @Jose Luis Campos in spirit.

Good choice 😁Get a torque wrench from Amazon...and periodically keep your beadlocks torqued correctly! 😎

Have to drop … stuck in Berlin with airport shut down. Won’t be able to fly in on time… Sorry guys

In! 100%, rescheduled flight because of this drive 😅🤭

Hi all, @nithish468 @Noufal @Nabeel Abdul Rahman @Eddie-Dune-Glider @Infaz @Frederic118 @Lazy Frog @UvinOverland @Danie @Aringga @Andrei S and everyone in the waitlist. Unfortunately we have to cancel this drive for this week for logistical reasons. We will reschedule it asap and hopefully you will all be able to make it. Apologies for the inconvenience as I was looking forward to it as well. Stay tuned for when it will be rescheduled again! Thanks for your understanding.