BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

I am considering the purchase of a bug-out RV and would like to hear if any members have one and why.. More important, do any current owners have tips for a novice looking to buy a used unit??

I believe the survivors of the collapse of the american financial sytem will need to adapt to living off the grid in some way, shape, or manner to avoid being slaves of the new government system. Should, heaven forbid, we face nuclear fallout in the future, I want to relocate to Paraguay.

A homestead is ideal, but the option of being able to locate outside the country is a must for me. Or even being able to move to remote public park land on short notice would be a major advantage.

Here are a couple of auctions I am watching to get an idea of what I think would be acceptable bug out mobile homes. If anyone knows of a good solid RV for sale, similar to the ones listed below, feel free to PM me.. mucho gracious.

1992 Toyota Winnebago Warrior (large pic on bottom):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT


Low Mileage 1989 Chevy Cobra:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

the toyota is sweet. lived in a nissan, same body style we have used our current one a lot this summer, they are real handy for spare bedroom. 250 mile range on full tank.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Toyota is under powered
the other will work but look for a Diesel if you can find one.
I have a 38 foot 5Th wheel stocked and ready to roll.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Mike, if that's your personal vehicle, I suggest you block out the license plate for security reasons....

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

got a garage full of ols ones i clip on for pics. thank you for concern.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Roadgold has the better idea.

A fifth wheel pulled by a diesel pickup truck 4x4 IS A MUST for your scenario. Don't forget the extra fuel.

Stay away from the ANY RV that is built on any pickup or van chassis. They are NOT built to handle any real stress. They get really lowsy mpg and will break down at the drop of a hat.

And FORGET about any of them to go off road. They will NOT do so.

Get a fifth wheel. At least it can be disconnect and LEFT BEHIND if necessary in a bad situation. Or left hidden as a hideaway cabin deep in the woods.

just sayin...

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Plate numbers are not public information in Maoistsota anymore..

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Good food for thought, thanks guys.

I hate being a greenhorn to anything but sometimes this forum is better than hangin out in the backyard with ur buds..

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

with a diesel you can make bio fuel if need be. and with the 5Th wheel and truck set-up you still have a vehicle to drive with out bring the whole house.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Keep it simple:

http://images.craigslist.org/3n63kb3...ef864c1fe5.jpg

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Try this link: www.toyotamotorhomes.com

Look on the left hand side and click on 4X4's.

They are rare, but definantly GIM style.

They also have a for sale section.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

I'm thinking of getting a used motorhome from the Vegas or Phoenix area as PM goes up and more used toys come on the market at lower prices, so I will be interested in this thread.

I'd like to set it up to be pretty close to just hop in and go if things get nasty around here. (obviously some things would be packed and ready to load in because of higher theft risk from the vehicle than my home.) Several friends own ranches I have permission to park on. I would want solar power and the ability to have satellite internet.

But right now the time for buying is not ripe in my family budget, so I may not have it when I need it, alas.

Anyway, add me to the curious.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

As slv said, a truck with camper might be a better alternative. Being able to seperate the two gives you more options for mobility.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

SLV, has the right thought.

You want something that is 4x4, can get around traffic, through dirt/mud roads and go places most RV or large trailers can't.

Otherwise you will be a sitting duck if you are running in a SHTF situation.

Large RV would be alright, ONLY if prepositioned.

Dave

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

This is exactly what you need - http://www.terrawind.com/terrawind.htm
Forget the price tag, it's all just worthless paper, isn't it?

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

If you're willing to tow-its gonna sound stupid- saw a small flatbed trailer with a camper on it yesterday. I thought it was odd, but now can see the beauty of the setup. Campers are dirt cheap, and a decent trailer can be had for a modest enough price. The camper can be offloaded as a standalone unit, with the utility of the trailer intact. The truck is free for mundane transport chores, I'm thinking fuel and water ferrying. Bear in mind that class A and C RV's are usually houses on wheels and are sometimes maddeningly complex maintenance hogs. I get customers all the time who don't have the knowledge required to dry camp-even in the formerly $500K units. If you're dead serious about survival centering around whatever rig you get, be prepared to buy several various electrical unit spares (batts, inverter/converter, genset) or be ready to go it without elex and use the freed up space accordingly.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Used school bus.

