You are stuck in an urban collapse and all you can think is “I gotta get outta dodge”.
When it comes to sh-t hits the fan scenarios, whether it be a plague, nuclear attack, natural disaster, or the next pandemic, it’s a lot easier to cruise to your safe haven that is 100 miles away than it is to walk there. In this circumstance, you are going to need a reliable and efficient bug-out vehicle.
There have long been talks of what bug-out vehicles are. Some might have a more romantic view of the world and picture a diesel loaded four-wheel-drive dune buggy complete with exterior spikes and the rest of the apocalyptic decor that you would see on the standard Mad Max vehicle. Other bug-out vehicle designs are more practical because when we’re looking at a vehicle that’s going to save our necks and get us out of trouble, we need something reliable, fuel-efficient, able to fit our supplies, that blends in, is low in maintenance and won’t leave you broke.
As much as we would all enjoy looking at wasteland designs to find the best apocalyptic rover, this list is going to consist of the real bug-out vehicles that you can get, on a budget, and what to look out for if you are in the market for not only a bug-out vehicle but a vehicle that you can take to enjoy the outdoors, and still blend in the urban environment. Essentially, I hope for this piece to act as a buyer’s guide for those shopping around for a second-hand vehicle that you can turn into a practical and affordable multipurpose ‘get out of dodge’ vehicle.
What is a bug-out vehicle?
There are a lot of different shapes, sizes and makes to describe what a bug-out vehicle is, but what it isn’t is a Ferrari sports car. Instead, if you have ever been to a farm you will notice that most have that one vehicle that has been lasted for tens of years and has been used to carry things, to chase things, to pull things, and to drive over a lot of difficult terrains. On top of that, it’s this sort of vehicle that is reliable because it has simple parts that can be replaced in an instant, and doesn’t take a rocket scientist to fix. That’s what a bug-out vehicle is.
The use of a bug-out vehicle is simple. It’s the transport you can rely upon to get you and your family to safety when the SHTF. More simply put, it’s a vehicle to bug out with. Although we might have this vehicle, not all circumstances require us to bug out, and if you haven’t already got the prepper basics sorted for when the SHTF, you might need to organize that before you start considering a bug-out vehicle.
Of course, when you get to the point where you are choosing bug-out locations, forming a bug-out plan, and coordinating rendezvous points and default actions for you and your community, you are going to need to choose a vehicle that is sturdy, reliable and will last. So let’s take a look at what we need in a bug-out vehicle.
What are the things we need to look for in a bug-out vehicle?
Considering its purpose, the bug out vehicle isn’t any normal vehicle. Not only should it be reliable and easy to fix, but it should be able to keep you and your family safe, should there be any imminent threat. Because we are using this type of vehicle to both get out of the city and urban areas and then to be effective in its operation as an end-of-the-world vehicle, certain characteristics make a bug-out vehicle a certain breed.
The things you need to look out for when choosing a bug-out vehicle are:
Low maintenance – Having a low maintenance vehicle is important when it breaks down as you will be able to fix it yourself, or will easily find someone that has enough experience to lend a hand and get it working again. This also means that it has readily available parts, should you need them. For most people, buying a bug-out vehicle will be in the form of a second-hand buy which may require some replacements before it is reliable. Do the work in advance and find out if you can get the parts at local retailers. If they are widely available then that saves you the money and the time to get that part.
Being low maintenance also means choosing a vehicle with limited electrics, especially if you are concerned about having your car hacked, as you can see in this video on a hacker remotely hacking and shutting down a Jeep on the highway.
Fuel-efficient – Depending on the event you may need to bug out over quite some distance without stopping at any fuel stations (which will either be full or closed), so you need something that has a good gas mileage.
Space – Always have more space than less. With the way family vehicles have been developed, some options fit the bug out vehicle’s characteristics. Even if you are a lonesome prepper, there’s no telling who you might meet when you bug out, or what friend might call you saying “I know you’re into survival, do you have a plan?” – this will happen. At this point, you can choose to be a hero or continue on your way to safety, your call. Having that space will also help when you come across any extra supplies you might want to pick up.
For the number of people you are traveling with, the size is an issue. Sure if you are just one person, a four-seater vehicle is perfect. But when you are a full family, space will be quickly filled with bug-out bags, water, food, and other supplies. You need to have a rough idea of how much space you need, plus extra when shopping around.
Speed – We’re not entering the Grand Prix with this thing but it can’t be slow. Some military trucks are known for this. They are efficient at crossing a variety of terrain and can carry big loads, but they’re essentially turtles on the road. You need something a bit faster.
Noise – Sure, it’s nice to have a loud car if you want the attention with a sports car or a nice loud easy rider motorbike when you are roaring down the street, but they are also vehicles that can be heard from miles away and through thickets of trees. Anyone in a 5-mile radius is going to be easily able to find your bug out location, and they’re also going to be able to hear when you leave so that they can raid your food, water, and ammunition supplies. Having something more inconspicuous is tough, I know, but it helps when you are trying to be a little more covert.
