You may already have a bug-out location prepared for when things go south, but you’ll need a bug-out vehicle (BUV) to get there. There are top-of-the-line BUVs available, but not everyone has a wad of cash lying around. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be rich to be a smart prepper. Here are some tips for choosing or building the ultimate low-cost BUV. (h/t to TheSurvivalistBlog.net)
Things to consider for your bug-out vehicle
BUVs are different for each prepper. A BUV that works for another prepper may not necessarily work for you and your family. Here are some things you have to consider:
1. How many people and items are you taking with you?
The first thing to consider is the number of people that you will take with you. Your BUV can’t be a motorcycle if you have five family members. If you have a lot of family members, it may be best to start looking at SUVs or pick-up trucks. (Related: Your SHTF guide to bugging out in an RV.)
Another thing to note is the number of items you’ll bring. How well-stocked is your bug-out location? Is there anything that you must bring still? The answer to these questions also depends on how well you've maintained your bug-out location. You can bring fewer items if you’re bug-out location is properly stocked and secure.
2. How many drivers do you have?
If there’s only one person who knows how to drive, it may be time to teach your wife, husband, or kids. Out on the road, it’s possible that the driver may get incapacitated from an attack or accident. You'll need another capable driver to get you to safety when that happens.
On that note, you must also consider which kind of vehicle suits the drivers of your family. If your teenage child only knows how to drive an automatic, you may have to choose an automatic BUV. In any case, it’s best that you teach all capable family members to drive different kinds of vehicle. You never know what may happen in the open road.
3. Which vehicle is best for bugging out?
If you are looking to buy a BUV, a diesel-fueled four-wheel drive (4WD) is your priority. It’s more expensive than the average vehicle, but if you can find a cheaper, secondhand 4WD that you can customize, it will still be better than most cars. Here are the reasons why:
- Fuel availability – In an SHTF situation, gas stations may no longer be operational and will quickly run out of supply. When that happens, you can make your own biodiesel fuel to power your BUV.
- Longevity – Diesel fuel lasts longer than gasoline. This is crucial because you may need to cover a long distances to get to safety.
- Road adaptability – A 4WD is likely to survive rough and unpaved terrains. You might be forced to go off-road in a survival scenario. A BUV that is not a 4WD may break under those conditions.
4. What wheels are best for bug-out vehicles?
Make sure to not overlook the wheels of your BUV. Some wheels are better in certain areas than others. For preppers, the best kind is all-terrain wheels. Aside from exceedingly muddy areas, all-terrain wheels can traverse any kind of path. In case you encounter a blockage or a threat on the road, you have more options on where to go because you know the wheels can carry you there.
There are many things to consider when preparing a BUV. Even if you can’t afford the recommended items on this list, just be smart and maximize your resources. If you can’t afford all-terrain wheels, check the climate in your area and choose the wheels that fit it best. Maintain your car regularly if you can’t afford to buy a new one. This will at least ensure that your car is in prime condition when a disaster strikes.
Learn more about bug out vehicles, locations, kits, and other items at Bugout.news.
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