In case you can't stay at home for safety reasons or you decide to bugout what is your 'escape' vehicle?

I`ve gone over this scenerio a lot... crowded roads, no one's getting anywhere... what do you do to 'escape' whatever is going on?

It must be able to carry 2-3 people and go atleast 150 miles so dirtbikes (2 stroke atleast) and quads are almost out of the question.

I`ll go first.

My jeep.
Why?
It's made to traverce rocks, I`ve beat the living crap out of it and poored more money into it to make it stronger and not break easily at all. It can be driven off the road so I don't have to stay on highways. It has enough gas to get me into the mountains or whichever way I need to go. I have used it enough camping I know how much I can pack into it. It has a CB Radio tuned and ready for use at a moments notice, it has enough spare parts to replace most common breakages on the trail and on the road. Beadlocked tires so I can continue driving on a flat, tires that have handled the sharpest rocks off-road, on board engine driven air compressor (numerous uses). Safety! It has a custom fullbuilt rollcage and can sustain a rollover. The jeep has lockers, protection, etc.. etc.. etc..

Things I want to add.
-Winch (Yes I should already have one!)
-Ready Welder (Welder that uses 1-3 batteries, portable MIG)
-5gallon water tank (I`ll be making this)

The jeep has enough food and water to last atleast 2 days for myself all the time - and normally I forget and leave gear in it with more water and jerky...

So what's your bugout vehicle, and what do you want to add?

I will be trading in my little car to get a F250 diesel... this will be what I drive daily and would also work as it will be prepared with extra fueltank, equipment, slightly larger tires (35"), lockers front and rear... better off-road than my current MR2.

Bicycles. If the roads are screwed then the roads are screwed. There's almost no place around houston even where I could travel a considerable distance without roads. I'd run into rivers or large forests or other barriers that simple wouldn't be passable in a vechicle. Bicycles, trailer for the kids and a bit of gear. I know I can comfortably do 50 miles a day with this type of setup and likely much more if under duress. If the main roads are screwed then people will start hitting the side roads, bottlenecks will be at bridges, if you can cross the bridge due to traffic then you're stuck, this seems to be the case almost everywhere I've been in north america, doesn't really matter what vechicle you drive.

I have an older Jeep Cherokee. If I had the financial resources I'd give it a small lift and much better, slightly larger tires, a winch and water / gas carriers on the rear. Inside I always have 2-5 gallons of water, blankets, some tools, rope, trioxane / trioxane stove, medium sized PSK (I had a good BOB in it, but it got broken into and...), gloves, fleece jacket, a couple tarps, a few power bars, extra stuff for the dogs (leashes, tie outs, collars, bowels) and other misc. stuff.

I have two Trek full suspension mountain bikes. I have a rear rack that holds my bug out bag. I am waiting to get a set of front pannier bags for each bike. I was thinking about a bag for the handlebars to hold a sleeping bag. We have been talking about getting a trailer to go on the back of each bike to fit the kids in with a bag in each one as well. I am still checking on those though. I have borrowed a few and I like them but I need to really test one out and see if I can break it. I want to buy one first as I don't want to break someone elses. I ride my bike to and from work and everywhere we go, the wife takes the kids and I ride. Sometimes my son rides with me.

I'm a bit surprised that you eliminate quads based on their range. I can generally get 60 miles on one tank, more if I stay out of 4WD and avoid full-throttle, and it's an easy matter to strap a gas can or two to the rack. I have a rear cargo bag that incorporates an extra seat in case I need to haul a passenger. If it becomes impossible to shelter-in-place and the condition of the roads are such that I can't take my full-size rig (a Dodge 2500 V10 w/ shell), then you can bet we're taking the ATV's.

