Adventurous Drive to Liwa on 7th & 8th of February 2014.

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 54 total)
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  • January 29, 2014 at 6:32 pm #28833
    quote khshareef:

    quote Berenguer:

    Hi Guys!
    I’m a complete NEWBIE and i’m looking forward to take my FJ Cruiser down to Empty Quarter.
    I have 1 big question from my side, I am supposed to change tires around now, thinking on buying the BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain T/A 265/70 R17.
    My current Dunlop GrandTrek AT22 265/70 R17 are now with 80K but they are still fairly good.
    My Question:
    From your own experience, can i use my current Dunlop Tires in the desert or should i buy new ones before i go on the Drive to Liwa?
    Kindest Regards

    My friend…this is going to 400 kms drive by road to the starting point one way and then minimum 100kms drive in desert for 2 days..in total it will be close about to 1000km. If you are confident that the tires are good then no need to change. My suggestion would be that you check with any professional tyre shop and they can confirm you. (one such professional where myself and few other Marshall do wheel alignment is Al Shami Trading (Tyre Plus) in UMM Ramool Rashidiya.
    Also when you are about to change the tyre, go for Michelin and you will feel the difference..

    As Humayoo’n has already commented, there is a longish stretch of tarmac to be covered on this drive so one has to be sure of one’s vehicle including the tyres. A slightly worn (bald) tyre actually performs better in soft sand, essentially replicating the pattern of a sand tyre. Humayoo’n is right on the 2nd point, too. Michelin or Dunlop is the best all round tyre for a FJ. A BF Goodrich might look rugged and macho but is neither good on Tarmac nor sand…where we drive most of the time.

    January 31, 2014 at 2:16 pm #28848

    Just thought I will bring one more important point that might have been omitted.
    Please carry at least 2 bundles of firewood per vehicle, which will be required when camping at night.

    February 1, 2014 at 7:54 pm #28870

    Hi again!
    just enrolled for the trip! We are 5 eager portuguese looking forward for the Desert.
    Thank you for your replies. I believe they are still good enough (tires). Am also considering Cooper AT tires, any feedback on those?

    Few additional questions:

    1. GPS – Currently i have mobile GPS (Windows Phone \ IPhone), would it do the trick? At least for my first time?

    2. Fuel – My FJ does 500 KM on a full tank. Is there any re-fuel point before we enter the empty quarter? or should i buy a Jeri Can?

    3. Firewood – is there a place where we can buy on the way to Liwa, or should we buy it before we go?

    4. Itinerary / Friday lunch – are we stopping before the Empty Quarter? Like restaurant? Or should we already carry provisions considering 3 main meals? Friday lunch & Dinner as well as Saturday lunch.

    Kindest regard

    February 2, 2014 at 4:11 am #28871
    quote Berenguer:

    Am also considering Cooper AT tires, any feedback on those?
    Any AT (all terrain) or Mud Tyres are Noisy on the tarmac & churn up the sand, hence are not good on the sand & should be avoided.
    Few additional questions:

    1. GPS – Currently i have mobile GPS (Windows Phone \ IPhone), would it do the trick? At least for my first time?
    You are not really required to navigate on this trip, you are part of a convoy where the group leader/s will be navigating. Your only job is to make sure you stick with the convoy. An iphone/ Blackberry/ phone based GPS is by its very nature an urban device totally useless where ever the signal is weak or non existent. Serious offroading requires a dedicated GPS, perhaps a Garmin Montana or a Garmin Monterra.
    2. Fuel – My FJ does 500 KM on a full tank. Is there any re-fuel point before we enter the empty quarter? or should i buy a Jeri Can?
    The tank range of a FJ is sufficient for this drive, At least 2 additional Jerry Cans, each of 20 litres, will be required by Jeep Wrangler Drivers
    3. Firewood – is there a place where we can buy on the way to Liwa, or should we buy it before we go?
    There will be no time to do anything on the day itself, all provisions/ equipment/ drinks/ wood etc. have to be arranged a day prior to the trip day.
    4. Itinerary / Friday lunch – are we stopping before the Empty Quarter? Like restaurant? Or should we already carry provisions considering 3 main meals? Friday lunch & Dinner as well as Saturday lunch.
    You have to carry ALL provisions, refer to answer number 3.
    ALL DRIVERS HAVE TO BE REGISTERED ON THIS FORUM, NON REGISTERED DRIVERS WILL BE DENIED ADMISSION TO THE DRIVE.
    See you at the meeting point.
    🙂
    February 2, 2014 at 4:44 am #28872
    quote Berenguer:

    I believe they are still good enough (tires). Am also considering Cooper AT tires, any feedback on those?

