best survival jeep?

[Bill Moore]

ok, Ive been thinking about this for some time, and would like to hear opinions on all the options, engine, drive train, tires, accessories, for the best survival jeep to be ready to go in case of a meltdown. heres my thinking, would like to hear others, trying to stay simple, and stock as possible

I would start with a J20, with cap on the back

engine stock, I would pick a 360, simple as possible early 70s config with single wire distributor

Alternates- 4bta diesel, for the reliability, wide choice of fuels and dependability

If I had to go gas, Id go with a ford 300 6 cyl, for the same reasons

drive train-
transmission
stock t18a
alternates-nv4500

transfer case
stock d20
alternate np205


tires? at a loss here, good tread, good wearing, tough?

bumpers, custom winch front and back of course, with spare mount on back, maybe front as well

and......

[lasinvegas]

stock 230 in a 715. Deep fording depth, EMP proof

[KaiserMan]

I'd go with a J20 as well (for the full floating rear).

the highest GVW (ca't remember if it is 8400 or 8600lbs)

4" lift springs front/4" blocks rear (to keep rear payload).

76 J20, 401/T18A/D20 with Ramsey 8klb PTO winch

9.00-16 (36x10.5) McCreary Super Lug 8 ply rated bias tires

Good quality CB radio and antenna

Power steering and brakes. A/C No other power options

Rear sliding window (see below)

Enclosed (no windows) fiberglass cap with sliding front glass with cab to cap seal.

Large west coast mirrors.

Factory dual gas tanks.

Detroit No-Spin rear and an OX locker in the front. 4.56 gears.

Cold climate package

HD cooling package

All stainless brake/fuel lines with braided stainless flex lines.

[Keman]

I think I'll go with whatever I find that is drivable on my trek out. I'll drive when I can, ditch it and walk when I can't. Maybe find something else when I can drive again.

I'll be spending more energy on security, food, water, and firepower than rollers. If you can't carry it, scavange for it, or aquire it with enough firepower, you may not live long enough to use it anyway.


I saw a movie once where the world had gone to crap and one running car got at least ten new owners in about an hour of driving. The first nine "owners" died of gunshot wounds. The last "owner" got burned in the car cause the guy who wanted it didn't have a gun.

[JPSwapMohn]

I think I would start with one of those M725 or 735? communications trucks or maybe the M715 with a cap on it. I think the old narrow deep-tread, thick sidewall tires that were on those would be the best "all-around" assuming you do not need to do 80mph down the back roads.
I like the idea of diesel if you are looking at international use, but there seems to be more unleaded readily available here in the US.

dual batteries,
air compressor (converted York?),
high output alternator (200 amps of more),
onboard welding setup attached to alternator
BII (shovel, ax, highlift, etc.).
The best, heaviest winch you can get
A well-thought out but not too extensive set of hand tools

Survival..you're living in it, right? Put one of those flip open tents on the top of it, maybe with an access hole to get down into the back.

A couple of sturdy 4 or 6" diameter tubes run along each side of the top for storing fishing gear and such. The tent floor would be between these..

Dual, split swing out tire carriers on the back (opens from the middle with a tire and a jerry can mount on each side).

hand-pump water purifier and at least a small onboard storage tank

If you think the satellites will still be flying, a good rugged GPS is worth the dollars.

A 2 meter ham radio set up and a good CB

A portable high-powered spotting scope is always handy when you are in the post-apocalyptic wasteland trying to avoid ambush.

A discrete lockable compartment somewhere inside with lock down straps for a couple of firearms for protection. Don't forget the cleaning kit and plenty of rounds...and a reloader might be a good idea if you think finding resupply might become an issue.

And, since you will be sleeping up top, put a kegerator, a couch, a 42" flat-screen and a Wii or xbox back there with a kicking sound system. Might as well toss a loud speaker on the outside somewhere or under the hood.. 8^)

And if you are lucky, there will still be room for you in the drivers seat!

[Gambler68]

I am fairly sure the 68 Amc 327 powered T18/d20 J3000 I am building would get me and supplies to our hidey spot, and the 79 Chero WT would be able to follow with the girls in it. Both would prolly run outta gas at the same time tho' :P I know the truck can kill a cow at 50mph without a brushguard and live, so I think angry mobs would get mowed down ever easier ;D

If anyone is seriously kidding themselves thinking FSJ steel will stop a bullet, I have a 77 wag out back that recieved about 500 rounds from 9mm on up. Yer swiss cheese, period. :(

[TexTJ209]

Kaiser Jeep Deuce and a Half, Radio truck version. Mobile shelter, runs on darn near anything, lots of cargo capacity and range.

[waynestiles]

Not being caught/trapped in a population dense area may well be the key to survival or not.
Basic survival gear and training may be more critical than actual equipment. good topo-maps and knowing how to use them.
EMP-proof, or at least component repairability might be critical--ie basic electrical (non-electronic) system with replacement parts. Otherwise durability and dependability, also stealth and off road capability----escape and evasion is has a much higher survival rate than confrontation. MadMax-ness is fine in movies though if you want to put a mini-gun on yours thats fine with me. While you're fighting off the barbarian hordes I'll find a good place to hide and wait it out.

Re: fuel I'd guess that gasoline is in greater supply then diesel and would be more likely to be found. That said I'm thinking that in the long haul diesel may last longer in abandoned or isolated storage. Is there a dual-fuel engine or a way of making a diesel run on gasoline/diesel mix?

[Bill Moore]

stock 715 or derivative would be pretty tough to find parts for,

[Bill Moore]

I'd go with a J20 as well (for the full floating rear).

the highest GVW (ca't remember if it is 8400 or 8600lbs)

4" lift springs front/4" blocks rear (to keep rear payload).

76 J20, 401/T18A/D20 with Ramsey 8klb PTO winch

9.00-16 (36x10.5) McCreary Super Lug 8 ply rated bias tires

Good quality CB radio and antenna

Power steering and brakes. A/C No other power options

Rear sliding window (see below)

Enclosed (no windows) fiberglass cap with sliding front glass with cab to cap seal.

Large west coast mirrors.

Factory dual gas tanks.

