View Full Version : Vehicle recommendations
Hello Hivemind!
I would like to hear your recommendations on decent vehicles that may be used for bug-out purposes, should a wildfire or natural disaster cause a family to have to leave. I'm researching the subject, of course, but there is nothing that quite equates to experience.
Criteria: A family of four. Pets. Need room for baggage, must be able to haul a 12' trailer as well. Decent gas mileage would be a plus, because the vehicle would be used outside of emergencies as well. Off-road capability is good. What other criteria do you think would be needed?
For instance, I was looking at Ford Explorers when I noticed an issue with exhaust going into the cabin when the AC is run. So that's a no-go.
What are your opinions or experiences with big SUVs?
thedave1164
07-26-2017, 12:40
I have a 2003 Z71 Suburban, it would fully meet your requirements, stock with good tires.
We get 17mpg on the highway.
The 5.3 is a pretty solid engine.
The Z71 Tahoe would be similar, but less cargo space that comes with the shorter wheelbase
ChunkyMonkey
07-26-2017, 12:43
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Kenworth-Armored-/322611331840?hash=item4b1d224300:g:4ncAAOSwd~RZTS~ E&vxp=mtr
otherwise, pick most commonly available vehicle w/ most commonly available parts. My daily truck is a GMC SIERRA.
I hadn't even thought of a Suburban! I'll need to research that. Thanks!
Cargo space is pretty important.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Kenworth-Armored-/322611331840?hash=item4b1d224300:g:4ncAAOSwd~RZTS~ E&vxp=mtr
otherwise, pick most commonly available vehicle w/ most commonly available parts. My daily truck is a GMC SIERRA.
LOL! Thanks for that laugh.
Yes, we definitely don't want some rare snowflake of a vehicle that only uses burnished rose-gold wire connectors or some such. That's why I drive a JGC. Common as flies.
hurley842002
07-26-2017, 13:05
I've always wanted one of the Quigley converted full size vans, would definitely be a good bug out rig, albeit harder to come by used.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170726/68199f0bda26501d844fac74b0a69f3a.jpg
clodhopper
07-26-2017, 13:35
Suburban.
Excursion.
Crew cab pickup with a topper.
Van, although 4x4 is pretty rare.
Durango.
Box truck.
Ambulance.
I have owned a burb. Very nice for highway running. Currently have Crew Cab with Topper. I find it more useful during normal life than the burb as I can pull the topper and use it for hauling stuff. If you are looking for lower profile, you could look at station wagons. Extra points for wood on the side. :)
I'd be afraid of tipping over in that thing!
I admit, I'm a bit of a snob he it comes to vehicles and I had never considered a van. But I Googled "Quigley converted van" and I ooked their ste over. I'm impressed! You have changed my viewpoint on vans. :)
clodhopper
07-26-2017, 13:37
deuce & 1/2.
Suburban.
Excursion.
Crew cab pickup with a topper.
Van, although 4x4 is pretty rare.
Durango.
Box truck.
Ambulance.
I have owned a burb. Very nice for highway running. Currently have Crew Cab with Topper. I find it more useful during normal life than the burb as I can pull the topper and use it for hauling stuff. If you are looking for lower profile, you could look at station wagons. Extra points for wood on the side. :)
If I couldn't find one with genuine wood on the side, I could always make do with contact paper.
Those are some good recommendations- I'm adding them to the list of things to research. Thanks!
hurley842002
07-26-2017, 13:39
I'd be afraid of tipping over in that thing!
I admit, I'm a bit of a snob he it comes to vehicles and I had never considered a van. But I Googled "Quigley converted van" and I ooked their ste over. I'm impressed! You have changed my viewpoint on vans. :)
[emoji16] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170726/17b26921535038f40ea8aae373612c14.jpg
deuce & 1/2.
I've ridden in those types a couple of times. They're uncomfortable and smelly. Ick.
hurley842002
07-26-2017, 13:42
A 7.3 Ford Excursion is also one I've always wanted, and would fit your needs. I would be driving one now if I could have talked the wife into it, too big for her tho.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
I run an f250 4x4 with a 7.3l diesel for this purpose. It's the same thing as the excursion but I prefer the utility of a pickup. You're welcome to check it out and drive it.
