Bug Out Vehicle Resource

[That Guy v2.0]

Here is a great resource for info on outfitting and operating a BOV. Sections are well thought out and very informative ranging from planning, execution and recovery and maintenance. Mainly it covers trucks/cars but also kayaks and mountain bikes as well.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/index.php

Also if you are just getting into this I recommend the books by Scott B Williams.

Bug Out Vehicles and Shelters: Build and Outfit Your Life-Saving Escape
http://www.amazon.com/Bug-Out-Vehicl...8142398&sr=1-2

This book and his other one really opened my eyes to the possibility of mountain bikes and sea kayaks.

[Moose-Knuckle]

Good stuff.

Automobile maintenance to me is a daunting task, especially if SHTF. Even things that appear to be "small" such as a discharged battery and or multiple flat tires would be very problematic once the lights go out.

[M_Rapp]

ATVs are my plan... I would need / want to go where no roads are...

[loganp0916]

ATVs are my plan... I would need / want to go where no roads are...

I'd say side x sides. And keep some gas cans and whatever else you want in the bed. The can-am commanders are nice. They have 2 levels in their beds for a little extra storage and you can get all kinds of accessories for them (plow, winch, skid plates, brush guards, gun racks, etc..).

If you couldn't tell, I'm thinking about getting one....

[Brimstone]

With the price of side x sides, why would that be a better choice than a Jeep Wrangler? I have been debating this myself and I keep leaning toward a good used Jeep.

[Blstr88]

With the price of side x sides, why would that be a better choice than a Jeep Wrangler? I have been debating this myself and I keep leaning toward a good used Jeep.

x2, now that JKs are the norm the price of TJs has dropped drastically, I see lots of real nice TJs with the 4.0 inline 6 motor with 100k-120k miles for $4000-$6000. Those side x sides are more than that...take the back seat out of a TJ and you can fit 10x more than you could in one of those side x's, not to mention waaay better range, offroad capability (arguable I guess).

[loganp0916]

True. Now that I'm thinking more about it, I'd go with a jeep too. I was just thinking about the atv comment above and how a lot of atv's are about the same price as a side x side and I think a side x side would be more useful than an atv. But, the can am is one of the more expensive side x's. That part was more of just an example.

[Dave L.]

With the price of side x sides, why would that be a better choice than a Jeep Wrangler? I have been debating this myself and I keep leaning toward a good used Jeep.

I went the Jeep route. A Side by Side is not as good as a Jeep in nearly all categories. I still want a side x side, but not as a primary BOV.

[M_Rapp]

I think it all depends on where you live and where you are headed. There are places I go on my ATV no side by side or Jeep could.. For a guy who needed to spend some time on the road and then head to the hills I see the jeep being a good choice. They are just heavy and that is a limitation for the terrain I have in mind.

I think I need some 2 Grizz 700s, a Polaris Ranger, AND a Jeep....

[COVERBUSTER]

IMHO the best bet for a BOV would be a simple, rugged pre 85 Blazer, Bronco ( 78-79), Wagoner, Trailblazer/Ramcharger. Might include the same years in pickup form with a topper. The older the better. Theres not much a fellow cant fix with a good manual or basic auto know how.

Keep the electronics simple.
Carbs only please.
Straight axles ONLY.
Switch out to 3/4 or 1 ton running gear.
Military wrap on springs, mild lift.
Bead lock rims.
Build it your self so you are familiar with its operation.

Go get stuck a few times.
Go break something.

SxS and ATV's are a weak replacement for a BOV. Limited mileage, no protection from the elements, limited storage/haulage capacity, no ballistic protection ( as opposed to some ), hard to find parts for in a SHTF scenario, the list goes on.