Detroit No-Spin rear and an OX locker in the front. 4.56 gears.

Cold climate package

HD cooling package

All stainless brake/fuel lines with braided stainless flex lines.this is a good list, say you have the other survival gear, and you need to trade off a vehicles qualities that does what you need, plus is reasonable to get parts for, consider how cheap FSJs really are, 10 years ago, any 4wd around here was 3500, and a rag. Now look how cheap they are, one of the reasons I have one. So you can stockpile a few vehicles for little or no money for parts etc. gas supplies will go bad in 6 months if they arent replenished, diesel can run on many things, not just diesel fuel

a duece and a half might be a good option, many nice ones selling cheap at the moment on gov auction, although I know nothing about them. I do know you cant go into a auto zone and get parts.

[Rihahn]

I really think anything we take to 'unimproved road-land' for fun will work just ducky when all hell breaks loose. I mean, I can literally drive to most of the ski huts here in Colorado and I'd trust my Cherokee to get me anywhere I really want to go any time I want to get there, as long as I can find fuel.

Fuel is the real issue. As we all know, these old FSJs evaporate more gas on a warm day than those fancy new Toyota FJs use driving around.

While I know it's not a Jeep, if I had my druthers I'd get a mid/late-70's Pinzgauer 712W (workshop): 6x6, air cooled 4cyl diesel that really will run on McDonald's fryer oil, it's hunting rifle proof, and there's a company that sells 'em down-mountain in Denver. :thumbsup:

'Course my Jeep would disown me if I drove one home...

[duncanstives]

First: The stuff about EMP: Not gonna happen... EMP weapons are impractical... Even using nukes as EMPs is impractical because to get any range you have to detonate it very high up which means no ground damage... A poor use of limited weapons (especially when the world is collapsing and there will be nothing electronic running soon anyway). The only good EMP I have ever personally seen is this damm high voltage power supply I am working on when the system arcs.. Keep causing memory errors in the programmable logic controller :( (note it not really a "good" EMP... I am just being facisious).

Second: Diesel and gas will BOTH be gone or too dangerous to obtain (people will guard it). Use a ford/chevy motor (lots of parts ot be had) and modify it slightly to run on gas (when you can get it) and ethenol (for the really long haul... Grow corn and make your own). Diesel is the worst option around here (USA) since there is less of it lying around.

Third: CB AND ham radio... Not just 2m though... You need a decent HF system for finding distant survivors.

Forth: GPS satillites MIGHT be working... Probably unless there is a war with another major power... In this case the US will disable civilian access to prevent forgein powers from using it against us. As the government collapses no one will think the reenable it. Thus order a gallelao receiver from europe (same thing using different satillites... Of course both may be out but increasing your odds can't hurt).

Finally: Life in a post apocolyptic world is only fun if you have company... Use a GW or other jeep that can carrry a few people... Build yourself a ruggedized trailer that can go over most any terrain. I would advise several vehicles that way when one fails you can all jump into the next one and leave it (if you are say... Being shot at at the time). Oh yeah as other people mentioned... A few important items:
Welder
power tools
Hand tools
larger alternator
inverter for AC devices
Computer based GPS for better topo maps (with computer of course)
Rugged TV with xbox360/ps3 (no TV so you'll need some other entertainment)
generator (you might need to weld something on a BROKEN jeep)
Lots of food
guns/bullets... The following are recommended:
12 guage (for clearing out hostiles inside structure that have supplies)
9mm/.45 (the springfield ones are nice) for carrying at ALL times)
.50 semi auto sniper (they can be had for like $9-12K froget who makes them... Needed for long shots)
SKS/AK47 for medium range/super durability.
No full autos.. They just waste bullets.
Of course: Cloths for all weather. Body armor is you can find it.

[gotmike]

manufacturers recommended fuel for a 12v CTD
#1-D Diesel or #2 Fuel Oil (diesel) only.
Under emergency conditions, 1K & 2K Kerosene, Jet-A, Jet A-1, JP-5, and JP-8 may by used if 5% lube oil is added to the fuel. DO NOT run the VP44 Injection pump on these alternate fuels without the lube oil - pump damage is likely without a lube additive!

and diesel can sometimes be mixed up to 50/50 with gasoline and still run... but you would want to add some extra oil to the mix... two cycle would be best... as for what engine/drivetrain... i'd find something that is pretty much universally compatable... easy to repair and can be found all over the place...

sounds like someone has been reading the "ashes" series by William W. Johnstone...

[Bill Moore]

First: The stuff about EMP: Not gonna happen... EMP weapons are impractical... Even using nukes as EMPs is impractical because to get any range you have to detonate it very high up which means no ground damage... A poor use of limited weapons (especially when the world is collapsing and there will be nothing electronic running soon anyway). The only good EMP I have ever personally seen is this damm high voltage power supply I am working on when the system arcs.. Keep causing memory errors in the programmable logic controller :( (note it not really a "good" EMP... I am just being facisious).

Second: Diesel and gas will BOTH be gone or too dangerous to obtain (people will guard it). Use a ford/chevy motor (lots of parts ot be had) and modify it slightly to run on gas (when you can get it) and ethenol (for the really long haul... Grow corn and make your own). Diesel is the worst option around here (USA) since there is less of it lying around.

Third: CB AND ham radio... Not just 2m though... You need a decent HF system for finding distant survivors.

Forth: GPS satillites MIGHT be working... Probably unless there is a war with another major power... In this case the US will disable civilian access to prevent forgein powers from using it against us. As the government collapses no one will think the reenable it. Thus order a gallelao receiver from europe (same thing using different satillites... Of course both may be out but increasing your odds can't hurt).

