| When the balloon goes up on 21 December 2012 you | | | | these days because it delivers more power earlier in |
| want to get yourself and your family to sanctuary as | | | | the rev range, better economy and it is self-tuning |
| fast as possible. One of the best ways to do it is | | | | for different driving and atmospheric conditions. |
| with a modified 4x4 SUV. But it can’t just be an | | | | However compared to carbs fuel injection is |
| old SUV for reasons I’m about to explain. | | | | extremely complicated, making working on it in the |
| The first thing you need to consider is how many | | | | wilderness difficult unless you are an expert. This is |
| passengers you’ll have. For a family of three or | | | | just another reason why I believe you are better off |
| more you’ll need to look at large 4WD SUVs to | | | | with an older truck. Carburettors are simple, reliable |
| get enough seating and load space. Beyond that the | | | | and easy to keep in working order yourself. |
| main selection criteria is the three Rs: Reliability, | | | | Auto vs Manual transmission. |
| Ruggedness, Readily available parts. | | | | This is a tricky decision. Manual gearboxes are simple |
| For all of these reasons we recommend either a | | | | and robust. However they take skill to drive properly |
| 1970’s or 80’s Chevy Blazer or Suburban, or | | | | off-road and with an injured left foot or leg, can be |
| the Series 70 Toyota Landcruiser Station wagon. | | | | impossible to drive at all. |
| These vehicles are common everywhere – they | | | | Automatics are easier to drive – even kids can |
| don’t scream Survival Bug-out Vehicle to | | | | do it at a pinch, and many people think they are also |
| everyone, and you can paint them in drab camo | | | | superior off-road. On the other hand, they are |
| colours without attracting attention. | | | | massively complicated and if they break they are |
| By the way, I have nothing against Ford, Dodge or | | | | virtually impossible to fix in the field. |
| anything else, but the two mentioned above are | | | | So which do you choose? If you are travelling with |
| ultra-reliable, tough, uncomplicated, simple to work on | | | | several other adults I would go for a manual every |
| and above all you can find parts for them just about | | | | time. But if it’s just you and the kids an auto |
| anywhere. But there’s more to think about: | | | | might be the safer, easier choice. Just make sure |
| Diesel Power. | | | | it’s been properly serviced and thoroughly |
| I also strongly recommend that you choose a vehicle | | | | checked over by a transmission specialist. |
| with a diesel engine. Diesel engines are better | | | | In fact that goes for the whole vehicle. Make sure it |
| off-road than petrol engines because they produce a | | | | has regular services to keep the fluid levels up and |
| lot more torque at low revs. The fuel is much less | | | | fresh engine and transmission oil to reduce internal |
| volatile. Mileage per tank-full is much greater. Plus | | | | wear. You can do most of this work yourself in an |
| diesel engines can run on biodiesel or vegetable oil | | | | hour or two in the driveway and you'll always have |
| (aka drip oil). | | | | your emergency bug-out truck in top shape and |
| Carburettors versus fuel injection. | | | | ready to carry your family to safety. |
| Electronic Fuel Injection is the default option on SUVs | | | | |