Places to buy...

[roesbak]

Hi,

As I'm new in the UAE, I was wondering, where should I go, other than ACE Hardware, if I am looking for some car and/or 4x4 accessories. What I'm looking for especially is some strong tow ropes or similar, as the ones we've tried (bought on some gas station) haven't been real solid.

-André

[difflock]

Are you in Dubai or Abu Dhabi ?

For the tow ropes, ACE in Abu Dhabi is selling some very good (but expensive) ropes. They are rated 16000 LBS and do take a fair amount of abuse. I did not find any better elsewhere.

Difflock

[roesbak]

Oops, I live in Dubai, I guess I should have clarified that.

Might have to check out ACE in AD then, if we don't find anything else good here.. There should be something in Dubai as well though, I would hope..

Thanks for the quick reply though!

-André

[difflock]

Try "Ramy Trading" in Dubai, they have some good warn recovery gear and they know what they are talking about. I do not know the adress since I'm living in Abu Dhabi but all you have to do is open the phone book, get the number and call them for directions.

Difflock

[roesbak]

Thanks, I'll try that!


-A

[Stephen]

Snap straps:

High strength & quality snap straps - AED120-00neg

Drop me a email with your contact number and I'll give you directions to the shop in Sharjah.

Stephen
[e-mail]

[Fouad Berjaoui]

I bought a 95 Dhs strap 3 years ago from the car accessory market in Dubai, near Hyatt Regency Hotel.

I am sure most of you have seen them, they are those Grey looking straps. I have had them for 3 years and they are still good, just now they started to show signs of tear (3 years). These ropes have pulled as much cars in the club as you can imagine. including mine hundreds of times.

The ropes Difflock is talking about are good, better than the ones I have, but still cost 400 to 600 Dhs depending on length.

The 100 dhs straps did a very satisfactory job in 3 years, they are still working, I just bougt another set last week as spare.

Ramy in Dubai, is right behind DNATA center near the click tower.

Fouad

[Prasad]

I bought a warn recovery rope and shackles from Ramy a couple of years ago. The rope cost around 230/=dhs. It has small red indicators which will show when it is worn. I was going to buy another but I think I'll go for the ones Fouad had mentioned as they are cheaper. Where excatly is this car accessory market? Is it somewhere on Nife road?
Prasad.

[Fouad Berjaoui]

Yes it's very near, but I am not sure I want to take you through it. From naif road go towards Nasser square then........... Heck I can show you but I cant explain it.

Easiest way is to go to Hyatt Regency Hotel, let the Hyatt be in your back and go straight at the red light corssing. i.e. if you are coming from Shindagha Tunnel at the Hyatt red light go right. If you're coming from Kuwait hospital at the red light go left.

You just cant miss it, as soon as you make your turn, you will see the shops on your left and right of the street, bull bars hanging, car projector lights...etc you just cant miss it

Fouad

[Prasad]

Thanks Fouad, will have a go tomorrow.
Prasad.

[Prasad]

Hi Guys,
Yesterday I went to Nife road (Golden Auto) and got myself an extra rope (2inch) green (have not chkd the length yet). It looks strong enough, cost dhs60/=.

Also bought some shackles from Carrefour (sindhaga) industrial ones, @ dhs8.90/= ea.

I also bought a few sets of plastic sand tracks (carrefour again) @ dhs 37/= approx, for a set of two. I have no idea if they would work well, till I try them out.

If anyone is going out this weekend and would like to try it out I shall be glad to let you borrow them.

Prasad.

[difflock]

As a 4x4 manufacturer, we have tested many recovery gears and all kinds of sand plates. The ones made out of plastic will not work. They have a higgher grip between the tire and the sand than between the plate in the sand. If you have the plate under the wheels and you start rotating the wheels, the plate will just slide on the sand but the car will not move. For sand plates to work, you need to anchor them if they are of a soft material type or you need to consider alloy/steel type of plate because the way the holes are cut out on these plates is also acting as an anchor for the plate not to slide.

Difflock

[Prasad]

Thanks v/much for the tech info, Difflock.

Next the obv question, Do you make sand tracks/ladders, not the pro stuff but a bit more portable and light weight?

Prasad

[difflock]

Hi Prasad,

There are only two scenarios to consider:
1- you go out at 2 cars at least. In that case, the most efficient way to recover is a good strap and easy and strong attachment points on the vehicles. No sand plates, even the best, will be as efficient and as easy to use as a tow rope between two vehicles.
2- you go out alone. In that case, only a winch and a sand anchor could possibly help you out. In no way should you rely on sand plates for self recovery.

Difflock

[Prasad]

Hi Difflock, Thanks for resolving that issue. You are really selling my mind for a winch.

On the subject of the pullpal, does the one you are developing good only for sand or can it be used in rocky(wadi) terrain as well?

I hope I'm not wasting your time with all these (silly) questions, you can answer when you are free(after desert challenge).
rgds
Prasad.