Saw one today on side of road for 4k. it looked to be around 20-25ft (midsize bus) and had a diesel engine.

Rugged, lots or room. Easy flat interior to customize.

Been thinking about this for myself. Paint it camo, put camo screen on the windows to add privacy... then outfit inside with shower, toilet, wood stove, kitchenette and bunks.

If I ever get tired of it, can sell easily to hunters.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

http://www.unicatamericas.com/images/tc45f_u2150.jpg

Unicat

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

TG,
Yeah that yellow just screams at ya don't it? Instead of camo though, go with a standard 383 Carc substitute solid green. Rapco will sell it to you by the gallon. http://www.rapcoparts.com/manuals.html You could get four gallons of it shipped for like $160. Hey, use a spray gun or a roller and you could paint it in a day.

You can still drape it with a three color camo netting that could be stored on the top of the bus out of the way until needed. This is an EXCELLENT idea for sure. And used school buses are a dime a dozen these days as school busing is slowly losing favor strictly because of the costs involved.

TK, I've always loved the newer Mogs. Great trucks for sure. With the portal axles you can go almost anywhere.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Honestly, how far do you think most of these vehicles will get before being stuck in the traffic jams associated with disasters? This is a serious question not sarcasm. I suppose if you were on top of things and one of the first people to hit the road they would be pretty good. One point I'd like to make is the nicer, newer and more expensive looking a vehicle is the more likely it is to draw unwanted attention.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Agree

If you do not get out early before things go south.

ALL roads will choke up.

Remember that you are not the only one that knows about
that little used road to the country.

Look at what happened in Houston and that area when
hurricane Katrina came inland.
All highways and back roads jammed up.

Just a thought.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

If you are bugging out, then you have waited too long. I was thinking of using one as a portable camp. I.e. obtain property or scope out emergency location if things start looking bad, move portable camp to best location.

My idea of a small bus retrofit was:

1. cheap to obtain
2. built on commercial chassis
3. diesel
4. frame and body built in way that is VERY easy to modify, unlike a RV.. easily strong enough and enough undercarriage space to mount spare fuel tanks, generators, water, etc.
5. will not attract too much attention
6. can be easily sold to hunters in texas for deer lease camp
7. portable camp

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Agree

A small bus platform has so much potential it screams.

Gut it and the sky is the limit to what you can do.
Rock solid frame and your imagination/pocketbook is the only limit on what can be done with it.
They are made to last for bunches of years and miles.


:biggrin:

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Why thank you for asking. Here is a pic I just took ten minutes ago with my vehicle and supplies !


http://goldismoney.info/forums/pictu...pictureid=1372

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

what about a Brinks armored truck as a camper?

http://culturegarage.com/wp-content/...01/c1d0_12.jpg

Now That Is GIM style!

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

yeah - to do it right - I would do an Airstream pulled by a ford 4x4

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

what about a Faraday cage built in?

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

This would ALSO make an excellent vehicle as a 'commuter' type vehicle after SHTF. Ferfal specifically states that if you can deliver clients to and from work successfully and safely, you will have a place in a crumbling society.

Add a few comfortable seats with great A/C, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, sat radio and sat phone and most high end clients will be extremely happy with your service. Don't forget upscale beverages and eats for going to work/coming home from work for your clients.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

if your not there already it to late

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

I just have to say, beware of the Toyota 3.0 V6 (used from approx '89-'95). It is a pile of crap and blows headgaskets like none other. It's also weak and gets bad gas mileage too :bear_w00t:

My novice opinion would recommend a Full Size chevy 4x4 van with RV stuff inside. It will probably go anywhere you might want to go, and it will be far more stealthy than an RV. Or if you want to lift it and go nuts with the 4x4 you can.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

I'd say school bus would be the way to go too, I myself would go for a shortened one. (LOL) because I don't need all the room what have you, but if you type in School Bus in Craigslist you're rarely going to see a pricetag over 8000 bucks. Most of them are in the 3000 ~ 5000 dollar range.

