What is your definition of a SHTF vehicle?

[88E30M50]

I'm trying to figure out what I need in the driveway to best support my transportation needs over the next 10 years. When considering a vehicle for a SHTF situation, what are the criteria you all use? Durability, range, off road capability, the ability to push through a road block, carrying capacity and the ability to blend in are all possibilities.

Right now, I'm thinking I need something that is simple, yet durable but that gets good mpg. To me, the S may HTF in a variety of ways. Sure, there might be a zombie apocalypse but I think a decline into third world conditions is probably more likely. Right now, I'm thinking about an early Jeep Cherokee Classic (90s era) but have also considered an M37, 4 door Wrangler and M1009. None really fits the need to be economical though.

So, what does everyone think is most important to them when they are looking for a SHTF vehicle?

 

[Mosinguy]

Needs 4x4, a shortbed, depending on your power needs a V6 at minimum, a winch, low profile exterior lights, and fuzzy dice on your rearview mirror.

 

[Sgtusmc]

Something like this, then mod it.

*** perfect bug out jeep cherokee****

1-2 people? Then this...

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3667815473.html
Throw a roof rack on it, jerry cans of gas,etc.

 

[dragun762]

I would take an H1 hummer

 

[Roadracer]

My choice is a Chevy crew cab, hard cover over bed, V8 4WD. It's painted dark grey, has stock wheels, and rugged tires.

Plans include winch and fog lights. Cabela's has air mattress and tent that fits over the back.

Consumers Report gives it good grades for reliability.

So I've got a big strong vehicle, that is like a million others on the road. Nothing to make it stand out. Hopefully the bad guys will be interested in the more intimidating vehicles with light bars, military style paint with large off road rims and tires.

 

[Cpt Caveman]

Whatever vehicle you are in when the SHTF!

 

[Vince49]

Gone!

Anything that I know will start and get me the hell out of Dodge!

 

[Trigger Time]

I'm trying to figure out what I need in the driveway to best support my transportation needs over the next 10 years. When considering a vehicle for a SHTF situation, what are the criteria you all use? Durability, range, off road capability, the ability to push through a road block, carrying capacity and the ability to blend in are all possibilities.

Right now, I'm thinking I need something that is simple, yet durable but that gets good mpg. To me, the S may HTF in a variety of ways. Sure, there might be a zombie apocalypse but I think a decline into third world conditions is probably more likely. Right now, I'm thinking about an early Jeep Cherokee Classic (90s era) but have also considered an M37, 4 door Wrangler and M1009. None really fits the need to be economical though.

So, what does everyone think is most important to them when they are looking for a SHTF vehicle?

Do some searching o what our special operations soldiers used in Afghanistan and then even had imported for use. If a vehicle can thrive there then it is the ultimate shtf vehicle.
I would stay away for jeeps they tend to be money pits of crap. Like boats. Bust out another thousand.

 

[andski3]

Do some searching o what our special operations soldiers used in Afghanistan and then even had imported for use. If a vehicle can thrive there then it is the ultimate shtf vehicle.
I would stay away for jeeps they tend to be money pits of crap. Like boats. Bust out another thousand.

J ust
E mpty
E very
P ocket

 

[Shay]

Do you think gas vs. diesel will matter?

Why would you pick one over the other?

 

[6mm Shoot]

4X4, Diesel and crew cab are a must haves the way I am looking at it. Diesel is going to be around because we move most stuff by diesel. You will be able to get diesel when you can't get gas. 4X4 to keep going. Crew cab to carry stuff. I also opted for the 8' bed and covered it with a topper. That gives us room for extra fuel and other things like tools food and camping stuff.

 

[Mosinguy]

Do you think gas vs. diesel will matter?

Why would you pick one over the other?

Depends on your skill. I'd pick diesel because with care they'll last longer. However, I'd stay away from anything post 2003. All the environmental junk on them brings them down. I'd get an older mechanical diesel like an IDI or 12 valve Cummins for a true SHTF situation. The older diesels run alternative fuels easier as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the new diesels throw all types of codes running ATF and motor oil.

 

[Trigger Time]

I wouldn't recommend sleeping in your shtf vehicle. Your a sitting duck inside a tin can that will rip you up.

 

[88E30M50]

I think I need two SHTF vehicles. One, possibly a Cherokee or M1009 type vehicle and the other being something that gets close to 40mpg. There are lots of ways that the S can HTF and the chances are, there will not be a need to bug out, but instead, a need to be able to move about in an era of gas rationing and extremely high fuel costs.

