@anton
Officer Cadet
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quote Future_Shock999 post_id=51130 time=1612442921 user_id=26169:There are two trucks that are universally liked for dune bashing – Jeep Wranglers, and Toyota FJs and Fortuner (basically the same truck with a slightly different body style).I have owned two FJs – rolled one in Sweihan doing an advanced drive right after a rain storm. The FJ saved me from any damage, but it was rolled 4 times down a bowl, and written off.
They are built TOUGH. Many trucks wouldn’t have survived that – we drove it out of the desert after we replaced a tire, and re-inflated another. AXA still wrote it off, it had significant body damage – but I was OK, just spitting sand.
There are few trucks with as much aftermarket support, that are reliable. Maybe the Pajero, but it has a smaller, less powerful engine… The Jeep isn’t as reliable (but I do lust after its visibility!).
Yes, you should buy an FJ. (If you had the money for a new Bronco, I would say that is an option, but they need a year at least to prove themselves… )
Be sure to get it checked out by a competent mechanic if buying used. Make sure they test the engine compression as part of that. (I recommend Rajesh Paul Paul of Marshall Automotive… if you need a recommendation.)
The FJ cruiser is one of the best cars for off-roading and holds its value well (as others have said), and is reasonable to maintain.
As @Future_Shock999 mentioned, the Pajero is a fantastic (low-cost) option for the desert but you’d want to get the 3.8L Short Wheel Base for maximum fun. (The Pajero LWB can also be great but most drivers feel the need to modify it early).
There are many other options too – you’ll have fun with almost any 4×4 in the year that you’ll own it – just get it checked over before buying it, as you’ve said 😁
This really does look epic and I can’t wait to get involved! See you on Saturday! 😁
Hi @PaulMK. A skid plate is certainly a good idea as you develop your skills and driving.
In my opinion, 4mm is very thin for aluminium (I would go for 6-8mm aluminium) but also important is to ensure they fit a strong frame behind the skid plate to support it. I’ve seen a few bent/dented plates that were too thin and with a lack of support behind.
The skid plate and frame protects your radiator and other vulnerable components in the event of a hard hit – I sure know ours has saved our car Sonora worth the money 👍🏼
It’s worth checking out Radical Motorsports or other garages for a second price. Better to spend a bit more for quality.
Maybe also check with Ramy how much extra it would be for 6mm aluminium with the steel frame behind?
You could always stick with the stock tyres and rims 💪🏼
I’ve been driving for months with the stock tyres on my 18” Pajero rims
It’s certainly not a good idea to go into the desert or sand alone (and getting stuck may just ruin your anniversary unless you bring a tent 😉)
I would recommend parking on a quite road near one of the spots @trq mentioned, and then waking/climbing over a dune or two with your BBQ to be further from the road.
An alternative is to find a gravel gatch track (typically alongside pylons). These will take you further from traffic and are much safer. You can then sit with your backs to the pylon and enjoy endless dunes 😎
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you tell someone exactly where you are going and the time you will check in with them to let them know you’re safe. If they don’t hear from you within an hour of the check in time, they can call for help. (And don’t miss the check in time)
And, enjoy 😁
Congratulations! Mabrook!
It’s always a pleasure to drive with you and Dee!
@Big Daddy – strong enough to push cars of ridges 💪🏼
Such wonderful news! Congratulations 🥳 🎉
Congratulations @kinloch 🥳!! See you soon 😎
quote PaulMK post_id=50197 time=1596097361 user_id=26470:Hi Guys, signed up for first drive, Toyota Fortuner v6 completely standard. I have all the gear … no idea ?I have compressor, deflator, snatch strap, soft shackles, flag, radio, shovel … apart from any idea of how to use it all … anything missing ?
Hi @PaulMK – sounds like you’re all set for a fun day out. Do you have a mount for your flag?
Also, it’s a good idea to tune the frequencies into your radio before you get there (And make sure the batteries are charged). Have a great Eid
quote trq post_id=50160 time=1595887336 user_id=25518:quote anton post_id=50159 time=1595875183 user_id=26301:quote trq post_id=50131 time=1595509308 user_id=25518:coal/wood/amber shouldn’t touch the sand. it should be done within a tray or on a base.Hi @trq, we use a portable BBQ (with tray), but what is wrong with digging a hole in the sand and having a small wood fire burning within, and then filling the hole with sand after (on top of the ash)?
I’m genuinely intrigued because I always hear people saying they have BBQs and fires directly on the sand but never thought this was bad for the environment. I thought the ash and wood would potentially work as fertiliser when buried ?
Coal shouldn’t be thrown in sand. There’s nothing wrong, except the fact that if polices catches you they will immediately issue a fine of 5000dirhams, and that probably would be the costliest grill you will ever eat ??
My personal experience: we were doing a bbq with families in mahafiz sand. Two guys from the municipalities came in FJ, stopped and came to check out fire pit. When they saw it was on a tray, they smiled and left. And reminded us to not do directly on sand as it invites a fine.
You want to do di a hole, do it, but pls ensure to put the woods or coal over a plate. Imagine everyone digging a hole and then burying the coals!
Thanks @trq, I didn’t know it was prohibited, or that there was a fine. We’ll definitely pack a tray for the fire next time!
quote trq post_id=50131 time=1595509308 user_id=25518:coal/wood/amber shouldn’t touch the sand. it should be done within a tray or on a base.Hi @trq, we use a portable BBQ (with tray), but what is wrong with digging a hole in the sand and having a small wood fire burning within, and then filling the hole with sand after (on top of the ash)?
I’m genuinely intrigued because I always hear people saying they have BBQs and fires directly on the sand but never thought this was bad for the environment. I thought the ash and wood would potentially work as fertiliser when buried 🤔
We did this drive a couple of months back and camped. An amazing drive and highly recommended!!
I recommend that all drivers ensure their air filters are clean and transmission oil is healthy. This is a steep climb and some cars may need to stop for 10mins. We were fine but our friend’s car wasn’t as new and had to stop.
Enjoy everyone 🙂
👏🏼 🥳 Congratulations!!
You’re an amazing driver and make everyone in the convoy feel safe! It’s always a pleasure driving with you!
Thank you Hashim for a great drive this morning 😎
We arrived under the light of the crescent moon and Venus, then watched the sun rise as we deflated.
quote Ahmad Pervez” post_id=50061 time=1594718098 user_id=24463:DEPUTY PROMOTIONS.
On behalf of the DO management It is my pleasure to announce two New DEPUTIES of Dubai Offroaders.
1. Mahareef , Mohamed Mahareef Mansoor.
2. Nikku3791, Nikhil Saju Paul.Congratulations and best of Luck, Boys!!!
Congratulations!! 💪🏼 🥳
