ChrisW

Thanks, @Zubail - should anyone else be reading this thread in the future I can confirm that Ben’s advice is spot on. I did some long climbs yesterday and they generally worked out well - 4H Part Time, Offroad Plus mode on, long press on the TC button to reduce assistances, and manual on the gear shifter. I was finding that upshifts at circa 4500-5000 rpm on the run in was good, prompt downshifts at 3000-3500 rpm in the run uphill as rpm’s decayed, modulate the throttle from mid to full application, left/right steering to find grip as you go. A few observations of the car’s behaviour: 1.) Important to feather the throttle to get timely downshifts. I think the Jeep is a little funny about a downshift with 100% throttle being held. 2.) It has a soft limiter for RPM, so when you hit redline it will aggressively limit you to that power setting. I don’t think it backs off, but you will immediately stop accelerating and that loss of momentum is going to hurt how well you do in the next gear up (basically if you hit the limiter you need to seriously consider as to whether you can keep climbing or need to be ready to bail). 3.) With some practice you can use your ear to time the gear shifts. My exhaust has an extremely noticeable note change coming down through 3000 rpm. All this was done with the Tazor Mini removed - this may have been doing something strange with the transfer case previously. I suspect that 4H Auto might do even better for getting speed initially (it’s basically an AWD system in that mode - and might help you generate more speed on a run in) - however the trade off is that the auto system can only react to conditions, it can’t anticipate, and that might cost you some performance later.

Just thought I’d dredge this old thread to share an experience. I had a Tazor Mini installed on my Rubicon from the garage to enable a few features like persistent TC kill switch. I did a newbie drive last weekend - no issues. I did a fewbie drive yesterday and had a few weird moments of the car being in 4H Part Time, but the transfer case unlocking (…and making dismal progress in 2H on the sand!). So I removed the Tazor Mini last night and did a DCT practice session today. Five hours of trouble free driving on everything from long climbs to tight technical dunes. I’ve seen a few reports elsewhere that the Tazor can interfere with the five position transfer cases. So…I think for now…it’ll stay off. Are you still using it @Looper?

Thank you for another enjoyable drive, @JeromeFJ - action right from the first minute! Thank you as well to @Luke K P and @Bjoern for supporting - your patient guidance during my brief attempt at off-roading in 2H was most welcome! Have a good weekend all.

Ok thanks - there was a bit of a faff (at my end) getting the right combination booked. Looks to be all straight now.

I thiiiiiink you’ll find that I’m doing the FB drive with Jerome on Saturday morning, and then the DCT practice with the Desert Flyers on Sunday. So…no clash, and all aligned with the rules…

Degree in aerospace engineering and an early career test flying modified aircraft here - I can tell you that one of the glories of off-roading with Carnity is that I’ve never had a moment to think about anything other than what I can see through the window, feel through the seat, and hear from the engine. And sometimes, on a really good day…I’ll remember a wise word or two from our experienced leads. I’ve always ran out of talent before the car ran out of capability. You’ll have a cracking time, and my advice would be to not overthink it!

Thank you again, @JeromeFJ - a really enjoyable drive, nice flow, and your coaching style on the sand is brilliant for all levels. @Luke K P, loved the karak as usual, great seeing you back on the sand, and @Mark B great work helping everyone out…you kept busy! Hope to see everyone out on future drives!

Thank you, @Zubail! Sad to let go of the classic (old!) Jeep JK, but really looking forward to seeing what this can do. And I love the colour! Might be an American car but the colour name feels fittingly British… 😂

Thanks! Also happy to take SL if that helps.

Morning @JeromeFJ - for info, I’m joining the drive tomorrow to try out a new car. Grateful if I can take a quiet spot down the back please ☺️

Amazing - looking forward to it! Also looking forward to receiving instructions for the secret handshake.

Hi Davie, I’d be interested to join please. This will be a great way to put my new car to the test… (have just joined the JLU Rubicon club…!).

A few quick videos… Driving out… Brief change in plans for Zubail’s Explorer… Climbing

Another really fun drive - thank you, @Frederic Just as you said, the sand looked relatively pristine out there too…a less travelled road! Good work from @Ishak, @Gary F and @Jeandre Bezuidenhout keeping us all together…thank you!

@Frederic - again many thanks for leading an enjoyable drive today. It was a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere which made dealing with various stucks and refusals on the soft sand no issue at all. Also all credit to your photography skills too! Good seeing you all and look forward to future drives in even cooler weather.

Looking forward to it - see you in the morning!

That was a really rewarding drive, @Ale Vallecchi - thank you for the detailed planning and execution. Going out in the sand with an objective to achieve adds a great dimension to the experience. @Batuhan Kulac you worked hard today! Thank you for the pull. @Zubail good seeing you again, and @Abhilash Kottakkal it was nice to meet you, hope to see you out again.

Thank you, Ale! I’ll hopefully be a bit sharper by Sunday 😁

Thank you, Ale - your attention to detail in the route planning always makes for a really engaging drive. Looking forwards to it. Grateful if you can share a meet point when able such that I can work out departure timings on Sunday. Cheers - Chris