Finally: Life in a post apocolyptic world is only fun if you have company... Use a GW or other jeep that can carrry a few people... Build yourself a ruggedized trailer that can go over most any terrain. I would advise several vehicles that way when one fails you can all jump into the next one and leave it (if you are say... Being shot at at the time). Oh yeah as other people mentioned... A few important items:
Welder
power tools
Hand tools
larger alternator
inverter for AC devices
Computer based GPS for better topo maps (with computer of course)
Rugged TV with xbox360/ps3 (no TV so you'll need some other entertainment)
generator (you might need to weld something on a BROKEN jeep)
Lots of food
guns/bullets... The following are recommended:
12 guage (for clearing out hostiles inside structure that have supplies)
9mm/.45 (the springfield ones are nice) for carrying at ALL times)
.50 semi auto sniper (they can be had for like $9-12K froget who makes them... Needed for long shots)
SKS/AK47 for medium range/super durability.
No full autos.. They just waste bullets.
Of course: Cloths for all weather. Body armor is you can find it.ok, Ill buy most of this, Barrett is the 50 cal maker btw, but what FSJ, and what config would you pick, keeping stock as possible? EMP could be a problem, thus points and single wire dizzy would be advantagous, probably better more for the simplistic nature of repair and replacement, but I wouldnt put it up there on the priority list just for being emp proof.

[Bill Moore]

manufacturers recommended fuel for a 12v CTD
#1-D Diesel or #2 Fuel Oil (diesel) only.
Under emergency conditions, 1K & 2K Kerosene, Jet-A, Jet A-1, JP-5, and JP-8 may by used if 5% lube oil is added to the fuel. DO NOT run the VP44 Injection pump on these alternate fuels without the lube oil - pump damage is likely without a lube additive!

and diesel can sometimes be mixed up to 50/50 with gasoline and still run... but you would want to add some extra oil to the mix... two cycle would be best... as for what engine/drivetrain... i'd find something that is pretty much universally compatable... easy to repair and can be found all over the place...

sounds like someone has been reading the "ashes" series by William W. Johnstone...Exactly, also there are many other liquids a diesel will burn in a emergency, like transmission fluid (auto), motor oil cut with gas or kero, lamp oil, home heating oil, etc

[gotmike]

as for weapons... there's a new rifle out and about that can be converted on the fly to accept just about any rifle ammunition. ideally i would keep a simple .22 LR on hand... ammunition is small and light so a ton can be kept on hand without taking up massive amounts of space... it's a light rifle that can be very accurate up to medium distances... not as loud as larger rifles... and possibly a 22-250 for more knockdown power and a super flat trajectory... for real knockdown power i would have a .50 cal with a pivot mounted to the roof of the truck so that it can be removed for storage and be used to clear a makeshift roadblock from a good mile away...

also i like the trailer... set it up with a brake setup from an equipment rental store... the automatic hydraulic brakes... make everything as simple as possible...

and i would just hunker down for the first months or soand let the idiots fight it out and then go start collecting supplies...

[Randyzzz]

For weapons you want to have whatever is most commonly used. I think .223, 9mm, .45 and 12GA would end up being most common. But a good .22 is a great meal-getter, and also easily silenced. .50 is too loud, and too heavy. The best tactic is to be accurate and invisible... avoid conflict until you can have it on your own terms. And situational awareness will be the key tool of the long term survivors.

[suzq044]

First thing I thought when reading the title:
http://www.earthroamer.com/galleries/xv-jp_first_photos/img_0321_letter%20size_std.jpg
http://www.earthroamer.com/galleries/xv-jp_first_photos/index.htm < link to more images etc.

Maybe just adapting the idea for a FSJ; could end up even cooler looking..

[incommando]

My esteemed colleague form Colorado is correct: Sheet metal will stop nothing. The engine block will stop most anything you would face, and the frame/rims will stop a lot of stuff. However, if you hide behind a rim, I will shoot the ground about 5' in front of the tire. The bullet will richochet a few inches up & travel in the same path as before, going through the tire, and hitting whatever you have on the ground. Unless you are really tall & skinny, hiding behind the frame is not an option.

Soft body armor will not stop any rifle round fired from a rifle. A .22LR will penetrate body armor if fired from a rifle. However, there is very little "stopping" power with a .22LR. Internal bleeding may eventually kill your opponent, but unless you tear out a vital organ immediately, they are still going to come after you. As there will be no hospitals and the chance of infection will likely be increased in this scenario, I would recommed a large caliber that will actually put your opponent down so that he cannot continue on & wound you. Any such wound to you may prove fatal under these circumstance, meaning you won the battle but lost the war. Remember that, unlike TV, your opponent will probably not fall if you hit him unless you tear out the brain stem or he thinks he should fall when shot because he saw it on TV, too. It has been proven that people can function, and fight, for minutes without a functioning heart at all. Remember: brain stem.

You should view your vehicle as a one use tool. Get close to where you need to go as fast as you can & abandon it. Stealth is your best chance. If you can take a vehicle to your hidey hole's door step, you will probably leave a trail. I may decide to follow that trail to get you or your vehicle. The more trouble you have taken to get a vehicle somewhere it should not be tells me that the vehicle and your supplies are probably worth the chance. If you are dragging 1 ton of stuff in, that is 1 ton of stuff I can get. Sure, you may win the fight, but every fight you have is noisy & one in which you may be injured. We know what a risk injury will become. Any decent 4wd vehicle should get you close enough to were you should start hiking in.

If you survive the first few weeks of a SHTF, your chances improve as a large majorty of the competition will not have survived. However, those remaining will be more dangerous as they, too, will have prepared.

You can always "shop" for a new vehicle as things settle down a bit. Either way, though, there is going to be a limited supply of easliy obtainable fuel. The sooner we adapt to not using it, the better our chances, IMHO.

One suggestion about an easily obtainable & fairly inexpensive defensive weapon: 12 ga. with slugs. I have seen a man literally cut in two from being hit with a 3" slug at the belt line. Pick up a 12ga ( they are pretty cheap), get various 12 ga shells & slugs, and you can hunt a variety of game and defend yourself with one weapon. Although not sexy, the Glock is a proven performer in adverse conditions. Don't pull the trigger if you do not want it to fire. I'd suggest at least .40SW and you can get one to fit the smallest of adult hands in that round. Bigger is nice, but the frames get bigger, too. I would not go under a 9mm or .38+p in a handgun.

