Vehicle for TSHTF
 

If you could only have one Vehicle when TSHTF, what would it be and why?

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

A Doble or Stanley steam car, converted to run on vegetable oil.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

NCC-1701, because I'd want to retreat to the final frontier.

But if NCC-1701 wasn't for sale, I'd settle for an F250 diesel 4x4 Super Cab and a 5th wheel horse trailer filled with healthy young horses. I can make my own biodiesel or burn vegetable oil (pressed from my rape seed crops). When the truck can no longer be repaired, I'll ride the horses.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I've posted this several times. A retired military deuce and a half. Converted to 4x4 (remove one axle) and away you go.

http://www.goldismoney.info/forums/a...1&d=1210618996

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

A toyota 4 runner

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Depends on how you choose to define "TSHTF".

What is that, exactly?

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Waterworld!!! :D

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

What are you going to use for fuel?

When Kit Carson sent William Danner (age about 17) to Mexico (about 1200 miles one way) to pay a $50 debt, the vehicle of choice was one horse to ride and one more to carry the camping gear, water, and grain for the horses.

From a book written 1903 written by then (retired) Captain (scouts) US Army Captain William Danner. This book in my possession is another OCR project on the waiting list.

Carver

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Maybe fuel isn't an issue in his "TSHTF" world...

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I just bought 2, 15-speed used (new condition) trail bicycles for $20 each at a tag sale. With a bike you can easily travel 20 miles. You can't carry much... but maybe a trailer should be my next consideration.

Three-wheelers may be a smart move.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

http://spyderryder.brp.com/spyder-co...en-US/Home.htm

On my way back home to Denver, I stopped and looked at the demo rides these folks were giving. Pretty slick three wheeler. Bound to get pretty good mpg.

Dang SF, I've GOT one of those. It's an M1009 with the 6.2L naturally aspirated diesel w/61k miles on it. IT WILL RUN on almost anything. I also own an M1031 (Contact Maintenance truck w/10kw genny driven by PTO) with the same 6.2L diesel engine w/14k miles on it. Oh, and an M101 3/4t trailer as well. Plus a deuce on the hook down in Pueblo.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I hope you don't live in the hills.

It would be damn hard to pull even an empty trailer up a hill on peddle.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

7.3 Liter Ford 4x4 van, capable of running on veggie of course:

http://www.thundersgarage.com/gif/prerunner1.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I live in the hills of CT... not mountains. I would love to relocate to a bit more remote area...but not yet.

Hills are not always up. When going up, walk. With a bike I would not haul any more than I could carry on my back.

Where do you intend to get diesel fuel from?

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Horse...cuz it transports, plows, and fertilizes.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Definitely a Time Machine!

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

In order to minimize exposure to organized forces wishing to confiscate resources, and intern free individuals, you may think more along the lines of a [B]GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS.[B]
The use of paved roads, and attendant heat signature of full sized passenger vehicles may bring you more attention than you want.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I'd have to go with a tesla roadster
http://www.teslamotors.com/

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I'm with you Sukhoi, I am looking for diesel 4x4, At this point an old one. I plan to run it on bio-diesel from used cooking oil.

I also plan to put in an SVO conversion. SVO is straight veggie oil. A few have posted here about veggie but for those that don't know yet it is basically an auxillary fuel system. You can't start a diesel engine on the SVO, you need to have it running 1st on diesel to warm up the fuel system before the SVO will fire. So to do that you need to have the engine running and that means diesel to start and stop.

So I plan to make bio-diesel for the starting up part and run straight veggie oil for the rest. ATM I am looking for an old banger to try this out on. There are a couple of good suppliers of these systems out there. VW motors seem to be very well supported as are some of the larger US SUV's and trucks.

www.greasecar.com is one. and www.goldenfuelsystems.com is another one.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I've posted this before, if you need to get off road in a wooded area,
there isn't always paths big enough for 4 wheels.
If you need to work your way through a parking lot that used to be a Highway... this is the way to go...

http://murgatroid42.smugmug.com/photos/15089104-M.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Had to post this one, just your run of the mill 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon Coupe:s9:
http://www.madmaxcars.com/UserFiles/Image/MtBoB.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I don't intend to get diesel fuel.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

You're gonna need that fast-ass ride, if that volcano in the background decides to blow!

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I would go for a nondescript white Econoline.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Think ahead.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Since we're all playing make-believe. :D

http://deadon.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/airwolf0.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

GIM reminds me of when I was 13 ,with my friends, and shooting the B.S. around the campfire................That's why I come back here so much. :D

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

She'll make point five past light speed.....


