Always. A good marshal wants to know your experience, your vehicle mods, and what recovery gear you carry. If they do not ask, volunteer the information anyway. It helps them position you appropriately in the convoy.

Should I tell the marshal about my experience level before the drive?

Tip that worked for me: DM the BFG Middle East distributor directly on Instagram. They sometimes know which retailers have stock before the shops update their own systems.

A marshal is responsible for safety and navigation. They know the route, they know recovery techniques, they communicate between front and back of the convoy, and they make the calls when things go wrong. A good marshal gets everyone home regardless of skill mix.

I specifically want KO2s for a build I am trying to match spec on. Will try Al Dobowi. Does Geant in Abu Dhabi stock them?

Supply has been inconsistent for several months. Consider Falken Wildpeak AT3W and Cooper Discoverer AT3 as alternatives ; both excellent tyres that are actually available. The Wildpeak in particular is a serious KO2 competitor.

Yes, technically modifications need to be declared. Most insurers do not actively check for minor mods but if you have a claim and they find undeclared modifications they can void the policy. Declare everything in writing and get written confirmation.

Rhino Recovery Boards are aluminium and available in UAE through 4×4 shops in Al Quoz area. Weight penalty is real though ; about three times heavier than MaxTrax per board. Worth it for peace of mind.

Is the suspension lift itself an issue with the insurer separate from off-road usage?

Good point about aluminium. What brands are available locally or is it a custom fabrication job?

This is a real issue. Most standard UAE auto insurance policies have off-road exclusions written into the fine print. For daily use you are covered but once you are on a desert track you may not be. Read your policy carefully.

My MaxTrax have been on the roof for three UAE summers without warping. They are stored tray-side up in direct sun every day. Did yours have the black side facing up? Dark surfaces absorb significantly more heat.

Yes, modified trucks can cause headaches with UAE insurers. Being upfront with buyers and helping them understand their insurance options will close the deal faster. Some insurers are more flexible than others.

Does the suspension lift cause insurance issues for a new buyer? Asking because that might be why some people hesitate at modified trucks.

Just the lead and sweep vehicles at minimum. InReach allows tracking sharing so all drivers can see each other on the Earthmate app using just a phone. Only the lead and sweep need the physical device.

16psi is safe on standard AT tyres on a Hilux. You will not damage the rims at that pressure. Below 12psi without bead locks risks the tyre debeading which is a serious problem in remote desert. Do not go below 14psi until you know your setup well.

What is the minimum pressure I should go to? Scared of damaging the rims.

Stick to established tracks and use a GPS that shows the UAE border clearly. If a track starts looking like it crosses into Oman territory, stop and turn around. When in doubt, do not proceed.

Thanks all. The Garmin InReach pairing sounds interesting for convoy use. Do all drivers need the device or just the lead vehicle?

2016 GX with 120k in genuine clean condition is AED 170 to 185k in the current market. The suspension and tyre mods add value for the right buyer but actually put off some buyers who want stock. Factor that in.

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