One scenario has me wanting something that can be fixed with simple tools, has few electronics and is reliable. It needs to be fairly low profile so it does not stand out in a crowd, nor mark me as a potential target. Think Trabant and you'll know what I'm talking about.

But, there is the chance that you might have to pick up with little notice and head away from town. Not being tied to roads would be a good attribute for this type of SHTF vehicle. Again though, you don't want anything showy, but you want something capable. 4x4 with a winch and possibly a jeep trailer full of stuff. This is where the Cherokee or M1009 would come in. The downside is that neither is overly useful like a pickup truck would be for stuff like hauling firewood.

Maybe the goal should be two vehicles. One being something reliable, low key and efficient, with AWD and the other being something like an M1008 with heavy duty axles and the ability to move off road.

 

[churchmouse]

Ours was a K-5 blazer. 2" body lift, 15" steel wheels with 35" all terrains. 3.73 gears with lockouts front axle & posi's. Granny low 4 speed with Power take off driven winch and a warmed up 350. Not pretty and would go anywhere. Dual 100 amp alternators and dual battery's with on-board inverter.
We hardly ever drove it and it just sat around. It is now out at the BOL in the competent hands of my buddy. No mad-max vehicles in our possession anymore. Everything we own is V-8 4WD so we will get there where ever that is.

 

[.356luger]

Depends on your skill. I'd pick diesel because with care they'll last longer. However, I'd stay away from anything post 2003. All the environmental junk on them brings them down. I'd get an older mechanical diesel like an IDI or 12 valve Cummins for a true SHTF situation. The older diesels run alternative fuels easier as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the new diesels throw all types of codes running ATF and motor oil.

12 valve?????? I assume he has a budget and they are getting pretty salty

 

[CathyInBlue]

Who here saw Top Gear's SHTF-mobile episode?

For those who did, the ideal SHTF-mobile is... not that.

 

[chezuki]

 

[churchmouse]

Who here saw Top Gear's SHTF-mobile episode?

For those who did, the ideal SHTF-mobile is... not that.

Was that one the huge all terrain diesel guzzling truck/over sized SUV/camper??

 

[Sgtusmc]

I would take an H1 hummer

TERRIBLE choice. For what reason? The civilian Hummer series is nothing like the military HMMWV. Its just made to somewhat look like a HMMWV. And if you're just wishing for a military vehicle their are several other great military vehicles I'd probably choose over the HMMWV.

Hummers nowaday are just trophy vehicles, kinda like driving an Escalade. Just showing you can afford to drive a blingy 11 mpg vehicle in this $4/g atmosphere.

Really, think about whats going on in your SHTF world.

In my SHTF world, the following conditions are probably in effect, after things get out of hand:

1- Its become too dangerous to go to your own job, no wages paid
2- No more trucks are deliverying their supplies
3- Grociery out of stock
4- Gas stations have been abandoned (except the thugs with the hand pump)
5- Electricity no longer beeing supplied
6- Law enforcement diminished (some quit, some go rogue, some hold true)
7- People are starving and out looking for supplies

I could go on, but you get the idea. Now this might be the time to have that BOV. You better already have your stock of fuel in place. Depends on if you plan to bug in and hold down the fort or bug out and search for safer areas to survive. 4x4 will be nice, but a big honkin v8 is gonna run out of fuel real quick. The streets and highways will still be there to drive on.

If you've got a family, a V6 will probably be the way to go in order to have enough room for your survival cargo. If its just you and a mate, you'll be well off in a little 4x4 4 cyl like an old suzuki samurai. They get up to 29 mpg and are used on trails all the time. Throw a roof rack on it, add jerry can racks for your fuel. Now the problem with fuel is that it cant be stored for very long. So having what you need all filled up and ready to go might be a problem, especially since there'll be a panic run to the pumps once things start going south.

Get knowledgable NOW. Create a survival library of essential books you'll need to rebuild a life without grocery stores, fuel stations, and power companies. Engineering knowledge, farming, maps, land nav, you name it.

If you're on the road in the aftermath running low on fuel, there are ways to get gas at an old station. Regardless of the fact that pumps run on electricity, either have a hand pump and siphon tubes or there are ways to hack the pumps. Supply power to the pump motor from an onboard inverter and get the gas flowing. There's a little more to knowing how to do it, but starting asking the right questions and the information is out there.

Good luck