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ium_falcon.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

To be practical, I would say a motorized bicycle or a moped. How are you going to get out of town or the suburbs when the highways are jammed?
What good is a car going to do you if there is very little petrol to be found?

If I lived in the country, I would say my vehicle of choice would be a horse.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I agree that the highways will probably be either roadblocked or parking lots. I would go with something like this...

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Glass,
On most normal diesel engines, your statement is correct. NOT SO on 'multi fuel' diesel engines found in most 1960 - 1980 military large trucks (like the deuce I posted above). The multi fuel engine allows it to run on ALMOST anything.

I know guys that only run on SVO. There is a 'fuel compensator' that allows them to use it. Having said that, your fuel should be at least 100 degrees (ish). There are numerous ways to achieve that. Some DO use a small tank of diesel to start it up, then switch over to SVO. Others use electrical coils to heat the fuel.

But I've seen several systems, even a couple in VW's, that ONLY used SVO. SO it is possible. But it does require some mods, etc.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Nice tries, but I got you guys all beat. Check it out.

http://www.billysrentals.com/files/1...4_3%5B1%5D.jpg

You can't beat it for fuel efficiency, it seats two, and super easy maintenance.

I'm already hoarding tubes.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

http://www.lindsaybks.com/gallery/Jorg/index.html


Its a start, but the principle is there.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Get to the Mighty Mississippi and away I go.

<TABLE height=822 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=775 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#cccccc colSpan=6 height=750></TD><TD vAlign=top align=left width=220 bgColor=#333333 height=750></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
E-A

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

FEMA's gonna have to build their fences pretty high to keep me penned! :wink:http://www.virginmedia.com/microsite...roes/img_4.jpghttp://www.bigpictureradio.com/great-escape-2.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Ok in all seriousness, with a WVO/SVO capable motor this wouldn't be a bad way to get around:http://www.redlineblog.com/autos/wp-...-front-f3q.jpg
it's older sibling isn't half bad either:http://www.truckcustomizers.com/imag...K5WAR469.7.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Expat,
YOU DO KNOW what happened to S. McQueens character in that movie, RIGHT? Ended up tangled in the wire and then back to the cooler. WITH his baseball and glove.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Haha, yeah... but damnit he got caught with style at least.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

An amphibious vehicle would be an excellent bet -- imagine the flexibility of both land travel and water roaming in any direction.

For resisting zombies and bikers on land, as well as sharks and killer squid in water:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...r_DSC00846.jpg

For everyday off-road travel in both terrestrial and marine locales:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...fahrzeug_D.jpg

For casual trips to see the neighbors in their house or on their yacht:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ibs_Aquada.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

i plan to buy a dodge ram [cummins diesel 12valve] & large trailor soon; to haul my tractor & otherwise if needed. this is an ok motor for veg. oil i have read. let me know if u know otherwise.

one big reason for diesel is gas spoils so quick- 1 year.; & even with prig/stabil i have had problems. BTW u can put small amounts of gas in diesel , my vw manual says ok ;i forget the % ;& helps in cold starting.

i hope to never need to relocate as i may be in a survivable location; but as in the story about the man in virginia who foresaw his family being in a likely civil war battleground & moved to a small hamlet in pennsylvania -- gettysburg...

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

or

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...e_May_2007.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Can I change my choice? I think I would feel safer in this:

http://matthewyglesias.theatlantic.com/submarine.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Ya, I want to change to...

http://thebadplus.typepad.com/photos...eathstar_2.jpg

as you can tell by the damage this is after TSHTF

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

does that run on vegetable oil?

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

lessoil,
First off, the cummins IS a great diesel engine, if you get one that's NOT been abused.

I've stored gas for more than five years and then used it and it worked well. The REAL trick to storing any fuel is to store it in a dry environment (shed) out of the sun and no major temp swings. PLUS, when you fill your barrels, fill them to the top. The less oxygen you leave at the top of the barrel, the better off you are. FINALLY, double (I triple) the amount of Stabil. I also add 8 oz's of acetone for every 15 gallons (my barrel size). I've stored well over 100 gallons at a time. And I've never had ANY problems. One barrel was not used until after more than six years of storage. I always mark the date I put new fuel into a barrel with a magic marker. Works great.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

How about this?

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

i still would go for a Toyota.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I'd go for a 40' Hunter sloop. Equip it correctly and you could sail for months without touching land. You'd also be very hard to find somewhere in the South Atlantic...

