Southern California Club Xterra

Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX General Discussion => Topic started by: beedee on February 26, 2016, 12:19:51 PM

Title: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: beedee on February 26, 2016, 12:19:51 PM: Hi guys,

I am new to 4x4, and want to pick up some of the basics that one should carry when hitting the dirt. I have lurked a bit on here and other forums, and watched videos too.

Are there any local shops that you would recommend for picking up a snatch strap/recovery strap, d-ring or pin, shovel, and any other things you can think of for basic wheeling?
Is there a minimal width strap I should be looking at? I see they range from 2" and up.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: RikRong on February 26, 2016, 12:39:06 PM: It looks like there are a couple of 4 Wheel Parts stores close to you. Those should be good for straps, etc. As for shovels and tools, I would just got to Wally World, Home Depot, or something like that. I got my shovel and axe for pretty cheap. Oh, if I didn't already mention it, an axe and shovel fit beautifully under the rear seats.
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: JFanaselle on February 26, 2016, 12:51:18 PM: I agree with Rick - 4 Wheel Parts is going to be the best local place to pick up some basic but otherwise uncommon off-roading supplies, such as shackles/recovery points, tow/snatch straps, fuel cans, winches/accessories, hi-lift jacks, on-board air supplies, etc. The nice thing is that they have A LOT of items in-stock, so it's a great place to see options or to pick something up in a hurry. If you're not in as much of a hurry to get things, amazon is also an amazing place to shop. There's a 4 wheel parts in Compton and one in Redondo Beach. Pep Boys tends to carry SOME off-roading supplies as well, but not as much.

As Rick mentioned, don't over-complicate your search for normal hardware type items. I got my shovel at Lowe's and it's really nice. It was under $15.
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: beedee on February 26, 2016, 01:01:10 PM: Thank you. Regarding straps, is a 4" pretty much the safest route to go?
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: Ghost65 on February 26, 2016, 01:02:03 PM: My personal experience at 4WP's was less than stellar.

When the counter jock asked my vehicle type I made the mistake of being honest and got a lot of Jeep biased "soccer mom/grocery getter" jabs.

So with that said...stay stealthy and know what you are going in for.

Hopefully you'll encounter more open minded customer service at a location near you.

Or...as others have suggested, order online and skip the static.

REBEL Off Road is another good resource in Laguna Hills.

Sent from Cygnus X-1
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: ultrapc40 on February 26, 2016, 01:08:00 PM: If you have a McFadden dale near you they sell straps blocks and etc. it's not a 4x4 shop it's usually cheaper.

I pretty much order most of my stuff online now. Amazon prime is dangerous
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: RikRong on February 26, 2016, 01:32:22 PM: Quote from: beedee on February 26, 2016, 01:01:10 PM
Thank you. Regarding straps, is a 4" pretty much the safest route to go?
I wouldn't necessarily base it off the width of the strap, I would look at capacity.
Title: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: Ghost65 on February 26, 2016, 02:21:46 PM: Quote from: RikRong on February 26, 2016, 01:32:22 PM
I wouldn't necessarily base it off the width of the strap, I would look at capacity.

Agreed.

And stay away from straps with "hooks" in them.

Loops with shackles are best in the field.

Also, snatch and tow straps are two different animals depending on the recovery.

Here's a "little" article on recovery tools/methodology:

Pirate 4x4 Straps N Such (http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/)

Good stuff that can actually save your life/limb/social status amongst others.

Sent from Cygnus X-1
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: beedee on February 26, 2016, 02:26:15 PM: Quote from: RikRong on February 26, 2016, 01:32:22 PM
I wouldn't necessarily base it off the width of the strap, I would look at capacity.

Thanks. What capacity would you lean towards?
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: beedee on February 26, 2016, 02:33:46 PM: Quote from: GeoYota on February 26, 2016, 02:21:46 PM
Agreed.

And stay away from straps with "hooks" in them.

Loops with shackles are best in the field.

Also, snatch and tow straps are two different animals depending on the recovery.

Here's a "little" article on recovery tools/methodology:

Pirate 4x4 Straps N Such (http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/)

Good stuff that can actually save your life/limb/social status amongst others.

Sent from Cygnus X-1

Thank you! Great information in there, I just read through it.
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: JFanaselle on February 26, 2016, 09:53:48 PM: I'm a big fan of the ARB "705" snatch strap. It's got a 17,600 pound breaking strength, is only 3" thick (2 1/8" at the ends), 30' long, and is only $59.99. Nice quality product for the price, and you can usually find it in stock at most off road stores. http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-Winch-Accessories/ARB-30ft-Snatch-Strap.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=190&t_pt=9555&t_pn=ARBARB705&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&emlprox=out&ppcfon=1&gp=1&gclid=CLCOypqgl8sCFYpufgod-5YJ0A
Title: Re: Best local (to Long Beach/OC) stores to buy basic off-road necessities?
Post by: RikRong on February 26, 2016, 09:59:32 PM: I think I have the same strap as Joe. I also have a static strap that I use if towing is required.

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