What makes a good bug out vehicle?
(This article is about 1000 words long, and will take about 5 to 10 minutes to read.)
If SHTF and you need to GOOD, you will need a good bug out vehicle. To get to your destination you may experience obstacles like difficult terrain, bad weather, debris in the road etc. Let’s explore what makes a good bug out vehicle.
1. Off-road capabilities
Whether you need to cross a mountain trail or drive over a felled tree blocking the road, off road (four wheel drive) capability is a MUST.
2. Low Maintenance
Maintenance is extremely important when it comes to bug out vehicle, the last thing you need in an emergency is a failure of some kind, be it tires or alternators. Tires are the most commonly broken car part when off-roading so this is a high priority as well.
3. Cargo Space
When bugging out, or even for other purposes, having a good amount of cargo space is important. You will need room for both supplies and people. This eliminates many of the smaller off-road vehicles.
4. Redundancy
Many modern vehicles are ingrained with electronics, which if compromised, will render your bug out vehicle unusable. As tempting as it is to buy the newest, badest truck or SUV, having a vehicle that is invulnerable or only semi vulnerable to EMP or other electronic disruptions is important and often overlooked. Some of the most durable vehicles are the older ones, in particular diesel vehicles, which have basic engines without lots of electronics.
Additionally, diesel fuel engines can run off of alternative fuels like kerosene, heating oil, and certain jet fuels. In a pinch this could be a huge advantage.
5. Durability
Bug out vehicles must be durable; they will need to stand up to a variety of abuses during travel. Some of the most important parts of the vehicle are the axles, drive train and engine. Many off-road vehicle come with skid plates to protect the bottom of the car, otherwise it would be good to install one. Good bumpers are also great to have (greatly help to protect the engine).
6. Addons + Accessories
Four wheel enthusiasts love to put aftermarket parts and accessories onto their vehicles. With a few exceptions, your vehicle should remain as close to stock as possible. The exceptions are add-ons that will increase your vehicles durability and off-road capabilities. There are three reasons to keep your vehicle stock:
- Stock vehicles have been tested with their parts, and require much less maintenance over time
- Extra parts are expensive (good ones anyway)
- In an extreme emergency, extra parts will be easier to find if your vehicle has stock parts
7. Towing
The popular choice for hauling trailers is often the ball hitch. However, Pintle hitches perform much better in off-road conditions. The last thing you need when bugging out is to lose a trailer.
8. Color
When in a bug out situation, you may need to leave your vehicle unattended or need to hide from criminal elements. Earthy colors like brown, green and black are best, with gray and dark blue being 2nd tier choices. Avoid bright colors entirely.
9. Efficiency
While lower mpg may be a good choice, the great majority of trucks and SUV’s are gas guzzling. Diesels offer a much higher fuel efficiency than regular gas vehicles in most cases. Additionally diesel vehicles historically last longer and are more durable.
More Bug Out Vehicle Reading
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=155890
http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=3464
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?p=12373
http://www.survivalblog.com/2009/04/upgrades_to_your_bug_out_vehic.html
http://www.survivalblog.com/2009/04/two_letters_re_bug_out_vehicle_1.html
http://www.alpharubicon.com/bovstuff/perfectbovbr.htm
http://www.4x4now.com/bb1197.htm
http://www.4x4abc.com/jeep101/
http://www.tomsebooks.com/UltimateSurvivalVeh.pdf
http://www.survivalistssite.com/~canuck/downloads/bov_basics.pdf
This post has 32 comments
May 8th, 2009
Suggestions?
May 8th, 2009
Basically, a diesel 4×4 truck or SUV. I would recommend an older GMC/Chevy with good off-road tires, rear and front bumper bars, winch, tow kit, and a good rack. A skid plate and snorkel would be great add-ons, but not entirely necessary. There are many options but avoid small vehicles like Jeep Wranglers etc.
September 24th, 2009
That's pretty general, dontcha thank… avoid this one vehicle. The one that just happens to have the best offroad capability. Thats funny, it's perfect for lots of people and scenarios. Why would you say that without justification. It's a perfect vehicle for a single person and if well equipped can haul everything one would need. Small is an advantage in many casses.
September 29th, 2009
Also Jeeps have better approach angles than larger trucks or SUV's, and are lighter so they won't sink in mud (and are easier to push if you have some buddies with you if you do get stuck). A snorkel does no good if you don't waterproof your electronics (coat with dielectric grease and use rtv sealant), extend your axle breather tubes (and transmission vent tubes) as high as possible. Also if you're in deep enough water to need a snorkel your fan might get torn up and puncture your radiator (use an electric fan with a cutoff switch but keep the pully and belt on for your alternator, a/c etc.)Lockers would help (an open differential only spins one tire, not two, power goes to the tire with the least amount of traction). Regear your axles (if you opted for oversized tires) so you don't overwork your engine and tranny. Extra lights are nice for night time travel (not to tactical though), and speaking of winches, get one over rated for your vehicle, not the rated minimum. Your truck is going to be buried in mud and the winch will have to pull against the suction / weight of the mud. A shovel, basic tool kit, tow straps, tire puncture kit, first aid kit etc. are extremely important… esp. the shovel. Seems like overkill, just depends on how often you plan on getting stuck / where you plan on going. Although a basic 4×4 with some tow straps, shovel, and a come-along will get you where your going, you'll just get stuck more than you care for. Good luck finding what suits your needs.
