Personal Choice Of Survival Vehicles.

Discussion in 'Going Off The Grid' started by Keith H., Oct 13, 2016.

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  1. Keith H.

    Keith H. Moderator Staff Member
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    Any vehicle in an emergency is better than nothing at all, but if you want the most practicle & advantages of vehicles, then you need to get a good 4WD (four wheel drive). I had three 4WDs when I lived in the Territory, we lived off grid, & it was the only way to get around. We had two Toyota Land Cruisers, a short wheel base & a ute, & we had a little Suzuki. I would still have the SWB, but it was stolen from our property whilst we were away looking for land interstate.

    Now we live in New England NSW, & up until now we have had a Nissan X-Trail SUV. However, the wading depth (depth of water it can drive through) on this vehicle is only 400mm. Of late it has been very wet here, I would say the wettest we have experienced in the past 30 years. Weather conditions are changing!!! We have a creek to cross to get into town, as again we are living off grid in a forest. The alternate rout out & back in if the creek is in flood is all dirt & it too is subject to a lot of water.
    So, we decided to get a full blown 4WD, we do already have a 4WD unregistered property vehicle (Lada), but it can not be used on the road. We sold our SUV to my Eldest son & his family for an affordable price. It is better than the ordinary sedan that they had. What we purchased is a Toyota Hilux twin cab diesel ute with a canopy on the back & a bull bar. We also added a rear view camera, & we are getting LED bar lights fitted to front & rear. So far my wife is very pleased with this vehicle, though it is larger than she has been used to driving. I love it, it gives me a feeling of security knowing that my wife can get home at night no matter which rout she has to take.

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    The wade depth on this Hilux is 700mm with standard suspension.

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    This is my youngest son's Nissan Triton which I believe has a wading depth of 500mm. This vehicle is a good less expensive choice in 4WDs.

    [​IMG]
    My Russian Lada 4WD with wide wheels & two spares on the roof.


    We do not expect to ever have to evacuate our forest home, we have enough people to be able to defend it in a shtf situation short of a foreign invasion. But if we should have to leave, I feel sure the vehicles we have will get us to where we are going.

    This article taken from here: http://australiansurvivalandpreppers.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/survival-vehicle-choice.html

    What vehicle/s do you have or what vehicle do you plan to get?
    Keith.
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2016
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  2. Tom Williams

    Tom Williams Moderator Staff Member
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    4X4 diesel older the better a older diesel will run on just about anything that burns they have more power and easy to work on we have a 47 military 2 1/2 ton 6x6 that is a beast
     
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  3. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    a "survival" vehicle may be okay for a short term event or a minor emergency, but in a long term societal collapse type event they'll only be useful for about as long as the fuel lasts, once the filling stations are empty with no chance of restocking, any vehicle will just be a garden ornament or at most a storage facility, and we'll all be walking, cycling, or riding horses if your lucky.
    even in a short term event the stock of fuel may be exhausted, as we found in the UK during our "fuel protests" some 10 years ago.
     
  4. Tom Williams

    Tom Williams Moderator Staff Member
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    Fuel for 6x6 any liquid that burns home fuel oil .gas cooking oil shine paint thinner any thing that burns
     
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  5. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    not everyone's got one of those, I've never even heard of a "6 X 6" before. once the filling stations are empty people in my country will be walking.
     
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  6. Tom Williams

    Tom Williams Moderator Staff Member
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    Us mulitary deuce and a half is commom name veey awesome truck
     
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  7. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    new one on me, lots of farm vehicles here are 4X4's, there is a vehicle that is fairly new on the rural scene here, which is something referred to as a "mule", its a small engine pickup with a left hand drive, and an open drive area, well just a roof, no doors -some have a plastic cover where the doors should be, some are quite slow but there are some variations which have a decent turn of speed. these can go through small gaps where a larger vehicle could not. they are mostly used for moving stuff around the farm-hay bales and the like.
    www.kawasaki.com/products/2017-Mule-4000
     
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  8. VonPickles

    VonPickles New Member
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    Ive got a land cruiser troop carrier - plan to deck her out with solar and water filtration system, andin the event i should like to think i could fuel her with bio diesel
     
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  9. Mekada

    Mekada Master Survivalist
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    As mentioned before, a diesel truck with high ground clearance and a simple engine. The more complex something is the greater the likelihood of mechanical failure. A sturdy four pot engine works wonders over a overly complicated injector motor with highly advanced engine management.
     
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  10. Mekada

    Mekada Master Survivalist
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    What about the availability of ex military vehicles? Over in South Africa in is a bit of a mission because you need to motivate a reason to own such a vehicle.
     
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  11. Mekada

    Mekada Master Survivalist
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  12. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    it is possible to buy ex military vehicles at specialist sales and auctions in the UK most would be useless in my location due to narrow country lanes, granite walls and deep ditches, to say nothing of flooded roads and collapsed bridges and roads post SHTF.
     