I did extensive research before I gave up my suburban for the diesels I've owned/own. You need to decide gas/diesel standard/auto # of seats needed. Pickups will be easier to find than suv. A crew cab short bed with or without a topper would be my suggestion. For diesels you'll find 3 basic diehard motors. The ford 7.3 89-03 the Dodge 12 valve 72?-98 early the Dodge 24v 98-07 early. For sedans you'll get the jetta to and the Mercedes 240 or 300. I've owned 3 of the 5 of them so far.
The nice thing about all these motors aside from longevity is they're kind of multi fuel. My 7.3 has ran peanut oil. New motor oil. Used motor oil that's been filtered. Hydraulic oil. Gasoline mixed with diesel and oil. The Mercedes 300 has had most of them also. The 12 valve will run straight motor oil if needed at the lowest temps. Tdi does not like you messing with its fuel without doing a lot of work.
As far as cold starts, not plugged into heater power. the 7.3 is good down to about 10 degrees. The Mercedes 300td will start at -5. The 12 valve I've only had a little while and has started down to 0. The ford is by far the hardest to get going without heat.
Economy. 14 city 22 highway unloaded in the Ford 7.3. The dodge I've gotten 22 highway but after I'm done with it I expect it'll put up 30mpg highway without issue. The Mercedes sedan got 29-32 highway about 20 city. Jett tdi stick will get 52 highway if you're nice to it without mods.
Longevity. 7.3l 400k-800k with regular maintenance. The 12 valve 1mil. The Mercedes pre86 1mil post 86 500k-750k
hurley842002
07-26-2017, 14:04
I run an f250 4x4 with a 7.3l diesel for this purpose. It's the same thing as the excursion but I prefer the utility of a pickup.
You're welcome to check it out and drive it
A 4 door F250 with a topper might actually be a better setup than the Excursion, and easier to find. Pile gear in the back, and family in the front.
A 4 door F250 with a topper might actually be a better setup than the Excursion, and easier to find. Pile gear in the back, and family in the front.
I gave up my suburban because piling gear in the back was a pain in the ass. Worries about carpet, scratching the interior, tearing the headliner. I loved that suburban but I'm pleased with the upgrade
Consider any diesel. Gas goes bad in just a few months. More months if treated. Diesel is good for maybe 3-4 times as long reducing the need to rotate your 5 gallon cans of extra fuel.
Myself, I'd buy a diesel crew cab pickup.
clodhopper
07-26-2017, 14:51
I run an f250 4x4 with a 7.3l diesel for this purpose. It's the same thing as the excursion but I prefer the utility of a pickup. You're welcome to check it out and drive it.
I did extensive research before I gave up my suburban for the diesels I've owned/own. You need to decide gas/diesel standard/auto # of seats needed. Pickups will be easier to find than suv. A crew cab short bed with or without a topper would be my suggestion. For diesels you'll find 3 basic diehard motors. The ford 7.3 89-03 the Dodge 12 valve 72?-98 early the Dodge 24v 98-07 early. For sedans you'll get the jetta to and the Mercedes 240 or 300. I've owned 3 of the 5 of them so far.
The nice thing about all these motors aside from longevity is they're kind of multi fuel. My 7.3 has ran peanut oil. New motor oil. Used motor oil that's been filtered. Hydraulic oil. Gasoline mixed with diesel and oil. The Mercedes 300 has had most of them also. The 12 valve will run straight motor oil if needed at the lowest temps. Tdi does not like you messing with its fuel without doing a lot of work.
As far as cold starts, not plugged into heater power. the 7.3 is good down to about 10 degrees. The Mercedes 300td will start at -5. The 12 valve I've only had a little while and has started down to 0. The ford is by far the hardest to get going without heat.
Economy. 14 city 22 highway unloaded in the Ford 7.3. The dodge I've gotten 22 highway but after I'm done with it I expect it'll put up 30mpg highway without issue. The Mercedes sedan got 29-32 highway about 20 city. Jett tdi stick will get 52 highway if you're nice to it without mods.
