Preppin' 101 - Part 4 - Vehicles

If during a crisis you should suddenly find yourself without some form of shelter, there are several different options to choose from should you decide to avoid public shelters or other facilities that may be made available to the public at large. Depending upon your individual needs and the size of your family, you should choose the option that is best for your family’s needs and your budget.


Temporary Shelter Options

1.) Living in your car

Cars - The Advantages

Most people already own a vehicle and therefore this option is readily available to most everyone. It also offers a quick and ready means for changing locations. You will also have the option of pulling a small pop-up style camper or small travel trailer. Your options will ultimately depend on the towing capacity of your vehicle and your budget.

Cars – The Disadvantages

Cars require maintenance and fuel for their operation. This can lead to increased costs for temporary shelter needs. They can also be quite confining due to limited available space. They generally have limited towing capacity as far as optional trailers are concerned.

2.) Living in your truck

Trucks – The Advantages

If you are fortunate enough to own a truck, you can have several different options available. A truck can be equipped with a camper shell or slide-in camper unit. This will give you additional room while still offering the advantage of being able to change locations if necessary. You will also have the option to pull larger trailers (5th wheels, etc.) depending upon the size of your truck and its towing capacity.

Trucks – The Disadvantages

Trucks usually suffer in the economy department. They usually require lots of fuel and additional routine maintenance that can be quite expensive when compared to smaller and more lightweight cars and trucks, especially when pulling heavy loads (large trailers, etc.).

3.) Living in a motor home or RV

Motor Homes / RVs – The Advantage

Many motor homes and most RVs are like small apartments or small homes. They often have most of the same amenities that people are accustomed to having in their lives. Kitchens, bathrooms, and other conveniences can make life a lot more comfortable in a crisis. Another important option of motor homes and RVs is the mobile nature of motor homes and RVs. Having the option of being able to change locations in a very rapid manner and a short period of time could be invaluable in a crisis.

Motor Homes / RVs – The Disadvantage

Motor homes and RVs are expensive to purchase and maintain. Fuel costs and repairs can be expensive. For many people on a budget this may not be an affordable option. Thankfully, purchasing a motor home or RV is not necessarily required.

Another option that can be considered is a lease or rental. Leasing or renting a motor home or RV for a short time period may allow you to find out if this is actually something may want to consider before purchasing your own. This will enable you to find out if this is the right course of action before making a making purchase or a major change in your lifestyle that may create serious difficulties for you and your family.

Choosing the right option for your temporary shelter needs during a crisis should take into consideration several main things.

1.) Will it be affordable and within you or your family’s budget restraints?

2.) Will it allow you to provide adequately for other necessities that are required (food, water, clothing, protection, etc.)?

3.) Will it offer you and your family the option to easily change locations if necessary?

4.) Will it provide the most available services and living space for you and your family?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker