UAEOffroaders

Hi,

My name is Michael.
I am new in UAE, based in Dubai, and have never been doing 4*4. I did a lot of Offroad motorbike but I am new to cars.
I have a Volvo XC70. (4WD station wagon)
How far off road can one go with that car, as height is low compared to SUVs and the radiator seems to be well exposed in the "nose".
Any experience in the club?
I would love to test some "Newbies" ride, but most likely no serious dunes bashing so long I have not a real 4*4.
Could I join one of your newbies rides?

Looking forward to it!

Michael

Hi Michael, welcome to UAEoffroaders.

I had a volvo S60 T5 back in the UK for a few years and I just loved it to bits - however I did scrape the occasional speedbump with the front spoiler! Why not come along as a passenger on one of our drives and you can see the sort of stuff we do?

On rookie drives I normally start with very easy dunes, maybe about 2-3 metres high, then progress to higher ones. That being said, it's not the height of the dune, it's the angle at the bottom you have to be wary of, but I see from your comment above that you are aware of the potential problems with such a low car. You might like to check to see that your insurance policy covers offroad damage, also if the car is still under warranty you should check that dune bashing will not invalidate it.

I am thinking about doing a trip to Liwa next weekend which has no dune bashing but will involve driving on gatch tracks through some high scenic dunes, and overnight camping, will decide in the next couple of days if I am going, keep a look out for it on the Junior offroader forum if you are interested.

Hi,

Thanks for you message.
Would be cool to take part to this Liwa trip.
Do you mean that that tracks could be done with XC70?
Car is 4 years old so no worries for warranty.
Maybe would just be quite embarassing to come to the office on Sunday if I smashed the car as it is a company car hehehe.
But anyway, seems like a cool idea. Lets be in touch when you have decided if going.
Regards,
Michael

Michael Moulaert wrote:Hi,

Thanks for you message.
Would be cool to take part to this Liwa trip.
Do you mean that that tracks could be done with XC70?
Car is 4 years old so no worries for warranty.
Maybe would just be quite embarassing to come to the office on Sunday if I smashed the car as it is a company car hehehe.
But anyway, seems like a cool idea. Lets be in touch when you have decided if going.
Regards,
Michael

Gatch tracks with care - make sure you have recovery points front and rear so an accompanying 4x4 can pull you out if the dunes have encroached on the track.
Keep an eye out over the weekend to see what trips are posted

Hi Michael,

I've driven the XC70 and it did better than I expected - clearance is not that bad, actually.

I would not drive it over dunes, so in between the valleys, and on sand tracks, fine - don't worry. It's the drops and the ridges that you have to watch out for, and tracks don't have them (usually!). Secondly, if I were you I'd check carefully about taking the company car "camping" (unless you own the company! LOL) because many companies stipulate the car is not allowed off-road, and so if there's damage the individual has to take responsibility, so careful with that. At a company I know even the Patrols they have are not allowed off-road...

Hi PR,

Thanks for advise.
I will check indeed.
But sounds good. At least I can go for some easy rides and decide if I shall invest in a real dune rocket in the long run
So I will scan your forum for some trip.
See you soon then!!

hey Michael,

if ure based in dubai and wanna go for a drive as a passenger to gear up for an offroad capable vehicle, you are more than welcome to join me. i drive from dubai evey weekend for trips with the club.
Trust me, after you have been on one trip. YOU WILL BUY something for the desert!!!
where in dubai do you stay?

Very true as all of them said Micheal. Firstly welcome to your family in the desert..!!! Dont worry about your car, U can come with or without your car and can see the nature of trip. As Blaze said he comes for all trips during week ends you could join him as passenger or alternatively you could check if your car could do the junior offroader trip. If at all you think your car cannot handle the route then we can get your car back to the road and you can join as passenger.

See you soon in the sand ....

Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for all these welcoming. Feels actually great.
Looking forward to meeting you.
And I bet it will be next week.
Not another week end without going into the sand
To answer you Blaze I stay in Dubai Marina (The address or the mall)
If a junior trip is on I actually would prefer to test with my car, but yes, would be cool to get a ride over some dunes on passenger seat to see how far one can go!
So lets be in touch during the week, I will check for next weeks ride.
Have a good week!
Michael

Michael Moulaert wrote:Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for all these welcoming. Feels actually great.
Looking forward to meeting you.
And I bet it will be next week.
Not another week end without going into the sand
To answer you Blaze I stay in Dubai Marina (The address or the mall)
If a junior trip is on I actually would prefer to test with my car, but yes, would be cool to get a ride over some dunes on passenger seat to see how far one can go!
So lets be in touch during the week, I will check for next weeks ride.
Have a good week!
Michael

Great See u soon bro ..