The other thing I thought about was doing a panel truck conversion, like a Dodge Sprinter, they have efficient 4cyl diesel engines. But the Sprinter is very expensive.

It'd say schoolbus all the way.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Back in May I was reading this post http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=379481
And was thinking hmm.. so started doing some homework and looking on Craigslist to see what was out there..
This was an add on craigslist.
34' 1983 Beaver Capri Coach Motor Home, 454 Chevy motor, 10 disc CD/Stereo, satellite dish, 1 bedroom w/double bed, table converts to twin bed, coach/futon, air conditioning, central heat, full kitchen w/microwave-convection oven, stove, refrigerator/freezer, built in the counter blender, separate ice maker, oak cabinets � FULLY LOADED in good condition. 29,500 miles�asking $10,000 or b/o.
Well I got it for $5K. The Beaver was TOP END in it�s day and is Very nice inside.
100 gals of water, 100 gals fuel, 51 of LPG
It was in need of 4 tires and the rifer was bad and was in need of this and that.
The cooling unit $500.00
http://www.rvcoolingunit.net
I am putting solar on now.
3 BP 150 watt Solar PV Module $300 each. (craigslist.)
BZ MPPT 500 Charge Controller. For the PV array. $200.00 (A very Good unit )
4 u2200 6v 225ah battery�s. I got them for $90.00 each
Link 10 off ebay for $220.00. it�s for battery status information or you can say it�s a fule gauge for your batterys.
2500/5000 W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
http://www.topsalesdepot.com/bwapusiwapoi.html
for my computer and what not�. $550.00
LED lights look on ebay and you will see them.
It looks to be about $2700.00 all said and done but I am not done at this time.. but soon.
I will see.
It�s looking like I will be in it for about 10K all said.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Wow, nomoss, that is a SMOKIN deal. Congrats.

The chevy 454 should be easy to get parts for if need be. Just don't plan on cruising the country in it, the gas will be killer.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

glad Im already bugged out

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

It has free-flow SS exhaust systems on it and I am getting about 14mpg as of last run.
Has 4 wheel disk brakes on it too.
PS: We all need to do the wash and dry SOOO..
The Wonder Wash.
http://www.laundry-alternative.com/p...onderwash.html
And for $150 what the hey?
Well I am trying it now and will get back to you on it.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

What's pictured in my avitar is the sort of bug out machine I like.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Well, this thread did it for me. I've got to have a school bus - just for camping if nothing else! I can get a 1995 International diesel 77 passenger with 180,000 miles on it (hardly broke in) for under $3k! Even my wife thought it sounded like a cool idea. Summer vacation will never be the same!

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

technically, a boat going out of Marina Del Rey, (LA area) with enough gas to get to the unpopulated Oregon coast would be an easier play.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Here are some idea's. :s1:

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Oops, I forgot these.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

sounds like a great plan...But thats alot of gas...
Sailboat maybe.

I miss my sailboat :hissyfit_m:

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

The DUKW:

http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Ahl/Albu...-DUKW-Side.jpg

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

I read on another thread that the US military is dumping the 2 1/2 ton truck line. there are lots of box trucks diesel/multi fuel engine 6x6 and already camo.

Already prepped just add interior. They have virtualy zero miles also.

Starting bid $150 no that is not a joke. it is a sealed bid system you only get one bid so I bet you could get it for $2500 ish

http://www.govliquidation.com/auctio...&convertTo=USD

http://www.govliquidation.com/aucimg...7/17036814.jpg

I am thinking of getting one but it would be a long bitch of a road trip from Alabama to Washington in one of those.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

If you get a deuce and a half, make sure you hook up with your old buddy from motor t to keep it going.

The school bus idea sounds best so far. I'd like to get one for traveling/camping purposes while home visiting.

Who has experience with them?

