I would love to hear more on this topic . Also best colour for the vehicle.

Hi Goldie.

Tell me about what you drive or want to have 'down the road' in an effort to become more self-reliant. Remember that Ontario sees brutal winters and we have lakes everywhere! Maybe think outside of just 4 wheels and satellite radio...?

M

In 2005 I bought a VW Passat wagon. Turbocharged Diesel, great mileage at 900km range per tank (55 liters - 10 gal) or about 45 mpg and plenty of power. Enough room to sleep in the back if needed, room for stuff. Long wheelbase so it rides well, low center of gravity so it handles and corners well.
Also can tow a trailer with another 1000lbs of stuff.

I got it in silver so it doesn't show the dirt and stays cool(er) in the sun.

I can't say that I bought my vehicles for bug out purposes but they are both 4 wheel drives as most vehicles are where Iive. I own a 2006 Chev Colorado and the wife owns a 2008 H3 Hummer. (No, the H3 isn't really near as expensive as you think it is.) The reason I chose these specifically is that gas is presently sitting at $1.499 here, which is higher than most of Canada so both my vehicles have straight 5 cylinder engines. The Colorado averages 26 mph @ 110 kph and the H3 gets 21@110kph. The H3 weighs 700 lbs more, is less aerodynamic and is full time (computerized)4x4 compared to the Colorado can be set to part time 4x4.

Most vehicles today are crammed under the hood and therefore much harder to fix. The straight 5's leave lots of room to work compared to V6's and V8's and are still quite reliable. They are less fuel efficient than a V6 but have a longer piston stroke for more pulling power. Both are very decent 4x4's as the Colorado is light and proven well when off road. But the H3 rules in the ditch. It has serious suspension for offroading and I use it for plowing too. Seems most others don't plow because I had to build a mount system as no company makes a plow for the Hummers(go figure).

The Colorado is a copper/silver in color which great for hiding dirt. It is a therefore your "grey camo" which is also very inconspicuous compared to many loud colors, but mine is otherwise covered in bright red vinyl advertising for my shop( which means my truck doubles as a free billboard). I could peel it all off in about 2 hours if I had to though. This truck drives like a nice car but it's smooth ride can't haul much over 500 lbs in the box without beefing up the suspension.

The H3 is bright Harley Orange which would be great camo to blend in only if it were burning in hell 😀 . The wife is afraid of hitting moose, so I convinced her yo buy one on the premise that it is unlikely a moose can come into a H3 easily as the windows are quite small. Deer and bear will dent your vehicle, but moose often kill the occupants because they are 1200 lbs of meat suspended on stilts. When you hit one, they tend to come into the cab because you take out their long legs and their body is above most vehicles hoods and ....thus, yer dead! The wife travels alot and wants her vehicle to be seen if she accidentally goes off the road so she wanted the bright color. I built her a custom roof rack to hold some serious moose lights for night driving that could even blind a bat's radar system. We always carry emergency road kits and First Aid kits and lug around snow boots and decent sleeping bags all winter if traveling very far. The biggest peril up here is hitting wildlife and at least one person dies here each year as a constant reminder to this fact. Over 90% of the vehicles up here have 4x4 written on them somewhere, so mine are somewhat the norm as many spend big bucks lifting and decking out their toys here. Yet most don't fix their own, and I think my choices are easier to fix then many others due to the simplicity of the straight 5 engine. Another big advantage of both of these GM products is the limited slip differentials. Instead of turning only 2 tires in 4x4, they start out turning all 4 up to about 5 mph, then turn into a normal differential. This means far better traction on takeoff then most others vehicles. You can tell if you have this option on your truck simply by backing up around a corner in 4 Wheel drive. It feels like your diffs are fighting each other and something is going wrong....like positracks, they only want to go straight when locked! The computer assisted 4 wheel drive is really sure footed, but I know it will go wrong some day and then I'll really hate it! The H3 can do a U-turn on a 2 lane highway, it turns that sharp(and I can't imagine why it needs to). It's a serious off road vehicle, but rides like a battle wagon on cracked highways and I'd sell it in a week if I lived in Winnipeg(cause most of their roads are cracked). The H3T (truck) rides better because it is longer.

