jrudofsky

Having got my big shiny 4x4 stuck (albeit until i remembered to put it in 4x4 mode) in the smallest bit of sand driving out to join a desert outing at the weekend. I was wondering if anyone knew of companies that do courses on desert driving (ie bashing)?

Inselaffen

did you let down the tyres a bit?

jrudofsky

To be fair I am taking the piss out of myself a bit. It was literally pulling off the highway to where we were to leave coaches and cars. I happened to go through a slightly softer bit of sand without engaging 4WD. Sticking that on and wiggling the wheels side to side a bit got me out.

No I hadn't let them down a bit. I sort of understand the theory, but lack confidence and back up to try it in practice.

Britmal

Crash course in desert driving: Engage 4x4 mode, get into second gear and keep your clog down, if it's an auto just clog it. Know your vehicles safe tilt angle and get a tilt meter.

A better idea is to leave the dune bashing to the locals...

shakh your bootie

You could try this lot:

http://www.desertrangers.com/Safaris...vingcrouse.asp

I did my course with the Abu Dhabi Nat History Group - but it was a one-off type thing.....

jrudofsky

That looks like the sort of thing! Thanks...did you find it useful? Ever put it into practice?

shakh your bootie

Yeah, it was useful..... haven't done a lot of sand driving since because most of the off-roading I do is around Hatta way so it's more wadi than dune bashing - but have used some of the techniques & equipment for pulling people out of the sand.....

jrudofsky

Wadi driving? Is that different again? In channel's made by streams when it rains? Haven't managed to get over Hatta way but when I do i'll get some advice on routes?

shiva

join a 4x4 club, lots of info on both these sites on how to etc. plus great bunch of people from all over to go out with. total newbies are welcome and everyone is willing to teach newcomers the hobby.

www.dubai4x4.com
www.me4x4.com

NEVER go out alone,
ALWAYS have at least 6 ltrs of water per person per day that you are going out for.

tips:
get a pressure guage, ideal is 18-15 psi on front, 12-15 on rear.
dont forget to reinflate when back on tarmac.
get an air pump, max air from ace is good.
get a recovery kit from ace, make sure its rated for the weight of your vehicle.
get a shovel

shakh your bootie

For sure it's different - riding over rocks is not the same as riding on sand; depending on the terrain you may want to increase rather than decrease your pressures. Also you need to watch the weather in the wadis - a few people end up brown bread whenever the rains come....

shakh your bootie

you forgot sand-ladders....

shiva

not essential and a pain to use, also most u can buy are crap.

shakh your bootie

You do a lot more off-roading than me - i'll take your word for it. Metal ones suck, but GRP is nice & grippy....

shiva

would love a set of grp ones. cant find anyone who'll sell me less than would kit out an oil rig though

jrudofsky

Looks like perhaps a 4hr lesson to get the basics and then trying to get in touch with one of the groups is a good idea. Oh and of course getting all the kit.....which goes without saying.