Varun Mehndiratta

Hi All Planning to provide new feet to my JLU Sahara. Key issue i have is that i want to stick to stock rims i have i.e. 18Inch - limiting my options as most brands have limitations in size when it comes to R18. Both 33inch and 34 inch tyres can fit into my vehicle. Driving Style - Along with being my weekend offroader, its my daily drive as well, So onroad experience matters. However, my average mileage isnt that high. Have done 40K in almost 3 years in my present tyres. No specific plans for Wadi drive (perhaps once in a while). Looks Preference : Surely like the aggresive look, however, not too concerned about it. Look vs performance, i will take performance at all times - both onroad and off-road. Request your advice on below options Option 1 : Cooper AT3 (4s or XLT) - They have the biggest tyre size available in R18 - 295/70/R18. However, have heard that its sidewalls arent the best and they arent very reliable tyres. 4S i understand is better than XLT onroad and in sand. Option 2: BF Goodrich KO2 - Though not many options, could find 275/75/R18 in them. Understand a bit heavy however known for their performance. Looking for direct feedback based on usage. And is it worth going for these while compromising the size vis-a-vis Cooper (lose 1 inch on ht as well as width) Option 3: Yokohama Geo - Understand very nice on-road and off-road. Again the size is a challenge best i could find is 275/75/R18. Lightest of the lot. Request advice on is it worth comprising one inch vis-a-vis Cooper. And if better than Cooper (despite size limitation), how they fare compared to BFGs. Thanks for your advice.

Drive Plan Drive is 2nd in series of ChkPt200 Intermediate drives. This time we will start from Shuwaib i.e. exact opposite direction of our starting post last time. We will explore the awesome pyramid shaped dunes in Shuwaib while moving towards Badayer area and will strive to focus of spending as much time as we can at an elevation of 200mtr above sea level - keeping with the mission of the drive series i.e. check point 200. See you all this Sunday, as we get set to explore some of the highest of dunes, sharpest of ridges and sweetest of bowls in Sharjah. General Overview 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 in order not to jeopardize someone's health, and to ensure we can keep organizing these drives safely. MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: COVID19 Precautions Ban from Carnity Off-road Club Two Way Radio Guidelines Drive Details Level: Intermediate & above. When: 9th October'22, Sunday. Meeting time: 5:45 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions). Meeting Point: https://goo.gl/maps/15Vvob4crExiKKAQ7 Type of Car: Any 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: 10:00AM THIS IS A COMPRESSOR ONLY DRIVE. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS DRIVE UNLESS YOU HAVE A COMPRESSOR. ANYONE ARRIVING AT THE DRIVE WITHOUT A COMPRESSOR, FLAG, PROPER SHOVEL AND DEFLATION KIT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE DRIVE. ALL TOW POINTS WILL BE CHECKED BEFORE DEPARTURE. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 10 cars only. 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 below calendar

Congrats @M.Seidam - we have been together on just couple of drives. However last 3-4 months, I have learnt so much from you about work ethics, openness to share and be always available to guide, through various off the drive discussions we have had. As @Gauravrightly indicated being a Marshal is about leadership and personality and you set the perfect example for us to follow. Very well deserved and thanks for always being there to share your idea and learning with all.

Congrats @Amr Aydin 👍👍

my fav Jeep meme 🤣🤣

Can assure Yahar is worth every moment of that extra 30 min on road. Even in Dubai/Sharjah we drive 45-60min to reach starting point, it’s just that extra 30min. .. and most of the time just a mental block of going all the way to Abu Dhabi Key challenge is that after driving at Yahar with @Srikumar every other drive in Dubai feels like a NB drive .. so don’t go for it - don’t want to kill the thrill on my drives on smaller flatter dunes 😀😀

Hahaha so the idea of having heavier vehicles in front seem to have worked … 😀😀 @Looper with smallest car in convoy, as sweep, did meant a couple of extra loops 😀 but from the discussion we had felt like it’s a good way to bring in that extra zing for more experienced drivers, especially in a mixed convoy of diverse experience … glad to see you all had fun👍 The magic switch under the steering 😀👍 With all the cross tracks and bumps in this area, m sure your suspensions are now fully type tested 👍