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  13. Arkane

    Arkane Master Survivalist
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    I am planning to get a full sized coach and use as a bug out vehicle
    Looking at one now, still in service 58 seat coach $15,000
    A few mods and its a motorhome! have it all and take it with you!
     
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  14. James98

    James98 Well-Known Member
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    this is a completely different approach than all the previous posts but if I could choose a vehicle I could choose an adventure motorcycle and here is why.
    I would be using the vehicle shortly after whatever disaster caused everything to go to hell in a handbag ( withing a day) which means that people will not yet be at the stage where they are shooting and rampaging yet so the protection of an enclosed vehicle would not nessisarly be required. these bikes are capable of traveling on and off road and are very narrow meaning that they can easily maneuver. as people flee the city there vehicles will run out of gas and they will block up all of the highways. this is not a problem for a motorcycle because it can go between the cars. in addition to this they have better fuel economy meaning that you would need to have or obtain a lot less fuel to get to where you are going than if you were in a DIY tank on wheels. another reason that this is a good option is because compared to a lot of the other posts on this page a used adventure bike would cost a lot less to buy. not everyone has $100 000 to spend on an armored 4x4.
    the dissadvantage of course is the lack of ability to take things with you which is why it is important to prepare ahead of time and have everything you need at your pre planned preppers retreat
     
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  15. Arkane

    Arkane Master Survivalist
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    So I have bought a coach! 53 seater turbo diesel and auto!
    It has air suspension that can lift her about 12 inches and a freaking huge fuel tank, I put 150 litres in and made it about 1/3 full!
    It is 12m long and 2.2m wide inside with 194cm headroom!
    Driving it home I wound it up to 120kmph with some effort due to dirty airfilter and soft tyres!

    Busy ripping the seats out at present as some mods are needed before it can be registered as a motorhome!
     
  16. DonScott

    DonScott New Member
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    There are quite a few good fuel conversion kits that can drastically reduce fuel issues. If the fuel problem is solved then I'll pick a 1996 Ford Bronco any day. Easy to work on, tough, climbs ALMOST as well as a jeep, and has plenty of space behind the back seat to sleep and store gear. My first truck was a bronco. Tough truck. An FJ ran a stop sign and slammed into me. Broke my A frame but all I felt was a little bump. The FJ looked like a crushed coke can and everyone in it got tossed around pretty bad.
     
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  17. Keith H.

    Keith H. Moderator Staff Member
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    We added another 4WD to our present vehicles. My 4WD is now a twin cab Triton diesel with limited slip diff. I love it. Lovely drive.
    Keith.
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    [​IMG]
     
  18. explorerx7

    explorerx7 Expert Member
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    Some people will tell you that they believe the Toyota FJ 40 is the mother of all SUV's. These were produced since 1960 until around 1984 when their production ceased. It is a workhorse in all aspects and there is hardly anywhere that it could not boldly go. Don't expect a smooth ride, it's somewhat bumpy but you should expect a herculean performance level. There many of these models around at the moment even though their production had ceased many years ago and many of the owners see them as prized possessions.
     
  19. Keith H.

    Keith H. Moderator Staff Member
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    An SUV is not a true 4WD. I don't know the Tojo FJ 40. I used to own several Tojo Landcruisers, & they were true 4WDs & great vehicles.
    Keith.
     
  20. remnant

    remnant Expert Member
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    I would choose a converted military jeep. The advantage with such vehicles is that they are all terrain and have reduced fuel consumption. In addition, there vehicles are bullet proof and their facade also acts as a deterrent against potential attackers.
     
  21. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    any vehicle you intend to use will be irrelevant post SHTF when no more fuel is being refined, you'd be better off with something 4 LEGGED rather than 4 wheels.
     
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  22. Ystranc

    Ystranc Master Survivalist
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    Fuel will not last long, diesel has a very short shelf life before the biofuel element of it begins to break down. Petrol has a similar issue in addition to being dangerous to store in large volume.
    Has anyone considered an LPG conversion for a petrol vehicle and a gas tank with a wet leg. LPG gas won't go stale in your tank.
     
  23. GS AutoTech

    GS AutoTech Expert Member
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    In the states, military Humvee's can be bought at auction. Very tough truck. Solid diesel engine without complicated electronics. If stabilized, diesel will store for quite a bit longer than gasoline. These trucks will also tolerate blending alternate fuels to a point.
    Now, if I'm bugging in I don't need anything special.. If I'm bugging out, I will drive anything that gets me to there. After that we will be hunkered down.
     