Longevity. 7.3l 400k-800k with regular maintenance. The 12 valve 1mil. The Mercedes pre86 1mil post 86 500k-750k
You and I have similar tastes. My 99 7.3 will start around 0deg if I cycle the glow plugs a couple times before starting. My TDI jetta has started at -30 on its own. I will say, however, that the TDI will start at that temperature, but will never get the car interior warm. That little engine just doesn't put out enough heat to keep itself warm and the passengers. Below zero, I thank the VW for the seat warmer.
The SDuty crew cab, long bed, has a topper and have used it for years camping with the scouts, pulling trailers and such. It would be my first choice to fulfill your goals. People and small animals up front, gear and bigger animals out back. The cab is plenty big to carry 6 people in relative comfort, so four with random packs and pillows, along with a dog or something, is no problem. We have done non-stop trips to New England, North Dakota and other places without much issue. Says a lot for crew cab comfort, even though a burb has more creature comforts. Long bed with a topper can double as a spartan camper if needed. I have put an air mattress and sleeping bag in the back on occasion. I am too tall to sleep in a short bed, but it may work for others.
hurley842002
07-26-2017, 14:58
You guys are making me want a 4 door 7.3, might be able to sell a pickup to the wife. What type of highway gas mileage (no load) are you guys getting out of your 7.3's?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Extended cab (half suicide doors) auto 4x4 long bed no topper. 3.73 gear ratio 20-22 mpg consistent.
+1 mpg for any of the following generally. Topper/taneua. 2wd. 6 speed.
There's a guy on a hypermile board I follow who reports 36 actual mpg. 2wd ext cab 6 speed short bed custom topper and some skirting.
-30 is damned impressive clodhopper. My 7.3 and 300td were unable to start at -32 no matter how much I cycled the plugs.
clodhopper
07-26-2017, 16:30
I have been pretty amazed at cold starts in that jetta. There have been a lot of mornings I go out thinking "no way is it gonna start, gonna have to dig out another vehicle", hop in hit the key and hear wraaar wraar super slow and then it fires up. It certainly doesn't like it at all, but it starts. I have often thought I should install the frostheater dealie for winter time, but it has never let me down on cold starts without it.
I generally do not like sedans, but I really like that little jetta. Stick, so it is sporty and fun to drive. Autos are dogs that can't get out of their own way. And only filling the 13 gallon tank once a month is pretty sweet too.
The PSD gets plugged in if temps drop below 30, just cause it runs like crap for too long when it starts cold. I put one of those boater plugs on the front bumper to make things easy.
clodhopper
07-26-2017, 16:37
I get 17-18 mpg in my PSD when empty. Towing moderately heavy it will drop to 13 to 15. I did a long haul recently with 16000lbs on a trailer and (guessing here) was at 10 or 11 or so.
I have come to prefer diesel. Part of that is simply due to the elevation out here. The power benefits are not at great at sea level. But the turbo in the mountains and long grades is really nice. My wife's car is still gas, my tractor is gas, but everything else runs diesel. The concern about fuel storage has reinforced that direction also.
buffalobo
07-26-2017, 17:12
Current is a 2000 F250 7.3L, desire is restored M37 and M715 that I can customize. I would like to get away from modern electronics in my bug out vehicles.
If you're unarmed, you are a victim
Those are vehicles I'd not considered before, and excellent suggestions and reasons, Wulf! I'll look into the SDuty crew cab.
I have a 2006 F250 SD extended cab, long bed, 4x4, with a 5.4 Triton, 5R110W tranmission. It has 280,000 miles and runs like a top. I just drove it round trip to Key West in January. My long term plan was either to Fummins it when the engine dies or just drop a new crate engine into it and see if it will go another 300,000 miles. The only complaint about the truck is if it doesn't have any weight in the back, no one else wants to ride in it. It is not a soft ride.
I am considering a 2007 to 2010 high mileage Suburban with a good frame and interior. I am intrigued by the idea of taking it down to FL and having Duraburb drop a Duramax into it when the engine dies. Suburbans (GM) trucks just seem to ride softer.
I would love a deuce but not practical unless you live out in the country, IMO.
Getting parts and being able to do the work yourself would go along way for me in picking a SHTF vehicle.
