Bug Out Vehicle For TEOTWAWKI

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When disaster strikes, you don’t want to be caught without a plan. Whether it be a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, EMP, or even zombies, you want to make sure that you and your family have a way to quickly get to safety. That means having a reliable, bug out-ready means of transportation. While some people probably picture a huge, expensive, military-grade vehicle when they think of a bug out vehicle, a bug out vehicle is really just any vehicle capable of getting you to safety under terrible conditions. Not every bug out vehicle is right for every situation, though. We’ll explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of different vehicles and features here, so you can be prepared for any situation.  

A bug out vehicle will be something different for every individual, depending on their needs. For instance, a single person living in the desert probably isn’t going to have the same requirements of their bug out vehicle as a family of five living in the mountains. Before you start building your bug out vehicle, here are some things to consider.

CARGO CAPACITY

This can be a tricky one. While you want to travel as light as possible, you also want to make sure that you have everything you need to make it to your bug out location. Remember that things rarely go as planned in a SHTF scenario. There will be unforeseen obstacles and disasters to impede your journey such as roadblocks, marauders, etc. While your bug out location may only be fifty miles away, it could take you a couple of days to get there, depending on what deterrents you face. Don’t count on a quick drive. Make sure you have enough supplies to last you through a long, treacherous journey.

That’s not to say that your entire bug out preparedness supplies should be able to fit in your vehicle, though. In a bug out situation, you may be forced to abandon your bug out vehicle. In that case, you want to make sure that you can carry out your vital equipment, not leaving too much behind.

Again, consider who you are transporting, and what everyone will need to survive. Do you plan on having your bug out vehicle double as your bug out location? If you’re planning on living in your vehicle, obviously you will require more supplies. Do you need to tow a trailer, ATV, etc.? If so, you’re going to need something with enough strength and horsepower to get the job done, such as a truck, SUV, or Jeep.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE

While many people insist that 4WD is the only option for a proper bug out vehicle, it may actually not be the best option for every individual. Don’t get us wrong — 4WD definitely has its advantages. Most notably, it is pretty much required for any off-road drives. It makes crossing rough terrain much easier, safer, and more successful. It will help you navigate through roadblocks, busted up streets, snow, and other harsh conditions.

However, there are also downsides to 4WD vehicles. For one, they are typically large, making them not terribly useful in a huge traffic grid. If you live in a large city, a motorcycle would make it much easier to maneuver the bumper-to-bumper chaos. Secondly, 4WD vehicles are frequently less fuel efficient than other modes of transportation. Also consider the type of 4WD on your bug out vehicle: pre-’80s vehicles have part time 4WD, which requires the driver to exit the vehicle and turn the locking hubs manually to engage 4WD. This can slow you down, and make you vulnerable. The circuitry on newer 4WD vehicles can be very difficult to troubleshoot and repair when something goes wrong, so it’s something you want to think about when selecting a vehicle and year for your bug out vehicle.

CLEARANCE

If you foresee having to drive over uneven ground or other obstacles, you may want to get a vehicle with greater clearance, or raise the suspension yourself. You want to protect your bug out vehicle from damage, as you likely won’t have the time or equipment to repair these types of breakdowns. Cracking your differential, or piercing a fuel tank or oil pan on debris or boulders is more likely to happen when off-roading or driving on rough terrain. Even if none of your routes include off-roading, when the SHTF, roads may be littered with dangerous objects.

Except for sports cars, most vehicles typically come with adequate clearance and shocks, and the majority of stock trucks still have room for larger tires without lifts and fender cutting. However, if you feel like your bug out vehicle must have a lift, there are a plethora of kits to choose from, and when all is said and done, it’s no cheap investment. Lifts accommodate larger wheels, tires, and special suspension. Adding these modifications up could cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Keep in mind that while a lift kit may help protect the your undercarriage from rough terrain, it also causes strain on your brakes, axles, and shocks. The factory engineering isn’t built to optimally take the rocking weight of the chassis and body when it’s higher up; thus, parts will wear out faster. You also want to be careful not to take your clearance too high. A higher clearance also means a higher center of gravity, which decreases your stability and increases your chances of rollover. Consider your terrain, and give yourself adequate clearance to make the journey, without sacrificing too much stability.