  24. Ystranc

    Ystranc Master Survivalist
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    I remember the FJ series Toyota, it was a basic no frills jeep type vehicle, they went all over the world. There are still quite a few in Central America.. Collectors items these days. Parts are crucifyingly expensive and special order from Japan.
     
  25. PedroP

    PedroP Active Member
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    I'd choose a bike. Mainly for fuel economy. Also, i'd equip it with spikes and plating so it can withstand the hardships of the apocalypse. If possible a trail bike so I can cross many terrain types with it.
     
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  26. Ystranc

    Ystranc Master Survivalist
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    Initially a van for collecting goods, after the fuel runs out a good pair of boots.
     
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  27. Blackfish

    Blackfish Well-Known Member
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    My bug out vehicles are my Honda Fit, and my fat bikes. The bikes go on a rack in the back, then I will drive the Honda until it runs out of gas, then the bikes come off the rack--and I keep on truckin'!
     
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  28. Keith H.

    Keith H. Moderator Staff Member
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    Sounds like a good plan Blackfish.
    Keith.
     
  29. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    diesel vehicles are being phased out in the UK due to pollution and health issues.
     
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  30. Blackfish

    Blackfish Well-Known Member
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    Another consideration for a bug out vehicle is to get one 1976 or previous, as they are not computerized. One can work on these cars and keep them running forever... so long as one can still find parts. Most junkyards will have them.
     
  31. GS AutoTech

    GS AutoTech Expert Member
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    Here's a thought. In the U.S. there are nearly as many vehicles as there are people. When SHTF, if only half the sheeple survive, there will be well over 100 million owner-less vehicles availible to be salvaged. Again, just a thought.
     
  32. Old Geezer

    Old Geezer Legendary Survivalist
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    Getting rid of diesel engines is stupid. The diesel engine has FAR higher compression than does the gasoline engine. That sort of compression more fully burns the fuel. You can't kill people with diesel exhaust, but you sure can do it with gasoline exhaust due to the carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion. Diesel has soot, however soot is simply carbon; carbon is ugly, but other than that ...

    If people have bad lungs, then I don't know what to say to them or do for them. "Wow, bad luck dude!" That's kind of hollow, but ... . ??????????????? I mean, we are simply NOT going back to times where machines do not exist. The secrets are out, know-what-I-mean.
     
  33. Old Geezer

    Old Geezer Legendary Survivalist
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    I put a regular carburetor on a latter 80's model truck to replace the computer-controlled one that came with the engine. WOW, did that ever lower my gas mileage and engine power! I ended up trading it.

    However, your point is taken. Testing has shown however that an EMP attack would destroy far less vehicles than what one would imagine. The car or truck's body and other structures act like a Faraday cage and protect the electronics located within that make-do shield.

    https://www.lifewire.com/would-your-car-survive-an-emp-attack-3903248

    The above article also points out that the big danger of EMP is knocking out the electronics that control fuel distribution networks, pipelines, and control circuitry. So, even if you do have an intact vehicle, how do you obtain fuel for it?!
     
  34. Old Geezer

    Old Geezer Legendary Survivalist
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    As to "vehicles" that are strong and that would work in a community -- not necessarily a long-distance vehicle -- what about the horse! They do give off methane, true; however you can use their waste to fertilize your garden. Sometimes if you get too drunk or sick, these vehicles know the way back home and will deliver you thereunto. Some, if put upon to be stolen, will stomp the would-be thief into the dirt. They'll pull a cart for you and be satisfied with carats (the vegetable variety, not the wife's ring variety). Take care of them and they will take care of you. They will listen to all of your complaints and act as if they couldn't understand a word you said. Get male and female horses together and they'll manufacture some new vehicles for you. Their fuel does not come from the North Sea nor Saudi Arabia; it is more of a locally grown variety, which is good. Oats, they like oats.
     
  35. LastOutlaw

    LastOutlaw Legendary Survivalist
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    I have a 76 K5 Blazer 4x4. Lift kit, HEI distributor, 4 barrel carb, mudders that I use to make runs into the mountains to an off grid cabin I own. Two water crossings to get there and it takes a bit under an hour to get to it once I pull off the pavement. I also have horses in the event everything else goes to crap. I live on a small 25 acre homestead in the middle of nowhere ( one hour to a small city, 2.5 hours to any metropolis) so if I have to back into my cabin you know it has gotten really bad.
     
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  36. Keith H.

    Keith H. Moderator Staff Member
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    I have decided to sell my 4x4 ute. I have a work truck as well, & I don't think there is any point in having both, it is just costing me money. My wife has a twin cab Toyota Hilux ute with a hard top on the back, so we have the ability to carry the whole family if needs be.
    0f08fc41601eda1adfac089f0ba045ad.jpeg
    I will keep this one.
    Keith.
     
