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On the Road to Thunderdome, by H.F.
Our culture relies heavily on vehicles and this will likely result in a rude awakening in a TEOTWAWKI situation. Depending on the circumstances, vehicles, fuel, and/or parts may become insanely scarce and expensive. This reality has led many preppers to explore various options ranging from alternative energy vehicles to reverting to traditional forms of transportation/heavy machinery (horses for example). Additionally, those preparing for the worst must consider abnormal conditions that vehicles need to withstand when TSHTF. This article will discuss TEOTWAWKI vehicles, preparing, and special tactics/considerations in regard to operating them.
There are several schools of thought on what is needed in a survival vehicle, how to select them, etc., but unless you have a nearly unlimited budget (as well as good connections), the dream amphibious, Armored Personnel Carrier that runs on sunshine and hope , gets 80 miles per gallon, and is eco-friendly is probably not likely. James Wesley, Rawles’ books “Patriots:
A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse”
to Survive the End of the World As We Know It” essentially recommend [for the sake of fueeel flexibility] having a diverse fleet of vehicles and this is a great idea and goal. However, you might be restricted to one vehicle that meets your needs, purpose, and the threat environment that you anticipate. For instance, are you planning to “bugout” and if so, will it be a long, cross-country trip? Consider your location; your family sedan has sufficed in a snowy climate because of the roads being maintained, but when the salt trucks stop running, the snow and ice pile up, roads are littered with debris, and pavement breaks apart, will you be able to depend upon it?
Though there are numerous recommendations out there for various makes and models, I would recommend a quality (not the same as luxury) SUV or truck. TEOTWAWKI will require high-ground clearance, tough suspension, more space than your average grocery store trip, and work capacity. Again, I will avoid preferences but older vehicles (no fuel injection or electronic ignition systems) will be better choices in many regards such as EMPs and simplicity of repair. Fuel sources play a huge role in vehicle selection as they should because the vehicle is of little use if you cannot feed it. I have not personally built a gasifier, but plan to do so in the near future. If you are unfamiliar with this technology and have plentiful access to wood products, then you should look into this. Window tint has some advantages such as concealing your identity and what you have inside your vehicle, but heed local laws and realize that your vehicle will unlikely be sitting in the shopping mall parking lot to be broken into when TSHTF. One last note on vehicle selection borrows from both Mr. Rawles and good judgment; choose earth tone vehicle, preferably in a flat finish. Our society buys flashy cars to stand out, but this is contrary to what you will want when TSHTF.
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