Gaurav

Many many happy returns of the day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARJAN

@Jeepie have a blast and have a wonderful day and year ahead.

1 hour ago, Srikumar said:

I feel it's not just the power, but other factors like gear ratios that also matter. All the power in the world but a messed up gearing doesn't help in long hill climbs.

A straight 6 engine giving only 190 hp but having the right gear ratio can also do the Iftar bowl climb from the center. See the video.

Totally agree on the gearing issue. 

I had 2006 Nissan Patrol SWB in 2008 and it never climbed up Bidayer, let alone IFB and Faya, because 4.5 liter engine in patrol was not having same gearing as in 4.8 liter engine.

50-60% pink rock - Max Climb.

1 minute ago, Shadab Khan said:

This one doesn't, it'll cost me 1000 AED to get the tow hooks attached from what I found out online.

Nope, that's not what I meant to attach tow hook on a non-tow variant.

Instead buy the variant that has tow hook as that is reasonably offroad ready, in terms of ground clearance and all.

These non-tow hook variant are so low that on road side gravel you will damage the lower lip or the bumper skirting.

Btw, I think someone mentioned here if you are going for Jeep Grand Cherokee go for that version that has two stock tow hook in front bumper.

Offroad advice:

• In UAE, there are majorly three level of offroad activities:
  1. Beach, little road side sand, gravel track - Any Car, SUV, even 2 Wheel Corolla is acceptable. Because its so busy place that if once in a blue corolla get stuck then 5 people can push the car out in no time.
  2. Desert - Drive through real desert dune - bash it or drive it - your choice - Needs a "PROPER" "SERIOUS" 4x4 with LO gearing and not an imposter or soft-roader, that will die on its first to second drive itself.
  3. Mountain: Normal SUV with good ground clearance can scale half of mountain trails here, but for steep inclines and big boulder negotiation you need proper 4x4 with LO gearing and lift kit.

Family advice:

• Most families get excited with offroad name but their enthusiasm decline after first few drives, mainly because in Type 2 and 3 level offroad (explain above) driver gets the thrill and adventure. Passengers doesnt enjoy that much but come to accompany the driver (moral support / love).
• I have tried this with my wife - she lasted 5 drives.
• I have tried this with my Parents - they lasted 2 drives.
• I have tried this with my 6 yo Son - he lasted 2 drives.

I am not saying that all families (spouse, parents and kids) are same but there is a high probability factor that they might not buy-in in your offroad weekend plan all the time.

Keeping above in mind, buy what you can enjoy and matters most to you as a driver, offroader, etc. If your family, joins in, that's a bonus for you.

So def don't buy offroader now. Test the water of offroad and family intake with this mid-range vehicle. And once you get better clarity on both front, go for a proper offroader (20-30K) and you will love that car - THE MOST.

Spray some water and phones are back in 10 sec. AC cooling take up to 2 minutes, water cools the best.

23 minutes ago, syed salman raza said:

RTA put fine on me if before 6 am I am on the road ,they have camera monitoring now very strict

 

That camera episode was there in those 24 hr rule.

Two week back, 4 cars were late to reach home, 3 in Dubai and 1 in shj and none of us got any fine. As it was a genuine emergency that we were recovering a car in the desert, so we all took plenty of photos and videos to prove (in case).

I'm only sharing my personal opinion, to how to save 5-10 minutes on both sides, rest is your choice.

OK, I have an idea for 15 minutes. Start 5-10 min early as you will take this to get out to the main street or out of the building parking etc. For another 5-10 mins inform trip lead, and he can make one-time exception.

Which part of Abu Dhabi are you coming from?

One word advice: Don't.

Luxury niche that you opted with 30K budget will be your and your wife most horrible nightmare, because that is the time German and UK cars here in UAE goes to end of life cycle after 150-200K km in UAE weather.

Best is to buy such cars when under warranty, i.e. under 3 years with 100-150K budget.

Second best buy - borderline safe or risky, just out of warranty and drive for a year or two and then sell it before it start giving too much problems.

Unless you are like @desertdude who knows LR in and out and knows how to even work in most cases, please don't get in to this.

Just to put my thoughts into justification, call all guys and start checking how much money they have spent in last 1 or 2 years, be it with premier motors, outside BMW or LR specialist and then you yourself will walk away with this idea.

From where you are coming and what's the latest time you can make it to meeting point, if coming from home?

16 hours ago, Rizwanm2 said:

i understand maxtrax is not ideal for crested situation or soft sand. but what about a stuck in a ditch or bottom of a bowl. 

You can buy them and try, for once in a year or two moment.

I totally agree with Richard, that they are pain to store. I do have folding one and they always failed to work and only impressed me once on rocky terrain to recover a car who was slipping on gravel badly. @Rahimdad might remember his treasure hunt event in 2010 to put a flag on pylon track, that was tricky for novice 4x4 drivers.