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  37. Pragmatist

    Pragmatist Master Survivalist
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    My choice of survival vehicle is the non-self-propelled small agricultural wagon which you can pull by hand or push.

    For a geographic and time-line reference point;

    From my shack at a pre-notice to a Hades event, road access by authorities will be restricted. There are numerous Mario Andrettis here and there is a shortage of tow trucks to remove their rust buckets from the road.

    I've mentioned the acronym "COG"; continuity of government. In routine times, because of budget constrains and poor-quality public sector decision making, road maintenance is not on top of priority list. Pre-adverse event, public - and private - roads will be in disrepair. During a Hades event......think of Dragon Teeth tank traps.

    Plus, the major roads such as the US Interstate Highway System, will have restricted access. At our meeting I handed out an article on President Reagan's Directive 51 (or maybe 55). If and when able to get activated, private citizen access to major roads will/can be prohibited.

    ......

    Good quality boots and gloves to pull the garden wagon..... There are 2 basic types of rubber boots: type one is like a regular boot made of rubber. Type 2 is a rubber boot that fits over the regular boot. Not good for long wear if pod health of concern to wearer.

    "Over the hill and through the vale to Grandma's house we go......." The place is now a makeshift cemetery to minimize mass infection starting the epidemic.

    "I have thought it my duty to exhibit things as they are, not as they ought to be." Alexander Hamilton
     
  38. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    any choice of vehicle will be irrelevant once the mains power goes down and the filling stations are empty, the main highways will be full of out of fuel and damaged vehicle stopping any further travel.
    any travel post SHTF will be horse or other equine, bicycles or "shank's pony" i.e. walking.
     
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  39. randyt

    randyt Master Survivalist
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    here's one I'm working on, more of a farm truck. Bugging out is thee last thing I plan to do. I also have a 1990s rocky but the engine is bad. It's a challenge to get rocky parts here.

    2009405db07ac0def517e2702f95badf.jpeg
     
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  40. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    interesting looking vehicle. would like to see a photo of the finished article.
     
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  41. LastOutlaw

    LastOutlaw Legendary Survivalist
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    Since you mentioned the freeways... My gal and I at one point lived in a smaller metropolis and our plan at that time was to "bug out" to a "BOL" that belonged to someone else. ( Ask me at some point later about my thoughts on the practicality of the BOL theory) At any rate the "Bug Out" would have involved traveling back roads past one major city and a couple smaller cities to get to the proposed "BOL". By driving the route and also looking at aerial views on google maps we quickly realized that freeways are no longer easy to get on and off of like they used to be many years ago. Miles and miles of cement dividers run the length of the free ways as well as concrete or post and cable walls and fences along the sides in many places. Once on today's free ways you are not likely getting back off except for marked exits. Also. you are not crossing one unless using a street with an overpass.
     
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  42. poltiregist

    poltiregist Legendary Survivalist
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    totally agree , a running vehicle would be nice but I am not betting my life on that .
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2019
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  43. lonewolf

    lonewolf Societal Collapse Survivalist. Staff Member
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    we have the same problem with our UK motorways, if there is a major hold up you cant get off the motorway unless you are lucky to be near an off ramp, you cant turn round and you cant go onto the other carriageway so your stuck there, for anything up to 8 hours sometimes, and that's not even SHTF.
     
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  44. poltiregist

    poltiregist Legendary Survivalist
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    At one point I was considering building a steam engine driven truck . After some thought decided if I had such a vehicle during a crises the danger of driving it down the road would out weigh any benefits . Some one might shoot you to obtain such a vehicle . There is no where I am that desperate to go to in the first place as I am already bugged in . Still I think it would be nice to have but only as a novelty .
     
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  45. Sourdough

    Sourdough "eleutheromaniac"
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    PA-18-150
    :):):)
     
  46. GateCrasher

    GateCrasher Expert Member
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    All our vehicles have been 4WD trucks since the 1990's, I try to consider the survival angle on any major purchase and 4WD really has no downside other than the added cost. Plus the added cargo carrying space, height/clearance, real steel frame for added strength, and trailer towing capacity of trucks in general. Already mentioned in a different thread that our bugout plan includes bringing a dual sport motorcycle mounted on a trailer hitch carrier, abandoning the truck and finishing the trip to the BOL on the motorcycle is Plan B if we're trapped in traffic with the truck.

    IMO you can't count on making it to the BOL with a passenger vehicle, so the choice then becomes stay with the vehicle or leave it. If the decision is to leave and the only way is on foot, it's likely you'll be walking with a lot of people ahead and behind you which might not be a good thing. We don't plan on bugging out unless we absolutely have to, but if we do then we need to make it to the BOL and not herded to refugee / FEMA camps with the other foot travelers. Don't forget to bring a good story and associated paperwork to back it up if stopped or questioned, and some bribe money/PMs might not hurt either.
     
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