Bug Out Vehicles

Rocker-Panel Envy.  It's a Thing.  

Let's have a conversation about Bug-Out Vehicles/SHTF Vehicles.

The topics overlap, but do have unique requirements in some instances.

First, let's lay the ground rules: When The Big Ugly happens in your AO, you may have zero warning - kids may be at school or soccer practice, parents at work, family/Tribe spread out doing everyday Life chores.  Depending on where you are, what S is Hitting the F, and many other variables, physically leaving your AO (at least right away) may be a No-Go.  But, you will have to probably move within your AO.

Bug-Out Vehicle: A vehicle intended to get you and your immediate family and essential gear to whatever muster point you have planned.

SHTF Vehicle: This is the rig you intend to use primarily once SHTF in your AO and you are confined, for whatever reason or duration, to your AO.  You may use it to get groceries or deliver the pizza.

Your BOV may be the same vehicle you intend to use in a SHTF scenario.

Remember, like it or not, most encounters will be mounted - run from vehicles that at least deliver your Team to the beginning of your foot patrol route.

You may have a few vehicles, if you are lucky-enough to have the resources - a fast motorcycle for the street, a solid trail bike, maybe a quad or SxS.  Those are specialized items for specialized roles - so let's stay with rigs for getting out of Dodge or operating within Dodge - without drawing attention from the MRAP Brigades.

All of those decisions and details must be tailored to your specific requirements.

Now: What is your thinking on BOV/SHTF vehicles in general - if you are building/modifying one, what widgets/features/engines/other factors do you consider important?  Diesel or gas?  4x4?  SUV that blends into the rest of the town's vehicles, or a CJ5 you've built to challenge Tyrants, simple stash spots or sophisticated Traps?  A motor home?  Do you go camo?  You may want to make a statement with your vehicle - Don't mess with me, fellas.  Or, you may want to blend - your call.  What comms gear do you have built into the rig?  To armor in strategic spots or not?  For every advantage, there is likely a trade-off.  Having a chain saw aboard in the aftermath of a hurricane/tornado/hypothetical drone inconvenience could be a big benefit - but it takes space and fuel.

Let's talk specifics.  What's YOUR rig (or dream rig) look like?

Go!