Tom,

Is the water trap fuel filter you spoke of in the post I'm replying to, readily available? Any idea if it would work on a carbed 350 Chevy? Needless to say I've been having trouble with water in my gasoline...and ALL of the local gas stations buy gas from the same company.

Thanks!

Take care,

Andy

Here's my choices:

1. 650-class dual purpose motorcycle. (Kawasaki KLR650, etc.). Best for maneuverability. Good range (big gas tank). Legal on highways.

2. Jeep Wrangler (pick your vintage, long wheelbase is better--CJ-6/CJ-8/AEV 112). Best 4WD for maneuverability. Can carry a goodly amount of stuff. Probably best for two people max.

3. Full-size 4WD pickup or van. Best for carrying lots of stuff, but not great for off-road (or on-road!) maneuverability. Can carry the bike. Available with diesel engine.

My favorite scenario is the pickup at the destination, and the Jeep and bike at the home (assuming you have a place to go!). Wife drives the Jeep with the kids and supplies in back and I ride the bike as advance scout.

Am I getting too paranoid? <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

In reality, any well-maintained vehicle that has at least *some* off-road capability is sufficient. Base your needs on how much cargo capacity you need for your family.

As we discuss vehicles for "survival" use, it's important to think about driving techniques, both on and off road. There are plenty of websites that describe techniques, but one book I thought I'd pass along. Four Wheel Freedom by Brad DeLong has some good beginnning techniques for off-road driving. While I'm by no means an expert, I do have several years of off-road experience. This book has taught me a lot, including a few situations where conventional wisdom may seem contrary to the recommended techniques. Keep in mind that this book will be "another tool in the toolbox", and not all its recommendations are appropriate or correct 100% of the time.

I just want to make a quick metion (got to cook dinner now).
Every time you step in your car for a drive longer than... lets say 20km. Check the following: PETROL
P = obviously... petrol <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
E = electronics battery and ignition
T = Tyres = pressure, quality
R = I cannot believe I cant remember this one !"&^%%)(*&£
O = oil
L = Lights

Reinhardt

R - radiator fluids.

Matt

BINGO! <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Just don't say petrol to American folks, you get us a bit confused. I had an Australian classmate and we were planning a backpaging trip. So all was good until he told me that he wants to split the costs of petrol. I (16 at the time) looked at him and was wondering what the hell is he talking about. He took my confused reaction as a sign that I want more than half so he told me that he will pay for the whole petrol we are going to use. I was more confused because at this point I assumed that petrol is oil or diesel fuel. I turned around and told him that my car doesn't use that much petrol and we should be ok on one bottle. He than looked at me, figured out I don't speak Australian or English but American and we started to exchange friendly insults. So I was under the impression that I just didn't know what petrol was, until we got to the gas station in Jersey and he asked for a full talk of petrol. Gas station attendant also had no clue what he was talking about but he pointed my friend to a diesel pump down the ramp.

Just a stupid story.

Matt

Two-wheeled Rokon trail machine. Will haul ass, haul trailers, haul passengers, haul over practically any obstacle. Uses air-cooled motor. Uses less gas per pound hauled than any 4-wheeled vehicle and is cheaper to maintain, easier to service, small to store.

You can't blast down the highway on it, but if fuel becomes a problem, it will probably haul the same weight you need for "bugging out" further and more fuel efficiently albiet at a slower speed. It will go deeper into the "back country" than a 4-wheeler.

Bountyhunter

Those Rokon things are nuts, they will go anywhere and they have tons of accessories. I think some of them will even float if you fall in a river or something. <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Here's the link