Survival Vehicle
 

How many have a 'survival vehicle' or access to one and what is it ?

I'm thinking of trading into a 4x4 so I'd have the ability to go off-road. Any suggestions on what to go with ???

The thought is that if things are really bad in a real SHTF scenario then you wouldn't want to travel major highways.......and even if you did you might need to exit quickly, etc.

Back roads in the city or nearby towns might be torn up or filled with debris to negotiate as well.

So the ultimate in my book seems to have an off-road vehicle to make your own roads if need be.

Ideas ???

:wink:

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

JEEP!

Ok you knew I would have to say that. Anyway, Wrangler if you like the newer ones. CJ if you're EMP phobic.

Advantages:
Good tight turning radius
small enough to get through, around places most 4x4's can't
Reliable
Can hose it out if needed. even has drain plugs
more customizing options than you can shake a stick at.

Disadvantages:
No and I mean NO storage space. If it's for bugging out and you're bringing stuff, forget it.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

2-Door or 4-Door or does that matter ? Any +plus marks for a certain package like Sahara or Rubicon ???

Just wondering.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Rubicon, if you want the best off the floor.

If you're going to change the rear end, or do a bunch to it, doesn't matter as long as you get the 6 cyl.

I have a 2 dr. but they didn't make a 4dr when I bought mine. I Kinda like the 2dr. the newer 4dr have a wider wheel base and of course longer. ...makes it less Jeep, more like a H3.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I picked up a 4X4 Suzuki Sidekick while living in NE TN where sometimes the weather demands it. Also, a good portion of my family is in even higher mountains of NC. I'm a huge camper as well and once properly equipped I realized that I would forever keep a 4X4 vehicle regardless of my living area.
As it is I live in a city and drive a little honda but I still have a 4X4 vehicle that gets regular use. If I have to start selling cars I'd keep the 4X4 and let all else go. Too many times I've been in very questionable terrain from camping, boating, ice, muddy festivals etc., threw the transfer and walked right out of the pit with no problems.
Great gas mileage is worthless if you're stuck.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Well, I'd have to say a Jeep would be the best all around vehicle.
You can find good deals if you look hard enough.
But if you have a property like mine with hundereds of miles of all terrain outside your door. You might like something like I have? I traded a bunch of silver for it...well most of it anyway. I love it!
Depending where you are, you can get it licensed for the street.
It will do 55 mph and climbs like a son of a bitch!

http://www.pushingthelimits.com/word...008/05/rzr.jpg
http://atv.off-road.com/atv/data/art...zr_047-460.jpg

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

i don't have a clue what it looks like where you are but 4 wheel drive vehicles are the norm here...primarily pickup trucks...

but for real off road use, within reason and affordability for the average joe, four-wheelers are pretty commonly used here...if you take care of them they will last a long time...

here's my better half last year transporting a new woodstove strapped onto the back of our fourwheeler to a cabin of ours that has no road access...just an (overgrown) trail i cut out with the chainsaw...

she's such a little trooper...:biggrin:

.....

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

TAD

What you need is a Late 1980's Military surplus CUCV,

I have 2 of the M1008 and one of the M1028.

I recommend them highly.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=e...V+M1008+&gbv=2

http://dwp.bigplanet.com/rellitechno...ures/M1008.jpg

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

^^YUP! 6.2L Diesel will rarely let you down and if they do they are easy to fix. Slow as a dog but loyal as one too. The injector pumps on these trucks are also built like AK47s. They will run dirty diesel, ATF blends, and USO blends without a hiccup. Good call!

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

yeah, those are really nice...i'm starting to see more of those back on off-road 4 wheeling country places for couples that are heading to their cabins for the weekend....but they are spendy...

sweet...

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I've seen a local 1988 Suburban for sale with the 6.2 diesel.
Tons of space, it was around $2000, looked fairly clean.
I can't remember if it was 4x4.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Most 4x4 SUV and Trucks do very poorly very much off-road. They are good for dirt roads and snow and the like....but if you get much off road...like in a field...you will get stuck the first time it gets wet. Not much snow and the ground is frozen...you will be ok. But, if you think you can go and blaze across the bush...forget it.

You will need a true ORV like those 2 seat things shown above....or a near monster sized tire vehicles....like a real hummer, trucks with lift kits, jeeps with lift kits.