[Bill Moore]

For weapons you want to have whatever is most commonly used. I think .223, 9mm, .45 and 12GA would end up being most common. But a good .22 is a great meal-getter, and also easily silenced. .50 is too loud, and too heavy. The best tactic is to be accurate and invisible... avoid conflict until you can have it on your own terms. And situational awareness will be the key tool of the long term survivors.good advice with one exception. I disagree on the 50. Have one rifle that will reach out with some punch. 308 min

[incommando]

Yes, a long range weapon would be indispensible, especially around your hidey-hole. But carryng two long guns ( very few of the "reach out & touch them" rifles are realistic to hunt most game) & your gear with you everywhere is imparactical. I'd take the 12 ga & various shot & a sidearm when out & about unless I was specifically hunting people. .308's do work well. Most SWAT team in America uses that round in their sniper rifles.

[funhog]

I have to say, I would not have an AMC engine in it. Too hard to replace. I'd go with a diesel then set it up to run on greese or bio. You can get some greese almost anywhere.

Also a good hunting rifle. We are going to head to a WMA if it gets bad.

[JPSwapMohn]

Wow, this turned to a defense thread... I recently read The Road by Cormac McCarthy, so I guess I was thinking more of a live-on-the-move sort of survival rig more than a tactical set up. If you can hole up somewhere for awhile, you definitely will be better off. And if you can hole up somewhere that doesn't look like someone is there, you will be even better. Once you start moving, you will eventually have to abandon whatever you are driving. Inevitably you will run out of fuel and not be able to barter for more. Now, if you can come up with some alternative, then maybe you can make it. If we are talking cold-war type total nuclear war, then solar isn't going to do you any good for many months, if ever.

You may be able to make one of those wood-gaser furnace setups and attach it to your rig or in a trailer. I know there have been posts on here about those before. Not speedy, but you can run off wood, coal, old tires, whatever.

If I were going to pack iron for SHTF, I would have to go with a 9mm sidearm. Not my preference, but most popular and it is what the military uses, so there are a lot of rounds out there. A tricked out .40 or 10mm is great until you run out of beans to feed through it.
A 12ga pump-gun would also be useful as stated above.
For a long-gun, a standard 700 in .308 performs better than most folks are capable of shooting. An upgraded version such as Iron Brigade Armory's Chandler TPR would definitely do the job if you are looking at serious equipment, but you will pay for it..and you can hunt with it.

That earthroamer type set up is what I was getting at in earlier post, but on a hard-back M715 type rig. Yea, I think I would go inline 6 or diesel, nothing fancy and I guess GM or Ford would be smart. The more I think about it, something a little more compact might be a good call.

And armor on the vehicle should not even be a serious consideration. By the time you made it into a tank, you might as well have a tank. The up-armoured HMMWV's are useless off of pavement. Hiding in your rig during a gunfight would not be a realistic survival tactic.

Now, back to the topic... As I think about it, a cherokee or wagoneer would probably be a good start over an M725. The 725 might be a bit tall. However, I would set the rig up with the rim/tire similar to the M715's. This is only because we are trying to stay FSJ in this, right? There are probably several non-FSJ vehicles out there that would be a better base, but I will leave that alone. NOTHIN is better than an FSJ, right!?!

If you are living on the road, you want something that can carry what you need to sustain. If you are staying put and just need something to go hunting in or gathering supplies, you just need a capable buggy.

[dakotajeep]

I know we are talking hypothetical here but what environment are we dealing with? Tropics, desert, northern tundra.....? Also, are we in an urban, small town or extremely isolated? It makes a huge difference. :confused:

Honestly, in a real "survival" situation I'd say ditch the vehicle and start looking for the bear necessities.....food, water and shelter (you could use the vehicle for shelter).

Thad

[duncanstives]

.50 cal=good: There are a CLUBS for people who like trying to make super long shots (up to a mile) with .50 cals. Since not many enemies will have them you will have an advantage. Keep it in the Jeep/trailer and use it when going on the prowl for supplies and the like.

Jeep I would go with (personally) is the one I DID go with: a 80s GW... Its big enough for plenty of people and gear, newer than a lot of FSJs (possibly more reliable and lets face it: You're going to be LIVING in it most of the time... Comfort WILL be important) and the axles are "good enough: since you are not going to have bigger than 33/35s on it. DEFINITELY get the following:
regear (2.73=FAIL since there won't be much in the way of highway speeds)
get lockers for the front and back (no way to get more bang for your $/time and avoid getting trapped somewhere)
steel bumpers with a good winch
full sized spare tire
Total cost: Could be had for $4k including wheels/tires and the jeep if you were thrifty and did the work yourself.. Small price to pay for something to help you escape the horde of infected, radioactive undead that could be after you at any moment.

Of course as I said earlier I still recommend a gas engine... A ford or chevy for easy of findig parts... Sure you may be able to mix some other crap up to make your diesel run but where will you find jet fuel? All the stuff you could use would be as hard to find as diesel... Gas on the other hand will be easiest.

Finally: I find it more likely that I will be hit by an EMP pulse TODAY than in a post apoclyptic word... They are hard to make an impracticle... I knew a guy who spent a LONG time and a LOT of money (in percentage... He did not make that much) building one to take out the computers at his high school (yeah... He had way too much time on his hands.. LOL). It did not take out a single computer... The only thing it did was blow up (that what they do... They are one time use devices) and screw up another student's pacemaker so he had to go to the hospital... Oops. Also the the ignition system will not be damaged by an EMP (most likely) as it generates and indeed REQUIRES high voltage transient spikes to operate. Only the onboard computer might fry but FSJs don't have one... The GW MIGHT have a cruise control box but thats about it. If you are worried there is a stuff you can buy called mumetal. It can be used for building shielding boxes and apparently works orders of magnitude better than anythign else (we use it at work... We make dispay products for the armed services). You can get some here but I think its exspensive: http://magneticshielding.com/

[Serious Johnson]

In the case of sudden societal collapse, the problem is going to be people. All I need of a vehicle is for it to get me close to the places they aren't. That's why I have this old Wag. It's large enough to hold everything I own with room left over to sleep me and the wolfpup in bad weather. It's also so ugly that I can leave the keys in it in Mexico or maybe even Denver without worry. When it takes me as far as it will, I can hoist my backpack and abandon the Jeep without a second thought. My .22 & 12-gauge provide all the firepower I need or want. I have a good knife for everything else.