I have a 2006 F250 SD extended cab, long bed, 4x4, with a 5.4 Triton, 5R110W tranmission. It has 280,000 miles and runs like a top. I just drove it round trip to Key West in January. My long term plan was either to Fummins it when the engine dies or just drop a new crate engine into it and see if it will go another 300,000 miles. The only complaint about the truck is if it doesn't have any weight in the back, no one else wants to ride in it. It is not a soft ride.
I am considering a 2007 to 2010 high mileage Suburban with a good frame and interior. I am intrigued by the idea of taking it down to FL and having Duraburb drop a Duramax into it when the engine dies. Suburbans (GM) trucks just seem to ride softer.
I would love a deuce but not practical unless you live out in the country, IMO.
Getting parts and being able to do the work yourself would go along way for me in picking a SHTF vehicle.
That's a good point that keeps cropping up. Replacement parts are important, as is doing the work yourself. The question for the latter is, where would I even begin to learn that? I mean, Youtube is great is you know what to ask it to show, but I have a feeling learning about working on your car is like learning another language. Maybe I'll check Amazon for how-to books.
Shooter45
07-26-2017, 21:45
I've got a '96 F250 7.3L and absolutely love it. They don't have the power of new diesels but definitely have the reliability far exceeding most. Does great at towing 10k lb loads or used as a daily driver which it get's used for both.
Shooter45
07-26-2017, 21:49
The stock transmissions in the older vehicles, E40D and gearing is what hurts them on mileage over 55 mph. They have a 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual transmission. And most came with 4:10 gearing. They are great for low end power for towing but get hurt on mileage over about 55 mph. Mine got 18mpg stock when I cruised slow in the mountains. I've now done some mods to the exhaust and still waiting for results to see the improvements though.
SHTF Bugout vehicle? Earth Roamer, or a Tundra with a full camper. You're not going to tow a 12' trailer very far on 4wd roads or across the prairie. Or on I-70 east or west until traffic comes to a permanent halt? Good luck with that. And why get something that needs to carry a whole repair parts store to keep it running? Reliability comes first. It could be a life or death option.
hurley842002
07-26-2017, 23:35
SHTF Bugout vehicle? Earth Roamer, or a Tundra with a full camper. You're not going to tow a 12' trailer very far on 4wd roads or across the prairie. Or on I-70 east or west until traffic comes to a permanent halt? Good luck with that. And why get something that needs to carry a whole repair parts store to keep it running? Reliability comes first. It could be a life or death option.
It seems the OP is more interested in a practical setup for potential wildfires and what not, i.e. needs to haul out as much property in one shot as possible.
2002-2007 Dodge 2500 or 3500. If you get an automatic transmission - make sure power (intake, exhaust, tuner, etc.) was not upgraded. 6-speed is okay if slight power was upgraded. I would go with 3.73 gears instead of my 4.10. My lie-O-meter says 24mpg but it's really around 19-20ish on an 8,000lb truck. If I had 3.73, I bet I could get much closer to 24/25 if not better.
Put a Topper on it, and then keep it stock height, and a set of decent tires.
I have a 2006 Dodge 2500 Megacab 6-speed with a topper on it. The 6.5' bed is plenty of room for dogs and luggage tossed into the back. The megacab is HUGE for interior space, the rear seats lean back and I still have room for stuff behind them. I do an Oil change once a year since I don't drive much. A fuel filter change ever 10-15,000 miles just to protect my injectors (fail point), and run a winterizer to make sure fuel wont gel up in Winter. I forgot to plug it in one night and she fired right up the next morning when it was around 0* plus or minus a few. The 5.9 is a legendary motor, just need to make sure the injectors are cleaned. Long term reliability, plenty of parts around the nation, and is just a brute. I'll do diesel for the rest of my life after owning and learning about them in school.
Great-Kazoo
07-27-2017, 07:44
It seems the OP is more interested in a practical setup for potential wildfires and what not, i.e. needs to haul out as much property in one shot as possible.
Still, the Earth Roamer is the vehicle to do it all. They're in Longmont off the frontage road for anyone interested in their product.
Still, the Earth Roamer is the vehicle to do it all. They're in Longmont off the frontage road for anyone interested in their product.