All-terrain – No matter what you are preparing for, there may be a chance where you will need to go off-road, through different terrain and various types of weather. It comes with no surprise that you need a vehicle capable of traversing different terrain environments, and for many preppers and survivalists, this is why the bug out vehicle is generally the vehicle you use when you go camping and 4WD’ing through the outdoors. Don’t get me wrong, as soon as you start bugging out you’re not going off-road straight away, but as many bug-out locations will be located in regional areas, and supply caches might be outdoors, you are going to need a vehicle that can work in those environments.
7 best bug out vehicles for when the SHTF
So we have a list of things we need in a vehicle, but what on earth fits that specific type? These vehicles are not meant to break the bank, so that should you look into starting a project bug-out vehicle, you can instead be a little more budget-savvy with your vehicle, and in turn, have an extra amount to spend on extras that would make good additions to the vehicle or any necessary repairs that need to be made if you are purchasing your bug-out vehicle as a second-hand car.
So let’s take a look at the most suitable bug-out vehicles with what we identified above:
Mercedes G-Wagon – These vehicles are beasts. This is why they are used by some militaries around the world. There are several models of the Mercedez Benz G-Wagon. The more modern versions of the car are more luxury 4WD made for city environments. Two G-Wagons make great bug-out vehicles. The first is the classic 1980s and 90s G-Wagon. They’re simple in their design and parts and have been described as workhorses of the countryside. The 80s original G-Wagon has no electronics in the engine and with its backside seating, can seat up to seven people. If you take a good look around car sales sites, you can find one of these for a bargain.
The more modern type of G-Wagon, and one that I have used in the military, is a rigid vehicle capable of driving through any terrain and is highly customizable. The problem is with the G-Wagon it is a bit more of a fuel guzzler than the average SUV, with its fuel usage at an average of 13mpg in the city and 14mpg on the highways.
Jeep – The Jeep Wrangler series is a very customizable 4×4 city that performs well as an urban everyday drive vehicle as well out in the wilderness. One of the things a lot of outdoor goers love about the Jeep is its capacity to pack a lot of weight. That extra cargo space is important when considering bugging out as you will need to carry supplies with you, and for the duration of your bug out period. That is of course unless you haven’t already cached a supply at your bug out location. The fuel usage on these is for a 2014 3.6L model is 17mpg in the city and 21mpg on the highways.
Humvee – The Humvee is another military service vehicle that has never failed to impress in its operation, as well as carriage and hauling power. While some of the newer models of the Humvee are more for the preppers’ ‘dream’ budget, the 1998-2001 models, both surplus, and civilian, are more affordable with people snagging these up for $20,000-$30,000 for ex-service models. There are some auction sites where survivalists have scored themselves as a lucky win for a Hummer worth $10,000, so it pays to shop around, especially when you’re looking for these types of timeless vehicles. The fuel usage on these is for a 2006 3.5L model is 14mpg in the city and 18mpg on the highways.
Ford 4×4 F-Series – Everyone knows someone that owns an F-Series truck. Whether it be an F350, F250, or even an F150, they’ve all got the power, space, and functionality for any family to be safely moved from point A to point B. These trucks are common on American roads as they are reliable and are pretty fuel-efficient for the power that they have. There is a reason why worksite car parks are full of series vehicles, they are a big, powerful, affordable, family truck with a big tank, enough storage space in the back for jerry cans, and if you need it to, it can tow big objects. The fuel usage on an F150 5L is 15mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highways.
RAM Outdoorsman – These beasts are such a budget vehicle with many second-hand options available for under $20,000 and need very little work to maintain. Any type of RAM truck is useful as a bug-out vehicle. The Outdoorsman is a good bug out vehicle for its big amount of space with a flatbed trailer, and the ability to easily tow a trailer as well (be it a horse float packed with supplies or a pop-up camper trailer. These vehicles are also very suitable as a day car, as they are fuel-efficient and spacious for everyday use. The fuel usage on these is for a 5.7L is 18mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highways.
Toyota 4Runner – Toyota is one of the most popular vehicle makers for campers and outdoors lovers, and one of its outdoor favorites is the 4Runner. That suits us when we’re looking for a bug-out vehicle because we’re after the same thing, a reliable vehicle for the outdoors. Out of all of these vehicles, I’d choose the 4Runner as there are a few very attractive options it comes with for such a low price of under $40,000. First, it fits seven people on board, which when you’re packing supplies, is much-needed extra space. When you fold the back seats down you also have a huge amount of cargo space, as well as on the top of the roof racks (which you can do with all of these vehicles). The fuel rate for the 4Runner is at an average for these SUVs at about 17mpg in the city, and 21mpg on the highway.
Toyota Tacoma – The Tacoma is another one of Toyota’s great outdoors SUVs but comes with a few different specifications. Where the 4Runner is a more family-based vehicle, the Tacoma is more of a power-based vehicle to be used to tow things, carry a lot, and do moreover difficult terrain. I like the Tacoma quite a lot, especially because even though it is quite similar to the 4Runner, it is several thousand dollars cheaper in average pricing, and it has the benefit of a more fuel-efficient system with a 19mpg for city areas and a 24mpg for highways.
