Varun Mehndiratta

Congrats @Ignacio Quindós

Congrats @Abdul Basit Khan

Congrats @Misha Puskar

Thanks all for confirming your availability. Here are the key details for the drive. 

Radio: Channel 4
Convoy Order (we will see if we can explore the possibility of rotating the positions)

1. Varun
2. @Imran Kashif

3.  @Jessica Lambert

4. @Looper

5. @Santoso Marjuki

6.  @Amr Aydin

7. @Gok Krish
8. @Imteeaz

9. @Ranjan Das

Key notes:

1. Please ensure your car is in perfect shape incl spare tyre. Location is a bit off the city, so we won’t have easy access to garage or services close by. 

2. Carry sufficient water with you and some snacks. This is exploration drive and we might have some unknowns so better plan for longer stay than usual/planned in desert.

3. Take good rest before the drive. 
 

See you all on Sunday morning.

Hi @Santoso Marjuki and  @Gok Krish you have been added to drive, please confirm your availability. 

Dear Sand Sailors

With two days to go, I hope everyone’s plan is certain and are looking forward to the drive.
 

Before we make the final evaluation on the convoy and consider the wl, request you to please confirm your availability. No backing out from here. Please let me know your final plan by tomo morning latest. Thanks 
 @Beide Worku @Imran Kashif @Ranjan Das @Charbel @Jessica Lambert @Tom B @Imteeaz @Amr Aydin

6 hours ago, Cha said:

I recently switched from Virgin to Etisalat for this reason.

i will never forget that @Mario Cornejoreceived MOI's calling in the middle of a bowl in al Quaa where my pathfinder shut down!

Virgin is more cost effective, but the price for it is the poor and slow customer service.

Hey Charlie @Cha all indications were for you to change the ride not the network provider 😀😀 

21 minutes ago, Imteeaz said:

@Gok Krish hope that you can make this drive mate - want to catch the 392 in action!

@Gok Krish 392 HEMI - bring it on!

You will love it… enjoyed the roar in previous drive - and @Gok Krish is taking it to another level.. 

7 minutes ago, Gok Krish said:

@Varun Mehndirattatried to add me in ... Says closed at 8 folks. Can u add me in. Made some changes to my travels esp for this exploration drive. 

Hi @Gok Krish have added you in WL, let’s evaluate by Friday.

18 minutes ago, Ranjan Das said:

With a 6AM start time, too much logistics to windup the camp in time and I’m not sleeping in my beloved Jeep.

unless our dear Marshal has a relook at the start time

Hahaha…this area is among the hottest in Abu Dhabi and don’t want us to be stuck in unknown territory late in day - challenge and fun of being in an exploration drive. 

6 minutes ago, Jessica Lambert said:

Is anyone keen to camp? I'd rather get the 1.5 hour drive out of the way the night before so I'm fresher in the morning!

Brilliant idea … my Saturday is presently packed with some at home New Curtain and Cushion emergency (100 we have are falling short of our daily needs). If will be able to unearth the rarest of cushions in the world in time, will surely like to join as well. 

PS : whoever decides to camp at Razeen, beware, Michael Schofield and Lincoln might be planning their next escape in the area 😀

Dear Sand Sailors

Thanks for RSVPing for this drive. As I mentioned in my introduction this is an exploration drive through a terrain less explored.

I am already feeling like the character in Robert Frost poems. 

Razeen is effectively an entry point to a vast stretch of desert connecting some of the most awesome landscapes UAE has to offer - once we enter here - apart from the amazing dunes of Razeen itself, we have possibilities to move ahead towards Dhafrah, Watbha lakes and fossil rocks, Bu Tais, Al Quaa - all the way to beautiful Liwa. So effectively this drive has potential to open up vast new domains for us to venture over next season(s). 

Through this exploration drive - our focus will be on Razeen and if time permits (and we have easy access available) may be will try to see if we can make it to some nearby extended area - let’s see, the core focus will in any case be to enjoy ourselves in the beautiful long range dunes with razor sharp ridges. 
 

We have a really strong convoy aptly fit to the demand of this terrain. Just to be sure we enjoy to the fullest, please ensure your ride is at its healthiest best and so are you. Plan so as to be well rested and hydrated before the drive. 

