Purchasing a bug-out vehicle is a major survival purchase you may want to consider, depending on the type of survival situation you think you might encounter.
If you do, make sure at the minimum you consider this list as well as upgrades that might give you an edge.
What should the bug out vehicle allow you to do?
It must hold 4 people –I believe it is short-sighted to plan on a bug out vehicle that only carries one or two people. If this is a real bug out scenario you want to be with some friends or family because there is strength and support in numbers.
It must be able to carry your supplies – Back to the 2 seat vehicle and even a lot of mid-sized cars these days. Most have so little cargo room that you would be lucky to get your bug out bag and a pillow in the trunk but you could forget about all of your prepping supplies, ammo and food and water you have stored. I am not saying that your bug out vehicle should be able to carry everything in your house or else it is worthless, but you do want the ability to pack a good portion of your supplies or gear.
It must be able to navigate rough terrain/rough weather – The first thing that comes to mind when I am considering a vehicle that I could actually use to bug out is 4 wheel drive. I have read other forums where some will complain about the fuel you would need and how a larger vehicle could actually be worse. Some have even recommended a hybrid as a better solution to save gas and I simply disagree. In almost every horrible scenario I can imagine, even something as mundane as a hurricane evacuation, the ability to go off-road is an important advantage.
It must be fairly nimble and able to negotiate obstacles quickly –Try backing up a trailer and turning around to avoid an ambush quickly. Most people have problems backing up a trailer when they aren’t panicked, getting shot at or worse.
Best Bug out vehicle upgrades
These vehicles listed above will make great, affordable bug out vehicle options for most people but if you want to extend their capabilities, you can add some fairly simple aftermarket additions to make them even better.
• Roof top cargo racks – This will extend the amount of gear you can carry by a considerable bit. Two well-known manufacturers are Gobi and Baha.
• Improved front and rear bumpers – This is not an upgrade for everyone because they aren’t cheap but if you want some more protection (a lot more) for your bug out vehicle, there are several manufacturers.
• Winch kits – Sometimes you get stuck and if the end of the world as we know it happens and you are riding into the wilderness in your bug out vehicle, you won’t be able to call AAA. Having a sturdy winch could pull you out of a jam.
• Enhanced lighting – Regular headlights are only meant to show the road immediately ahead of you at a normal distance that won’t blind traffic coming towards you. If you are out in the wilderness or a power outage or storm has rendered your world as black as night, additional lights can help you see or be seen. The current LED technology has really increased the amount of available light you can have for your BOV. Some of these lights are capable of putting out over 24,000 lumens!
For comparison, your regular Cree mini flashlight has about 200 lumens. Rigid Industries is probably the best known (and most expensive) but there are cheaper options out there if you look around. For instance, Amazon has a 24 inch LED light bar for under $60. That will save you about $800.
• Communication options – CB Radio and Ham Radio make excellent upgrades to your bug out vehicle. Either will allow you to communicate with the rest of your group or rescue sources nearby.
• Additional fuel storage tanks – Increase the range of your bug out vehicle by adding a larger or secondary fuel tank. Of course, there are cheaper options where you can just purchase additional fuel cans and mount them on your roof rack or bumper.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of severe storms and has frequent evacuations, a bug-out vehicle is almost a necessity, but if your survival plan is dedicated to “sheltering-in” a vehicle designated for bug-out might be overkill and a waste of money.
Understanding what you are buying is paramount, however, to make sure you get what you need without breaking your bank.
To learn more about bug-out vehicles, please check out The Prepper Journal.
If that’s a fukin H2 or H3 hummer this person needs 2 slap themselves. It’s a yuppiemobil, not a real off roader and damn sur ain’t a bug out vehicle. Unless ur bugging out 2 the fukin mall, smh!
For real man. If you buy an H2 as your BOV, just go ahead and shoot yourself.
I mean, as long as their point is only 7 miles away, they’re good.
My BOV aint no Hummer.
Some people will have to bug out in a corolla, or what have you. It’s a lot better than that. Out of curiosity, what is your vehicle?
Nope, sure ain’t. An H2 shares the same chassis though, but is more robust and more capable.
I want one of the Brute converted Jeep trucks. Freaking awesome!
F250 7.3 powerstroke 4×4
That’s cool. Ya know, I hated the H2 when I saw it in concept at the autoshow. But later worked at a premier Hummer dealer. I drove lots of 1’s and 2’s. The H2 is surprisingly capable, roughly 85% of H1. The torque-trac system makes a huge difference as well. It’s one of the most capable (stock) vehicles you can get.
The original H1s were the$#%&!@* The neutered versions they came out w later just made me sad. Apparently I wasn’t the only 1 since they dnt make em any mor
How about emp shielding or emp proof?
7.3 Excursion…a real BOV. Solid axles, will rub on dirty fuel, plenty of room and power to haul, sleep in, drive over anything you need to. Mine is sitting tall.