Mileage?

Insurance and plate issues?

reliability?

and..

are they really that cheap?????

How do you lock the door?

Does it pull a small trailer? If so, you could have a motorcycle, dirt bike or 4-wheeler for small commuting purposes. Or a smart car.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Here's a guy's cool bus conversion project

http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-main.shtml

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Some good links on this page - inspiring!

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Yes, I have an RV and I do recommend that you have one too, here are the facts:

1. Remember it is your second home, keep it stocked and ready to go.

2. I was in KATRINA, RITA, GUSTAVE & IKE and if you do not want to have 2000 bed mates you need you own bedroom, believe me, I can park in the forest while you are a guest of FEMA, think about it.

3. A long term backup house for all contingincies, KEEP IT STOCKED AND READY, did I mention not having 2000 bed mates in the cot next to you.

4. Have a dual fuel generator, Natural Gas and Gasoline. uscarb.com is the source for the pats for this endevour.

5. A hard sided travel trailer is the best, I have a fifth wheel with a trailer hitch, I am able to tow a double trailer behind the fifth wheel, Hooray for PMs and Gunsafes, along with extra preps.

6. Big diesel truck to pull this stuff, with extra fuel tanks 500 to 1000 mile range.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Already have a place to go so this should get me there (I wish)
Attachment 78660

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

FYI... For those thinking about the school bus idea, check out this forum:

www.skoolie.net

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

The smokeybear deflation rig has been all over Arizona, down past Mazatlan and out to California in the last ten years. The 19' trailer is just big enough for two plus a Jack Russell to live indefinitely. The old '71 Blazer is built like a tank.

http://rudydo.com/00rig01.jpg

We are currently getting it ready to head south for who knows what.... forced vaccinations, confiscation, black swans or just downright disgust with Gringoland.

In Mexico we found an empty RV park out on the end of a long dirt road on the beach where we stayed for a few months for ten bucks a night. While there, a young family rolled in riding in an old '60s era motorhome on their way to Costa Rica. You gotta believe they made it.

In California we lived off the grid for a couple months, ten days at a time, on the beach north of Ventura.

Empty grey water every night.
Fill 5 gallon buckets of H20 from the faucet at the state park.
Hookup the batteries with a 12 gauge wires to the Blazer alternator every couple of days.
Eat less, shit less, curl her hair less.

As far as we are concerned that rig is our only home, or as mizz smokey calls it, our "cottage on wheels"


0.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Do look into the solar..
I gave links in my post.
You may not need what I did and can do it for 1K
http://goldismoney.info/forums/showp...3&postcount=32
I am now looking into HAM radios for it.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

This option looks cheap; needs some work but could be great:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....ofiresmall.jpg

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Yeah.... till a gubmint .50 cal pops a few holes in one of those pontoons. :cry1:

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Read on.... H7 class....

http://www.govliquidation.com/conditions/H7.html


Better buy a couple more for parts.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

LOL.... I LOVE THIS ONE!!!

http://www.skoolie.net/gallery/v/Skoolies/BoogieBus/

http://www.skoolie.net/gallery/d/354...ie_bus_2_1.jpg

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Not sure if it has been mentioned but perhaps for a SHTF scenario you might look into an ambulance?

They have headroom in the back,lots of storage compartments and as an added bonus,you could probably get through some traffic snarls with it....

I believe quite a few are diesel as well as the chance of getting a 4x4.

http://www.lifestarrescue.com/

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

If I bought a bug out RV it'd be a used armored truck that I'd convert.

Man... that'd be sweet.

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I believe it is illegal for a civilian to own a bank armored van/truck.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

You must live in the USA to enjoy that kind of freedom.

My dream lives... ;)

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ARMORED-TRUCK-LIM...d=p3286.c0.m14

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Still have your boat Keef? I thought you were going to sail down the Ohio and Mississippi then live on a desert island.

Re: BUG-OUT RV / gimmer style
 

Here's an armored van

http://gobestauto.com/ViewDetails.aspx?VID=1046