Survival Vehicle

BloodRedStratus · 08-13-2007, 07:57 AM

So for short term shtf events, would a vehicle be a good idea? I think the ablitily to move espeically when it first hits is the best thing, esp when you are like me and live in an apartment. I have a 1994 Jeep Cherokee that I am building up for just that. If I need to move, it can get me over and through most things. If it can't do it, not much that civilians have will. Of course parts will break and more than likely it would fuel would be a big problem, but it would work to get some distance between you and what ever is going on.

Chris · 08-13-2007, 08:51 AM

If the roads are congested like I suspect it will be hard to travel. Off road travel is going to be very hard with a vehicle depending on the area.

You can't store, but so much gas without it becoming a target or hazard for you.

Bravo · 08-13-2007, 11:06 AM

Fuel would be the biggest issue..

I heard that Utility ATV Four Wheelers get over 60mpg...I don't know if this is true though. Either way, you'd still need gas...

Maybe a Bike or Horse might be the best SHTF vehicle

just_a_car · 08-13-2007, 11:33 AM

Perhaps a four-wheel ATV or off-road motorcycle that runs on biodiesel that you make yourself, so that you don't have to worry about supply....

ezearln · 08-13-2007, 02:51 PM

My personal choice IF it becomes necessary to bug out is to load out the Pick-up and slide in camper (always stocked for those nefarious camping/fishing trips) hitch my CJ3B to the Bumper and giddy up go, the truck and camper can be abandoned if necessary and there is enough fuel (treated for long term storage) on the jeep to add an additional 300+ miles to our run, that little rebuilt CJ3B will go places and climb roads not many modern stock or even semi stock 4 WD's will even attempt, even the now semi legendary Military hummers. Traveling afoot would be fine for me, but not for the Missus so a tough as nails 4x4 would be essential for us.

cubbieman · 08-13-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravo

Fuel would be the biggest issue..

I heard that Utility ATV Four Wheelers get over 60mpg...I don't know if this is true though. Either way, you'd still need gas...

Maybe a Bike or Horse might be the best SHTF vehicle

i do believe a 300 or 400 class utility ATV would be best suited for this, you could put 4, maybe 6 3.2 gallon gas tanks on the racks(2 or 3 on each rack) and you can get 3.2 gallon water jugs that you can mount to the rack and they take up no space, so technically you could put like 8 on there if you needed and you could carry a .22 and a handgun(9MM is what i would carry) and the ammo could go on the front rack and you could put food on the back and the rest of your supplies on the front with ammo. it'd be pretty weighed down, but that's the most supplies you're gonna get out of the gas mileage with the go everywhere ability of a ATV. but that would only work for short term, not having to go all that far

i'd say a horse for long term bug outs

A-10 · 08-13-2007, 07:53 PM

It would be nice to get out of the imidiate area with a well supplied motorized vehicle, but after that, I have to go with the wisdom of the Zombie Survival Guide which suggests the old bicycle as the vehicle of choice. It doesn't need fuel, it's light, quiet, easy to maintain, and can navigate clogged roads and cities or towns. And hey, it's a lot faster than walking. If I had horses available to me, I'd sooner utilize them, though with my luck, I'd end up with the most stubborn horse there is just like the one that I learned on.

cubbieman · 08-13-2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-10

It would be nice to get out of the imidiate area with a well supplied motorized vehicle, but after that, I have to go with the wisdom of the Zombie Survival Guide which suggests the old bicycle as the vehicle of choice. It doesn't need fuel, it's light, quiet, easy to maintain, and can navigate clogged roads and cities or towns. And hey, it's a lot faster than walking. If I had horses available to me, I'd sooner utilize them, though with my luck, I'd end up with the most stubborn horse there is just like the one that I learned on.

throw it on the ATV

A-10 · 08-13-2007, 11:43 PM

There you go! ......... wait a minute, no horse I've ever seen would fit on an ATV!

cubbieman · 08-13-2007, 11:45 PM

LOL i meant the bike, you knew that(i hope)

just_a_car · 08-13-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubbieman

LOL i meant the bike, you knew that(i hope)

Actually, I thought you meant the horse, too.

cubbieman · 08-13-2007, 11:58 PM

lol i guess i should have clarified

A-10 · 08-14-2007, 12:07 AM

Please be more pacific next time.

