Theo09

Sorry @Frederic but need to jump out - a quick last camp opportunity came up which I cant say no too. I really love these scenic drives, so please keep it on the drive calendars

Thanks Frederic, got both radio models now so can compare the 5R vs 9R will let you know my take on the range findings...

Thanks @Nicolò! Got the 9R

Thanks @Frederic and @Ishak for the advise, will pick up one of each and do a bot of range testing. @Frederic, please do share the hack for the 5R?

On the hunt for a new radio, the 4 year old mechanic in our house got hold of my UV-5R and now its UV-Nothing... Anyway, any recommendation on the UV-9R which claims to have a better range? - is it worth the extra 20aed? - got quoted 120aed for the 9R vs 100aed for the 5R at DM of course.

Sadly pulling out guys! Enjoy the drive!

Dropping out, not feeling well unfortunately. Enjoy! the scenic drives they are one of my favourites drive... add more @Frederic

Guys, have to jump out of the drive, unfortunately my car will not be back from the garage in time... despite many promises

Keep pushing that X-machine!

@Vishnu Ramankutty unfortunately I cant help with the warranty part of your concerns... which is a very valid point! Would say its best to get this in writing some how as a verbal conversation might backfire should issues arise later (hopefully not)! If I remember correctly you have the V6 4L Fortuner? I drive a Prado, however had similar concerns when I started my journey with Carnity regarding basic modification and would share the following: after fitting a front skid plate and doing a bumper trim (after giving it a few knocks during my newbie drives) did help solve my problem with the front bumper ground clearance issue and more importantly gave me the confidence when faced with steeper departure or approach angles when climbing and descending. Best advice I got from the Forum/ Seniors is to drive my car stock for as long as I can, before investing in modifications which might be unnecessary and or would later regret. And to comment on your last sentence: Remember its a Toyota it can go anywhere!

@Looper WOW WOW!!! What an introduction to the Fewbie level it was!!! Was that a classical Fewbie drive? Action from the 1st dune to the last dune - absolutely no time to even blink my eyes! Definitely a step up from the newbie level, enjoyed the faster and smoother flow/ pace of the convoy..., refusals, pop outs and other issues are quickly dealt with... and the radio communication from everyone was 1st class - clear and precise - like A380 Pilots! Just when I though the drive was over as we quickly cruised over the open plain, you pulled a magical surprise - I wont forget "Little Sweiham" for a long time... hell man that was insane - well at least for me! How did I... ...we get through that??? What did I take from the drive: I lost the track 1 or 2 time on the side slopes - and quickly remembered not to fight gravity as this was embedded in my mind from all the previous pre-drive briefings. I steered down regained my momentum and just came back up to regain my position! Thanks to @Rk ram for giving me the space to do this! @Chaearly in the drive made a very important comment to follow the track exactly as we passed through a challenging area, it stuck with me for the rest of the drive - which served me well! (for future drives also). Really had to concentrate to make sure I kept up with the pace... and not allow the convey to stretch-out (one of my weaknesses...). OK, let the week begin...!!!

Thank you everyone! Look forward to fewbie! @Looper see you Saturday for my induction! Thanks to all my newbie leads! @Gaurav @Islam Soliman @Ale Vallecchi @Hisham Masaad @Frederic @Brette @Chaitanya D

As always learning alot driving behind @Hisham Masaad in the black beast! Looking forward to the next drive... Ready for the 7pm battle of fastest fingers 1st! See you all in the dunes!

Confirmed!

Looking forward to the drive! My 1st drive at Margham! See you guys in the morning!