As mentioned in another thread here, I had a Cherokee and it was a great vehicle bu it's downfall was not having a frame, just a unibody. Therefore I'd stick to the CJ's instead, but their noisier than the H3 and rougher to ride (and the H3 is rough enough) 😆 . I was often mean and inconsiderate to my Cherokee and drove it like I was trying to destroy it. We have winter roads that one doesn't travel in the summer because they often cross swamps. You do these with the approach of trying to push the pedal thru the floor and hope that Satan is eating lunch or something when you go cause no one else is gonna be dumb enough to come get you out. That Cherokee was a tough hombre for what she lived thru! I grew some brain cells since then and only drive winter roads in the winter....

I'm thinking of a Ford Transit connect comes in a wagon or van style ( not the big delivery type huge transit )
comes in a variety of colours. Some of the transit let you really customize the inside.

Clogged roads. No gas. No money. Hmmmmm....

Parking space in Holland.

Hi all,

I'm glad this thread have sparked a discussion. I'm sure we've all thought about it: How the hell am I going to get out of Dodge should there be a need. I was in Toronto during the 2010 G20 summit and saw a scary side of Canadian society I was only used to seeing on the news from other parts of the globe. My friends and I all decided from that point onwards to have a plan leaving the city and where to meet. The ice storm in the Ottawa area during the winter of '98 or annual flooding in the Winnipeg region brings this topic to the forefront. How do I get outta here?!?!

For me 2 wheels may better than four. The American special ops and our own armed forces have been using overland vehicles for decades. Snowmobiles, ATVs, and motorcycles offer a great means of travel when everyone else is in panic as they load up the family station wagon headed to the cottage... god how I loved the olde Caprice! J/K:)

My choice for a car would have to be a 4x4 truck or 4x4 jeep. I understand you Knuckle had a Cherokee and offered your feedback on that model. Its been a car I've looked into and would love to hear more from you in detail at a later date. I think the tried and true Wrangler or a full-sized pickup would interest me the most. I'm on a student's budget right now so I deal with the realities of what I've got but I have a presence of mind to get a more dependable daily driver soon enough.

Before then I plan on getting a bike. No not a bicycle - though they too have their place. I would have to say the Kawasaki KLR650 gets my nod. Please weigh in on this and anything else you care to comment on but I've been thinking about this one for a fair while and I've settled on this bike. The KLR650 is a brute. Used in countless wars by the US Marines, this motorcycle in its military configuration mind you is claimed to achieve mileage as high as 130MPG. For those of us thinking in metric terms, thats 2.92L/100Km!!! Can I substantiate this claim? No. Do I believe that this is a real-world figure? Likely not. I do know however that the typical civilian KLR650 will get about 4.5 - 5L/100Km(52 - 47 MPG). Thats pretty important in a situation where one needs to leave in a hurry because things aren't going so well in the neighbourhood. Fuel of any type becomes a precious commodity during and after mass disasters. An after market gas tank on this bike is now as large as 10 gallons. Thats conservatively 470 to 520 miles on one tank. Pretty good I'd say. Adding some saddle bags and even more fuel in a couple Jerry Cans and you can understand why this is a serious overland motorcycle.

One could argue that a bike, ATV, or personal water craft is impractical due to the lack of cargo capacity and passenger considerations. I can agree 100%, not very practical that way. I would rather spend the same amount of money for a car on one or if need-be even 2 overland vehicles should this prove to be a major advantage in staying safe and staying alive, god-forbid my life depended on it. I would rather stage my gear up ahead of me or along my route already out of harm's way than to end up stuck in traffic armageddon with my BOBs, INCHs, EDCs, FAKs, and LMNOPs in the trunk. This is my mindset when prepping: escape fast, travel light, travel smart, arrive alive, and already have everything waiting there. I of course have my kits and caches already.

My aim with this thread to both hear what others might have thought about with their vehicles and discuss what the pros and cons are with different types of transportation.

M

Some people drive a Jeep. In the Dakar rally, the Jeep is merely luggage!