Regards, Vince

My 15.2 H, bloodbay quarterhorse Martin Pauley. Marty is one true horsepower, runs on bio fuel, is trained for drive by shootings and watches THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN with me when it's on. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have my S-10 Blazer 4X4. I live in an area were the roads will not be impassable even if every one is trying to leave. Although I will be moving to the coast for school so I do not know what challenges that will arise. I like it because it is small, so it can get into tight places. On a full tank I can get 300 miles on roads. I need to find a way to improve to mpg or increase fuel capacity. It holds 4 people; well it has four seat belts. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It is ready to go for just me and I have extra pre-packed bag that I can through in for extending my stay or number of people. It has a roof rack which can hold a lot.
I was wondering if anyone had ideas to increase my mpg or fuel capacity? Please keep in mind I am a student so money is an issue, but all suggestions are welcome.

Your least expensive option is to acquire some jerry cans. This is problematic in California, as they are not longer sold because of safety and vapor loss regulations. Try to find a few at least. You may want to tape, or paint WATER on the cans to deter theft. Remember also, that in any vehicle the more stuff you load the lower the mileage. Everyone overlooks what my Chicano friend Estaban calls his 6' gasolina credit card, aka my 'leettle rubber hose' We once syphoned gas from his car, a beautifully restored 64 Impala into my Mini Cooper S. The apartment insecure security guard called the police. The officer was not amused. "Son ( to the guard) whats wrong with this picture? the Homeboy is taking gas OUT of his car, not putting it IN!" <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Then Ihad to explain how anyone could run a mini out of gas to begin with. It's hard, but can be done <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Honda Accord for now. While I can't go off-roading, I make up for that with 34mpg on the highway.

If it gets to the point where an improved dirt road and a 2WD vehicle can't get me somewhere secluded on public land, I'd be ditching the car at a trailhead anyway and shouldering the backpack. (If TSHTF scenario).

Ideal BoB vehicle would be a large 4WD SUV. And a gas tanker to follow me.

I've also been thinking about purchasing a few rural acres within range of 1/2 of my gas tank (~250 miles). This would serve as my own vacation spot first, and as a bug-out location second.

Lastly, there's always the bike in the garage if I want to bug-in locally and not waste gas.

Yeah... you can get 'water cans' at wal-mart still but they are not labeled gas. 4WheelParts & CEntral 4wd sell Jeryy Cans for gas/water still too, pricey but they do. I have 2 w/a rack for a ice chest on the rear of the jeep.

About the quad... you mentioned 60 miles on 1 tank, then you coudl carry more gas and refuel.... Could you safely go 150 miles a day without worry of burning up the motor? I don't know much about quads so I`m curious.

Well, Chris, I'd say you win, hands down. Not only are you good to go, off road, but your ride can graze for fuel, he's an extra set of ears at camp, and if worse comes to worst, you've got meat on the hoof (sorry, I couldn't resist) <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Troy

My usualy vehicle is a hunk of junk that looks like it has been a few wars.

The back up is my best vehicle. It runs on almost anything, can go any where, and can even handle near vertical surfaces. My feet.

My 1988 S10 4x4 would regularly hit almost 30mpg with a cap on the back and my tools. Whya year is yours and it is auto or manual, 4 door ro 2 door. The older Blazers had the gas tank behind the rear axle and the newer 4 door it moved to infront of the rear axle like the trucks. It looks like from the frame drawings that you many be able to put an older rear tank under the rear of the front tank blazer ( a guy on s10 extremists forum did it with his truck and I had planned to do it with mine). You will need to look at getting the external rear mount if you don't have it already (can't just bolt it on if you don't there is a brace inside the body it bolts to). I woulod say don't put in a rear tank unless you do add the external tire for crash protection though I still see a lot of vehicles with the rear tank and they pass gov tests I'd much rather have an extra layer behind it.

2004 Honda CR-V. 4WD but fairly good MPG (4-cylinder). Room for 5 w/ good storage but small enough to navigate traffic, sidewalks, etc. Good traction and decent ground clearance--at least compared to a car. While it's more reliable most 4WDs, it's not nearly as rugged or easy to repair yourself, so it's a toss-up. But it's a good compromise for a citydweller (Chicago), and it's great to not have to dig out parking spaces in the winter.

Get some jerry cans.