S.J.

[Bill Moore]

Ok. Ford or Chevy engine I agree. But which one?

[dakotajeep]

Kaiser/Jeep M35 with the whites multifuel diesel, the rear axle removed and the duals replaced with a single rear wheel. The engine can burn almost anything! Pretty durable.

Its that easy.

Thad

[Crossbones]

Ok. Ford or Chevy engine I agree. But which one?

Ford 300 for me.

[duncanstives]

I would go with the 4.9 liter straight 6 (I think this is the 300 someone mentioned), 302 (from a mustang) or (now that I think about it) a jeep 4.0 straight six from an X/ZJ. They are all over the place (parts) and basically impossible to kill (not needing parts so much). Even a rebuilt (and thus reliable) FSJ engine would be a bad idea if only because of how much gas it uses.

[duncanstives]

BTW I would NEVER abondon the jeep... The idea of walking off and leaving your vehicle may make you feel like a bad Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley but the reality is it provides shelter, speed to escape if needed, warmth. etc. Hell even its 100% dead I would never leave it... A vehicle (even a dead one) STILL provides decent shelter and a HUGE wealth of parts that can be used for everything from starting fires to hunting to defending yourself. You could never hope to do better alone in the wilderness. That said if facing imminent attact obviously you might run off and leave it... Shelter won't help you if you're dead.
The jeep should be able to get you into just about as remote an area as walking... Just because I stay on roads and trails doesn't mean I HAVE to... I know this because when I was younger and dumber I randomly set off into the woods in my XJ just to see if I could and had no problems... Sure I had to navigate around some stuff and take care picking a line going up or down hills but it was not really that much of an issue. I went about a mile and then turned around and came back.

Personally I would use a cave for my main shelter if I could find one and hide the jeep(s) nearby (cover it/them with branches, paint with camo etc). I would also rig up a silent alarm (easy) and make the jeeps SLIGHTY easy to find then the cave enterance so that if someone came poking around the jeeps it would actually serve as an early warning system.

[Bill Moore]

How large is the cab compared to a j10?Kaiser/Jeep M35 with the whites multifuel diesel, the rear axle removed and the duals replaced with a single rear wheel. The engine can burn almost anything! Pretty durable.

Its that easy.

Thad

[tgreening]

I know it's outside the heritage but a Unimog is so capable and just so d**n cool I have to believe there's a Jeep in its lineage somewhere. That plus the radio box version has plenty of space for all the post-apocalyptic babes that invariably need saving from hordes of roaming zombies/cannibals/general bad people, and who also invariably become EXTREMELY grateful right after the saving.

It could happen. :)

[Bill Moore]

In the case of sudden societal collapse, the problem is going to be people. All I need of a vehicle is for it to get me close to the places they aren't. That's why I have this old Wag. It's large enough to hold everything I own with room left over to sleep me and the wolfpup in bad weather. It's also so ugly that I can leave the keys in it in Mexico or maybe even Denver without worry. When it takes me as far as it will, I can hoist my backpack and abandon the Jeep without a second thought. My .22 & 12-gauge provide all the firepower I need or want. I have a good knife for everything else.

S.J.
My hats off to you as I would feel naked with only a 22 and 12 gauge. Unless of course you are talking about a AR15 and Saiga assault shotgun

[duncanstives]

My hats off to you as I would feel naked with only a 22 and 12 gauge. Unless of course you are talking about a AR15 and Saiga assault shotgun

There is a vietnamese guy at work... He was in the special forces for the the allied dudes in vietnam (north vietnamese I think?). Certified badass... If what I hear is correct one of his primary tasks was to sneak into the bad guys camps and knife their offficers while they slept. Scary.

[bigun]

BTW I would NEVER abondon the jeep... The idea of walking off and leaving your vehicle may make you feel like a bad Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley but the reality is it provides shelter, speed to escape if needed, warmth. etc. nd then turned around and came back.

LOL Have you ever seen of the pictures of the area Ted calls home, or read any of the stories of his camping experience. If there is anybody I want on my team it is Ted! We don't see eye to eye politically, but his stratagem is sound particularly if you have spent some time caching supplies in the area

[bigun]

There is a vietnamese guy at work... He was in the special forces for the the allied dudes in vietnam (north vietnamese I think?). Certified badass... If what I hear is correct one of his primary tasks was to sneak into the bad guys camps and knife their offficers while they slept. Scary.
Kind of slept through history class there didn't you The north Vietnamese were the ones were were fighting the South Vietnamese were our so called allies

[bigun]

Now for my survival vehicle it would be either diesel or propane powered Diesl because I could run it on just about anything combustible. propane because i figure there will be a lot of abandoned home propane tanks and unlike gasoline propane does not go bad with age and if push come to shove I can run a propane powered vehicle on home made methane. Tranny wise automatic because that way I can steer with one had and shoot with the other. I don't discuss my firearm options on open nets anymore

[gotmike]

i think that the type of jeep is less relavant than what tools are built into it... with the right tools you can fix just about anything... but too many tools makes the truck impracticle... a good air compressor and welder and you can do just about anything... including air arcing the perches off of another axle to swap it under your rig if and when it breaks... building jacks into the corners of the rig so that you can jack the truck up without getting out lessens the time you're working on your vehicle unsheltered... and keeping it relatively inconspicuous... plus when you need to change tires with some abandoned truck on the side of the road it's easier to get them on your truck... so keeping as much as possible on the truck without it looking like it's loaded with tools...

[duncanstives]

Now for my survival vehicle it would be either diesel or propane powered Diesl because I could run it on just about anything combustible. propane because i figure there will be a lot of abandoned home propane tanks and unlike gasoline propane does not go bad with age and if push come to shove I can run a propane powered vehicle on home made methane. Tranny wise automatic because that way I can steer with one had and shoot with the other. I don't discuss my firearm options on open nets anymore

Don't want obama and friends knowing what you have? As for propane... True there may be abandoned tanks lying around but not all that many... I guess that depends on where you are though. Of course propane does not need a fuel pump also... One less failure item.