The vehicle I had that would go just about anywhere was a 100 HP VW based Sand Rail with massive paddle tires.....I could drive across a swamp with it.....drive through ditches...go places a 4x4 could never dream of going. The military has these...lots of power...weight under 1000 lbs. Can't haul anything but people and a few items.

Otherwise....get a normal 4x4 pick-up or suv...but plan on going on some kind of improved road 95% of the time....even a 2 track through a field can be pretty soft for these heavy vehicles.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

What exactly do you think you will need to survive? If it's to be a flood, you want a boat. If you're leaving early and hauling all your stuff, you want a truck. If you're leaving late and going cross country, it depends a lot on what kind of country you have to cross. If you have to sneak out of town, you might prefer a handcart, bicycle, or several other types.

It sounds to me like most contributors are thinking more along the lines of an off-road hobby vehicle.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

My bugout area requires a 4X4 to access it. There is no official driveway but you must travel upstream a creek to get in. It doesn't require a hummer but a Chevy S-10 ain't gonna cut it.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Just get a pre-electronic diesel pickup truck. Make sure it is a manual so you can start it by popping the clutch.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Toyota 4X4 with one of these bitches on the back:

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/trailers.html
http://www.expeditionswest.com/equip...rs/chaser.html

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Don't own one...but, if you don't have too much to carry...ROKON

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

How bout a good Mule?

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...mule%26hl%3Den

These pics came from a guy in NM. Yes, the mule killed the mountain lion. The lion had been stalking them for the better part of the morning, on the way out to a hunt. They were pretty sure it was after one of the dogs. The cat ambushed them, and the mule pictured tossed its rider and went into attack (defense) mode, the horses scattered and shots were fired but no one was sure if they hit the cat or not. Unfortunately, it wasn't until it was almost over that one of the guys started snapping pics. The mule finally stomped the cougar to death after biting and throwing it around like a rag doll. The dogs wouldn't even come close until the mule settled down. The cat was still alive here and trying to fight back.

The mule stomped the cat then pinned it to the ground and bit the heck out of the dead cat several more times.

The cat was pretty much dead by now then the mule picked up the cat again and whipped it into the air then stomped the dead cat again for good measure!

Note the dog audience.... Gives new meaning to the term "BAD ASS"

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I've been looking at Jeep Wrangler's lately...they have a pretty good discount on them right now, $7000 off list. I went to the dealer and looked at their inventory, and one that fit my needs came out to $17,000 (4x4), without TT&L. I stopped and looked at a 2007 parked in town with a for sale sign on it...he is asking $19,900, is he kidding himself...why would anyone buy a late model used unless there is a big discount...I would pay probably $12,000, maybe $13,000 for a like new used, these people must of paid out the nose.

I'm also considering the 4 door Wrangler with 4x4...they weigh 700# more, but get about the same mileage...so the sticker says.

The ultimate bugout vehicle is a self contained motorhome (or truck and 5th wheel or trailer), nothing else compares. People living in cars and tents will be suffering and be susceptible to all kinds of hazards. When the going gets tough, the tough turn pro...I can live in my motorhome as comfortably as my house...and if the situation doesn't please me, I'm gone.

The other benefit of a Wrangler is they are ready to tow 4 down without modification...hook them up and go.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I drive one of these:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...W_Logo.svg.png

But I've always thought one of these would come in really handy some day:
http://www.rooney.org/tlc/FJ55/FJ55.jpg

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Now that is cool!!!:565:

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I've got a Rubi (or I should say my wife does)
The Rubi is beefed up in the suspension and the other right areas, no frills.
The Sahara is nice but more of a city slicker jeep. A little too big if you have to get back on the RV trails.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I spend a bit of time in a motorcycle store and for the past few months it has been a constant stream of people looking to sell their bikes. With new year models out at last years prices or better these guys are being bitterly disappointed. The dealers are offering 15 - 20% below new models and it is only going to get worse. A lot of people are trying to off load a lot of things now.

I have also seen a huge number of high end sports cars, ferraris, aston martins... lots of these. lambos and porsches. You rarely see them, cept for porsches of course. I suspect people are putting a few more miles on them trying to enjoy them a bit more before they have to part with them.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

You should not buy new! It's getting really bad out there. I see people cramming families into small apartments and sacrificing everything.
Buy used. It's going to get worse, much worse!

