Brett Eicher

Almost there gents, 10 mins.... slight hiccup this morning.

@Frederic Sorry for late notice, wasn't sure what Saturday plans were. Still okay to sneak in on this drive?

@M.Seidam Thank you for organising this drive bud, a fantastic way to start the weekend! Night drives are always interesting and definitely present a different set of challenges. Looking forward to the next one 💪

Hey @Emanuel, Apologies for delay, came back from camping to an avalanche of work. Here are some photos of the platform, I've included photos with everything set up for overlanding, and when mostly empty (for dune bashing), so you can see the platform clearly and in context. The idea was to use the XJ for dune bashing and overlanding... both have contradictory needs, so I tried to marry them together. The platform is all-aluminium frame, with plywood platform. I didn't want drawers, because those add weight and minimise flexibility. Instead I can slide in storage boxes, tools, and anything else, where it's needed. The frame lip at the back of the frame holds the boxes and bags secure, while the lid itself holds everything within the platform storage space. When I lower the lid, it acts as a table I can cook on, work on and eat on, etc. The fridge was chosen specifically because the lid opens both ways... so I can access from inside or outside the xj. And with it right behind the driver, I can even access it while driving by reaching my hand around. During dune bashing, I replace the heavy fridge with a lightweight cooler. Clearly I had to remove the rear seats, but there is also space under the frame to the floor of the jeep where I can store even more things. The platform needed to be set up so I can sleep inside. I also have my spare tire in there for when I'm dune bashing, but I can remove it and install on a rear hitch tire carrier for when overlanding. I needed the tire outside for overlanding, and clearly a rear bumper would have added excessive weight, so this was the best solution, and I just remove the hitch when back to dune bashing. The large storage bin behind the passenger seat can be opened and closed with and without the tire inside (everything was measured accordingly). The platform is incredibly light, and can be maneuvered in with one person... although two is better to help with the awkwardness. But I still have the rear seats and can return everything to stock very quickly. Only 4 bolts hold the frame to the base of the jeep. The tall box on the platform holds water jerry on one end on a slide, and on the fridge side I can install a power bank to run the fridge and peripherals. I remove this for dune bashing because it's extra weight I don't want and the extra power is not needed. Anyways, I hope this can provide some ideas or inspiration. Any questions, ask away! XJ Platform.pdf

Hey Emanuel, yeah, like Srikumar said, I've done a rear platform for my xj. It's aluminum frame, with plywood board, very light weight and removable with 4 bolts. I designed it, and had Icon 4x4 in Dubai build it. I'm away camping for the long weekend but can share photos when I get back if you're interested.

Thank you for organising this drive @DP1011 Fantastic way to spend the morning! 🚗

Would this help..? @Gurcharan Mehta

Thank you for organising the drive @Frederic Amazing, as always!

@Looper Sorry mate, have to cancel on this one. Partner is very unwell.

Adding to that, it may be fun to take them to 'Oman' at Nahwa. There's some fun little wadi's to take off the main gravel road, many little nooks and crannies to explore and have a decent lunch spot. Here's a map of a spot I was at recently, with couple photos.

Congrats, Nizar!

Thank you for the kind words all! Looking forward to new adventures ahead 💪

Thank you for organising this amazing drive @DP1011 Fantastic area to play in! And right in my backyard 😅

Great morning for fun in the sun... thank you for organising this drive @Asif Hussain

Thank you for the great drive, @DP1011 Fantastic way to spend the morning. And thanks for sharing those photos @Marek and @RiadJL

Sorry @Davie Chase I have to bow out. One of my lug nuts had been stripped and didn't notice until this evening. I don't have a replacement, so need to run around the shops tomorrow looking for one.

Hi @Ale Vallecchi apologies mate, gutted to miss this, but I have to drive down to Abu Dhabi this afternoon, and won't be able to make it back in time.

Thank you for this wonderful drive, @Ale Vallecchi My first experience with driving into sandstorms and rainfalls... made this a very unique experience!

Thank you for the drive today @DP1011 Great way to spend the morning!

Sorry @JeromeFJ I'll have to remove myself, my AC Compressor started smoking earlier and making a weird grinding sound. I tried poking around with it, but... I think the internals fused together and I can't seem to get it to declutch. Back to the garage we go.... 😝

Thank you for organising this drive, @DP1011 Amazing way to spend the morning. And special thanks to @Looper for making it happen for us WL folks Great footage @azad!

Really sorry @Islam Soliman I have to remove myself. My exhaust broke on last weekend's drive and the shop still isnt finished with it 😭

Hi RizBajwa, Welcome to the club. For an old Pathfinder, you're best bet is just do some googling for an economical rear locker. For the money, I went a Powertrax No-Slip unit in my old Cherokee XJ. Fantastic little unit, cheap, and because it's an auto-locker, it's essentially 'always ready'. It only kicks in when one wheel starts to spin with no need to engage on my part. My theory was... when I need locking, it's already too late to engage it. And it directly swaps with the spider gears, so easy to pull back out and return to oem if needed. Any diff locks that require engaging are going to cost money and complications, as they require either an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic system to support. It just depends on budget, as you say... ARB can be pricey. For workshops, I've used Icon 4x4 in Dubai. They work on anything (no joke), are dedicated to the offroading market, and their team is solid.

Thank you for the drive @Simon D... you promised rollercoaster, and you delivered rollercoaster. Such a great way to spend the morning!

Thanks @Simon D !