Let’s talk about Bugout vehicles

Before we proceed further. Let’s be realistic, when the 💩 hits the fan, the best vehicle to use is the one you already have, be it work vehicle or your little rust bucket.

 
That being said here are some useful things to consider when putting together a Bugout vehicle.

Space:

The size of your vehicle will depend on your needs.
How many people depend on using it?
How much equipment will you need to carry?
Will you be needing to use it as a base camp?

Fuel Requirements:

Does the vehicle require fuel? What kind and how much?
How expensive will it be to run?
Will fuel be available in a SHTF situation?
Can you convert the vehicle to run on other types of fuel such as bio diesel?

Speed:

Will the bug out vehicle be able to get you out of a dangerous situation quickly?
Also think about maneuverability can you handle the vehicle under stress at high speed?

Terrain:
Will the vehicle stand up to poor terrain such as glass broken down trees potholes and potential hazards flooding ect?

Ease of Repair:

What are likely repair issues? Do you know how to make these repairs? Are spare parts readily available?
Can you fix the vehicle well on the road with minimal available supplies?

Vehicle Safety and security:

Will the vehicle be easily damaged from physical threats?
 Will the car be able to protect you from these threats as well?
Is the vehicle armored or can it be armored?
Accessibility

Do you already have access to this vehicle?
If not can you get access?

For more information regarding what to pack in your Bugout bag follow the link below
https://chasereality.co/2022/02/25/time-to-bugout/

Types of vehicles for bugging out

1. Car
This is the most common vehicle for most.

Pros:

• You probably already have one, and it is likely to be nearby when a disaster strikes

• Discreet it blends in (being the gray man)

• Can be used as a shelter however may be small so ideally only useful if your group is 2/3 people

• Can carry a decent amount of equipment.

• Depending on the model, spare parts might be easy to find older models can be easier to find parts for and fix

Cons:

• Probably not capable enough off road

• Easily damaged

• Could be affected by EMP elecro magnetic pulse

• Requires fuel, which might not be available

• Needs to be maintained and repaired well on the road quickly and with limited supplies

2. Truck or SUV 4 wheel drive

Pros:

• Handles tough terrain

• Protects occupants normally fitted with a roll cage

• Can be armored

• Can be used on a regular basis

• Holds a lot of equipment including large roof racks

• Can be used as a shelter for larger groups 4/6 people

Cons:

• Has high fuel consumption

• Might make you stand out and become a target for looters

• Fixing the vehicle will be harder and finding spare parts might be difficult

• A good setup will cost a lot as most off road vehicles have expensive extras needed to maximise their capability

• Could be affected by EMP lots of electrical components (look at using older vehicles such as Land rover or Toyota)

3. Campers/RV/Vans

Pros:

• Make a great shelter, including for long-term survival

• Many are already equipped with features like solar panels, bathrooms, and kitchens heating and bedrooms

• Vast amounts of space for people and gear

• Can be armored and equipped with protection elements such as gun turrets
Cctv ect

• Suitable for large groups (depending on the size)

• Rugged, off-road campers are available

Cons:

• Very high fuel consumption

• Very conspicuous – sticks out like a sore thumb

• Many models don’t handle backroads very well and forget about using them in very narrow country roads

• Hard to maneuver; difficult or impossible to turn around on narrow roads

• Much slower speed than an SUV or car

• Must have a place to park it

• Isn’t used on a regular basis, so you probably won’t be driving it if a disaster hits while you are away from home

• Very expensive running costs

• Could be affected by EMP

4. Motorcycle

Pros:

• Very fast however can you handle one well under stress and in poor driving conditions?

• Can handle many types of terrain and obstacles, including navigating through rubble, roadblocks, and backroads

• Low fuel consumption requirements

• Easy to hide at base camp

• More likely to be EMP-proof

• Relatively easy and fast to make repairs

Cons:

• Very limited on the amount of gear you are able to carry

• No protection from the weather or external threats like projectiles

• Not suitable for snowy or icy conditions

• Can’t be used as a shelter unless you use a tarpaulin as a shelter over the bike

• Only suitable for 1-2 people

• You probably don’t use it every day, so it might not be nearby when disaster strikes

• Unless you already enjoy riding a motorcycle, you will have to learn a whole new skill set as bikes are very different to other 4 wheel vehicles

5. Bike

Pros:

• Requires no fuel apart from you.

• Can get around roadblocks and navigate through traffic jams

• Could be used on small trails which are inaccessible to larger vehicles

• Impervious to EMP

• Easy to hide at base camp

• Can easily and quickly make repairs

• Very affordable

Cons:

• Manual labor to go anywhere – which means using much-needed calories

• Must be in good physical condition to use; injury would immobilize you

• Slow speed

• No protection from the weather or external threats like projectiles

• Only suitable for 1-2 people (as with tandem bikes or child bike seats)

• Saddlebags only able to hold limited amounts of gear

• Can’t be used as a shelter

• Tires easily pop on broken glass and fire

Vehicle Emergency Items

Remember what you decide to carry must be relevant to the vehicle used

• Mechanic tool kit

• Basic spare parts

• Fuses

• Spare bulbs

• Spare windshield wipers

• Spark plugs and socket set

• Spare tire or 2 if you have the space

• Fuel canister preferably metal

• Siphon and pump â€“ Read about how to siphon gas from a car

• Tire chains

• Tire repair kit

• Jack rated for the vehicle or stronger

• Tire gauge

• Air compressor and foot pump

• Electric Jumpstarter and jumper cable

• Ice scraper

• Spare fluid, Oil, Coolant ,Antifreeze ect

• Shovel

• Salt or cat litter for spills

• Spare keys

• Rope and bungee cord

• Tow straps

• Small broom and dustpan (for cleaning up broken glass)

• Fire extinguisher at least one and seatbelt cutter with glass breaker attached

• Duct tape you can fix most things with dict tape!

• Tire sealant

• Heavy duty gloves

• Roof rack

Vehicle cover (preferably camouflaged)

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