FUEL

When it comes to choosing a fuel source, there are a few things you need to consider. While gas engines are less expensive and more prevalent in cities, diesel may be a better choice for some. In a SHTF situation, fuel will become very scarce very quickly. Not only will everybody be trying to get as much of it on their hands as possible, but in the case of EMP, the fuel at gas stations will not be accessible. That makes the storage and scavenging of fuel vitally important.

Because diesel is less refined than gasoline, it has a longer shelf-life, making it better for storage. Also, even though gasoline is more common in commuter vehicles, diesel is the fuel of choice on most farm equipment, construction equipment, locomotives, and semis with huge fuel tanks. Diesel is everywhere. Plus, diesel engines can run off of biodiesel, which you could make yourself using crops that you grow. Biodiesel can also be refined by raiding fast food fryer grease – a substance that isn’t in short demand yet. Overall, diesel is also more fuel efficient than gasoline, and it doesn’t rely on an electronic ignition system, making it a better choice for an EMP scenario and simpler repairs.

Another fuel source to consider is wood gas. Wood gas can be made yourself, and depending on where you live, wood is widely accessible. If this option interests you, the type of ignition system in your vehicle matters. Wood gas can’t be used by a modern fuel injected vehicle. However, a carbureted vehicle can easily be adapted to take wood gas. You can also build your own wood gasifier, and mount it onto your truck. Strange factoid: obtaining a wood (methanol) refinery license is a piece of cake in comparison to getting a license for an ethanol refinery – but who cares when SHTF? Should you choose to distill wood alcohol now, it’s not that hard to do legally. Obviously, don’t drink it, though, or bad things will happen.

AGE OF VEHICLE

So, should you buy an older vehicle or a newer one? Each option has its own list of pros and cons, and it really comes down to what’s most important to you. If you are preparing for EMP, an older car (mid ‘80s or older)  is the way to go. Even an engine from the late ‘80s with throttle body fuel injection (AKA smart carb) has a complex enough computer that will melt from EMP.   New vehicles have complex computer systems (ECM/TCM), and electronic controls for almost every accessory that may be rendered inoperable from EMP. Not to mention, computerized vehicles are also vulnerable to control takeover by the government, terrorists, or hijackers. As Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek have proved, all someone needs is a laptop, the internet, and a cell connection to be able to take over someone’s vehicle.

Older cars also have the advantage of being much easier to work on than new cars. Simplicity of repair is an important consideration in a bug out vehicle, seeing as how you won’t be able to just drop your car off at the mechanic or dealership each time you have a problem with it. When SHTF, repairs are going to be up to you and the tools you have access to. As such, you’ll want to choose one that you can repair yourself and find parts for easily. The older mechanical-based parts can often be rebuilt and sometimes milled. Newer electronic parts, on the other hand, almost always have to be replaced when they break– an option you may not have during TEOTWAWKI.

That being said, while new cars are more complicated to work on, they are also less likely to break down. Plus, new cars have the added advantage of being much safer than older cars. If you get in an accident in an old junker, you are less likely to walk away from the collision than if it had happened in a newer vehicle with modern safety features.

AVAILABILITY OF PARTS

If your bug out vehicle breaks down during TEOTWAWKI, you’ll be scavenging for parts to get it up and running again. So, you’ll want to be sure to pick a vehicle that has been massively produced for higher access to parts. While those specialized military-style vehicles may look awesome and come with a ton of great bug out vehicle features, it is also going to be more challenging to find parts for and work on during breakdowns. It is also a good idea to carry spare parts in your bug out vehicle if you have the room for them. If you’re not mechanically inclined at all, start enhancing your skills and familiarity with tools at a local junkyard. Most junkyards cost a dollar or two to enter, and they usually don’t care if you spend all day on your back tearing things apart. Know at least how to swap batteries, change tires, swap spark plugs, thermostats, and be able to locate where all your fluids go, too. Changing out fuel pumps and filters is a plus, and it’s really not that difficult.