For sand, self recovery techniques + 10 dhs shovel is more than enough. Event for the cresting.

10 hours ago, desertdude said:

I always found the ZJ with in the inline 4.0 pretty anemic and a mismatch for it. The the 4cyl for the Prado.

I remember Gaurav had a ZJ with the magnum V8 in it. That thing was pretty fast and powerful. But as far as I can remember even he didn't like it too much and got rid of it pretty fast.

Yup, sold within 3 months.

Woah what happen @desertdude again you woke up on the wrong side.....?

@Shadab Khan now I think its getting clear who you are and what you really want.

Glad you tested the Volvo driver assist features and satisfied yourself with reasonable expectation from what car manufacturer shows in commercial and what actually ends up with.

Can you please clarify my few doubts:

• Have you changed your mind for keeping your 7 seater Traverse?
• Are you looking for dedicated offroader only now?
• Do you actually have a family of 7 or prefer 7 seater for guest or extra space for shopping bags?

Let me explain bit more why I am asking these and where Im heading to:

• You cannot have 7 seater + capable offroader, it simply doesn't go in sand offroading as in sand you need better power to weight ratio which comes with lighter cars (2 doors or 5 seater max) with biggest engine capacity.
• If your need is to do a lighter trails and beach sand or desert sand - "WITHOUT" driving over dunes, then 7 seater + offroad capability can work. But in that case go with proper offroad capable vehicle and not just imposter.
• Lot of time, people mix one time need and making car buying decision overly complex. So if you have some one-time need, please share it and we can give you ideas on that too.

This drive is organized in full compliance with the COVID19 guidelines. We expect every member that joins this drive to respect and follow these guidelines strictly in order to not jeopardize someone's health and to ensure we can keep organizing these drives safely.

MUST READ: Not following these rules and precautions = Not allowed to drive.

No Gathering | No Briefing | No BBQ | No Eating Together | No Touching | No Hugging

We are only allowed to drive through the desert, as we are driving on the road now. So we will only do the desert driving just by sitting inside our cars at all the times and leave the drive without socializing or coming close to each other.

Just like before we like to continue our desert drives through out the year, but this time we need your immense support to understand the strict control and to help everyone follow them all the time.

How to maintain "STRICT" Social Distancing

• Meeting point will be set slightly (100m - 200m)  inside the desert track.
• You individually deflate your tires on the tarmac before reaching the meeting point.
  • While deflating tires, stop cars 10 meters away from any other car.
• Drive signup on calendar will be closed on Thursday morning by 9 AM.
• Convoy numbering and briefing will be posted here on this drive post before 6 PM on Thursday.
• All participants need to read & acknowledge the briefing by clicking "Totally Agree" reaction.
• Switch on your radio when you reach the meeting point on the set frequency advised by the trip lead in the critical briefing here.
• Once everyone reaches to the meeting point, everyone stay inside the car at all the times.
  • Trip lead will do the roll call, convoy numbering recap, critical briefing over the radio.
  • Any suggestions or issues will be discussed over the radio too.
  • You can also speak to other members through the radio only.
  • So please make sure that your radio battery is fully charged.
• Once all set, trip lead will start the drive as before.

 

Refusal and Recoveries with Social Distancing

• Every drive will have 1 lead Marshal and 1 or 2 supporting senior members/crew.
• Whenever there is a stuck or refusal, only a Marshal / Senior Member / Crew is allowed to handle the situation.
• Everyone else including the stuck car driver, stay inside the car - AT ALL TIMES.
• Marshal / Senior Member / Crew is only allowed to step out to access the situation and do the recoveries:
  • They will wear mask and gloves at all times when they are outside their car.
  • They will try to help self recover through the radio guidance.
  • If not they will use required recovery gear and do the needful (shovel, tug or winch, as required).
  • If at any time Marshal require help, then only you are allowed to step out by wearing face mask and gloves at all times.
     

Drive completion and inflation

• There will not be any gathering or sitting down together for food-break like before.
• Once drive is finished, after reaching the tarmac, everyone is requested to move away 10-20 meters before starting their inflation.
• For drivers having no compressor, can head to the near by fuel station.
• If drive is ending at a place where there is no fuel station near by, then trip lead will inform in advance so that drivers having their own compressor can join only.
• Strictly no sharing of compressors, radio, shovel or any recovery gear, at any times.
   

Mandatory things you require to attend the drive

• Face mask - at least TWO face mask is needed in case one get damage or fly away.
• Disposable rubber gloves - at least two sets are needed.
• Wear face mask and gloves at all the times, when you are out of your car.
• Carry plenty of hand sanitizer and object sanitizer (spray).
  • Use your sanitizers generously, whenever you step out to help or recover.
  • Sanitize your hands before getting back into your car.
  • Sanitize your recovery gears, if you have used them.
• Fully charged and programmed radio - without any excuse - No radio = No drive.
• Shovel - Must for every car, to do little self recovery
• Safety flag - Must for every car, like before
• Compressor - If joining the drives that is ending far from the fuel station.
   

