In an emergency situation you might have to leave your house and retreat as quickly as possible to a safe place.
But everyone will be doing the same thing at about the same time, so your task might be more complicated than you imagine. Bellow is a photo of people evacuating Houston, Texas before Hurricane Rita, when more than two million residents merged onto Interstate 45 to flee the storm. Instead of speeding to safety, they all ended up trapped on the highway in a 99-mile jam.
There has been a lot of dispute on what the best bug-out vehicle might be. People usually fall for military vehicles that will definitely take them pretty much anywhere and are definitely very resistant; however, they have a large fuel consumption, would have a hard time going unnoticed, and are definitely way out of reach, financially speaking, for most people.
So what is the real bug-out vehicle that will take you anywhere you want?
No one can say which is the perfect bug-out vehicle for you and your family, but there are some features of a bug-out vehicle that you should consider when choosing the right one for your needs.
An older vehicle might be less safe, but it’s surely made to survive an EMP, and it is definitely easier to repair, if needed. New vehicles are safer and generally very reliable, but in the case of an EMP, you might not be able to start them in the first place.
Your bug-out vehicle should have plenty of space. It should be able to transport at least four people comfortably, plus all the luggage. Chairs that fold all the way down are also a great plus for extra room.
Four-wheel drive is a must, in my opinion. It’s highly probable that you will need to drive off-road to get to your safe spot, or you might need to overcome obstacles. Personally, I would definitely choose to have a functional winch as well. Don’t forget that large roads and highways will most probably be jammed.
An economical vehicle is best. A large tank is a plus, but the miles per tank is definitely a more important criteria. Also, a car with a reserve tank might be more suitable. Or you will need a car that is large enough to allow you to take along separate containers with fuel. Don’t forget that in the case of an emergency, plenty of people will queue at the gas station in order to fill the tanks of their cars, so be prepared.
Your bug-out vehicle should always be in perfect shape. A low maintenance vehicle is preferred, and it should also be properly equipped to allow you to fix any minor issues that might arise.
Here is what all bug-out vehicles should have: two spare tires; a Jack & Lug wrench; oil filters; new replacement serpentine belt; extra fluids for transmission, oil, power steering, brake, coolant, and so on; spare hoses; new battery; trickle charger; and maintenance tools used to replace the above mentioned parts.
Introducing Russia’s SHERP ATV
This is an all terrain vehicle built in Russia and probably a perfect toy for those with love for rugged terrains or who live in hard to reach areas during the hard winter or rainy months.
Using its self-inflated tires, Russia’s SHERP ATV can give you that pleasure. It will climb over obstacles as tall as 27.5 inches, swim with ease, turn like a tank and look awesome in any situation for only $49,000 worth of Rubles.
It weighs just 2,866 pounds dry, so while it might only have a 44.3 horsepower 1.5 liter Kubota V1505 four-cylinder diesel linked to a five-speed manual, it will still do 28 mph on land, or 3.7 mph in water, depending on the wind. It will also crawl at up to 9.3 mph in first gear.
While it comes with a tough polymer coating and a 15.3 gallon fuel tank as standard, with a bit of extra money, you can equip yours with anything from a high-power generator and a light bar to a trailer and a hard top.
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I’ve been thinking about this for people that live in the city. Thankfully, I live in a rural country town. My opinion is that people should be prepared to make it in their home for several weeks to a month. If this attack should happen and effect the modern day vehicles think of everyone on the roads that are stranded, it would probably be impossible to maneuver through their cars and the stranded motorists will be panicked and I feel like they’ll resort to violence and block your vehicle from passing through them. So if you’re able to purchase a vehicle that can survive this attack I feel it’s best that you act like it won’t work right along with all your neighbors and be prepared to survive at your home for an extended period of time before leaving to insure you the most safety and a successful trip.
How far will the average person or family travel before encountering problems in the form of desperate and lawless people who will confiscate everything you carry as well as your life and children?
That’s a very hard question to answer but that depends on the location and the event but if your ij n a more densely packed location I would give it maybe a day or 2 bug if your in a place like Nebraska you could probably go months
Every town, bridge, low water crossing will have its problems. Anywhere there is a perceived “choke point” will be occupied by the lawless. I would weld a set of railroad wheels to your bug out truck like the railroad crews have. Most felons are not smart enough to think of that trick The rails would be clear for a long time after TSHTF, and if you happen on an abandoned locomotive, the sides and cab windows are armored against rifle shots so if you can get it started, you have a tank on wheels that can bust through anything short of a pile of very big rocks or rails loosened The diesel, mixed with gasoline could extend your range if you own a non computerized truck. I bought one several years go and it runs half and half on gas and diesel. Kerosene works equally well, just add 30 weight oil as an anti- knock reducer. I’ve tried that too. Coleman fuel works the same way as diesel and is sealed so it lasts a long time if kept in a cool, dry, place. That got me home during a blizzard in NC one night. Butane might work as long as you keep it a liquid. Feed the fumes into your carb as it evaporates and take the speed it gives you. Of course, natural gas and propane works if you have a multi fuel vehicle.
Gas and brake fluid makes a hypergolic mixture you could use for other things, the two together can make a fire during the bitterest cold or wettest day. Kitchen chemistry at work!
Don’t have to go all the way to Russia. There is a two wheel drive motorcycle made here in the U.S. called the Rokon. You can see its ad in men’s magazines. With a trailer attached you could go almost anywhere on it and it doesn’t cost 50 large. No financial interest in the company, I just think it is a practical solution to bugging out.