CrazyIvan · 08-15-2007, 03:28 PM

I'm concerned with EMP effects on newer vehicles. I have a 72 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and a 1974 Ford Bronco. I can't decide whether it would be best to just hit an open road and go 150+mph until it runs out of gas to get away from the SHTF area or if the Bronco with 33" tires that maybe goes max 90 mph, but has the off-road capability. They both have about the same distance ability (about 200 miles) and mpg. I'd probably pick the bronco, just because it holds more cargo in both means of space and weight and I can push things out of the way or go around them if needed. The bronco can also be outfitted with gas can racks that can hold up to an additional 30-40 gallons of gas, multiplying my distance ability by about 2-1/2.

But, nothing is computerized in either, so EMP would not effect anything but the radio, perhaps.

Leimen · 08-20-2007, 04:04 PM

I have an Ex/Army Dodge 4x4 ambulance sitting here being used for a storage container. All this got me to thinking I should clear it out and keep it prepped. Could head up onto the logging roads with it if things got real bad.

damage855 · 09-14-2007, 06:27 AM

If you can use an older model diesel run truck you can use heating oil, kerosene just about any thing but gasoline in it if you need to. long term you could set up a biofuel refinery seen on the net once where some guy was useing a old waterheater and reddevil lye to treat old cooking oil somehow ill see if i can find it again and post.

mos19k · 09-14-2007, 09:40 AM

First I'm not a mechanic and have very little mechanical ability, so I ask this out of ignorance.

Would the EMP affect the fuel pump, starter, or alternator? If it does would it matter how old the vehicle is? I have an old Honda Odyssey Dune Buggy that is pull start and the fuel is gravity fed, would this vehicle be safe? My ATV is kick start hopefully it will also still work. Our plan is to Bug In but if we have to move out we do have mountain bikes as a last resort.

Idaho Dave · 09-14-2007, 10:19 AM

Live so far away from any conentration of people hoping that any EM pulse would not affect us. Have a Chevy silverado and a ford explorer both 4x4. Then there always is cody the horse. not a lot of need for transportaion though.

Dan22 · 09-14-2007, 12:20 PM

Every time I see a disaster movie and they tell everyone to evacuate you see long lines of backed-up traffic and no one can move.

Unless..you have a bike! You could "White-Line" through the traffic or with knobby tires just hit the shoulder or fields.

I know you can't carry a lot on a bike but you can strap rifle scabbards or fishing poles to the front forks, a 5-gallon gas can on the rear footpegs or brackets and a bedroll an other stuff behind you on the seat and fender plus the handlebars.

You could also wear a backpack with more "Stuff."

Don't forget a syphon hose for picking up gas when you find it.

Like I said, just a thought............

ArkansasHunter · 09-14-2007, 02:17 PM

How about a golf cart or the electric atv that came out not long ago and equip it with a solar panel ? You can load a lotta guns and beans on one of these.

08-13-2007, 07:57 AM	#1
BloodRedStratus Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Westerville, Ohio Posts: 226	Survival Vehicle So for short term shtf events, would a vehicle be a good idea? I think the ablitily to move espeically when it first hits is the best thing, esp when you are like me and live in an apartment. I have a 1994 Jeep Cherokee that I am building up for just that. If I need to move, it can get me over and through most things. If it can't do it, not much that civilians have will. Of course parts will break and more than likely it would fuel would be a big problem, but it would work to get some distance between you and what ever is going on.

08-13-2007, 08:51 AM	#2
Chris HMFIC Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,834,168 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 18	If the roads are congested like I suspect it will be hard to travel. Off road travel is going to be very hard with a vehicle depending on the area. You can't store, but so much gas without it becoming a target or hazard for you. __________________ Rules \| Contributing Members No one has the right to deny my personal safety Please be descriptive in your thread titles!

08-13-2007, 11:06 AM	#3
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,897	Fuel would be the biggest issue.. I heard that Utility ATV Four Wheelers get over 60mpg...I don't know if this is true though. Either way, you'd still need gas... Maybe a Bike or Horse might be the best SHTF vehicle Last edited by Bravo; 08-13-2007 at 12:50 PM.

08-13-2007, 11:33 AM	#4
just_a_car Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 3,522	Perhaps a four-wheel ATV or off-road motorcycle that runs on biodiesel that you make yourself, so that you don't have to worry about supply.... __________________

08-13-2007, 02:51 PM	#5
ezearln Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 3,175	My personal choice IF it becomes necessary to bug out is to load out the Pick-up and slide in camper (always stocked for those nefarious camping/fishing trips) hitch my CJ3B to the Bumper and giddy up go, the truck and camper can be abandoned if necessary and there is enough fuel (treated for long term storage) on the jeep to add an additional 300+ miles to our run, that little rebuilt CJ3B will go places and climb roads not many modern stock or even semi stock 4 WD's will even attempt, even the now semi legendary Military hummers. Traveling afoot would be fine for me, but not for the Missus so a tough as nails 4x4 would be essential for us. __________________ "You can have my Freedom when I'm done with it!"

