FJ Cruiser Extreme Newbie – 101 Questions

Welcome Will, below is my take on your questions.

1. FJ Cruiser Jacking Points for a Hi-Lift Jack. Where are these? Is it even worth having/getting a Hi-Lift Jack and if so where do I get this in Dubai? I understand that one of the easiest ways to jack an FJ Cruiser using a Hi-Lift Jack, is to fit sliders and then jack on the slider. My cruiser seems to have sliders fitted as standard, will they do or do I need special sliders fitted? Not quite sure what is the lift you have on the Xtreme. On the standard FJ, the hydraulic trolley jack works well.

2. Roof Rack: I’m somewhere between fitting a standard Toyota “half” rack and going for the full ARB rack, which my wife has now fondly described as “the shopping trolley”. Needless to say I see the practical advantage of having much more space and load capacity in the ARB product, but it must surely also generate a lot of wind noise. What should I be considering when making a decision? ARB is definitely more practical load wise but costlier than the OEM. Yes there will be wind noise with any of the FJ roof racks but that can be circumvented with a custom fabricated wind deflector.

3. I need to have some additional USB and 12V power sockets fitted to the interior of my FJ – needless to say I’m very fussy about having a neat and professional job done, any suggestions on where I can go for this? Try Auto Plus (04 – 2973113) or Bestline Garage (Shibu – 055 8843438). If you need coordinates, holler.

4. Sand Boards: Do I need them? Not really IMHO

5. A Flag: Seems like I need this…where can I buy it from and will they also install? Read http://www.dubaioffroadlive.local/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2609&hilit=sand+flag OR use a telescopic fishing rod with a suction cup OR get Shibu to sort you out with this with something more stable.

6. 2-Way Radio: Do I need this? Yes for sure. Use the search function on the website and you will get the make, model, shop name, frequencies etc etc.

7. Recovery/Snatch Strap Kit: Is there any specific type that is better than others and where is the best place to shop? The Viking rope is your best best. Available here on the forum courtesy Marshal Saif. Again make use of the search function on the website.

8. My normal tyre pressure is 2.2 Bar. When riding in the sand, and with a view of getting a set of those deflaters – what should my deflated tyre pressure be for sand riding? On my standard FJ I lower down to 10 – 12 PSI. You would have the BFGs on your ride so even lower would not be an issue for you.

9. What do Dubai Offroaders use for cooking when out in the Desert and camping? Gas or wood? I’m used to gas but I don’t find the same range of camping gas accessories and equipment that I am used to back home… – Gas and wood both would be fine. Try Picnico, Adventure HQ, ACE and Decathalon but it wont be like what you would get back home.

10. Is it possible for us to go on a rookie ride(s) without the need to first purchase all of the stuff that I have mentioned here? For your first drive it would definitely be fine. But a 2 way radio could be a life saver even on your first trip so highly advisable.

11. Are there any reliable and up-to-date offroad mapping programs (Garmin-compatible) for the UAE? Try Masarat Offroad maps or Garmin Birdseye

12. If there is anything that I should be thinking of getting and that is not listed above, what would it be? Please don’t think so much. Start doing the drives and slowly build your equipment arsenal as you go along so you can see what others use and if its worthwhile.

13. Drinking Water: I normally just take a big container with water and leave it at ambient temperature. My family however want the water cooled – what suggestions are there to carry water at suitable drinking temperatures? What types of containers are being used and how much water should we take? You could buy a Waeco or ARB 12V cooler OR use an ice box OR freeze bottles and carry then.

All answers appreciated – Thanks!

Very nicely put by Zarir :-BD

Like he said, start driving and you can gradually sort your kit and wheels out. A radio and a flag would be recommended to start with.

I have done bbqs and used camping gaz on overnight camping trips. You should be able to buy most of the things you would require depending on your cooking option.

I use the Waeco 12V electric cooler. I refrigerate(just cool them, not freeze) the water bottles before the drive and store them in the cooler for the drive. For a full day trip, you can freeze the water bottles or use the ice packs in the cooler. It works like a charm.

For the two-day trips, I use the large non-electric Coleman cooler box and fill it up with 3/4th ice. It does keep your stuff cool till the next day.

Hope to see you on a :drive: soon 🙂