September 29th, 2009
It is very general, that would just be my first choice because of my specific needs. The article above describes individual traits of a bug out vehicle and not one type of vehicle because… well there isn't a perfect vehicle. Everyone has different needs and different weather/geography to consider and I highly suggest that each person or group evaluates their own needs before making a decision on a bug out vehicle.
June 2nd, 2010
Exactly. All those snorkels and mud tires are about worthless when you live in Arizona. We don't get stuck in mud, we overheat. So my list of priorities would be a little different.
May 9th, 2009
My old Chevy Blazer will should get me where I need to go, it hasn't let me down yet and in four wheel drive it moves like a tank.
M.D. Creekmore
The Survivalist Blog
May 11th, 2009
Maybe, just maybe, the best bug out vehicle is the one that no one would expect!
September 15th, 2009
AMC Eagle Wagon, lol jeep developed drive train, Straight 6 torque. and fuel milage, room for 5 plus loads of room in the back and a functional roof rack, can go off road and still go quickly and handle if the main roads are still operable
May 20th, 2009
Solid site / i will definitely come back again.
May 20th, 2009
Terrific information!! i will definitely come back again soon..
June 16th, 2009
Something to think about is how will you have fuel also.
You can only carry so much fuel,gear ,and food when time to GOOD.
As to the type of BOV I would want a '60 model 4X4
June 16th, 2009
I don't know if these are popular in the US. I have a second tank on my vehicle which contains LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas or Propane). It's a lot cheaper in the UK than regular fuel (around half the cost), and although you only get 2/3 the MPG on LPG it really extends the range – I can drive at least 200 miles before I have to switch to petrol, which then gives me a further 380 miles before refuelling. Best of all, the shelf life of LPG is forever, unlike petrol which needs a stabiliser to store it. I do need to store some petrol however, as the vehicle won't start on pure LPG, it needs petrol.
LPG is often found at unmanned points (country stores, industrial estates, farmyards), so if the grid power is still on, you can still pump LPG. I'm working on a system to switch to bottled LPG, or refill the tank from a bottle as these are easily storable (and the empty bottles make good woodburning stoves). My barbecue and camp cooker also use LPG as a fuel, so it's a good all-round fuel to store.
June 16th, 2009
I don't know about the use of LPG, but there are external gas tanks that a lot of people (especially in rural areas) use in their trucks. Usually they just sit in the bed of the truck and then the refuel by hand when they need to.
Also some bigger cars here have 2 tanks built into the car that can hold a lot of gas. Suburbans carry about 45 gallons.
June 16th, 2009
"Also some bigger cars here have 2 tanks built into the car that can hold a lot of gas"
We don't get cars like that in the UK! I know what you mean though, a few years ago I had a US-built Ford Econoline (E150) with two petrol tanks. Mind you, it needed them as it only did 8 MPG around town.
July 7th, 2009
If it really hits the fan, a vehicle's only as good as your fuel supply, spares or resources to fabricate repairs. It won't take long before a vehicle's asset value plummets and can even become a major liability. Far more comforting to know how to survive and thrive without one when necesary.
July 20th, 2009
I'm a huge believer in reliability! My 2007 Honda Accord is my bugout vehicle. I can't go offroad, but probably won't need to. Most bug out situations only last 3-5 days and if you've planned properly, you can get out via major roadway. I've got it packed with my Bug out Bag with enough for 3 days at least and I have a plan as to where I'm going to go.
Go with your most RELIABLE vehicle.
By the way, I really like this site, do you have a discussion Forum?
More on this topic of vehicles here, http://www.todayssurvival.com/?p=186
July 27th, 2009
Go with a off road motor bike or scooter as roads and bridges may be out or damaged and traffic jams will be a problem in an evacuation. Some get 100+ MPG so 2 5 Gal gas cans will give you 1000 miles of driving. They can be carried in a truck bed as a backup for your BOV.
August 12th, 2009
I like a jeep with a small off-road / military trailer.
Small, nimble, and very capable if setup with nicer axles, better tires, etc… short wheel base good turning, and a small trailer for all your gear
September 24th, 2009
Exactly, now theres a smart man.
