A Toyota Prius is great for saving fuel on a day to day basis, but chances are it won't fare very well when SHTF and it requires repairs. This is the problem with many modern vehicles: they're overcomplicated.
Check out the list below for the vehicles you can really count on.
1. Pre-1985 Toyota Hilux 4×4
These are tough little trucks. If you can find a 4×4 with the solid front axle and a carbureted 22R motor, you have a good starting point.
I have run one of these since the 1980’s and the worse I treat it, the better it runs. They are tough little trucks.
2. Sand Rail or Dune Buggy
They are short on carrying capacity, but can sometimes fit in small planes when disassembled. Depending on where you live, a simple model of any of these may be a must have or you might keep one or more at a retreat or in a Toy Hauler trailer. There are even some diesel models out there.
3. CUCV
CUCV (Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle) on the surplus market. They are basically a military diesel pickup or Blazer.
4. Pre-1980’s American-made Trucks and SUVs
Ford, Chevy, Dodge, these older US-made trucks are very common and are great candidates for a low profile bug out vehicles that double as daily drivers. I do not believe that any other vehicle on this list has the volume of accessories and options available to customize it.
5. Deuce and a Half Variants
There are many variants of these iconic 6×6 vehicles. Some are even bobbed to 4×4’s. They are not so great for keeping a low profile, but they are the go to choice for many preppers looking for a vehicle with plenty of cargo space and can be had starting at under $10K.
6. Older Mercedes Benz Unimog (Diesel with Mechanical Fuel Injection)
Think of these as the European answer to the Deuce and a half. They were first manufactured just after WWII and were sold as the Freightliner Unimog in the US. They are popular as off-road expedition vehicles and even off road endurance events.
7. Sail Boats and Older Vessels With EMP-resistant Diesel Power Plants
They usually have one or more sails, a diesel power plant and appliances that run off diesel, use solar and sometimes wind as backup power sources.
A heavy duty desalinator and a backup desalinator are critical to make this option work.
8. Canoes, Kayaks, Sailboats, Pack Rafts and Other Small Watercraft
If your route involves crossing a smaller body of water, a small watercraft may be an important part of your plan.
9. Draft Horses & Wagon, Horses or Pack Animals
As some of our troops were surprised to learn in Afghanistan, there is just no substitute for horses and pack animals in certain terrain.
10. Motoped or Bicycle with Trailer
Motoped is on my shopping list. You do not have to be a prepper to appreciate not having to deal with the Department of Motor Vehicles and being able to park in the bike rack.
While you may have no plans that involve boats in your bugout scenario, it never hurts to have the option available to you. Same goes for bicycles. These are both cheap vehicles that are superb in their reliability and ease of repair, making them great choices in the apocalypse.
Having animals like horses certainly won't hurt, either. How many other vehicles can create more vehicles when you store two of them together?
For more survival vehicle information, read more at Survivopedia.
7.3 4×4$#%&!@*the world
DI, or IDI ?
Anything that works in the Apocalypse!
Idi 5 speed
M 35 A2 multi fuel
Anything with$#%&!@*or wheels can let you down. Just sayin’
Derek Black
Any vehicle without a computer. Need just a carburetor or old mechanical injection Diesel. EMP’S won’t effect these type vehicles.
JJ SnowFever
M35A1 as well
The A3 is ok also, but multi fuel is a big plus.
The old ones need steering assistance, heaters and a hard top.
Indeed they do! Hard top is the way to go especially winter time.
I think there is an insulation kit also.
If it werent for that flimsy rod Ford put in the steering column, i’d say my ’85 bronco would qualify.
Be ready to tote lots of stuff… where’s the double-deck trailer?
When SHTF the gas supply is going to run out real fast, so your screwed anyway.
4 Horses and wagon ….. Go farther and more places …. Fuel they eat ….
Well I have the first two. Just need a couple more and I’m good to go
To Hell with bugging out, I plan to hunker down.
A good mule.
Alternators? Dash electronics?
A 1974 Jeep J10 does not have an electronic dash. During EMP testing Alternators were not affected.
All terrain transportation and you can eat it if it breaks down.
I have an avalanche for the family and a carbureted KLR 650 for recom, raids, etc now, hoping that some type of fuel is available. Trying to buy a 90 grand Wagoneer now that’s a carburetor run vehicle, but it has a small computer for power windows etc, so I hope an emp won’t ruin it. Also waiting on VA appraisal for a log home on top of a mountain at the end of the lane with two fireplaces, well water, and pump free septic system. If it all works out, the hardest part will be fighting off raiders and turning down family that’s dead weight who has nothing to contribute, skills or supplies, and will destroy my family’s food supply. I just need a couple months to finish it all.
Here is my choice. Jeep 6×6 with light machine gun, gas cannon, rocket launcher, armor piercing crossbow, tomahawks, side arms, swords, etc… Seen here at PrepperCon.
That’s why I drive a Dodge…
I also set up a 2 wheeled game cart with a deer stand harness for when on foot. Probably could adapt to a bicyicle also
#3 on the list!I love my blazer she the 6.2.
But ignition modules were. The points in older distributors were fried and had to be replaced. So at the very least, have those spare items in a Faraday cage.
Points ignition with condenser and coil work fine.
Fuel exactly gasoline only lasts for a few months even with preservatives same with diesel. So you better be planning on staying wherever you go.
Standard ignition or electronic ignition will work. They tested with a high power local emp. Car ignitions are shielded to prevent interference on AM/FM radios, that same shielding protected 29 out of 30 cars tested .
1940’s dodge command car of 4×4 dodge power wagon army 2.5 ton older the better
Willys ww2 jeep with matching cargo trailer or lifestyle products trailer / camper pretty awesome
If you bypass the computer a Subaru Outback would be good