300 miles on a tank is OK. You have to pass emissions testing so radical changes to your powertrain are likely to be expensive (heck, they're not cheap anyway). Without knowing your specifcs it's hard to say, but it is possible that you could gain some economy with a re-programing of your engine computer (or replacement) but there are still mechanical limits to what that can accomplish (valve size, lift, duration, & timing, compression ratio, internal efficiency of things - like mains - etc etc etc).

With really careful driving you might be able to squeeze another 100 miles out of a tank - being in overdrive but below 45 mph is a place to start if you're on the level. A dashboard vacuum gauge can help if you know how to interpret it in various load conditions. But in a bugout situation I'm betting that driving demands are going to kick one's fuel milage severely in the opposite direction - and even a short term in 4wd will suck some serious fuel.

By far the cheapest thing to do is add capacity. Safest way GENERALLY is to add a fuel tank (if there are any aftermarket ones for your S-10 Blazer). Cheapest way is what's already been suggested - jerry cans. It takes discipline to keep them fueled with stabilizer added (and you still should empty/refill often - ideally monthly, especially if, like here, fuel blend varies with the season).

[rant] Unlike many other countries, no one here sells a good little 4wd with a small 4 cyl diesel (The Liberty 2.8L is a maybe, I guess). And now too many companies have replaced good little 4 cyl gasoline chuggers with multi-valve high rpm engines that truly suck at motoring along whilst sipping fuel. Ironic, since the tech now really would allow far superior small truck engines compared to the older carburated non-EEC engines. Everyone wants to blast down the highway instead... that takes HP and rpm (and fuel). Some of the same small trucks sold here are available elsewhere with neat little diesels; I've used them, and they are more suitable for this sort of thing. Moving to bigger vehicles like I drive, I SERIOUSLY object to the price premium I have to pay for a diesel engine - I simply cannot justify the cost difference; I will never recoup the savings in fuel. [rant]

Assuming that changing vehicles is not an option, planning and prep and practice (all of which CAN be entertaining if you wish) will be more important than your range. I'm oversimplifying, but we have always planned 3 stages (the intermediate stage depends on bridges, so maybe it's 4 stages). Vehicles, AT bikes (or canoes), and on foot (or snowshoe). In answer to another question, all the ATV's I've ever owned or used will run without problem far longer than I care to stay astride one, in the worst conditions imaginable. But I'm not equipping my family of 6 with ATVs - I no longer own even one as of last month.

Tom

If worse comes to worst, when the roads are screwed, most people will forget an obvious alternate "road" - the railroad! I'm not talking about driving on the rail part or over the railroad ties (good way to shake yourself to death!), but rather in the right of way alongside the tracks. For those with trucks or SUVs it might be a good way to get across town or even out of town. You might have to actually straddle the rails at some point in order to drive across a bridge, though. Be warned that as soon as everybody sees you do it, you will have lots of followers!

My $.02 worth.

I recommend you maximize your escape options. An SUV with four wheel drive will give you the most options. Some extra gas cans is a good idea! Have a PSK for your vehicle. If you have to abandon the vehicle then have your BOB with you. The best bet seems to be to head for an area with water that can be purified for drinking. A good water filtration system would be good as well as water purification tablets.

The most likely scenario is like after a hurricane disaster in Florida. You may have to look out for yourself at first. Over time support services will be available. You will have to either shelter in place or evacuate to a government designated shelter. Your food and medical supplies will run out over time and you will be forced by circumstances to seek out a shelter. As time goes on life should get back to some kind of normalcy.

If you are expecting an EOWAWKI then you will need to learn primitive survival skills. Don’t expect to live a long healthy life. With no medical resources any small problems can turn into a life-threatening event. As time goes on all technology devices will become useless. Batteries and ammo will run out. You will be down to Stone Age survival.

I have and 89, s-10 blazer, automatic, 4x4, 4.3 liter it gets at best 17 mpg. How do you get 30 mpg? <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

My 77 "burbkin" suburban. It is pumpkin orange with simulated wood paneling. It utilizes the old tried and true differential mechanical 4wd system. I rebuilt the 406 cu. in motor and added an edelbrock dominator intake and custom header exhaust. It weighs over three tons with just a driver and 35 gallons of gas in it. It will climb hills like a mountain goat, and skin logs off the hitch all day long. I can pack a 9 day elk camp in it, complete with wall tent and all the fixings, and still have room for three passengers. It looks like crud, but it does the job every year, regardless of the weather conditions. I've driven it down both escape routes at 60+ mph with no problems, except almost annhilating a porcupine once.