September 28th, 2009
I agree 100%. I have a well outfitted 99 Wrangler and I built a 4X7' trailer with identical deck height as the jeep. Uses the same wheel/tires and carries 3 spares all together (1 on jeep-2 on trailer). The trailer weighs 500lb empty but I believe I can drag it full of survivables anywhere I can coax the Jeep. The trailer is also good for general utility uses. It will hold almost a full cord of firewood! Check it out here http://ruffrider.vox.com/
August 20th, 2009
I'm using an 1988 Dodge ramcharger, I modified the suspension and added better tires, plus it gives me the room I need to put my extra bags and other stuff that I might need. It has enough room for my family. My Dodge has Dana 44 axels and I'm running 35" tires on the vehicle, I'm also looking at adding two wenches front and rear.
September 15th, 2009
James – Two wenches? What will the wife say? All you need is one winch on a 2" hitch mount that you switch to the rear if you need to. You should have a brushguard bumper up front with with a hitch which would be more practical than two winches. Think about it.
October 18th, 2009
get a semi
October 29th, 2009
Cool Car!
January 11th, 2010
My BOV is already at my site…..
No sense in trying to outrun any radios, bullets, helicopters, etc.
I have determined after hours of reading, and becoming mentally defunct by now, that I am NOT one to become a REFUGEE!
Just not my lifestyle….
Stay within 2 hours maximum drive of your "site" and leave at the first warning or, be trapped.
(prep your site with everything you will need, and make it safe)
January 16th, 2010
As a tried and true way to "bug Out" ,lest we not forget the best way we have been using since we learned to pick ourselves up off the floor!
Our own 2 feet!
You may not be able to carry much, but you don't need: gas, tires, spare parts, etc…
And I can see a vehicle much easier than I could a person, especially one that is smart enought to avoid roads, etc.
Or, get a mountain bike, put some saddle bags on it, or even a 'trike" kinda slow and awkward in rough areas!
Be sure to either carry spare tires and tubes, and a patch kit and pump, OR, get the newest solid tires..they never go flat!
With a little bit of ingenuity, you can rig a small 2 x 4 trailer on a hitch, and pull along quite a bit with you!
Don't rely on motorized vehicles that may be apt to ruined by an emp, or if you run out of gas.
Get an older model truck, with NO computer system, and carry spare parts:
battery, starter, alternator, ignition, points, condensor, rotor, cap, wires, plugs, etc.
Learn how to use an 8lb or larger propane tank to run that engine, if you have ever have the need!
January 26th, 2010
BTW:
Buy a decent pair of boots!
Do not make the mistake of just trying on a pair in your size and packing them away!
I did.
I paid with pain!
My feet were severly blistered on the heels and balls of the feet.
In less than a week, I was barely able to even walk!
I spent 10 day in those things, and discovered all the things that could go wrong….
Like:
Not having another pair as back-up’s, in a different style, manufacturer, and so forth.
I learned the hard way, and I was in a place that was 15 miles from the nearest town, even further from medical assistance if needed.
So, be careful with your feet, watch what you buy, and buy the best you can afford…
(Walmart is not on the top of any of my lists, like: Sports authority, Big 5 sporting goods, Target, Foot locker, etc, etc!)
Most places import all their shoes/boots from CHINA!
Even the managers there showed me the fallacy of the stuff they sell….Injection molded junk, and badly assembled on a good day!
Buy your shoes/boots from places like: Buster Brown, and Redwing!
January 29th, 2010
ATV or Sled (snowmachine) is the way to go in Alaska. Everything, everyone has discribed will only work in certain areas in Alaska and since it is very densely forested with permafrost/drunken forests and lost of musk kep, regular trucks and the like don’t always work.
I have a ATV (Grizz 350 with a wench) and a Sled (skidoo tundra) that both have hitches for my “packing” bucket, which is actually a loading bucket for hunting moose. I can put durable “tires” on or take them off due to the terrain as well as the time of year for weather. It can also float when needed.
It depends on region. As much as I would like to take my truck(s) with my sled and atv on a hitch… you just can’t do it. Always have some type of alternative.
February 23rd, 2010
I'm gearing up my 1988 Chevy Suburban. It's a tank, has 9 seatbelts, tons of cargo space inside as well as on the roof rack, tons of power, can take a hit and could pull down a house. It's not cheap getting a good BOV ready to go, but it's worth it. An understanding wife is also a big help. Mine just rolls her eyes and let's me do my thing.
I live on a very remote and well guarded/gated military base which is nice for the peace of mind, but a move to Juneau, Alaska (my home town) is in the sort of near future. I like to be out of the way. Thanks for the post, upinak… looks like I'm going to need a couple of sleds as well… good stuff.
Be well, gentlemen.
April 15th, 2010
Consider a white pickup, cargo van or older suburban. Since you cannot predict what the bugout situation will be consider that you want to melt into the background. white vehicles are everywhere, your city uses them to check water meters. Your electric company uses them to read the meter and contractors use them. They are ubiquitous and do not attract attention.
June 13th, 2010
Its hard to beat a dirt bike for getting out tough situations, the only problem is you can't carry a bunch of equipment with you.