CAMOUFLAGE

When it comes to surviving hard times, blending in is a much better bet than standing out. However, the more prepared you look, the more of a target you might become. Most people haven’t given TEOTWAWKI the slightest thought, and are going to be desperate for supplies when the time comes. Those big, hulked-out vehicles may seem like the ultimate survival vehicle, but they might also spark the hungry horde’s interest. Think about the vehicles typically driven in your area. If big trucks and SUVs are the norm, then you won’t stick out too much if that is the type of vehicle you want for your bug out vehicle. If, on the other hand, all of your neighbors are driving small sedans, your lifted Hummer is going to look awfully out of place to the little Lilliputians around you.

Also consider the color of your vehicle. Just as you don’t want to be driving a tank down Main Street, you also don’t want to choose bright yellow or fire engine red for your bug out vehicle. Neutral colors and features are your safest bet. If you have to pull to the side of the road, you’ll want to be able to quickly and effectively hide your vehicle from view. Camouflage netting is lightweight, affordable, easy to store, and available in a variety of sizes. When pulled over your vehicle, it will make your bug out vehicle much more difficult to spot from a distance, giving you extra protection from potential threats. It’s great for bedding down and hiding when on the move.

While we are firm believers that any vehicle can be a bug out vehicle, there are a few vehicle options that stand out from the crowd. Based on reliability, durability, and practicality, we’ve narrowed down our top bug out vehicle choices to six different vehicles, each with their own list of strengths and shortcomings.

JEEP

Jeeps are very popular bug out vehicles. Why? Jeeps have 4WD, making them great for taking off road. They also can carry quite a bit of supplies, without being of mammoth size. Probably the main reason they are so popular, though, is that Jeeps are highly customizable. With tons of aftermarket parts available, you can easily upgrade and repair your bug out vehicle as needed. Remember that ease of repair and availability of parts are important features in a bug out vehicle. If your Jeep gets damaged after SHTF, scavenging for parts will be a lot easier than it would be with many other vehicle choices, and you will be much more likely to be able to repair the damage. Mid 90 Cherokees with a V8 are extremely dependable bug out vehicles – even with high miles. Their rear axles and suspension are tough as nails, and they are easy to work on.

TRUCK

A pick-up truck is a durable and practical option for many people. Depending on the make and model, trucks can be affordable, customizable, and fairly simple to repair and find replacement parts for. With 4WD, a tough engine, and towing capabilities, they make durable bug out vehicles. They also have arguably the most storage capability of any vehicle. You could even put a camper on your truck bed and have it double as your living area. The downside? Trucks aren’t your most fuel efficient option, so if you are worried about fuel sources, you may want to pick a bug out vehicle with a less demanding fuel tank.

SUV

Again, if you are worried about fuel efficiency, be careful when choosing an SUV. A large SUV will typically use as much gas as a pick-up. An SUV does have its advantages, though. For one, an SUV can easily double as your everyday vehicle, and it won’t stick out from the crowd in a SHTF scenario, giving it major camouflage points. It is also a viable option for a larger family, as it can hold a lot of people and a lot of supplies, especially with the addition of a mounted cargo racks. Chevy Suburbans can hold between 7 to 9 people! The right luggage rack can hold several hundred pounds of equipment, and give you an incredible amount of storage. Loaded too high, though, and these cargo racks on a vehicle with high lifts can limit where you can go. Tunnels, low overpasses, and other short clearings can become off-limits with a super-loaded cargo rack.