Real nice rigs. They run about $550,000. They use brand new Ford chassis and that looses reliability in my opinion.
hurley842002
07-27-2017, 08:58
Real nice rigs. They run about $550,000.
Exactly. I know all about Earth roamer, and have been to their facility, I dream of owning one, but at the price point, I hardly think it's what the OP has in mind, tho I could be wrong.
Great-Kazoo
07-27-2017, 12:20
Exactly. I know all about Earth roamer, and have been to their facility, I dream of owning one, but at the price point, I hardly think it's what the OP has in mind, tho I could be wrong.
No one lives forever, Spend it while you can ;) I'm sure that's not what she had in mind, maybe
LOL! Okay, if we were shooting the moon, Earth Roamer would be awesome. However, for a more practical vehicle that could do everything that I listed, and help pay for itself by being a semi-daily driver when or other vehicle gives up the ghost, we're seeking a little more down-to-earth type.
And a little more affordable. :)
Always thought I'd like to have a Suburban, especially if I lived in a rural area and needed to make supply runs to town, Costco, etc.
ChunkyMonkey
07-27-2017, 17:36
LOL! Okay, if we were shooting the moon, Earth Roamer would be awesome. However, for a more practical vehicle that could do everything that I listed, and help pay for itself by being a semi-daily driver when or other vehicle gives up the ghost, we're seeking a little more down-to-earth type.
And a little more affordable. :)
Well..since we escalated... Here you go.. http://bulletmotorsports.com/car/am-general-rhinotac/
I bidded $27k, they want $30k++ The same one sold awhile back for $75k. I already got the m249 for the turret, you buy, i ll arm it. Deal?
clodhopper
07-27-2017, 17:41
Well..since we escalated... Here you go.. http://bulletmotorsports.com/car/am-general-rhinotac/
I bidded $27k, they want $30k++ The same one sold awhile back for $75k. I already got the m249 for the turret, you buy, i ll arm it. Deal?
I wonder how many gallons to the mile (gpm) that thing gets?
I wish Ford would have added this to the 7.3 PSD.
71427
Well..since we escalated... Here you go.. http://bulletmotorsports.com/car/am-general-rhinotac/
I bidded $27k, they want $30k++ The same one sold awhile back for $75k. I already got the m249 for the turret, you buy, i ll arm it. Deal?
Hah! They won't list the MPG, but they say in the description that it's not for driving, it's for protection. That puts it out of the running for a daily driver. You buy it and arm it, and I'll bake cookies for a ride in it. Counter-deal!
40 posts and not a single recommendation for a Pinzgauer or a Unimog? No love for the German/Austrians on this board. [Flower]
40 posts and not a single recommendation for a Pinzgauer or a Unimog? No love for the German/Austrians on this board. [Flower]
What's a Mercedes 300td count as?
What's a Mercedes 300td count as?
A Unimog puppy?
Snowman78
07-27-2017, 21:32
We love our Nissan Titan, we have a large tool box if needed for the bed.
We also have a kick ass truck bed tent set-up.
71428
We love our Nissan Titan, we have a large tool box if needed for the bed.
We also have a kick ass truck bed tent set-up.
71428
Nice!
I have been working on a pvc pipe and blue tarp tent setup for the back of my pickup. It sets up pretty quickly but it still needs some tweeking. I think I went a bit too tall as I can actually stand up in the center of the bed and the main pipe that runs the length is several inches above my head. I am 6'2" so I am thinking I can cut a second set of pipes and make a much shorter and simpler version. With an inflatable bed in the back, this makes for a very comfortable camping set up.
hurley842002
07-27-2017, 21:49
We love our Nissan Titan, we have a large tool box if needed for the bed.
We also have a kick ass truck bed tent set-up.
71428
Nice! Quite the climber too, going up straight dirt walls (unless I'm the only one seeing it sideways) lol. But really, a nice setup.
Snowman78
07-27-2017, 22:18
Lol, I can never get the photos from my phone to post the correct way.
Great-Kazoo
07-28-2017, 08:00
We love our Nissan Titan, we have a large tool box if needed for the bed.
We also have a kick ass truck bed tent set-up.
71428
almost every off road camper in my area has one. Saw a lot on the road also. Nice concept .