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

What are you thoughts on the COmmander... and the Sahara. I think they are 4 and 6 seaters, respectively?

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

[quote=Atahualpa;1447696]

The ultimate bugout vehicle is a self contained motorhome (or truck and 5th wheel or trailer), nothing else compares. People living in cars and tents will be suffering and be susceptible to all kinds of hazards. When the going gets tough, the tough turn pro...I can live in my motorhome as comfortably as my house...and if the situation doesn't please me, I'm gone.
quote]

I had thought of a motorhome myself, but they seem to lack in speed, maneuverability, and the ability to go offroad for even the simplest chores such as driving in the median strip between I95N and I95S... In the event I needed to go around a logpile of cars, the motorhome woul dnot be able to do that.
Also, dismal milage and the deisel requirement seem to be negs also.
The ability to be self contained living space and tow a smaller vehicle seem to be large plusses.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

You ain't lyun :wink:the polaris razor is bad ass it hauls ass and climbs like a billy goat.......this coming from a hard core two stroke dirt biker for many years.


One of my buddys an ex black plate pro (we're getting older now ) just bought one, he brought it out here to my ranch and it climbed everything we pointed it at, with two people mind you, and we have some steep nasty hills. I currently own a yamaha kodiak, it's been a great ATV and takes a beating every single day of the year . Soon as I make my next million I'm buying a Razor !!.....they're that good.


I've got an old GMC pickup with that 6.2 diesel in it....it's pig, I've got 7.3 Ford diesels I like way better......but I didn't know you could abuse that 6.2 and get away with it , good to know:ok:

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

All -

Here you go. 3000 nautical mile cruising range.

http://www.nordhavn.com/brokerage/li...tty_m_open.htm

This critter has no tires and is for sale

For $1,495,000.

On the other hand, your could get a really good pair of boots.

http://www.whitesboots.com/store/Whites_Boots.php

Boots have a history of being able to go where no

4 wheel drive or ORV or ATV or Bicycle dared to go.

Therefore, my first choice of a survival vehicle

Is obvious........

scyth

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Wow, good thinking... valid points!

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Unless you want to cross water that is over your head. Speaking from experience, boots + swimming = drowning.

GREAT juxtaposition with the 1.5m$ trawler style boat and you-betcha boots!!

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I don't know what circumstances you are envisioning yourself having to deal with...but just using some of the recent natural disasters in New Orleans and Galveston as examples, if you lived in one of those places and had to flee quickly, with a ready to go RV, you get out before the real trouble starts and can be self sufficient from needing any help. I keep my motorhome stocked with its own equipment...everything from pots and pans and all kitchen utensils, bathroom supplies (soaps, shampoos, toilet paper, toothbrushes, etc), tools ( filters and fluids) camping equipment (screen room, stove, lantern, chairs, etc.)...all I need to do load up food and water and I'm good for quite awhile.

This summer I took my diesel class A into Chaco Canyon, it is a 16 mile pot holed washboarded dirt road both in and out...there were not too many other motorhomes at the campground....also took it up to Cape Royal at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon...there were no other motorhomes up there. I go down dirt roads and camp in National Forests out west most every year...sometimes I have to go slow, but if it's an graded dirt road, I'll go down it.

I've been RVing my whole adult life...started out in VW popup camper and traveled all over the US, Canada, and Mexico in it...I put on over 250,000 miles and 4 engines on that rig, then an 25' Airstream, and now a Foretravel class A...the motorhome is sweetest...I've put on 22,000 in 3 years...I can't roam like I used to, too many responsibilities.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I won't tell ya what to drive but I will tell ya don't go off road without a brush guard or a winch. A good winch makes just about anything off road. If you ever get a 4X4 stuck you will never get it out without a winch.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

there is no one right answer here because each of us live in a location with different terrain and are giving answers with our own terrain in mind...and probably define the term "off road" differently...

for example i drive a four wheel drive silverado truck with an off-road package on it...in some places in the world maybe you could actually take it off road but not where i'm at...i would be stuck or hung up on a downed tree in minutes...really its useless as an offroad vehicle where i'm at, maybe more as a rough road or trail vehicle...

in order to go "off road" where i live it takes a real off road vehicle whether a four wheeler, tracked vehicle, etc...

in my truck i would be hopelessly buried in mud at the bottom of this hill...but with the four wheeler i could make to the top on the far side...
.......