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

thanks wallew great info.

i had gas in a farm tank & using in & out for daily use. the ethanol appears to have separated & gone to the top & won't remix long term. i've used in mowers etc. mixed w/ a little fresh gas & choked a little it is ok .i've gone to heating oil/diesel mostly for long term storage w/ 55 gal. of gas for storage only; & i'll try the acetone[paint shop/hardware?].

BTW for ANYONE, for diesel even if black & very old it runs[filtered] in his tractor.

thanks!

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

This would not make a bad TSHTF vehicle.

http://www.acedesignlab.com/images/AceBajaSmall.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

This will get you and your gear anywhere you want to go, with no regard to traffic jams or checkpoints. Just get some saddlebags, a shotgun/rifle holster, and a huge backpack.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...00Eb-small.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

anyone w/ info/experience with these processes; cleaning used petroleum products & mixing w/ diesel for fuel.

this is part of an ad for a truck i considered buying:

60% used oil, 40% diesel, and your TOBY unit filled with the same mixture if you wish, if you want the unit left empty in new condition that's fine too). 39 gallon tank on the truck, 20 MPG's, equals 780 miles, plus 16 gallons in the TOBY makes a total of 1,100 miles. anything over that and i guess you'll have to stop and get fuel or stop at a service station and borrow alittle oil, which they should freely give, we stay on the road quite a bit and we have little trouble getting petroleum based oils when needed.

The TOBY Biofuel Unit:

Takes any petroleum based oil and turns it into a clean, burnable product that costs much less than regular pump fuel. The TOBY unit consists of a 16 gallon tank, heavy duty 12 volt pump system, 2 filters (1-10 micron screen filter and 1-1 micron cartridge filter made specifically for filtering petroleum based oils), 1 filtration pod that removes the acids, water, antifreeze and paraffin from the oil, mixing shaft, leads, and a full set of instructions. the 12 volt pump is rated at 2.2 gallons per minute, we rate it at 1 GPM, so you will be able to get 16 gallons of clean fuel in 16 minutes, which equates to over 48 gallons in 1 hour. to make 16 gallons at a 50/50 mix, simply pour in 8 gallons of used oil, and 8 gallons of diesel fuel, turn the pump on and let the unit clean it and pump it into your vehicle. please refer to our website www.myfastfuel.com for more info on our systems. Basically this auction includes the truck and 1 TOBY unit.

To tell you alittle bit about us so you don't think we are a fly-by-night deal, we have been on the public market for 4 years, before that we served the private sector, have been in a few major magazines, we have gained most of our business from being featured in Farm Show Magazine in 2006, from there we were nominated twice as a BEST-BUY by our customers and featured in the Energy Saving Ideas Magazine. Go to farmshow.com to research. We have been turning used petroleum based oils into fuel since the mid seventies. We have the miles and experience to prove its use as a clean, reliable, and cheap fuel source.


maybe it 'll pay to learn to adequately filter used oil. it has a good deal more btu's/energy than biofuels.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA I'm gonna crash at you place if you don't mind

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

A scooter or moped would probably be the smartest choice. Not as cool as driving a Hummer but I imagine gas supplies will get tight real fast, and making the most out of what little you have access to will be key. Same goes for food/biofuel sources. Anything more than a two-cycle engine would be a huge waste.

A good bicycle could be immensely useful as well. Sounds silly, but your attitude might change when your monster 4x4 runs out of gas and someone on a Huffy happily rolls by.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

http://www.moriesianhorseregistry.com/images/moriah.jpg
http://www.moriesianhorseregistry.com/history.html

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I like my old VW's if there is fuel.If its economic failure solar and an electric vehicle would be my choice.

Good pick on the steamer BTW.Of course a horse or mule might be a very good choice.Good offroad capability,hard to spot.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

thanks. where?

a cotton or hemp rope can be used to wick oil & clean it too.

thanks.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

good info wallew, it makes perfect sense how you explained it. The temps dont get very low here, some places are just sub zero. It would pretty handy having something that is multi fuel capable.

My vote goes to the toyota as well, That looks like the one they used on Top Gear to go to the north pole. I wouldn't mind one of those. I expect they sold a few after that show. If anyone hasn't seen the episode I would recommend it. Its a laugh and the scenery is breathtaking


Toyota engines are pretty much indestructable. I had a toyota for many many years, such a reliable engine despite incredible abuse and neglect. I hear their 3 litre diesels are bullet proof too.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Lessoil, where are those guys located?