Dear Sand Sailors Thanks for joining in for drive today morning. It was my 1st Intermediate lead and actually first Intermediate drive after almost 7 months - felt so good to be back. Thanks a lot to you all for making it an amazing home coming We had a clear mission - climb as high as we can and repeat it over and over again. And so we did. Overall in little less than 4 hours of drive - we scaled more than 900mtr of climb - yeah boys, that's 110% of Burj Khalifa's ht. And if we consider average ascent of big dunes around 25-30mtr (thats almost the ascent of Faya), over the course of our drive - we scaled around 30 such steep climbs - jumping from one big dune to another. Brilliant work all!!! If not for some vehicle troubles we had, i am sure with this awesome convoy, we would have surely covered 1Km point mark. Perhaps thats the goal for next one. @Morshedi @Imteeaz @Ahmad Shaker - Brilliant drive by you three. Minor refusals are very much acceptable at this level. For 1st/2nd Intermediate drive, it was really nice the way you three handled your vehicle. Ahmad - continuous check on tyre pressure made a big difference in the second half 🤘 @Waqas Parvez @Looper @MMansoor @Zixuan Huang - Charlie - Thanks to you all for executing the role of Platoon leaders to perfection. You all kept convoy togather and patiently supported all the drivers through this treacherous terrain. Charlie - sorry you had to drop out, hope there's no major damage to the vehicle. @Vaibhav thanks for stepping in once Charlie had to exit. @ASAD. @Fabien Monleau i had no visibility however, from what i heard over radio you both had a perfect 10/10 drive today. @Anoop Nair - as always was good to have you in the convoy. Small nails or high dunes there wasnt much that challenged your vehicle or your skill set today. Very nicely driven throughout @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler From being at fag end of convoy to SL, you handled the vehicle to perfection. Your and @Morshedi jeep in my rear view mirror always kept motivating me to push the envelope further. Some stats from our drive today (apart from gap in the begining with Charlie's car and at end with a stuck and engine light issue with MMansoor car, we had a perfect continuous drive). Thanks all, have a great time, till we meet again to make it even better

@Anoop Nair with good support and a strong convoy have extended convoy by 1 and you are added to drive, please confirm your availability

Your evil eye worked 😀 @MMansoor and @Zixuan Huang - Charlie you are added to the drive. Confirm your plan.

Dear Sand Sailors I am busy with some engagement tomo, so sharing the drive details a bit in advance. Its good to see that we have had no drop outs from the original confirmed drivers as yet. I hope it remains like that - in case some minor changes we will adjust the convoy at meeting point. We still have 6 WL, so in case someone's plan changes, please update on the forum at the earliest - so as to ensure the next in line has time to plan for the drive. Meeting Point : https://goo.gl/maps/JkhE9hDwve8mkkU99 Meeting Time : 5:30am Channel : 3 Convoy Order : We will be following the Platoon concept - dividing the convoy into small platoons supporting each other with refusals, stucks etc. While all are expected to self recover and manage, just for those tricky moment, each platoon will be headed by a platoon leader. In case of any emergency, feel free to contact me at +971 50 4430 882. 1. Varun in Grey Wrangler 2. @Morshedi in Yellow Wrangler will be SL, Intermediate or FB + your position is fix. 3. @Ahmad Shaker in his FJ 4. @Zixuan Huang - Charlie will be our 1st Platoon Leader. 5. @Fabien Monleau 6. @Imteeaz 7. @Looper will be our 2nd Platoon leader as well as CF. 8. @ASAD. and his white prado will be at 8. 9. @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler 10 @Waqas Parvez in our second prado of convoy will be our 3rd Platoon leader. 11 @Vaibhav 12. @Anoop Nair wrangler 13. @MMansoor will be the sweep and 4th platoon leader Now convoy is all set for Pardo and Wrangler friendship 😀 WL ORDER Waitlist @Daniel Rodas @Daniel Yang : @Gok Krish Cheers

One option that I have been thinking about is Goodyear Wrangler … haven’t been able to find yet in market (but then I just started checking stores). I got these as stock and have been very happy with them. Very smooth on road and have been good performer off road as well — but then I don’t have experience with anything else. Anyone has any experience with them with comparison? Are they even available here in AE? Checked out G015 today and as Charlie as well mentioned they don’t have that aggressive look - same is the case with Goodyear Wrangler that I presently have. So any specific reasons no one uses them here in Dubai (at least haven’t seen anyone unless running on factory fitted one).