M

You are new here so I am going to cut you some slack. LOL. Don't hate me for that comment. You will know what I mean in a bit. I'ld like to convince you to go read this.
http://internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=4740
You may want to read some of the comments before getting to the article itself. enjoy
This is my public service anouncement

Oh!!! That was my 666th post. I think I will celebrate with a musical interlude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mHe6FMs46o rock on.
Of course, This will be 667, the neighbours of the beast.

Hey cernunnos5,

I'm quite aware of the pitfalls of bugging out. I'm not fond of the term in fact since it really refers to the notion that you're running away from something, leaving a life behind. I prefer to think of the idea of heading towards something safe. Ideally already living in a relatively safe area works best. Day to day life is often balanced along with the best laid plans. Thats what I'm talking about. Would living in northern Ontario be a preferable spot? Yeah it would be. Can we all manage that at the current time? No. Keep in mind that, yes, in fact some people are new to this. For me, since about 2010. Running for the hills is not at all what I would recommend most everybody attempt. Those among us with extended experience in the bush (7 days+) will understand how difficult things can get. I'd love to hear about your own insights about longterm success in another thread perhaps.

Speaking of talking about things.... lets get back on the topic at hand. What else besides a bicycle (see 3 post above) do you drive / ride? Everyone's input is welcome.

M

Right now we have 2 vehicles...neither of them ideal for bugging out.
1 - 2001 chevy venture...to be replaced in about 2 years with a Jeep Wrangler.
2 - 2001 Taurus...to be replaced in about 1 year with a 4 x 4 pickup. Not fussy on the make/model, but needs a good sized rear bench seat for the kiddies and pouches and a large enough box to put a camper box on.
Other than that, I agree with the bikes and will be working on some cargo options to go with the ones we have.
Also, this fall, I will be working on a dog sled, as both my pouches are good strong breeds that love to pull (one huskey and one pittbull/boxer)
I will look into a wheeled cart for summer use with them too.

Well, There is the 1992 corolla station wagon which is our work horse. After that we have a disposable truck when we need a bit more weight but that uses double the gas. A flat deck cargo trailer when we need to move stuff (Firewood, hay, etc) or rescue the motorcycles. 2 MCs though bikes aren't as fuel efficient as most people think. About half of the corolla. Mrs C5 is planning to sell her Katana soon and bump way down to a Suzuki DR200SE (big jump down) the new ones, not the old ones because it has ridiculously low fuel consumption (most small MCs are ridiculously bad on gas) and can be lifted.
After that, a 1957 Massey Ferguon 35 | Vintage tractor witch will probably be the last vehicle running.

And 6 cargo bikes (plus a few trailers) which are the only thing I would trust in a crisis. My fuel storage wont last that long so it gets rationed immediately. Priority goes to the chainsaw, the backup generator if we lose the solar...and the tractor

For snow, we each have fitted skies and a home made dog sled

Ewww...668 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZtKbiJy8ZU

Hey cernunnos5,

I'm quite aware of the pitfalls of bugging out. I'm not fond of the term in fact since it really refers to the notion that you're running away from something, leaving a life behind. I prefer to think of the idea of heading towards something safe. Ideally already living in a relatively safe area works best. Day to day life is often balanced along with the best laid plans. Thats what I'm talking about. Would living in northern Ontario be a preferable spot? Yeah it would be.

Nice RV Allegro! looks alot like mine! The comment of bugging out is something I often wonder if folks have taken much time to really ponder on. I think many see the adventure aspect without considering the reality of it all. The knowledge that your trip is limited by one's fuel supply should be the first nerve test. Then that concept that a rolling stone gathers no moss...more like a wandering family harvest's no food! Thus your food stores are limited by all that you can carry along maybe with water too....did I just ruin the adventure?

I can relate to the bike escape vehicle as I've been into bikes since a young kid. My choice would be more the BMW G650 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19X9eI2MPL4 as it is a decent adventure bike both on & off road, very reliable and a used one would cost no more than your choice of dirt bike. You could strap alot of gear on it and still not destroy the handling. (bet some thought I'd push Harley's cause that's all I own 😆 ). I live in NW Ontario so I too think it is a good bugout location as it is all lakes and trees, and more lakes and trees!

