Some questions

[bigdave]

I should be going out with you guys on some trips very soon. So I have some questions.

Do you guys always go on trips out of abu D or do you do some trips closer to Dubai? I think tintin's trips this last weekend would have taken me 2 hours to drive to the meeting point. I am in green community west by jebel ali.

I searched to try and find what radios you guys use but I couldnt find anything. So could you be specific on what radio you use and what do I need to have done to it so it will work just like your radios do and wont have any problems. Also where to buy them or who to talk to

next, what onboard air compressor should I get? They have those hand carry ones at ace hardware for like 5 or 600aed. what would you guys suggest? name and what you think it costs.

do they sell strong enough rated tow straps at ace or do i need to go to icon auto and pick it up from there.

anything else you think I might need?

I really appreciate your help.

thanks

[tintin]

Hello Dave, we do run trips all over the country, but as most of our members are currently in AUH we tend to be between liwa, Sweihan, and Al Khatim.
The radio's we have a bunch of different ones which we use, some use motorola's, others use chinese ones from dragon mart. If you just mention that you don't have one on your first trip somebody will bring a spare so you can see what they use.
For the compressor, teh ACE ones will be perfect for what we do, you can go more expensive with the ARB but the ACE is just fine and many members use them happily. Myself, I got mine for 120 dirhams from Carrefour, a little slower than the rest but it does its job nontheless.
I also have the tow strap and rated shackle from ACE and am very happy with it, but this does depend on your rig. The heavier the rig, the heavier the tow rating. And make sure it is a kinetic rope as the standard ropes will break under a heavy pullout.

Other things are a good first aid kit, possibly a tire repair kit if you feel the need, a good jack (bottle type from ACE) a good jack plate (cut an 8" square piece of steel plate/thick timber) GPS (Not sure where from in DXB), a basic tool kit, and most of all a very big smile!!!

Hope to see you soon matey.

Tony

[Wasif Ahmed]

Hi Big Dave.

1. We can do trips in and around Dunbai too but it is more fun out here in Abu Dhabi as its much less crouded than Dubai hense much safer too. Its gonna be worth your while to drive down here and get your kicks.

2. You can get a rated snatch strap and a set of shackles from AEV in Dubai or ARB. These are what you will need and indeed use quiet frequenctly if you plan on being active with us.

3. Now for the compressor you can spend 800 to 1000 on an ARB compressor or what you quoted on an Bushranger from Ace of go to CarreFour and get one for much less. I got mine from a place called Mebar in Dubai who have for sure the best compressor availabe today and at a very good price. If you are interested speak to Danny at 055 644 4560 and tell him I mentioned their compressor to you. He will give you a good price.

I started off roading in earnest from jan 2009 and have gone thru three compressors sp far, that is till I got this one I mentioned. My ARB snatch stap has been with me all the while and served its purpose admirably.

[bigdave]

great info so far guys. Thanks. I have3 another question about the radio. is it what we call walkie talkie's in the usa or is it a cb radio?

I have to run out real quick. will be back to ask more questions.
again thanks.

[tintin]

walki talkie, if you get pulled with a cb you will be in big trouble by the boys with flashing lights.
Keep the walki talkie at home unless on a trip as they can also be funny about these too, especially in Liwa near the oil stations and Saudi borders.

####WE DO NOT CONDONE ILLEGAL USE OF ANY COMMUNICATION DEVICE. THIS IS AT YOUR OWN RISK####

[Wasif Ahmed]

great info so far guys. Thanks. I have3 another question about the radio. is it what we call walkie talkie's in the usa or is it a cb radio?

I have to run out real quick. will be back to ask more questions.
again thanks.

There is a certain "gent" who sold these Motorola radios to us but not sure if he is still good on stocks or humour for that matter !!

[bigdave]

Ok so I will get one of the motorola walkie talkies, is there a certain place to pick one up? Also what is the cost rough estimate and is thier a model I should look for?

I am gonna go with the air compressor from ace, also will pick up the tow strap from thier too.

Am also gonna pick up the large jack from icon.

This should be a descent start to go riding huh?

[MB Hammer]

Hi Bigdave

I am sure I read in an earlier post that when you come along to your first trip, all you need is a well maintained car, a coolbox full of water (with maybe a tin of red bull thrown in) and your sense of humour.

You will see a great array of recovery equipment belonging to other club members, and this will help you make an informed choice when buying yours.

Hope to see you on a newbie trip soon

[leosoul]

I totally agree with MB Hammer. Just come for your first trip and see all sort of equipment. You will make an informed decison after that.

Amit

[tintin]

That is very true guys, sorry if we made you feel like you have to buy all of this stuff first Dave.
That is no way the case. You just make sure your rig is safe, and that is all for the first one or two trips.
After that the pockets will slowly empty themself with new gadgets, upgrades and other goodies which you find you will "need" for offroading.