Nissan Titans are a nice-looking truck, and that's a great concept with the back. :)
SideShow Bob
07-28-2017, 16:49
Nice!
I have been working on a pvc pipe and blue tarp tent setup for the back of my pickup.
You might be a Red Neck if............... [Tooth]
Snowman78
07-28-2017, 20:31
^ lol
Zundfolge
07-28-2017, 22:22
40 posts and not a single recommendation for a Pinzgauer or a Unimog? No love for the German/Austrians on this board. [Flower]
Ironically I just came here to post this link:
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/swiss-military-pinzgauer/6170988675.html
Ironically I just came here to post this link:
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/swiss-military-pinzgauer/6170988675.html
And that looks like an ad from Patrick, otherwise known here as cwripinz. If one was in the market for a Pinz, Patrick is the man.
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/military-ma-turbo/6235748253.html
Probably not a good daily driver.
And that looks like an ad from Patrick, otherwise known here as cwripinz. If one was in the market for a Pinz, Patrick is the man.
Clearly his shop.
Great-Kazoo
07-29-2017, 06:47
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/military-ma-turbo/6235748253.html
Probably not a good daily driver.
Based on current and future traffic woes, i'd barely adequate.
hurley842002
07-29-2017, 09:24
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/military-ma-turbo/6235748253.html
Probably not a good daily driver.
Guys got "depts", so let him know if you are "interestes".
40 posts and not a single recommendation for a Pinzgauer or a Unimog? No love for the German/Austrians on this board. [Flower]
Yup. :) They're cool vehicles but........
I checked them out a few years ago.
Expensive - have to buy 2 and use one for parts
Parts availability is limited and if you can get parts they are expensive
Slow on the highway - I don't think a Pinz will top 55
These are niche vehicles and they're OK if you're affiliated with other people who own them.
Yup. :) They're cool vehicles but........
I checked them out a few years ago.
Expensive - have to buy 2 and use one for parts
Parts availability is limited and if you can get parts they are expensive
Slow on the highway - I don't think a Pinz will top 55
These are niche vehicles and they're OK if you're affiliated with other people who own them.
Just have to join the right Militia group.
Fentonite
07-29-2017, 12:25
Yup. :) They're cool vehicles but........
I checked them out a few years ago.
Expensive - have to buy 2 and use one for parts
Parts availability is limited and if you can get parts they are expensive
Slow on the highway - I don't think a Pinz will top 55
These are niche vehicles and they're OK if you're affiliated with other people who own them.
They're not bad really. Most aren't nearly as expensive as the one Patrick has advertised, although most aren't that tricked-out either. The Pinz is downright zippy compared to the Unimog, but yeah, not a cross-country vehicle if you're in a hurry. Mine hits 63 on fairly flat highway, but is working pretty hard. It's more comfortable at 50-55. Ridiculous off-road capability. You can lock front or rear axles at any speed, even change Hi-Low range at any speed. Portal hubs give great clearance, and a low CG keep it pretty stable. I haven't had to do much to it, but the few things I've done, I've found the parts pretty cheap and easy to find. There are a couple go-to websites - Swiss Army Vehicles and Expedition Imports. (And for the wood rails, our own Tim K can help!). Aside from an engine rebuild or the like, they're easy to work on. I've seen a couple that were made into very functional camping vehicles. I don't really know or hang out with anybody else that has one, so I get tips and tricks from the website real4x4forums.com. Lots of good info there, kinda like a coar-15 for the Pinzgauer. I often use mine as my daily driver, but I doubt most civilized folks would find it appropriate for anything but a toy.
Just have to join the right Militia group.
What's the saying? " I wouldn't join any militia that would have me". [Tooth]
Cool to look at, but neither one suits the "daily driver" criteria. :)
GilpinGuy
07-29-2017, 21:01
Just have to join the right Militia group.
The M word![panic]
Zundfolge
07-30-2017, 16:26
I often use mine as my daily driver, but I doubt most civilized folks would find it appropriate for anything but a toy.
I, for one, would love to try using one for a DD ... but I'm not all that civilized. But that one I linked is way pricey, one should be able to find one almost as nice for half that.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.