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

An advertisement in the Gray's Harbor newspaper

Which I will never forget, advertised

A 4 wheel drive pickup with a "Wench."

Forget the winch, hombre,

Get a vehicle with a wench.

You'll do much better.


scyth

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I don't know much about the Commander. I agree with what was said above about the Sahara. There are plenty of Jeeps I don't consider Jeeps. Friend has a Liberty... what a joke. I got a Grand Cherokee for my wife once and for a SUV it was really nice. Seemed top heavy, ended up having a lot of mechanical problems with it. I never really looked at it like a Jeep (plus you don't get the wave when you drive it).

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I have a Dodge 2500 with the Cummins. As long as there is no EMP (still studying that contingency), I should make out fine.

Now, what I want to get, to make it truly a go-anywhere vehicle is:

http://www.mattracks.com/

Definitely watch the videos...very cool!

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Very cool and they make them for ATVs also......Gasilat should check out their products, perfect for his situation.:ok:

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I have a Dodge 2500 4x4.
Mild lift and oversized wheels/tires.

Have had it to where the water was just below the door sills and it got out.

Have had it in slick red clay and managed to FINALLY get out....trip from Hell.

It came from the factory well equipped-4x4,5 speed,4.10 gears,posi front and rear,short bed,quad cab.

Can carry us and a LOT of crap and can tow almost 12000 pounds.

Have ran it on a blend of WVO and diesel for a few years but not lately due to outside circumstances.

All that said,if I could,I would buy a Ford F350 full four door 4x4...

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

What do you JEEP guys think of this one ?

http://images.autotrader.com/images/..._A.562x421.jpg

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Deuce-and-a-half!

One listed at akforum....

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB2/vie...ghlight=kaiser

Think big!

:biggrin:

-1

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

If you want to survive you need a Tractor, and not some toy but somthing that you can Plow, Till, Plant and Harvest with.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Sorry forgot about the non member lockout...
here's the info. Not me and my truck by the way.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I have had a jeep for years and I love it. It's extrememly dependable and very easy to work on if need be. My Jeep has over 160k miles on it and it still runs like a champ.

But my question to you is, what would you plan on using it for?

What type of situation did you have in mind? Looking for a bug out vehicle or just something to get you from point A to point B if the roads are not accessible?

Do you plan on carrying a light load or a heavey load?

Is it just you are you carrying family too?

Those answer will help determine whther you need an suv, a pick-up, a jeep, or even an atv.


.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Bingo ~ Off-Road capability to carry my small family and a survival stash of sorts.

:yes:

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

That ones a beauty! But like they say, don't judge a book by it's cover. The inside is what really counts.

Also, get a winch on the front bumper. If you are doing some seroius off roading, you will need one.



.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

You may want to look at the 4 door Jeeps if you are carrying more than 2.

It really depends on how much "stuff" you will have to carry.

Not much trunk space in those 2-door Wranglers.



.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Here's my survival vehicle:

http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/7494/myboatry8.jpg

Let me tell you, this thing is great on the diesel. :) Plenty of room to carry supplies, and its off-road ride is smoother than any 4X4. :P

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I went with a wrangler this summer. Couldn't find a stick, so I went automatic.

My favorite was the suzuki samurai. Access to the engine and roadside repairs were super easy. flyleaf suspension is great for offroad. But they stopped making them.

My 4x4 needs really aren't offroading, but snow and mud on the road, so the wrangler is just fine.

My observation though - this is my second wrangler, and both have had annoying problems. One would occasionaly drop all the dashboard readings (like a breaker popping and resetting a minute later), the other feels like it has an air bubble in the gas line somewhere.