DUAL SPORT MOTORCYCLE

If you’re planning on traveling light and solo during TEOTWAWKI, a motorcycle can be an ideal bug out vehicle. Not only does it have the advantage of being able to split lanes in stalled traffic, but it is also a lot more fuel efficient than most other options. There are also many motorcycles built to handle rough terrain and still be comfortable for highway riding – these are called dual sport or enduro motorcycles. However, choosing a motorcycle as your bug out vehicle also means that you won’t have a lot of storage space, and if you find yourself caught in a storm, you are fully at the mercy of Mother Nature.

ATV

If motorcycles aren’t your thing, why not try an ATV? You still have exposure to the elements, but you also have four wheel drive, tough tires that can cover just about any terrain, and the ability to tow a trailer for extra cargo storage. You can even mount a winch to your ATV, which can be used to haul deer, lumber, and other resources. They are also pretty fuel efficient, but they have smaller gas tanks, so having extra fuel on board is a must. While not as narrow as a motorcycle, ATVs are still a lot easier to get through tight spaces than a large truck or SUV, making them a top contender for the ultimate bug out vehicle.

BICYCLE

Before you start laughing, consider the numerous benefits a bicycle has over a motor vehicle. Mountain bikes are made to cover rough terrain, they don’t require any fuel, they’re nimble, quiet, and easy to navigate through heavy traffic and narrow spaces. Not to mention they are a lot less costly than some other options. Of course, they also have very limited carrying and cargo capacity, as well as maximum exposure to the elements. However, a good mountain bike could make an ideal secondary bug out vehicle for someone, if not a primary one. Easily mountable to a car or truck, a mountain bike is a useful ride to have in case you have to abandon your primary bug out vehicle, need to use small trails, or do some quiet recon.

With the type of vehicle chosen, the next step is to decide what kind of modifications you want to make to it (if any). Sometimes it’s tempting to build a bug out vehicle like a MadMax truck, and while doing such has it’s own virtues, it might not be necessary or feasible. Still, here’s some suggested mods to take into consideration when “stock” just won’t cut it for you.

TIRES

Tires are the most important modification you’ll make to your bug out vehicle. Having durable, long-lasting tires is essential in having a safe getaway. Especially if you are going to be going off-road, or traveling through the snow or the mud, you need tires that can take the hardships you throw at them. Equally important is having a full-sized spare tire. If you have a blow out, do you really want to be relying on a donut tire to get you through an emergency? This is not the place to get thrifty – tire quality can mean the difference between life and death in a SHTF scenario.

When it comes to selecting tires, you’ll probably want to choose one with radial construction. While bias truck tires are number one for extreme off roading, they don’t drive well on pavement, and will wear down quickly when taken on road. All terrain tires may be sufficient for your needs if you anticipate sticking mostly to the streets, but they won’t do well on really rough terrain. Radial truck tires are a good compromise, handling well both on and off road. While you may not need all the expensive bells and whistles found on some bug out vehicles, quality tires and a quality spare are well worth the expense.

Stock wheels are often made using the cast method that leads to a less durable product, and is more likely to crack. Forged wheels, on the other hand, are well known for their strength and longevity. When choosing an off-road wheel, you are usually faced with the choice between steel and aluminum alloy. Steel wheels are incredibly durable, and are resistant to corrosion, so they will last a long time. Aluminum alloy wheels are lightweight and allow for better airflow, protecting your brakes from overheating.

LIGHTS

Those basic headlights just aren’t going to cut the darkness it when it comes to off-road night driving. Whether you’re facing extreme weather conditions, heavy debris, roadblocks, or tough terrain, good lighting is necessary for your safety, especially if you’re driving through hills or deserts in the dark. Installing an LED light bar on top of your vehicle is an easy investment that boosts your visibility, and greatly reduces your chances of a wreck. This is also one of the least expensive improvements you can make to your bug out vehicle, as LED lights have greatly increased in both availability and affordability. We recommend a 30-50 inch light bar mounted on top of your vehicle. Mounting a light bar on your bumper can interfere with your headlights, giving you reduced visibility, while light bars mounted on top of your vehicle works with your headlights to allow you to see farther ahead.