Thanks for your comment. I’ve just searched it on Google…it’s perfect!
Get real! How many of your reading audience could afford something like that? I thought when I clicked on this I was going to learn something that would possibly help the average prepper.
You’re right. But I didn’t post it so people would buy something. I can’t afford it either. But it’s good to know that they made a vehicle especially for bugging out. It’s a start.
I wonder how much it would cost to import one of those ATVs?
The answer is pretty simple actually. Either a horse or a mule. If you dont have at least one, you should.
SIlverbullet
I totally agree with you. Coming from Pennsylvania, I would say the Amish have the BEST bug-out vehicles. Horses. The fuel is the cheapest…they can just graze along the road or anywhere there is grass. Buggies can haul family members and supplies, and they usually travel on the berm of the road.
Another thought…they don’t use electricity so they don’t have to worry about EMPs either. They have been living as the ultimate survivalists for generations. Study them and their way of life.and be a survivor, too.
50 large? The article did say 49000 rubles. As weak as the dollar is, it’s still worth a lot more than a ruble. It’s a little over 6 grand U.S.dollars better than most ATVs (although I bet the shipping is exorbitant)
I just did the conversion and 49000 rubles converts to 681.75721 US currency per http://www.countrycurrencyrates.com/en/convert/RUB/USD/49000
So the question is what would it cost to ship to the US
Learn to read! It says 49,000 DOLLARS worth of rubles.
Still, it costs less than a new Corvette. A high percentage of the weight must be in the tires because it weighs in under 3,000 pounds. The body must be light steel, aluminum or maybe fiberglass. A 1,500 CC engine doesn’t weigh much either.
when i was working at Chrysler headquarters in Highland Park on midnights in the ’80s & mid ’90s my ‘bug out vehicle’ was a folding bicycle in the trunk.
At one time i carried two; for enjoyment with my wife and as a backup for the other when i was commuting alone down I-75 into Detroit at 3am.
I later bought another more “solid state” folding bike, the triangular Strida, and added solid tannus tires to it.
Would be nice to know the real us price and shipping, thanks
It would also be nice to know how much it would cost to make it pass the smog regulations in various states. Anyway, at 50M+ for purchase, shipping and import duties, it is merely rhetorical anyway. Far outside my budget. The bottom line Rokon is more in line with my budget. That or a mountain bike. However, considering that I just read about a mountain bike costing $6,000, WalMart, here I come.
smog regulations? who is going to enforce smog regulations? build one with any engine you want, and equipment you want, such as a hydrolic flipper on front to flip the dead cars out of your way, a flame thrower to make folks back the F up when they get agressive. keep it in your garage and when the time comes, get in and give er hell!
What’s wrong with good old fashion dirt bikes? There are 250 enduros around for like 1500 bucks. You can’t carry much on them, but they can go nearly anywhere. Plus there aren’t alot of electronics on older ones which will be great in an EMP.
The problem with a dirt bike is how much provisions you can carry…..3 weeks of granola bars and how much water? Plus a firearm and ammunition for survival? You’re loaded down on that bike, balance is poor to say the least, can’t be nimble the way the bike was designed. So you’re basically wadeing through mud to survive. Now I can see a bike if my Bug Out Home is already prepped and you don’t have to carry my life on my back and saddlebags. It would be a handy tool for scouting.
I like the larger 4-wheelers……they can pull a small supply trailer and with two or more you could set up camp for a few months.
Come on guys, please consider the Ford F 250 diesel from 1983 to 1992. No electrics, can pull a trailer and haul a bunch in the bed. Also comes in 4X4. Diesel does not turn sour..
What about a 1986 Nissan 4×4 king cab? 5 speed
Yes, diesel DOES turn “sour”, but it takes a long time to do it. Some kind of algae gets in the fuel and messes up your injector pump. There are additives you can add to slow the algae growth. I used to drive tractor trailer, so I know. I bought an old Great Western, and had to clean the fuel system out before she would run. There is an old White just down the road I might get interested in – small trees are growing between the tandems so it has set for a long time. Wonder if the fuel tanks were emptied before it was parked?
Compared to military vehicle, its practically invisible.
I have a rokon scout well worth the investment in fun and mobility. travels through sand better than a dirtbike though a little slower. not a fast bike
it is priced at 49000 dollars American.
If I wanted to bug out where would I go?
If we had to bug out we would take our RV. Totally self contained and I have enough camouflage netting to cover it entirely.
Years ago we bought a M-1009 CUCV from Coleman’s Surplus in PA. It’s a woodland camo painted vehicle which we converted into a Volunteer Fire/Rescue vehicle and daily driver for me. I installed all the emergency equipment plus a BOB, survival gear, a scanner, county radios for fire and SAR, a ICOM HAM Radio, (I am a licensed HAM), upgraded some of the wiring that needed it, a RT-546 military radio, (for 6 Meter use), IR spotlights, clear spots, etc. It has given me very few problems, none of which were major, and it has so far taken me anywhere I needed to go with ease. I highly recommend this for your back up or daily driver. The plus for diesel engines is that you can find a restaurant or shop that uses oil for cooking. Ask to be their “disposal” person for removing used oil. Filter it, store it and it runs just fine in your diesel. This is not an I think it’ll work, I use it and it’s never failed me yet.