    I have been using Cooper AT3 on my FJ for a year now and just love them. Minimal road noise and I do DXB – AUH regularly.

    February 2, 2014 at 8:13 am #28884
    quote Ahmad Pervez:

    quote Berenguer:

    Am also considering Cooper AT tires, any feedback on those?
    Any AT (all terrain) or Mud Tyres are Noisy on the tarmac & churn up the sand, hence are not good on the sand & should be avoided.
    Few additional questions:

    1. GPS – Currently i have mobile GPS (Windows Phone \ IPhone), would it do the trick? At least for my first time?
    You are not really required to navigate on this trip, you are part of a convoy where the group leader/s will be navigating. Your only job is to make sure you stick with the convoy. An iphone/ Blackberry/ phone based GPS is by its very nature an urban device totally useless where ever the signal is weak or non existent. Serious offroading requires a dedicated GPS, perhaps a Garmin Montana or a Garmin Monterra.
    2. Fuel – My FJ does 500 KM on a full tank. Is there any re-fuel point before we enter the empty quarter? or should i buy a Jeri Can?
    The tank range of a FJ is sufficient for this drive, At least 2 additional Jerry Cans, each of 20 litres, will be required by Jeep Wrangler Drivers
    3. Firewood – is there a place where we can buy on the way to Liwa, or should we buy it before we go?
    There will be no time to do anything on the day itself, all provisions/ equipment/ drinks/ wood etc. have to be arranged a day prior to the trip day.
    4. Itinerary / Friday lunch – are we stopping before the Empty Quarter? Like restaurant? Or should we already carry provisions considering 3 main meals? Friday lunch & Dinner as well as Saturday lunch.
    You have to carry ALL provisions, refer to answer number 3.
    ALL DRIVERS HAVE TO BE REGISTERED ON THIS FORUM, NON REGISTERED DRIVERS WILL BE DENIED ADMISSION TO THE DRIVE.
    See you at the meeting point.
    🙂

    just for my clarification:
    Will there be any refuel point before we enter the desert?
    And for this specific trip i won’t really need the GPS as i will not be doing any navigation?

    February 2, 2014 at 9:10 am #28885
    quote Berenguer:

    quote Ahmad Pervez:

    quote Berenguer:

    Am also considering Cooper AT tires, any feedback on those?
    Any AT (all terrain) or Mud Tyres are Noisy on the tarmac & churn up the sand, hence are not good on the sand & should be avoided.
    Few additional questions:

    1. GPS – Currently i have mobile GPS (Windows Phone \ IPhone), would it do the trick? At least for my first time?
    You are not really required to navigate on this trip, you are part of a convoy where the group leader/s will be navigating. Your only job is to make sure you stick with the convoy. An iphone/ Blackberry/ phone based GPS is by its very nature an urban device totally useless where ever the signal is weak or non existent. Serious offroading requires a dedicated GPS, perhaps a Garmin Montana or a Garmin Monterra.
    2. Fuel – My FJ does 500 KM on a full tank. Is there any re-fuel point before we enter the empty quarter? or should i buy a Jeri Can?
    The tank range of a FJ is sufficient for this drive, At least 2 additional Jerry Cans, each of 20 litres, will be required by Jeep Wrangler Drivers
    3. Firewood – is there a place where we can buy on the way to Liwa, or should we buy it before we go?
    There will be no time to do anything on the day itself, all provisions/ equipment/ drinks/ wood etc. have to be arranged a day prior to the trip day.
    4. Itinerary / Friday lunch – are we stopping before the Empty Quarter? Like restaurant? Or should we already carry provisions considering 3 main meals? Friday lunch & Dinner as well as Saturday lunch.
    You have to carry ALL provisions, refer to answer number 3.
    ALL DRIVERS HAVE TO BE REGISTERED ON THIS FORUM, NON REGISTERED DRIVERS WILL BE DENIED ADMISSION TO THE DRIVE.
    See you at the meeting point.
    🙂

    just for my clarification:
    Will there be any refuel point before we enter the desert?
    Yes, There will a re-fuel point just before where we enter the desert, we will all fill up there.
    And for this specific trip i won’t really need the GPS as i will not be doing any navigation?