Mandatory precaution that you need to take at all times

• Do not step out of your car UNLESS/OTHERWISE advised by Marshal / Senior Member / Crew.
• No shaking hands, hugs or touching each other.
• No sharing of food, drinks or recovery tools.
• If you are not feeling well, please stay at home and take a lot of rest.
• If you have travel in last 14 days, then please do not attend this drive.
• If you feel unwell during the drive, please let trip lead know so he can plan an early exit.
• Not more than 3 pax in a car and if all 3 aren't living together, then they should wear the mask inside the car too.
   

Two Way Radio Guidelines

• Every Offroader brings his own radio, programmed to the frequencies described in below advice topic.
• We will not share spare radios or program your radio on the drive. If you need assistance in programming the radio, post a topic on the Carnity website with your questions and we will help you out. 
• Make sure your radio is fully charged. It will be your only way of communication while driving.
• Before buying, please carefully read below advice so you are informed properly on which model / cost / shops...
• No radio = No drive. It is an essential tool and you should make sure you bring it on every drive and learn/practice how to use it.

 

MUST WATCH: OUR NEWBIE VIDEO BRIEFING:

Drive Details

Level:  Newbie, Absolute Newbie and Above (All Levels)

When:  June 19 2020, Friday.

Meeting time: 4:00 PM (SHARP - Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point: Qudra Desert Track Entry - https://goo.gl/maps/tsWkjopk2iAzXR6U7

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: 08:00 PM

End Point: Al Qudra Last Exit Parking - https://goo.gl/maps/L4UYFcLBtpYzFnxr7

 

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE:

• Limited to 15 cars only. RSVP will close on Thursday - 9 AM.
  • 1 Lead Marshal + 2 Senior Members + 12 Members.
  • 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.
• 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.

 

PLEASE RSVP ON THE CALENDAR

 

2 hours ago, Nikola Bozovic said:

Hi @Mels Wolf great photos, can you share some information about this. Where this can be done, a contact details etc... since I need to do exactly this ASAP! 
 

Thank you in advance 

You can show these pictures to any garage near you and they will be happy to replicate the same idea for 100-200 dhs.

Btw above pic is a bit revealing pictures, as few other Pajero owners did it very nicely hidden.

This plate is not a bash or skid plate that you need thick thickness, any plate just to cover the scoop is fine.

@Shiju Manuel and @Anish S  share your ideas please.

41 minutes ago, Matti Brockman said:

Personally I think it will develop the skills as a driver when you repeat the very basics many many times, building the routine, and therefore the confidence.

Very well said.

42 minutes ago, Matti Brockman said:

When you no longer have to concentrate so much on ”surviving” the drive, you can relax a little bit more, and scan the route further, thinking that what is the best way to drive the upcoming challenges. Also think that what would the best suitable route be, and what are the challenges that you may face. 

And that's how you grow in off-road, we all have gone through the same. Good observation.

Congratulations Marjan, you never know what's in the lead unless you really take a bold step and ready to face your fear, anxiety and unexpectedness.

Very happy and proud to see you lead a real convoy and with so much appreciation from all the drivers. Keep it up.

Congratulations @Jeepie for reaching the Advance level with Carnity Offroad club.

Conquering dunes, exploring new heights, and learning at 48 degrees heat, reflects a strong, committed, and adventurous woman, who well deserve this prestigious offroad rank. Your passion for off-road and supporting multiple drives every week has inspired many women behind you and you tend to set a very good example for all aspiring women offroaders.

Keep it up and its time for you to work on your routing and navigational skills under the Marshal supervision.

Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment.

Advance:

Number of drives	10 (36 regular drives)
Level of drives	Willingness to learn + Enthusiasm + Basic dune & sand reading + map reading & basic navigational skills
Off-road gear	Flag, deflator, tire gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio, compressor, tool kit, tow rope, floor jack, jack board & GPS
Drive teamwork	Actively participate in recoveries + drive in the second lead
Drive posting/joining	Join any drive and lead fewbie & intermediate drives under Marshal / Crew supervision
Forum participation	Share experience + feedback on forum and pictures in gallery + drive and route suggestions + post trip report + share route + track and waypoints

Congratulations @Brette for reaching the Advance level with Carnity Offroad club.

Finally, your Jeep has come under full control, to claim the victory for this long-awaited and well-deserving prestigious off-road rank. Your helpful attitude and commitment to support and develop new offroaders in a very friendly manner inspires a lot of new offroaders with modern 4x4. Continue showing them the right way to handle their vehicle and passion to explore new heights.