Kind of slept through history class there didn't you?

Um... Yes?

As for leaving the Jeep: I just said I wouldn't... Maybe some people are more comfortable... Being out in the woods then I... I can and certainly have survived cold nights on the woods without a vehicle (or tent/sleeping bag for the matter) but I am not kidding myself about exactly how old that would get... Also if something happens to you no matter where you are in current times its not THAT far to the nearest hospital but in a post apoclyptic world even a scratch could get infected and kill you... NO amount of equipment can make you 100% safe but it DOES help and in that enviroment I would take no chances.

[yankeedog]

full frame.4wd. solid axles .inline six.enough seats to carry you,your immediate loved ones and your dogs.carb,points.( I am not willing to discount emp).Gas engine is fine as there will be more of those laying about with fried electronics than anything else and you should be able to steal or barter for it(gas that is)as for as shooting irons 1 operable rifle per family member,minimum.of common caliber,other than .223 as it does not put down uglies fast enough or forever enough .1 operable pistol per member,prefeably a revolver..357 caliber.as females and younguns can shoot 38's out of em .and a .22 for squirrels and rabbits.a good compass and some maps.

[newtojeeps]

Uh: I believe I would like to spend quality time with my loved ones. I would stay home. I have 4 running jeeps I could take anywhere, with the loved ones. The jeeps have gun racks and I have re-loaders. I have Colman pump up lanterns and stoves. a 16X12 tent, 3 Cases of MRE's. 25 gals of water.8 gerry cans for gas.
By the end of the food and water (3 weeks) the effects of an atomic blast should be taking affect. Radiation sickness,the crazed people with lack of preparedness would really start to take its toll. We go camping quite a bit and know about scavenging for food, roots, berries, fish. and animal meat. We have also been quite diligent in keeping our earthquake supplies up to date. But in the case of such an emergency, I would stay home and load up the two most capable vehicles. When it got to spooky to stay in the home I would head out.

[duncanstives]

Uh: I believe I would like to spend quality time with my loved ones. I would stay home. I have 4 running jeeps I could take anywhere, with the loved ones. The jeeps have gun racks and I have re-loaders. I have Colman pump up lanterns and stoves. a 16X12 tent, 3 Cases of MRE's. 25 gals of water.8 gerry cans for gas.
By the end of the food and water (3 weeks) the effects of an atomic blast should be taking affect. Radiation sickness,the crazed people with lack of preparedness would really start to take its toll. We go camping quite a bit and know about scavenging for food, roots, berries, fish. and animal meat. We have also been quite diligent in keeping our earthquake supplies up to date. But in the case of such an emergency, I would stay home and load up the two most capable vehicles. When it got to spooky to stay in the home I would head out.

Nuclear weapons, properly detonated and designed usiong modern methods leave little lingering radioation. Radiation levels at ground zero would be safe after the detonation of even a large thermonuclear weapon within a few hours (obviously blast effects like firestorms, debris and simple heat would keep ground zero clear of people for longer than that). The longest lived isotope present after a detonation in any quanity is cessium 137 which has a half life of about a half hour. Activated materials (silica dust mostly) present a much greater problem but should not be present if the weapon is detonated at high altitude (which is how nuclear weapons are used as the blast effects and other so called "promt" damage is MUCH greater when used this way). Thus in a typical nuclear war there would be many promt casualties, many more dying from injury and radiation SHORTLY thereafter (a couple of days at most) and then a larger number dying from starvation and disease later... NOT many people dying of radiation in the weeks following the attack.

For me staying home would depend on where I lived... my current residence (in the city): No
My moms farm (in the middle of nowhere... Also where my shop is):Yes but only because when things got hairy its only a .2 mile drive to some of the least frequented areas of the daniel boone national forest. Also the cinder block house could be fortified pretty well and is nearly invunerable to attack with fire from the outside.

[duncanstives]

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCC&cp=37.382162~-84.140167&style=r&lvl=12&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1&cid=DF2CEA87FE01ABE9!193

This is the map of the area I would be hiding out... Note that there are a couple of old abondoned houses which could prove handy at times. The "roads" shown on here are roads only in the very loosest sense of the word. I know some people will think its a bad idea to post something liek this but I have 3 factors in my favor:
1. I am only one person.. No one will spend much effort to track me down.
2. The map is far from complete.. I did it in 10 minutes to test the "collections" feature on live maps... Lots more features and hiding spots not shown on there.
3. Word wode societal collapse does not seem immienent at the moment.

[Chuck Brown]

I can see that folks have different views as to what would constitute a "bug out" situation, and as such we each have varying plans for ensuring the best, most "survivable outcome".

To begin with, my "Survival Rig" is probably not all that different from many here. '77 Cherokee/401/D44s/6" lift/35" MTs/Cliffhanger Front/Custom Rear/MM Winch/(Dual battery system and analog communications systems currently in the works).

With that said, I've been designing my rig for sudden deployment in just such a circumstance, and in my mind survival means me getting the family and essential provisions loaded up for the purpose of the one way trip to our fallback position high in the north. There, we have clean river water and springs, coniferous coverage, wood fuel, ample wild game and access is remote enough to make it prohibitive to those lacking serious 4x4 capacity.

Now, having said that (and without getting into too many specific details), I know full well what it is like when you are surrounded by a well equipped armed force and thousands and thousands of more "unfriendlies" who are trying to keep you and your neighbors in a contained region.

First thing, in my instance at least is having an ample fuel supply on hand, because once the power gets cut, those gas pumps dont work so well anymore. Once the gas station owners are able to get generator power up to the pumps, fuel stocks get depleted PDQ.

For that reason, having full jerry cans on hand is my first, and most minimum requirement.

Next, be prepared to either go over or THROUGH any physical obstacles that are looking to keep you contained (if we're talking about civil unrest or military action, this may also mean razor wire and sandbags).

This is where those 35"+ tires and (in my case) my 6" lift and cliffhanger front bumper are coming into play...along with bolt cutters.
If you've never had to "ram" a parked or derelict vehicle, start giving some thought into whether your bumper is ready to take the impact and deflect the obstruction.