    As communicated above you will not be navigating the route, but it is always good to have a GPS when one ventures offroad.

    February 2, 2014 at 9:38 am #28886

    brilliant!

    thanks! My friends and I are really looking forward for the drive!!

    See you at the meeting point. and thank you for the support on this!

    February 2, 2014 at 6:40 pm #28895
    quote Ahmad Pervez:

    All those joining us from Abu Dhabi should assemble and wait at the Mafraq Adnoc with their Radio (Walkie Talkie) on at Channel 4 at 09:30am, they can join the convoy directly. we will update them as we will approach the Adnoc and they can join us directly from there.

    Great! We are in..!
    (Artur & Paulina)
    0528071363

    February 3, 2014 at 12:00 pm #28907

    Hello, I need some advice on additional fuel. Assuming I top up my car (Jeep Wrangler TJ 2002) before entering the desert route, will a full tank be enough until the morning?

    My own edit:

    quote Ahmad Pervez:

    The tank range of a FJ is sufficient for this drive, At least 2 additional Jerry Cans, each of 20 litres, will be required by Jeep Wrangler Drivers

    I can get 2 Jerry Cans but I don’t have racks to mount it on. If I don’t manage to get the rack by the trip, may I ask around if anyone has some spare space in their racks and is willing to take one? (probably asking for too much…)

    February 3, 2014 at 12:31 pm #28909
    quote Artur Loza:

    Hello, I need some advice on additional fuel. Assuming I top up my car (Jeep Wrangler TJ 2002) before entering the desert route, will a full tank be enough until the morning?

    Any Jeep Wranglers going on this drive should carry at least 40 litres or 2 gallons of fuel. Please note that any fuel should only be carried externally and not inside the car due to the flammable/ hazardous nature of Petroleum.

    February 3, 2014 at 12:58 pm #28910
    quote Artur Loza:

    Hello, I need some advice on additional fuel. Assuming I top up my car (Jeep Wrangler TJ 2002) before entering the desert route, will a full tank be enough until the morning?

    My own edit:

    quote Ahmad Pervez:

    The tank range of a FJ is sufficient for this drive, At least 2 additional Jerry Cans, each of 20 litres, will be required by Jeep Wrangler Drivers

    I can get 2 Jerry Cans but I don’t have racks to mount it on. If I don’t manage to get the rack by the trip, may I ask around if anyone has some spare space in their racks and is willing to take one? (probably asking for too much…)

    If interested I can suggest place where you can get the rack done in less than 4 hours waiting time…

    February 3, 2014 at 1:36 pm #28912

    Thank you, I’m currently looking into the options in AD.

    February 3, 2014 at 3:00 pm #28913
    quote khshareef:

    quote Artur Loza:

    Hello, I need some advice on additional fuel. Assuming I top up my car (Jeep Wrangler TJ 2002) before entering the desert route, will a full tank be enough until the morning?
    My own edit:

    quote Ahmad Pervez:

    The tank range of a FJ is sufficient for this drive, At least 2 additional Jerry Cans, each of 20 litres, will be required by Jeep Wrangler Drivers

    I can get 2 Jerry Cans but I don’t have racks to mount it on. If I don’t manage to get the rack by the trip, may I ask around if anyone has some spare space in their racks and is willing to take one? (probably asking for too much…)

    If interested I can suggest place where you can get the rack done in less than 4 hours waiting time…

    Please consider the fact that Arthur is in Abu Dhabi, but even then I am sure you can get this done in Musaffah.

    February 3, 2014 at 3:23 pm #28915

    Hey guys I’m now wondering if my full tank will be sufficient as it gives around 300-320 km’s on full tank so do i need Jeryy cans as well ?

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 54 total)
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