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

don't be outsourcing that centrifuge to iran or anything like that. You migth find yourself on a list :wink:

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Well, one would need to carry some things, like gold, silver, food, ammo, things that use ammo, and maybe your family.
A Moped with a 5 gallon strapped on the back would certainly get you from south florida to almost Georgia, at 35 MPH, but what about flat tires? Simple vehicle maintenance stuff you would need to carry also.

I think a moped or scooter would be better than walking DEFINIETLY, but they seem to be VERY limited as to payload.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Two wheeled vehicles seem to offer little protection from the elements and from other people. People that might want to take your ride. Even at 5 MPH a PT Cruiser will kill you if it rolls over you. at 20 MPH a glancing blow off the fender will seriously damage the person being "glanced". A Huffy won't. Not too hard to knock a guy off a bike or scooter... BATTER UP! Now your wheel-less and the other guy is riding.

I agree though, a Monster Truck, while VERY useful, has many drawbacks. If you were heading to a particular place, you could conceivable CARRY enough fuel to get you there. Boston to Ft Lauderdale is about 1500 miles. It is a a lot of 5 gallon containers, but it is do-able I think.

If you have a firearm you might be able to get more fuel along the way. And people with firearms will definitely want to talk to you when they see your bright red fuel cans in your vehicle.

*shrug* That seems the reality of it.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Ah! Something I know A LOT about! I would urge anyone debating to use a non-metalic hull on the ocean for escape and long term living at sea to strongly consider a metal hull.

Also, Hunters, while cheap and plentiful, are a poor substitute for a double ended, highly seaworthy, made-for-oceanic-passagemaking boat.

It would probably be wise to have a 48', cutter, ketch, or yawl, so as to fit 4 people. There must ALWAYS be AT LEAST one person on watch at a time IN ADDITION to the person steering. Why? Pirates. There is ALREADY a pirate problem in the middle and southern areas of the Gulf of Mexico and Carribean Sea. No reason to think that the the priates will be gone. Nope. Metal hulls make good radar contacts also. So anyone running a radar will see your boat.

Dillydallying in the South Atlantic, especially near the Southern Ocean, is not for beginners. A skilled mariner with paper and electronic charts; possibly.

If the GPS birds are down, then celestial navigation is the new "old" name of the game. A quality sextant, almanac, reductions tables, AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO USE THEM becomes paramount. A copy of Dutton's and of course the TWO BOOK version of Bowditch will be invaluable.

I urge ANYONE contemplating spending any time on the Big Blue for any length of time to read "Adrift" by Steven Callahan.


When a boat pulls into a place, EVERYONE can see it coming if they are looking. A harbour and beautiful beach can be a terribly exposed position if you are trying to make landfall to gather food, water, water, whatever.

A complete set of decent tranceiver radios (MF/HF/VHF/UHF) (AM/FM, USB/LSB) will cost EASILY $5,000.

I am not trying to dissuade anyone of the idea of retreating to the sea, but there are LOTS and LOTS of things to consider.
Jumping into the boat and happily sailing off into the sunset until things return to "normal" is just not the reality of it in my humble opinion, unless the disaster is short lived or very localized.

Ok... I am getting off my soapbox...

Vehicle for TSHTF--NOW is the time to buy
 

While fuel economy is a concern, folks with SUVs and trucks are almost giving them away because of gas prices. I'm going to keep my eyes open for one of those diesel Landcruisers.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

I got one of these for hunting, collecting fire wood and working the property.
It's a blast to play with, while waiting for tsthtf.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recal...olaris_utv.jpg

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Some, relatively, heavy duty all terrain vehicle outfitted to run on solar energy with a hydrogen generator as a back power source of fuel.

A Hummer H1 or H2 comes to mind for the time being.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

the truck with toby unit[they had a diesel mercedes for sale too-ebay] was from a small town south of atlanta; molena, ga. i think.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Where is it you all plan on going to anyway? And just how bad are you expecting things to get? It's not likely to end up like a Kevin Costner movie. The economy will turn to crap and we will probably be living in a full blown police state, but life will go on.

I've been reading a book of letters to Washington, during the great depression. They were losing their houses, had nothing to eat, but I was surprised how many people were writing in, simply to ask for a coat. I found that one baffling. Coats usually don't go bad and that depression only lasted about 10 years.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Agreed,no radiator,very fast offroad,good mileage and durable and inexpensive.I love mine.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

Two wheels seem practical and kind of fun. A nice sheep could keep you warm and hay would keep anyone from seeing you.

Re: Vehicle for TSHTF
 

LMAO. Is that second pic Vietcong?