 

FUEL STORAGE

TEOTWAWKI is sure to come with a large shortage of fuel sources, and heading to your bug out location is likely to take much longer than anticipated. You aren’t going to be able to just stop at the gas station and fill up your tank if you run out of fuel. One option is to mount canisters with additional fuel on your vehicle. If you are looking for a solution that doesn’t include stopping to refuel, you could also swap out your gas tank for a larger one, or even install a secondary fuel tank. If you want to use wood gas, you may consider mounting a wood gasifier on your bug out vehicle.

Some people also choose to keep their primary bug out vehicle and/or supplies packed and ready to go in a storage unit on the way to their bug out location. This is especially true of individuals living in compact cities with limited storage space. With all of their supplies (including extra fuel) packed and ready to go just outside of town, they can make a quick getaway and beat the hordes of people panicking to get home, and hit the roads fast. In the event that SHTF while you are at work or away from your residence, this method can save you valuable time.

COMMUNICATIONS

In addition to your regular AM/FM radio, you may want to consider purchasing a secondary transceiver radio. AM/FM stations may or may not be broadcasting in an emergency situation. A transceiver radio will allow you to stay up to date on emergency alerts and reach out for assistance if needed. CB and HAM radios will allow you to communicate with other survivors when other communication methods fail. You should also invest in a power inverter to charge your phone and other electronic devices.

BUMPERS & WINCH KITS

These features aren’t for everyone, but if you have the money, they aren’t bad things to include on your bug out vehicle. Improved bumpers and bully bars give your vehicle extra protection from collisions. Adurable winch kit will be a lifesaver if you get stranded in a ditch or stuck in the mud. Being able to pull yourself out of a sticky situation or tow another vehicle is a major advantage.

Now that you have your bug out vehicle ready to go, it’s time to put it to the test. Your bug out plan and vehicle are useless unless you are familiar with the routes and vehicle. Have at least three routes to your bug out location planned, and practice driving your bug out vehicle on every one of them. This is a good way to gage how much fuel you’ll need to carry. Whatever fuel it takes (on the longest route) to get to your location, triple that, and carry it on your bug out vehicle. Also be sure to keep your bug out vehicle fueled up at all times. It won’t do you any good if an emergency comes along and you pack up your family to head to your bug out location just to find that your gas tank is near empty. Always be prepared with a full tank of gas.

Drills are especially important if one or more of your routes include driving off-road. Off-roading isn’t just a matter of having the right vehicle — it’s also a matter of having the right driver. Off-roading requires skill. Even if you have the toughest off-road capable vehicle, if you don’t know what you are doing behind the wheel, you could be in for serious trouble. You don’t want to get stuck in an emergency because you put all your confidence in the vehicle, or were overly-confident in your driving capabilities. Practice driving on multiple terrains often to protect your ride, family, and get to your bug out location as safe as possible.

It’s also important to practice driving your routes in various weather conditions. Disaster doesn’t only strike when it is sunny and dry outside. If you live in an area with snow, you’ll want to be sure that your vehicle (and driver) can handle the icy, snow-covered roads. This is especially true if your bug out plan includes routes with more rough terrain. If you only practice your routes in nice weather, you aren’t really prepared for any SHTF situation.

During your drills, keep an eye out for road changes on your routes, and identify possible chokepoints. If you get stuck in a major traffic jam, how will you get out of it? Are there tertiary roads nearby that you could get to? You don’t just need a plan A, plan B, and plan C. You also need a way to get from one plan to the next. In addition to making sure your routes are accessible by vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that they could be reasonably travelled by foot, in case you have to abandon your bug out vehicle. Will you and your family be able to cross the terrain?

With the proper equipment, plan, and practice, you will be as prepared as possible for a SHTF scenario, no matter which vehicle you choose for your bug out vehicle.

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