Every prepper knows the importance of having a bug out bag packed and ready. Even many non-prepper types understand why preparing a bug out bag is important. That being said, far too many individuals ignore the importance of picking out the right vehicle. There are several things to look for, and some can be pretty counter-intuitive to a person who doesn’t really dig in deep enough on the planning.
There are many important things to look at when deciding on the perfect bug out vehicle, and each individual needs to make a decision based on their top priorities.
Decide on Priorities
The perfect vehicle would have incredible gas mileage, a giant gas tank, tons of storage space, off road ability, high speed and handling, heavy towing ability, as well as the ability to blend in. Obviously no such vehicle exists that hits every single one of those checkpoints – so that’s where deciding on priorities comes in.
Major factors to look at include:
- How many computers/electronics are in the vehicle?
- How much storage space is there or can the vehicle tow a trailer?
- What range does the vehicle have – how far can it travel?
- What is the off-road ability (if any) of the vehicle?
- How effective would your vehicle be post SHTF situation?
Newer vehicles, for example, often have better gas mileage but they have electronics that could be fried by an EMP, tracked, or impossible to replace in a big enough post disaster scenario. Older vehicles might not be ideal but the parts are easier to replace and don’t have electronic issues.
The distance you need to travel also depends on situation. If a person has a cabin in an incredibly isolated rural area 50 miles away, that’s as far as they need to go but someone whose backup plan is the parents’ cabin three states away better have a way to get there via back roads and be able to make that distance. These two situations clearly call for different bug out vehicles.
Create a Plan That Includes a Vehicle
Generally speaking a bigger vehicle with towing power, a cabin on the back, or simply plenty of storage space for hauling is preferable. Think rough roads and trails, the ability to cut through natural terrain without roads, and the ability to use the vehicle as a reasonable shelter to boot.
When the bug out plan includes the vehicle pre-problem and post problem, it becomes much easier to narrow down the list of what vehicles might work and which ones will not be a good fit.
Resist Custom Options
While it can be impressive to many preppers for a big custom vehicle, this is a mistake in most cases. If there are custom shocks, custom engine work, custom suspension, how can repairs be made if there’s no standing society around? Suddenly there’s no ability to keep the vehicle going for emergencies. Sounds good in theory, but a rookie mistake.
Ideally any prepper will have a vehicle that works naturally as a backup to the normal everyday vehicles and yet is kept up well and ready to go to act as a bug out vehicle. Even if this isn’t possible, and arguably especially if it isn’t, then to be prepared that person really needs to make sure to pick the right vehicle out with care.