Hahahah this drive is all about driver skill all these vehicles are well capable of treading through this treacherous terrain (or atleast that’s what @Carnity wants me to say .. keeping unconscious bias aside 😃😃) Important note - plz ensure you have all you need to keep your vehicle electronics in check - traction control, ABS, air bags etc … I know it’s intermediate drive and by this time you all are supposed to know these, still experience suggest ppl at times miss out on these criticaL elements so just a piece of caution.

Thanks Brette was thinking of going with Cooper for my next change.. especially as not many companies have options with R18 on ATs. This is really good feedback to have

Dear Sand Sailors Thanks for RSVPing for the drive. Believe @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler has already summed up how fast the slots went through - really appreciate the response and i am hoping we will be as swift during the drive as well Area 53 is one of my fav GOTO place when in need for that additional adrenaline shot. Dunes in Sweihan are surely higher. However, its the shape and irregular contours of the dunes that brings out that mixed/confused sense of accomplishment and humility at same time, after every drive in this area. With 5 days to go for this drive, lets get to the business.. This terrain is going to demand some clear ground rules and preparation. So, lets be sure about the same before we land up at meeting point on sunday. To put things in perspective, Faya's highest point is 223mtr above sea level and plan here is to spend most of our time 200mtr above sea level - so it will be like climbing Big Red & Faya over and over again, at a fast pace. a.) This area demands exceptional Radio communication skills. One miss communication and the whole convoy can be stuck for a long haul. So, please make sure you are very comfortable managing radio. 1. No Radio = No Drive. 2. No sufficient battery in radio = No drive 3. Missed communication and we might have to exit the driver. I am sure you all appreciate that safety is paramount. b.) Unless fully convinced about yours and your vehicle's climbing ability, avoid passengers for this drive. Keep the vehicle light and your mind free of any distractions. I can assure you, this is not a drive which passengers will cherish. c.) Please make sure your vehicle is in perfect shape. You will need all the power that it possess through this drive. d.) Ensure you have all your off-roading gears in perfect condition. e.) Coming back after a long break from sand - in general my advice is always to go for FB+ or FB drive, before going ahead for Int. drive. Ofcourse, this is just a recommendation based on experience. f.) Above all you need to ensure that you are fully rested for the drive. So, plan all parties for friday (not saturday night) 😀 Another, key element - based on my experience in this area, i am not going to extend the convoy size on this drive. We have 8 drivers on WL, so please ensure that if your plan changes or you are not sure about your plans, please update the RSVP well in time - lets ensure we don't lose a slot while we have a long WL.. Thanks for your understanding. @Vaibhav @ASAD. @Ahmad Shaker @Charbel @Waqas Parvez @Fabien Monleau @James Thorn @Imteeaz @Morshedi @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler @Looper WL (not in any order) : @Mohamad Anwer @Gok Krish @Simon Dawood @MMansoor @Zixuan Huang - Charlie @Anoop Nair @Daniel Rodas @Daniel Yang Looking forward to see you all this sunday. Have a nice week ahead.

Congrats @Prakash Anoop well deserved 🤙🏻

Congrats @Morshedi well deserved 💪

Congratulations @Imteeaz well deserved 👌

Drive Plan Drive is being planned as a follow up to same theme FB+ drive organized couple of weeks back. It was a drive full of action and adventure. With Intermediate level, we plan to go much more higher and much more faster. Ambition to spend as much time as we can at an elevation of 200mtr above sea level, hence, the theme Checkpoint 200. See you all at Area 53, as we get set to explore some of the highest of dunes, sharpest of ridges and sweetest of bowls in Sharjah. General Overview 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 in order not to jeopardize someone's health, and to ensure we can keep organizing these drives safely. MUST READ AND TOTALLY AGREE: COVID19 Precautions Ban from Carnity Off-road Club Two Way Radio Guidelines Drive Details Level: Intermediate & above. When: 18th September 2022 Sunday Meeting time: 5:30 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions). Meeting Point: https://goo.gl/maps/JkhE9hDwve8mkkU99 Type of Car: Any 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: 9:30 AM THIS IS A COMPRESSOR ONLY DRIVE. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS DRIVE UNLESS YOU HAVE A COMPRESSOR. ANYONE ARRIVING AT THE DRIVE WITHOUT A COMPRESSOR, FLAG, PROPER SHOVEL AND DEFLATION KIT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE DRIVE. ALL TOW POINTS WILL BE CHECKED BEFORE DEPARTURE. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 10 cars only. 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 below calendar