I can pack a full ton of stuff in it. People tend to get out of the way of me when I drive to/from work when I am back home.

After being here in Baghdad, the only thing I might add to the rig is a turret! <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The auto will be the biggest hinderance to your MPG. I regularly see up to 5mpg difference between auto and manual s10's when people list their mpg on the different s10 forums. Mine was a 4banger too which helped out as well with no AC or cruise or anything else fancy, pretty much the only option was 4x4. A lot of people say 4x4 hurts milage but looking again at the listings on the various s10 forums I can see little difference between the milage of a 4x4 and 2wd.

"Could you safely go 150 miles a day without worry of burning up the motor?"

You will not burn up the motor assuming you do your regular maintenance (oil, oil filter, air filter, etc.) Yamahas and Hondas have a reputation for being bulletproof and in my experience they are.

Regards, VInce

I love all your suggestions!

My survival vehicle? I'd go to the top story of my apartment building and powerup my EFV4 Springtail. I strap my bob to a cable and make use of the vtol capabilities. I can fly above the gridlock at 60mph and cover over 160 miles. Actually, it can only cover 63 miles but I have several main and backup fuel supplies enroute.

Check it out at:

http://www.trekaerospace.com/trek_aerospace_springtail_efv4_images.html




Roads? Where we are going we don't need roads.

P.S. Actually, I'd take my cheap motorbike. I don't have a springtail as they are in the prototype phase (and I couldn't even afford a ticket to look at one). Once they come down in price they will be the ultimate escape vehicle. That is if you don't have a family OR you have REALLY light children who can hold on to your legs for extended periods of time. On a serious note has anyone considered adding a motor to their bicycles? Check out:
http://www.fiveflagsmotorbikes.com/

P.P.S. As you might imagine I have no connection to five flags OR trekaerospace (except my in my dreams). <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

With family = GMC Jimmy - Better gas mileage than my F150 and a little smaller.
Alone = Motorcycle - Superb gas mileage and very small.

Do you mind if I give you a new nickname <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

*shakes your hand* Greetings, Brother Skeet.

One big problem with the Springtail. It is still a prototype. It has been a prototype for a long time, and probably will be.

I'd take my bulldozer, steel cab, bulletproof glass, roll protection, tracks, over head air intake and exaust so it can go through water up to the cab, a fuel tank that last forever, diesel so it runs on anything, ect. It doesn't go very fast, but I can knock trees or buildings down if they are in my way and is more off-road capable then an army tank. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

If you want to fly, try one of these:

http://www.airscooter.com/pages/airscooter_main.htm

No licence is required and they cost the same as one of the new high end diesel pickup truck. They should go on sale before the end of the year.

How about this instead?

http://www.airscooter.com/

Looks like fun, and no license required (ultralight classification).

Amazing !
I guess here in France, you will need one.
You cannot travel inside air space without knowledge of the elementary rules regulating air traffic, even with an ultralight motorized plane.

Good call. You too Turbo!

Starting to save $ now!

-NIM

Oops, I didn't get a refresh for Turbo's link before I sent mine. Sorry for the double up.

Anyways, those little hummers look cool, but the demo video makes em sound like a weedeater on steroids. Might not be enough to haul my carcass around, but I see they are coming out with a deluxe two passenger model with a more powerful engine.

Lets turn the question around; which ve-hi-cle has outlasted [survived ] just about every other car/wagon on the planet? Answer: the humble Volkswagen!
This almost indestructible little car is in every corner of the planet, therefore parts everywhere; a true world car, ridiculously simple to service if you know how; runs on any sort of gasoline; excellent power-to-weight ratio; off road capability adequate.
Simple, big enough for two, with survival gear.
The car has proved itself in all sorts of conditions; it won't let you down.. and yes, I own one!!!

In America, the F100 bears that distinction.