Nothing serious, I might just have had bad luck. Certainly nothing I am willing to spend money to fix.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

i had a similiar problem w/ jeep. they are known for losing ground - motor to body; i did an added ground at the radiator area.

u's might need dash to body too.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

right now the 77 vw van, will fit wife and 2 year old, food,ammo and preps. this motorcycle looks like a winner, the design was good enough for the russian front in ww2. mike in portland

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

AD,
This story is what started my 'trip' down the MV lane. Please note his ability to ford water (up to four feet w/o the fording kit attached) and his using overturned cars as a 'blade' to plow other cars out of the way.

http://lonestar-mvpa.org/events/2005/05_Katrina.htm

I've owned a deuce (which I sold) and currently have an M1009 Blazer and an M1031 Contact Maintenance truck plus an M101 3/4 ton trailer. I'm in the process of selling the M1031 to a buddy of mine and am going to purchase another deuce. I've been considering an M109 shop van. It's basically a deuce with a large square aluminum box on the back. It makes a great RV that can go pretty much anywhere. I've got one 'on the hook' for around $2500/$3000 range with a winch on the front.

With the correct military tow bars, I can hook the M1009 Blazer to the rear of the M109 shop van and go any where. And I MEAN anywhere, especially if you super single the tires on the deuce, which I did with mine.

When I get where I'm going, I'll unhook the M1009 and have a 'dingy' (RV term) to run around in.

DO NOT BUY A NEW 4X4 OR JEEP. Some time soon, they will literally be giving them away. And maintenance will be a bitch out in the middle of nowhere.

Plus for the same money, I can show you several military vehicles that will cost less than half of what you are willing to spend and STILL have money left over out of that 'half spent' figure. Here are pix of my M1009 and M101 trailer, the deuce I sold (please note only ONE tire per axle on the rear, unlike normal double tires on most deuces), plus two M109A3's, one tan and one green pix I pulled off the net.

And if you just GOTTA have the extra room, I got a guy who can fit you with a crew cab deuce. He builds them and they cost about $10 - $15k, depending on what you want. One of the pix shows a 4x4 and the other is a 6x6, showing you both a long and a short version. Both are 'super singled'.

Or you can always try your luck with Government Liquidation, as they are the 'sales' arm for the US Gov getting rid of all sorts of surplus. Here's the link that should take you to 'Trucks & Truck Tractors, Wheeled'.

http://www.govliquidation.com/list/c7587/lna/1.html

---------

http://www.goldismoney.info/forums/a...1&d=1228459127

http://www.goldismoney.info/forums/a...1&d=1228459362

http://www.goldismoney.info/forums/a...1&d=1228459483

http://www.goldismoney.info/forums/a...1&d=1228459718

http://www.goldismoney.info/forums/a...1&d=1228459986

http://www.goldismoney.info/forums/a...1&d=1228460222

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Thanks for the links, Wallew ! :coolbeer:

I'll check into this. :bear_thumb:

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

My 1972 British Shorland, in a parade last year.Turret accepts easily aquired Browning 1919. 10 mm thick heat-treated armor "defeats
up to .308 NATO AP at 100 yards".Needs some work.PM for price.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Is that you in the turret?
More to the point, can the vehicle be driven from the turret?
I ask as I can't see anyone in the driver's seat.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Some info-it is a Land Rover Series III chassis, parts available on line.
Shorts Brothers made the armored body. It has 4 seats, driver (Rt side), passenger,observer and the gunner sits in the turret.
Equipped with after market IR night vision for the driver only.
Only five known in the States.Minimum crew would be driver, and gunner.Currently awaiting for an after market fuel pump and rebuilt fuel selector valve for the 2 ea. 14 gal fuel tanks. Top speed- a whopping 40 mph downhill. England used them in Belfast for patrolling the streets.Syria, Oman currently have these in their inventory.Another pic with my just sold '44 Weasel. Keep in mind
wheeled armor is non-existant to find in the States since Clintons ban on armor importation.Police dept's have bought up known inventories of wheeled armor and with the demand prices have increased. I have sold Ferrets,Saracens,know of only one Saladin,and try to keep current of armor for sale through the MVPA's across the US.Think ammo is hard to find?

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Oh, and that is not me in the turret. It is a Federal officer from the US Bureau of Engraving a few years back.More pics from that parade and an MVPA meet.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

+1 Good choice.
I have a 66 CJ6 and an extra set of point/condensor in a box. Only problem with a CJ is ya can't lock anything up in one and expect it to be there when ya get back.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Here is the Ultimate SHTF Vehicle

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

http://www.atvwagon.com/1600aluminum.html

And when the atv runs out of Gas, hubby can pull it!

