Hi Everyone!
I'd like to thank RW for letting me do a few guest posts on things I like to ramble on about. I've seen a few items about the ultimate bug out vehicle, so I thought I'd toss in my humble opinion on the subject. I'm not going into what the best would be, just what you may need and or should consider having to meet your needs. I’m sure my vehicles would be way down on anyone's list, but it's what I have and sometimes you have to make do with what you have.
Depending on how many people and what you need haul, the size of your vehicle has to be semi-comfortable for your party. Six people in a single cab pickup, with preps, won’t do for a 400 mile ride. Are you hauling a trailer? What's on it? Got a decent hitch, sway control?
Let's look at what you have or need. If you have a Jeep or such, how much and how many people will fit in it? I had one, and I promise, not much! If you have a pickup with a shell or camper on it, pulling a trailer, you can get quite a bit in it and the trailer.
Here's what I have ready to go. I have a Dodge dually with a V10, yes, sucks down the gas, but can tow anything and a towbar to pull my Suzuki Sidekick, a lil butt plug convertible. I can load most of my stuff into the Suzuki, the rest into my Dodge which has a shell on it and gives me a temporary shelter at least.
There is NO way I can take everything I'd like or need or desire between these 2 vehicles, as I'm a tool geek, but I can get most all my preps into them along with a few small toolboxes, my generator, chainsaw and still have room for a couple people in back. It might not be comfy but it works.
My point here is, look at your second vehicle as a utility trailer or additional shelter, as it will use less gas than your BOV, it can also act as a trailer, or a second housing unit if it's decent sized. Use your BOV as a main vehicle, then use the lil’ thing you are towing for trips to the lake, hunting, hauling firewood, etc. You can decide what works best for you.
A cheap little car or vehicle, in addition to a big old 4x4, will be better for utility purposes on an everyday basis anytime!
Dean in AZ
You may also want to check out some of the great tips and information on different vehicle combinations and necessary gear and equipment at RV Survivalist. This is a fairly common practice among RV users and makes good sense, especially in a bug out scenario.
Riverwalker
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7 comments:
Do you stock spare parts for the vehicle?
I have a stash of filter's and such for both.Probably a good idea to get a few spare belt's and hose's as the budget allow's.
Dean in Az
Thats a great idea. I drive a V8 full size pickup that I know could two either of my wife's small SUVs (Suzuki XL7 / Chevrolet Tracker). Be a great idea for the above - thanks for the suggestion!
I remember a ways back, a blogger named Vlad mentioned that a decent trailer could be made from a de-engined / transmissioned van. Holds a lot, can haul a bunch and if emptied, can even be lived in. If the wheels match what your primary tow vehicle is, so much the better.
I bought a used M35A2 from Government Liquidation for around $1000, add the M101 trailer for another $200 and for $1200 I have a 6X6 truck that can run on almost straight used oil from a restaurant or used motor oil. Yes its loud, yes its big, but since it was built to sit for long periods of time until use it is the perfect vehicle to sit and wait for something that more or less may never come. Plus its just cool.
To: anonymous 5:06
Vlad mentioned using an old van on my previous post about using vehicles for shelter. It's a great idea!
RW
To: anonymous 2:26
WOW! That sounds like a great set-up and only $1200. Thanks for sharing!
RW
Basically go to Govliquidation.com. Then watch, sometimes you can get a used vehicle for anywhere from 800 to 2500 or more depending on the vehicle. Like I said I got a trailer and the truck (M35A2 6X6) for around 1200, you have to watch, you have to really pay attention, and you might have to travel to get the truck adding to the cost, but in the end you have something you will put as much or less into then any vehicle, and if it is for a true bugout then this is the vehicle. Once your done you simple start and charge the batteries once a week, maybe camp with it a few times a year. The insurance for a historical vehicle is less, the tags are cheap and in the end you will have a better vehicle for less. Remember these are the vehicles that had little or no trouble getting around post Katrina.
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