Keep it up and its time for you to work on your extreme recoveries and navigational skills under Marshal supervision.

Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment.

Advance:

Number of drives	10 (36 regular drives)
Level of drives	Willingness to learn + Enthusiasm + Basic dune & sand reading + map reading & basic navigational skills
Off-road gear	Flag, deflator, tire gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio, compressor, tool kit, tow rope, floor jack, jack board & GPS
Drive teamwork	Actively participate in recoveries + drive in the second lead
Drive posting/joining	Join any drive and lead fewbie & intermediate drives under Marshal / Crew supervision
Forum participation	Share experience + feedback on forum and pictures in gallery + drive and route suggestions + post trip report + share route + track and waypoints

Congratulations @Matti Brockman for reaching the Intermediate level with Carnity Offroad club. 

As per your recent drives, you have shown tremendous progress and well deserve this new offroad rank. 

Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment.

Keep up your great contribution on the forum and get socially involved in the newbie and fewbie drives to impart your knowledge.

Once you have all the gear required, you are most welcome to join the intermediate level drives with Carnity offroad club.

P.S. Trip lead might deny your participation if you don't have required off-road gear.

Intermediate:

Number of drives	10 (26 regular drives)
Level of drives	Willingness to learn + Enthusiasm + Basic dune & sand reading
Off-road gear	Flag, deflator, tire gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio, compressor, tool kit, tow rope
Drive teamwork	Help in recoveries under Marshal / Crew supervision
Drive posting/joining	Join newbie, fewbie & intermediate level of drives only
Forum participation	Active participation on forum. Share drive experience + feedback on forum and pictures in gallery + drive and route suggestions

Forum participation and helping with community spirit is recommended for faster upgrades at all levels.

Please make sure your Carnity user profile is always updated with all the Emergency contact details.

Congratulations @Mels Wolf for reaching the Intermediate level with Carnity Offroad club. 

As per your recent drives, you have shown tremendous progress and well deserve this new offroad rank. 

Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment.

Keep up your great contribution on the forum and get socially involved in the newbie and fewbie drives to impart your knowledge.

Once you have all the gear required, you are most welcome to join the intermediate level drives with Carnity offroad club.

P.S. Trip lead might deny your participation if you don't have required off-road gear.

Intermediate:

Number of drives	10 (26 regular drives)
Level of drives	Willingness to learn + Enthusiasm + Basic dune & sand reading
Off-road gear	Flag, deflator, tire gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio, compressor, tool kit, tow rope
Drive teamwork	Help in recoveries under Marshal / Crew supervision
Drive posting/joining	Join newbie, fewbie & intermediate level of drives only
Forum participation	Active participation on forum. Share drive experience + feedback on forum and pictures in gallery + drive and route suggestions

Forum participation and helping with community spirit is recommended for faster upgrades at all levels.

Please make sure your Carnity user profile is always updated with all the Emergency contact details.

Congratulations @Jose Martin for reaching the fewbie level with Carnity Offroad club. 

Based on your last newbie drive you have demonstrated skills required deserving this new offroad rank.

Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment.

Once you have all the required off-road gear, you are most welcome to join the fewbie level drives with Carnity Off-road club.

P.S. Trip lead might deny your participation if you don't have required off-road gear.

Fewbie:

Number of drives	10 (16 Newbie + Fewbie drives)
Level of drives	Willingness to learn + Enthusiasm + Basic dune reading
Off-road gear	Flag, deflator, tire gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio, compressor.
Drive teamwork	Observe recovery from a safe distance and offer help when needed
Drive posting/joining	Join newbie and fewbie level of drives only
Forum participation	Active participation on forum. Share drive experience + feedback on forum and pictures in gallery

Forum participation and helping with community spirit is recommended for faster upgrades at all levels.

Please make sure your Carnity user profile is always updated with all the Emergency contact details.

Congratulations @E.C. TAN for reaching the fewbie level with Carnity Offroad club. 

Based on your last newbie drive you have demonstrated skills required deserving this new offroad rank.

Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment.

Once you have all the required off-road gear, you are most welcome to join the fewbie level drives with Carnity Off-road club.

P.S. Trip lead might deny your participation if you don't have required off-road gear.

Fewbie:

Number of drives	10 (16 Newbie + Fewbie drives)
Level of drives	Willingness to learn + Enthusiasm + Basic dune reading
Off-road gear	Flag, deflator, tire gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio, compressor.
Drive teamwork	Observe recovery from a safe distance and offer help when needed
Drive posting/joining	Join newbie and fewbie level of drives only
Forum participation	Active participation on forum. Share drive experience + feedback on forum and pictures in gallery

Forum participation and helping with community spirit is recommended for faster upgrades at all levels.

Please make sure your Carnity user profile is always updated with all the Emergency contact details.