Now...if you've managed to get through the "contained" area, be prepared for civilian hostiles to either A.) Attempt to block you from further advancement, or B.) Seperate you and your family from your FSJ. In an urban/suburban area, this WILL come in the form of a hailstorm of basic bricks, stones, molotav cocktails, etc..

For this reason, it may be advisable to have purchased a full 4x8 sheet of heavy steel mesh/grating to cut to spec and mount over your weak points such as windows.

My intention would not be to engage hostiles, but avoid them when I can, or put them under my wheels where no other choice exists.

I've stripped out most of the creature comforts from my rig for sheer bulk loading purposes and am opting for a safari style rack on top.
I'd rather have have room for the family laying flat on the inside and let the sleeping/duffle bags take the beating up topside.

All we need to do is make it the next 150 miles out of Dodge to the fallback position, where we can hunker down, regroup and monitor the situation. The jeep then gets put to rest under deep forest cover.

Sounds off the wall, eh? Trust me, not only CAN it happen...it HAS happened. (see my physical address above. If it doesnt ring a bell, Google it along with the term 1990.)

Thats my plan...and I'm sticking to it.

Best of luck Boys, and hopefully if the power ever goes out and things start going south, that when the smoke blows over we'll all still be here and our rigs will be standing upright!

Chuck Brown

[Geeeep]

So, when "it" hits the fan.

X2 on the 12 gauge with shot and slugs.

Gas, diesel or #2, just have to know where to look and have to tools to get at it (bolt cutter, hose, handpump, lookout ;) ).

As for abandoning a vehicle, there would be plenty more around for the having.

I'd have to load the waggy up with supplies but if all heck breaks loose the roads out of town will be unusable.

Then I'd need a couple of these:
http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000002/mtb_jawdsptgld.jpg

& some of these

http://www.bicycletrailers.com/assets/product_images/200/102203000000000.jpg

One for me, one for the wife. Kids and supplies in the back and on our backs.

Head for the nearest bike trail going the way we want to go. There are old railroad bed bike trails going South and North starting just out of the city. The one to the north goes the whole way to the State Line.

[Madbodhi]

I plan on sitting tight.If I have to bug out it will be via fire roads,railroad and utility right of ways,etc.Hardcore offroad utility is not required.A vehicles that runs commonly available parts and is easy to work on,can fit you,your family, and supplies.If you break down fix it if you can or aqcuire another.Don't get overly attached to any material thing house,car,etc..You don't want emotions clouding your judgement and you stay when you know you should go.If survival is the goal then money spent on a kick *** diesel powered gps/ham equipped run flat tired,600 mile range truck would be better spent on a decent offroad capable vehicle,guns,ammo,food,water,canner,seeds,etc.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w204/madbodhi/mygirls015.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w204/madbodhi/CarShoot025.jpg
:D :D :D

[JPSwapMohn]

I

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w204/madbodhi/CarShoot025.jpg


Sorry, I can't resist..
I see 4 (or are there 5) people that do not know what they are doing.. That M82 still has the mag in it and I would bet it has one in the chamber and they are hanging out right in front of it.

Kind of short range for that thing, isn't it?

That is one heavy sucker to lug around. I think a .308 is more practical. Actually, that M14 is more than plenty for basic needs.

[yankeedog]

In the event of unrest it usually takes the gubmint AT LEAST three days to react.So barring a natural disaster it is best to sit tight and defend your perimeter while you wait for the cavalry.

[gotmike]

hell... i live in wyoming... half the people out east don't even know we exist as a state... i live in a town of 50,000 and the next nearest town is 30 miles away...

[Bill Moore]

hell... i live in wyoming... half the people out east don't even know we exist as a state... i live in a town of 50,000 and the next nearest town is 30 miles away...thata what I call perfect

[duncanstives]

50K is the big city around here... Well.. Not RIGHT around here (lexington has about 200K) but about 45 miles to the south there is a town called berea (40K at the absolute max... Probably more like 30) to where many of the people who live near my shop and my moms farm refuse to travel because they don't like going to the "city"... LOL

The farm is in a municipality called "3 links" with a large area and a population of about 800. While offroading around there I found a "city" with a very old looking but well maintained sign proudly proclaiming a population of 3... Really. Can't remember the name of the city though.

[The PIG Smith]

Here is my pick for a Survival Jeep.
It's a AM General M-816 5 ton Wrecker.

I drove one of these while serving in US Army in the early 80's.
Being 19, young dumb and full of...well, anyways, I drove the snot outta one of those rigs and never had it stuck.

Took my 'Big Hook' to the silky, nasty, sticky, stain everything mud holes of Grafenwoehr.
It's Cummins 250 had more than enough power thanks to it super lower gearing.
It was not that fast...maybe would run 60mph at WOT.

It's monster 20,000# PTO driven front winch could pull the world over on its ear.
The one time when I thought the front winch was not gonna be enough, I locked the winch, dropped gearbox in low range and just backed up.

I was unofficial awarded Certified Recovery Specialist,
but could not official hold that title for my MOS was different than what was permitted to be presented such an honor.

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/28541/2715300700059758900S500x500Q85.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M816_Wrecker

[duncanstives]

Parts would be hard to find.
Gas milage would be iffy.
For all its size only seats 2 or 3.
Its not a jeep.

Other than that its a perfect survival "jeep"! :D

Seriously though: It looks cool and I would love to have one... Just not for the end of the world.

The front axle is a rockwell 5 ton I assume?

[incommando]

I can see that folks have different views as to what would constitute a "bug out" situation, and as such we each have varying plans for ensuring the best, most "survivable outcome".

To begin with, my "Survival Rig" is probably not all that different from many here. '77 Cherokee/401/D44s/6" lift/35" MTs/Cliffhanger Front/Custom Rear/MM Winch/(Dual battery system and analog communications systems currently in the works).

With that said, I've been designing my rig for sudden deployment in just such a circumstance, and in my mind survival means me getting the family and essential provisions loaded up for the purpose of the one way trip to our fallback position high in the north. There, we have clean river water and springs, coniferous coverage, wood fuel, ample wild game and access is remote enough to make it prohibitive to those lacking serious 4x4 capacity.