Have a nice week ahead and looking forward to see you on Sunday. 

@Ranjan Das @Amr Aydin @Looper @Tom B @Charbel @Beide Worku @Imran Kashif @Jessica Lambert @Imteeaz

19 minutes ago, Zed said:

Probably something like this >> https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cm1rQ84MFZX/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY= 

1. If both rears are locked, there won't be any "stopped wheel" (grabbed by sand) due to power going to the least resistance. Both rear wheels will keep on spinning whether hitting soft or thick sand.

2. The fact he didn't do L-shaped turn / 90 deg to bring the nose down, probably he knew well with rear-locked, the outer wheel cannot spin faster than the inner wheel since they're locked at same speed.

Another reason button & technology shouldn't be used until testing in a safe environment 😅

Perfect visualization of Gary’s point of replacing wheels with paddles 😀😀

2 minutes ago, Zixuan Huang - Charlie said:

it's indeed interesting topic to discuss, I looked up on the internet for a while, multiple media sources confirmed that for the first time Jeep made locking rear diff available for 4H at higher speed on OF+ mode for sandrunner only,

But oddly enough that Jeep hasnt advertised on any of its materials online(I read entire brochure and spec sheet) this as USP at all, only mentioned OF+ in 4H is meant for high speed offroad scenarios in difficult angles

More interesting to know: in the worst case that you break the rear diff by doing high speed runs with rear locker on, will the manufacturer honor the claim 😁

During warranty I believe so — post that too early to say, it’s very new. 
 

Apart from damage, will it really be useful (keeping safety in mind). While trying to go up a climb, will surely always have in back of mind, possibility to steer down in case one loses momentum. At that ninety degree turn with rear lock, how will the vehicle behave is another element to check.

3 minutes ago, Gary F said:

Indeed @Varun Mehndiratta, it’s a mode that I believe is only on the Sandrunner (Mohave) that you can turn on the rear diff lock when in 4H and High Speed+ mode.  I used it on a few of the level sections to see the if there was much difference, from the Jeep articles it was specifically designed for when running in the desert at high speed.

The other times I have used the diff lock was in 4LO.  proudest recovery so far was a rear wheel hanging in the air self recovery from a crest.

Wow that really sounds interesting. Just trying to think when will this be handy. 

@Frederic @Gaurav any advice on topic - trying to evaluate when can this feature really be handy. 

Ofcourse during recovering no need to switch to 4L. Directly can try at 4H with rear diff locks. 

 On sideys same spin of all wheels may mean challenge turning down the vehicle and same perhaps during criss crossing?

On steep climbs might be good - but then steering down, won’t it create a challenge? 

7 minutes ago, Gary F said:

 

I did indeed switch between 4H Auto and 4H Part time many times, getting the feel for which situation calls for it. I also engaged a “secret” mode in Sandrunner that allows for Rear Diff lock while in 4H. This is surprisingly fun, but useless when turning. 

@Looper

Hey @Gary F you have not mentioned when you used diff lock .. so as a word of caution (I am still new to diff locks - didn’t had option in my Sahara and haven’t used them yet), one thing I have read and understood is never to have Rear or any diff lock engaged at high speed. - as you already mentioned turns or any similar situation where both wheels rotate at diff pace, diff locks under high speed can lead to what is called crash locking and damage your gears.
 

Generally diff locks are recommended only to self recover out of a tough spot. 
 

We are almost at the end of beautiful winter off-roading season. And with some upcoming work travel, i have been in two minds - end it with another Intermediate drive through the known devil terrain of Sweihan or plan something new🤔.

Something which we haven't explored much this season at @Carnity. 

As some crazy adventurer once said (if no one else did - perhaps its just me) - When in doubt - go for the new route  - so here we go. Lets explore Razeen. 

What to expect

Razeen is a terrain explored and visited by only a few hardcore off-roaders. Full of amazing long range dunes, the area offers abundant opportunities for ridge riding and criss-crossing through virgin dunes. No cross tracks - yes, still such places exist  . This also means that its really tricky and demands high level of focus and skill set. So, please RSVP, only if you are sure of your and your car's ability to climb, ridge ride and criss-cross at a good pace.

