La Jolla: 4x2 or 4x4 ? ? ? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

bolocop · 08-31-2015, 10:05 AM

Get a 4X4. Better to have and not need than not have and need.

Most of the time you will be ok at LJ, but when it's high tide and crowded, you'll wish you had it.

I've been stuck with 4X2, not fun.

You're better off with a FWD sedan than you are with a 4x2 truck.

Harry Hill · 08-31-2015, 10:26 AM

is there room on the street to park a truck and trailer, I carry my kayak on a trailer so I don't have to lift it to the roof.

Dave Legacy · 08-31-2015, 11:19 AM

I've never been out to the launch at LJ, but in general if you think you're going to run into trouble on soft sand you should always air down your tires so long as they're a type of tire suitable for such action. Also use lower gears and keep the revs up.

skrilla · 08-31-2015, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry Hill

is there room on the street to park a truck and trailer, I carry my kayak on a trailer so I don't have to lift it to the roof.

Yes, before graylight usually score a spot within 3 blocks from the launch. Also room in the main lot at the back. At the end of Avenida De La Playa not much room for a u-turn with a trailer. And it's a clucker-F there during the day.

cabojohn · 08-31-2015, 12:20 PM

You might get lucky sometimes...but the sand can get very soft and you will bury at some point.

4x4 SHOULD be mandatory for driving on the sand at LJ.
Don't be "that guy" who sinks his 2wd anything in the soft sand at the launch and F's up access for everyone else.

A good kayak dolly with big wheels is PRICELESS.

jorluivil · 08-31-2015, 12:41 PM

Spending extra money on a 4x4 just because the sand at LJ is soft is about as bad of an idea as reporting a hammerhead encounter to the lifeguards

Raskal311 · 08-31-2015, 01:08 PM

mini van and honda civic can make LJ with no issues.

bolocop · 08-31-2015, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raskal311

mini van and honda civic can make LJ with no issues.

Both are FWD and have weight over the drive wheels. 4x2 trucks spin one wheel without a locker.

Go ahead and save the $2-3K on a 4x2. You will regret it and trade it in for a 4x4. So you'll lose money on the trade and purchase of another vehicle.

I used to think I could punch it through as well, until someone walked into my path and I was stuck. Which costs more, running someone over or $2-3K more on a 4x4?

08-31-2015, 12:41 PM	#6
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Spending extra money on a 4x4 just because the sand at LJ is soft is about as bad of an idea as reporting a hammerhead encounter to the lifeguards __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

08-31-2015, 01:08 PM	#7
Raskal311 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Santa Ana/Westminster Posts: 1,256	mini van and honda civic can make LJ with no issues. __________________ Kevin Yellow PA12

08-31-2015, 10:05 AM	#1
bolocop Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 332	Get a 4X4. Better to have and not need than not have and need. Most of the time you will be ok at LJ, but when it's high tide and crowded, you'll wish you had it. I've been stuck with 4X2, not fun. You're better off with a FWD sedan than you are with a 4x2 truck.

08-31-2015, 10:26 AM	#2
Harry Hill Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Yucaipa, CA Posts: 1,136	is there room on the street to park a truck and trailer, I carry my kayak on a trailer so I don't have to lift it to the roof.

08-31-2015, 11:19 AM	#3
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	I've never been out to the launch at LJ, but in general if you think you're going to run into trouble on soft sand you should always air down your tires so long as they're a type of tire suitable for such action. Also use lower gears and keep the revs up.

08-31-2015, 12:20 PM	#5
cabojohn PROBATION Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 657	You might get lucky sometimes...but the sand can get very soft and you will bury at some point. 4x4 SHOULD be mandatory for driving on the sand at LJ. Don't be "that guy" who sinks his 2wd anything in the soft sand at the launch and F's up access for everyone else. A good kayak dolly with big wheels is PRICELESS.