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Time for me to chime in, Im an auto tech at a GM/Chrysler/Jeep dealer.
Survival vehicles? please... The Commander is built on the same chassis as the Durango,the Hemi engine in it is NOT for survival duty, the electronic throttle controlled engine would be impossible to diagnose/repair in the field.it is a glorified van.The liberty you disdain is actually quite good off road with proper tires, the 3.7 engine, although like most modern engines hard /impossible to field repair, is reliable.your Wrangler/ Saharas have Dodge minivan engines in them(3.8L), quite reliable and dont break too much, BUT arent truck engines.personally the most recent Jeep model i would buy for survival would be the 2001-2002 cherokee (XJ) or Grand cherokee( ZJ) both have straight front axles, inline six cylinder 4.0 engines (AMC design from 40 yrs ago) that can be retrofitted to carbs and a point ignition and manual transfer cases. BTW the 6.2 m series in the CUCV is a different animal than the civilian, you try running BS fuel in a civvy 6.2 that roosamaster injector pump will die quickly.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

This is my first post I've been lurking for quite awhile. Love this site and have been appreciating the education I have been getting. Saw this thread and had to chime in.
Believe it or not I have taken this thing through the woods many times. Goes like the hammers of hell on pavement and better off road than my past jeep or Tahoe. Sucks fuel and $$$ for repairs, but you only live once.

St.Germain

Attachment 58779

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

That is a Porsche, is it not?
I'm a bit partial to Subaru Outbacks and may very well make that my next car purchase.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Yes, Porsche cayenne.
My buddy has the Subaru wagon - good fuel economy and dependable.
Drove a WRX and I must say it is one very impressive vehicle.
:emotions16:

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

Well, I'll chime in here.

I have an '04 Ford F-350 4X4 with the 6.0 diesel. I keep a hundred gallon fuel tank with pump in the bed, that never has less than 70 gallons in it. The truck itself has a 38 gallon tank, which I always keep at least half full. Fully loaded with fuel, I have a range of over 1500 miles. I know it isn't the ultimate bugout like an army truck, and it's not EMP proof, and it's all ellectrified, but I sleep better at night. My small family and I can load up the bed with all kinds of stuff, hop on or off road, and bug way out. I keep thinking of all those poor saps who were trying to drive out of Houston for Ike, and were running out of fuel. Not me, man.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

You folks know I love my green machines.

Here is an 86 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban converted to an 'M1007' (a vehicle the military never made officially). Thought you would like to see it.

http://old.steelsoldiers.com/index.p...topic&p=226668

This guy has it all. And then some. I am particularly impressed with the 'pioneer rack' mounted on the inside of the truck.

Down near the bottom is one that's been painted tan.

Re: Survival Vehicle
 

I mentioned this in another thread.... if you live near ANY body of water that you might have to cross--a river or a lake, then a car, truck or ATV probably isn't going to help you much.

Remember what happened in New Orleans--the Gretna city police blocked stranded people from walking across the Crescent City Connection bridge, which was the shortest way out of the flooded city.

If you live anywhere that you need to cross a bridge, it bears consideration that in a dire emergency the bridge may be "unavailable". In a disaster, it may even be gone. Trailered boats that were found got stolen very quickly, either by regular thieves, or the police to do their work. If you live near a water barrier, then you need a boat that you can keep hidden until you need it, and you need a land-travel vehicle small enough to fit in the boat.

Yea,,,,

If you want a streetworthy 4-wheel vehicle that you think you'll need to drive off-road with, then there's only a couple good choices in the US: that is either a 4wd Jeep CJ-5, or a Suzuki Samauri. If you can live with two wheels here, then a dual-sport type motorcycle is the better choice.

If you drive off road in any random direction, you will get stuck. And the lightest, smallest vehicles are the easiest to get un-stuck. All these huge military trucks are disasters, the only thing they're good for is what that Katrina guy used them for--impersonating military personnel.

My mother's family had a couple of these, way back in the 1960's.

Rokons do have some disadvantages, but as far as off-road use goes--all my aunts and uncles still say that they are pretty much the best vehicle ever. Riding across a freshly-plowed field is no big deal.

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