Now, having said that (and without getting into too many specific details), I know full well what it is like when you are surrounded by a well equipped armed force and thousands and thousands of more "unfriendlies" who are trying to keep you and your neighbors in a contained region.

First thing, in my instance at least is having an ample fuel supply on hand, because once the power gets cut, those gas pumps dont work so well anymore. Once the gas station owners are able to get generator power up to the pumps, fuel stocks get depleted PDQ.

For that reason, having full jerry cans on hand is my first, and most minimum requirement.

Next, be prepared to either go over or THROUGH any physical obstacles that are looking to keep you contained (if we're talking about civil unrest or military action, this may also mean razor wire and sandbags).

This is where those 35"+ tires and (in my case) my 6" lift and cliffhanger front bumper are coming into play...along with bolt cutters.
If you've never had to "ram" a parked or derelict vehicle, start giving some thought into whether your bumper is ready to take the impact and deflect the obstruction.

Now...if you've managed to get through the "contained" area, be prepared for civilian hostiles to either A.) Attempt to block you from further advancement, or B.) Seperate you and your family from your FSJ. In an urban/suburban area, this WILL come in the form of a hailstorm of basic bricks, stones, molotav cocktails, etc..

For this reason, it may be advisable to have purchased a full 4x8 sheet of heavy steel mesh/grating to cut to spec and mount over your weak points such as windows.

My intention would not be to engage hostiles, but avoid them when I can, or put them under my wheels where no other choice exists.

I've stripped out most of the creature comforts from my rig for sheer bulk loading purposes and am opting for a safari style rack on top.
I'd rather have have room for the family laying flat on the inside and let the sleeping/duffle bags take the beating up topside.

All we need to do is make it the next 150 miles out of Dodge to the fallback position, where we can hunker down, regroup and monitor the situation. The jeep then gets put to rest under deep forest cover.

Sounds off the wall, eh? Trust me, not only CAN it happen...it HAS happened. (see my physical address above. If it doesnt ring a bell, Google it along with the term 1990.)

Thats my plan...and I'm sticking to it.

Best of luck Boys, and hopefully if the power ever goes out and things start going south, that when the smoke blows over we'll all still be here and our rigs will be standing upright!

Chuck Brown

I see you are in Canuckia. What are you preparing for, getting nuked for putting gravy on fries, or the loss of society if you run short of gravy??? :D

[badaboom]

http://www.atvtrackkit.com/kubotaAG.jpg http://www.atvtrackkit.com/dSmall.jpg

[duncanstives]

Talk about hard to find parts for!
Also what happens when you throw a track? Are they easy to put back on?

There are those mattracks things as well.. I am sure everyone has seen the video of them on a waggy a million and a half times.

[badaboom]

Actually very reliable and NO FLATS try driving through debris snow mud just about anything. You don't want to know how many flat tires happened during Katrina
http://www.atvtrackkit.com/sitebuilder/images/TJDct04-150x101.jpg http://www.atvtrackkit.com/TJDct02.jpg

[duncanstives]

Yeah... Still not sure I'd want them.... Then again 99% of people will never face this choice. The cost of tracks for an FSJ would be above most of our pay grades.

[The PIG Smith]

Parts would be hard to find.
Maybe.
It's powered by a Cummins 250.
These engines are as common as grass.
Besides, these 5 ton are ultra rugged.
If a 19 year old can flog one and it keep take'n it...well, enough said about it breaking down

Gas mileage would be iffy.
True.
These things love to drink Diesel fuel

For all its size only seats 2 or 3.
Good point

Its not a jeep.
This is debatable.
The earlier models were built in South Bend, Indiana by Kaiser.
The Data Plate read Kaiser Jeep
By the time M8xx series were ordered, Kaiser/AMC spun off this division to form AM General.
IMHO, they still are Jeep and most definitely have a Jeep pedigree.

Other than that its a perfect survival "jeep"! :D
Because there so simple (no electronics to speak of) rugged and will go and do most anything, I thought they would be a good canidate.
Are they perfect....well, I dunno.

Seriously though: It looks cool and I would love to have one.
I do, too.
Just not very pratical for modern living.
Not a good commuter car, prob'y not eco friendly, no air bags or seat belts, no creature comforts (Heater is an option) and very hard to park at your local Wally World.

The front axle is a rockwell 5 ton I assume?
Don't you know it! :thumbsup:

[Elliott]

Kaiser/Jeep M35 with the whites multifuel diesel, the rear axle removed and the duals replaced with a single rear wheel. The engine can burn almost anything! Pretty durable.

Its that easy.

Thad

M35 TD Multifuel and .50

http://www.olive-drab.com/images/id_m35_10_700.jpg

[Mikel]

Mine is not a rockcrawler - I've gone for durability and reliability. D60/D70 axles, NV4500 transmission, NP200 transfer case and a fuel sipping 4BT. The rest of the drivetrain is designed for far more HP/torque than my little 4BT produces in stock form, so I couldn't break anything even if I tried. So far I've gotten 22-25MPG, which is 2-4 times the fuel economy my past FSJ's got.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn223/bw1339/DSC03946-1.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn223/bw1339/DSC04367.jpg

[TexTJ209]

That picture made me remember the Vietnam-era gun trucks.

If this thing isn't MADE for killing zombies, I don't know what is! :thumbsup:

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p308/TexTJ209/blackwidow1dlc.jpg

[Stupified]

Good thread Bill, thanks for pointing me here.
For those who do not believe an EMP is possible, thought I'd share my experience so you can decide with some more info...
I ran a truck fleet years ago and had a problem truck, ghost codes, random electronic failures etc.. We replaced ECM's, harnesses and all kinds of things. Final result was a hacked cb radio that was way over the legal broadcast limit. It was amped up so high that when the driver keyed up the mic on full power, it could actually kill the engine. When monitoring engine ecm data, there were no power supply or vref anomalies. It just went brain dead. If you put another truck next to it running, it would misfire until it went down too.
the only thing we could figure out was while running an o-scope trace on the magnetic cam and crank sensors, the data went erratic. We assumed it was from rf interference.