No, I don't have alot of money and I'm downsizing my lifestyle to simpler means as quick as I can. My RV is a 27 ft Class A much like that shown above. They sell cheap nowadays because most folks can't afford to drive them far. This is obvious when you go to purchase one. A 30 year old RV often has less than 50,000 km on it. Most just drive them to the nearest park and squat at a campsite as it is too expensive to travel in. And old ones are often is quite good shape as they were rarely used. I bought mine a few years back for $5000 and it had a $1000 hitch already installed, a 6.2 diesel engine and an Onan 4000 kw onboard generator to boot. And there were many to choose from....

Other RV Advantages:

* low mileage means drivetrain should be reliable
* RV's are already a complete organized home on wheels
* you get to carry more stuff for the longer haul
* you could go where it's known safe... instead of 1 bug out location, you have many choices
* you have a roof over loved ones heads
* you can hide prep items more easily
* many RVs carry 700 miles of fuel on board
* they all come with water tanks and propane tanks too
* and they can pull more junk if need be
* an older RV says" I'm poorer than flash over there with his shiney new one, rob him instead 😀
* you can carry backup vehicles, from motorbikes to bicycles.
* relaxing on the roof gets you above the mosquitos radar.
* the roll out awning is soon your favorite option

Disadvantages:

- gas RV's get around 6 MPG while my diesel gets 10 MPG at 80 KPH
- you have to buy insurance on another vehicle
- you have to have a place to park something this huge
- today's gas with ethonal separates quickly so fuel additives are a must...diesel RV's best but hard to find
- those with long overhang after the rear axle bottom out on even minor inclines at just gas stations. This is why mine is only 27 ft long.
- longer RV's with overhang can't pull trailers or BOV as they get more a teeter-totter affect when driving.
- you have to dip into your life's savings just to gas these pigs up. Mine holds 500 liters of fuel!
- you won't be going over or around many road obstacles with an RV
- backing up, especially with a small trailer is a test of sheer will

The biggest point I like to express upon those who bug out is having multiple backup plans. Owning an RV gives you this. You don't have to quickly opt for just what you carry on your back. If your heading for Uncle Sam's place, you brought your own home along and he likely won't tire of you so quickly. There are just too many things that we need in our daily lives to not seriously consider an RV if you must even consider bugging out an option! I live in a isolated area where most would likely head for, yet an uncontrolled forest fire means having to leave here too. We lost over a million acres of forest back in 1980 and having fought fires then is my reminder to have a backup plan even here. The RV is my first choice for a BOV and your other fallback options should break down to according to what your pulling or carrying. I listed a variety below to allow you to figure that which you could apply to your present options.

Bug Out Vehicle: Your vehicle best suited to pull a trailer, carry fuel and supplies while traversing backroads and other obstacles to get to safer grounds. Should have a class 5 hitch, roofrack, box cap and be reliable.

Camper Trailer: a self-contained home whose size is limited by bugout vehicles towing capacity. Home comforts while hauling supplies. Should also have roofrack, ladder, hitch.

Enclosed Trailer: keeps contents hidden. Extra storage with roofrack, side hooks and hitch racks. Size and capacity depends on tow vehicles limits. Can be towed by motorhome or bug-out vehicle.

Tent Trailer: a self-contained home providing essential needs while hauling supplies to a new local. Hides contents inside from prying eyes. Should have substantial roofrack to carry more. Towed by bug-out vehicle.

Storage Pod: enclosed, lockable, mounts on roofracks. Can be transferred to trailers, etc as needs required

Dirtbike: quiet reliable 4 stroke, 250-500 cc. Add rear rack, saddlebags, rifle mount bracket. Used for scouting resources economically. Stores in enclosed trailer.

Bicycles: mountain bike equipped with saddlebags, headlight, front and rear racks, hitch, and locks.

Bicycle Trailer: consists of a light framework with removable wheels (for easy storage) which should be interchangeable to bicycles if so required. Fasteners for storage pod even. Can be pulled by hand if you are dumb enough to even lose your bicycle 🙄