08-13-2007, 07:53 PM	#7
A-10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 732	It would be nice to get out of the imidiate area with a well supplied motorized vehicle, but after that, I have to go with the wisdom of the Zombie Survival Guide which suggests the old bicycle as the vehicle of choice. It doesn't need fuel, it's light, quiet, easy to maintain, and can navigate clogged roads and cities or towns. And hey, it's a lot faster than walking. If I had horses available to me, I'd sooner utilize them, though with my luck, I'd end up with the most stubborn horse there is just like the one that I learned on.

08-13-2007, 11:43 PM	#9
A-10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 732	There you go! ......... wait a minute, no horse I've ever seen would fit on an ATV!

08-13-2007, 11:45 PM	#10
cubbieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 1,481	LOL i meant the bike, you knew that(i hope)

08-13-2007, 11:58 PM	#12
cubbieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 1,481	lol i guess i should have clarified

08-14-2007, 12:07 AM	#13
A-10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 732	Please be more pacific next time.

08-15-2007, 03:28 PM	#14
CrazyIvan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Englewood, CO Posts: 2,360	I'm concerned with EMP effects on newer vehicles. I have a 72 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and a 1974 Ford Bronco. I can't decide whether it would be best to just hit an open road and go 150+mph until it runs out of gas to get away from the SHTF area or if the Bronco with 33" tires that maybe goes max 90 mph, but has the off-road capability. They both have about the same distance ability (about 200 miles) and mpg. I'd probably pick the bronco, just because it holds more cargo in both means of space and weight and I can push things out of the way or go around them if needed. The bronco can also be outfitted with gas can racks that can hold up to an additional 30-40 gallons of gas, multiplying my distance ability by about 2-1/2. But, nothing is computerized in either, so EMP would not effect anything but the radio, perhaps. __________________ "Minimum wage, minimum effort." "Never underestimate the power of stupidity." ~Me

08-20-2007, 04:04 PM	#15
Leimen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 18	I have an Ex/Army Dodge 4x4 ambulance sitting here being used for a storage container. All this got me to thinking I should clear it out and keep it prepped. Could head up onto the logging roads with it if things got real bad.

09-14-2007, 06:27 AM	#16
damage855 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina / Lake Norman Posts: 931 Blog Entries: 1	If you can use an older model diesel run truck you can use heating oil, kerosene just about any thing but gasoline in it if you need to. long term you could set up a biofuel refinery seen on the net once where some guy was useing a old waterheater and reddevil lye to treat old cooking oil somehow ill see if i can find it again and post.

09-14-2007, 09:40 AM	#17
mos19k Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 314	First I'm not a mechanic and have very little mechanical ability, so I ask this out of ignorance. Would the EMP affect the fuel pump, starter, or alternator? If it does would it matter how old the vehicle is? I have an old Honda Odyssey Dune Buggy that is pull start and the fuel is gravity fed, would this vehicle be safe? My ATV is kick start hopefully it will also still work. Our plan is to Bug In but if we have to move out we do have mountain bikes as a last resort.

09-14-2007, 10:19 AM	#18
Idaho Dave Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 535	Live so far away from any conentration of people hoping that any EM pulse would not affect us. Have a Chevy silverado and a ford explorer both 4x4. Then there always is cody the horse. not a lot of need for transportaion though.

09-14-2007, 12:20 PM	#19
Dan22 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Florida Posts: 395	Just a thought, what about a 250cc trail bike? Every time I see a disaster movie and they tell everyone to evacuate you see long lines of backed-up traffic and no one can move. Unless..you have a bike! You could "White-Line" through the traffic or with knobby tires just hit the shoulder or fields. I know you can't carry a lot on a bike but you can strap rifle scabbards or fishing poles to the front forks, a 5-gallon gas can on the rear footpegs or brackets and a bedroll an other stuff behind you on the seat and fender plus the handlebars. You could also wear a backpack with more "Stuff." Don't forget a syphon hose for picking up gas when you find it. Like I said, just a thought............

09-14-2007, 02:17 PM	#20
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,709	How about a golf cart or the electric atv that came out not long ago and equip it with a solar panel ? You can load a lotta guns and beans on one of these.