And since we haven't been to the location often, i have defined it as an exploration drive - lets see what mystery lies ahead of us. We will together explore this area, enjoy ourselves on some of the most amazing virgin long range dunes we have in UAE - while keeping safety as our top priority.   

Since, its an exploration drive - i am keeping the convoy size limited to 8 cars. 

PS:  Starting point is 1.5 hour from Dubai - so not much different vis-a-vis our Sweihan drives. 😀

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:  19th Mar'23, Sunday.

Meeting time: 6:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions).

Meeting Point:  https://goo.gl/maps/NcGuSFJgG8kkaZHq9

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: 10:30AM

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. 

Dear All ran into some car trouble in morning. It’s all fixed now - however will be 20-25 min late. 

24 minutes ago, Varun Mehndiratta said:

Hey Brett @Bravoecho my mistake not sure how I missed your name… surely you are there, had it on the paper I made convoy on … missed to add you on the forum. 

Had done the count check as well however had missed to count myself 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

2 minutes ago, Bravoecho said:

Hi @Varun Mehndiratta, just checking you still have me down for the drive as I couldn’t see my name in the convoy order.

Been excited all day about tomorrows drive

Hey Brett @Bravoecho my mistake not sure how I missed your name… surely you are there, had it on the paper I made convoy on … missed to add you on the forum. 

16 minutes ago, Zed said:

with @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler & @Looper managing, i thought this was going to be split into 2 nice convoys 😅

Just some more weeks and we might be able to do that 😀😀.. @Zed tough to not being able to find spot for my DCT partner, hopefully we plan another one sometime soon, specially designed for Zeddy.. 👍

We still have 5 WL, anyone who drops out now will owe a nice treat to waitlisted drivers. All drivers in convoy above, please in case you have change of plans, announce it on forum marking the ppl below, so that they can assess if they can still join in. 

 WL in order

 @Jessica Lambert

 @Julian Patterson

 @Zed

 @Beide Worku

 @Ahmad Nerat

Dear Sand Sailors

Here are the final details for the drive. In case of any issues, feel free to contact me on this forum or on 050 4430 882. 

Meeting Time : 615am.

Meeting Point : https://maps.app.goo.gl/pNyskmokem8hL2ef8?g_st=iw  you will find a gate next to the meeting point. It’s an automated gate and should open when car gets close to it - it’s a Royal Heritage Gate which just looks out for some respect, so just be polite with it and it will open up. 😀

Expected End Time : 11am

Radio Channel : 4

Convoy Order - We have a long convoy with good mix of experience, so we will follow the platoon concept in this drive. Those who have been on my drives, I am sure have experienced this before - for others will share the details during the briefing. 
 

1.. Varun - Rubicon with a mystery color

2. @Ishak in Black and White Pajero will be SL. 
3.   @lucas amat in his Grey Jeep Cherokee 

4.  @Anoop Nair  will be our 1st platoon leader bringing safety element with his yellow Jeep.
5.  @PETELCZYC PAJERO - luke  It’s black and white Pajero. 
6.  @MohamedSherif in Wrangler

7.  @Looper in yellow wrangler will be CF and our 2nd platoon leader.

8. @Murtaza Bhuria In his Pajero.

9. @Gary F in white wrangler sand runner. 
10. @DP1011 , Deepak wrangler will be our 3rd platoon leader, brining in some shades of grey with his Rubicon.
11. @Krishna R in his Xterra finally breaking the Pajero/Wrangler sequence. and it’s not black nor white 😀

12. @Bravoecho in his beautiful Safari
13.  @Pieter Potgieter in his Wrangler

14.  @Mahmoud Taha in his awesome Xterra

15.  @Gok Krish in his shiny new 392 will be Sweeping the convoy and will be our 4th platoon leader. 
See you all tomo morning. 

Btw looks like another drive full of black and whites (grey Jeeps  don’t really help much) - @Looper and @Anoop K. Nair thanks for RSVPing and bringing in some shiny bright colors to this convoy 😀