Dear Sand Sailors Thanks for joining in the drive today. As it was to be The Fellowship of the Ring completed the loop we had set out for. And for this first and foremost, a loud shout out for the Platoon leaders @Chris Wing @Ranjan Das @Rob S and our CF @Looper, you guys guided the convoy like Gandalf and ensured all refusals, stuck, pop out (the one) were fixed in fast and safe way. Thanks a lot for your continuous support and for keeping the convoy motivated throughout this treacherous terrain, It was quite a work today with ropes, shovels out regularly, you handed it all with smile and patience. Also, as i had mentioned even before we started, it was one of the most challenging drives to be a SL. Thanks @Senthil Kumar our Samwise, for managing the role brilliantly. Sand was soft and terrain demanded me to make adjustments quite regularly. Your red wrangler in my rear view mirror, kept me going with the plans. Understand you had some issues with radio transmission - as you go up the levels, this is a critical tool in your hand, so make sure its fully charged always and if some issue, would be good to get it fixed. For the rest of the convoy, you all were amazing today. This terrain is one of the most challenging areas in Dubai - with steep bowls cluttered close to each other. As we well experienced, one stuck and it becomes extremely challenging for rest of convoy to cope in this area. However, we all came out unscathed with smile on our face, having completed our planned route (a bit shortcut but thats part of the game) is in itself a testimony to your skill set and overall this convoy's ability to work as a team. And as we heard repeatedly and experienced first hand throughout this drive - radio communication and convoy discipline are of utmost importance - there is no scope for laxity on any of these and there's always a room for improvement. @Salim Akhtar - A pop-out, and some refusals - welcome back to sand Hope you enjoyed our small little sweihan here in Dubai. @salah2u and @Mahmoud Taha - apart from couple of refusals, you both did really well throughout. @Tareq Al Turq desert offered a nice warm welcome to you today - with some picture perfect stucks and refusals. Overall very well driven, not easiest of terrain to explore after a break - but you managed it well. @Haitham Khattab @Amr Aydin and @Imteeaz - another smooth well executed drive for you all. Thanks all and hope to see you all soon. @Rob S - congratulation on completing your 50 drives with Carnity. Was good to have your their in convoy today.

Based on discussion with Mahmoud have updated the convoy order. See you all tomo 🖖

Hi @Sam K thanks for letting us know in time, all the best for the vehicle, hope nothing major. Hi @Mahmoud Taha are you available to join. Please advice.

Dear Sand Sailors With less than 18 hours to go for this drive through the treacherous dunes of Little Sweihan, find below the convoy order and other details. Looking forward to see you all, let’s bring our A game on.. nothing less than that would work in this terrain. We have a long convoy and a good mix of experience - so let’s implement the Platoon concept we experimented with in our last drive. Believe most of you are aware of the same, for others will share during the pre drive briefing. Channel : 3 Meeting Time : 530am Meeting Point : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ATc8SASUigiP8xo28 1. Varun in his Grey Wrangler 2. @Senthil Kumar will be SL 3. @Salim Akhtar in his Pajero 4. @Chris Wing in his FJ will be our 1st platoon leader. 5. @Mahmoud Taha in his silver Xterra 6. @Tareq Al Turq in his Prado 7. @Looper in his Yellow Wrangler is our CF as well as 2nd platoon leader. 8. @Haitham Khattab in red rubicon swb 9. @Imran Kashif in his maroon FJ 10. @Rob S will be our third platoon leader. 11. @salah2u in his Patrol 12. @Amr Aydin in his wtangler 13. @Ranjan Das in his Rubicon will be our fourth platoon leader. 14. @Imteeaz new day, new role, new challenge will be sweeping the convoy in his golden Safari. See you all tomo morning.