The best bug-out vehicle accessories
Just getting one of these vehicles on its own is a big step in your bug-out plans. All of them fit the needs we have when we are bugging out as they are have the size we need to pack supplies, gear and fit our loved ones in, they can perform well off-road, should we need it to, and they’re fuel-efficient and budget options for bug-out vehicles. But when you do get a bug-out vehicle, there might be some additions you want to consider to perform the duties that a bug-out vehicle needs to. This would include great survival tires, which you can find comparisons on Auto Clown. After all, we’re planning on using this vehicle when the SHTF, and whatever that might be, some of these things are going to come in handy.
Lightbars and work lights: having bright LED working flood lights on the side and the back of your vehicle are going to help a lot. There may be situations where instead of bugging out, you might want to provide a helping hand to a nearby town, or your local area, whether it be after a horrible storm or the much-needed repair and assistance after a flood. As some of these incidents can cause blackouts, having working lights for evening work on the side and rear of your bug out vehicle turns it into a workstation. That, and when you are outdoors and are setting up camp or at your bug out location, these lights give you the chance to have all-around visibility to ensure the area is clear, and to allow you to see your surrounding area to set up camp at night. A good option for work lights on your bug out vehicle is Lite-Way’s Cree LED lights and Yitamotor’s light bar.
Roofracks – Of course, anything you can do for extra storage space is going to help. Every good bug out vehicle should have roof racks. They’re the perfect way to store extra water jerries, solar panel systems, containers with food supplies, or extra fuel. Whatever you are packing consider if you need it on the trip, or whether it’s to use when you arrive at your bug out location. If it is to use when you arrive, pop it on the roof so that you have more space inside your bug out vehicle. Having steady roof racks with a hard surface can also be used to implement a popup tent that you can climb up into and be off the ground.
Storage tanks – If you are bugging out, you are going to need some supplies. As for most of us, staying in the home is the most favorable option. When you do bug out, you’re going to have to take a lot of supplies with you, and most of it is going to be food, water, and fuel. When it comes to water and fuel, some basic additions you should make to your bug out vehicle are jerry cans. Most decent jerry cans can be picked up from army surplus areas, or you can buy them new. They should be marked either ‘water’ or ‘fuel’ to not confuse their contents.
In-car organizers – Okay, so this isn’t necessary, but if you are like me and you’re love having everything organized well, these Smittybilt tactical front seat covers are the perfect thing to use in your bug out vehicle. Even if you don’t carry a firearm, these in-car organizers are for your outdoor tools, survival gear, first aid equipment, knives, communications accessories, and snack bars for the family and yourself for while you are traveling. 
Why Motorcycles Are A Prepper’s Best Friend
Any prepper knows that SHTF scenarios can happen at any time and when it does, it’s best to be mobile. Americans that drive in cars waste an average of 42 hours a year stuck in traffic, according to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. What you need is a vehicle that can get you past any traffic and handle tough roads. So what would make a motorcycle the best bug out vehicle (BOV)?
Off-Road Capability
While you may enjoy paved roads now, there is no telling whether or not those roads are available after an SHTF event. Last year, the US was struck with several events that affected road conditions like wildfires, massive rainfall events, hurricanes, and even drought. So the BOV you need to use when you’re evacuating needs to be able to handle any dramatic shifts in terrain. Motorcycles can conquer different types of terrain. They have been proven to be effective in traversing water, sand, mud, and uneven land. What you’ll need to make sure is that you carefully consider the motorcycle options to choose from. That way, you can double-check if the motorcycle you’ve got your eye on can rise to the task of being your effective BOV.
Immediate Action
In the end-of-the-world scenario, every second can mean the difference between life and death. Of course, you’ll need to assess the situation first so you don’t go barrelling out into more chaos. Once you’ve determined that it is better to evacuate rather than to hunker down, your bug out vehicle needs to be something that you can use for immediate action. Take, for example, Dr. Witt who saved 8 premature babies from wildfire by using his motorcycle to evacuate them. He considered using his truck as it would carry more load but the roads were blocked by emergency vehicles. If he did not choose to make the split-second decision to jump on his motorcycle and sped off to save those kids, they’d probably been listed as casualties. Dramatics aside, you need a BOV that affords you that level of immediate action. So if you find yourself needing to get away, a motorcycle is something that you can rely on.
Easy to Conceal
Never underestimate how highly valued mobility will be after a disaster strikes. If you think back to movies like Resident Evil 3, Zombieland, and Mad Max, mobility means survival. Granted those examples are fiction, there is no denying the reality that vehicles are highly coveted. So it follows that your post-SHTF vehicle will be highly coveted—especially by those that do not have their vehicles. A motorcycle is handy because it’s easy to conceal if you’ve got the right tarp for it. Hiding your vehicle is important since it keeps it safe from scavengers and it also does not advertise your position. If you’ve got a home base, a motorcycle is easy to store so it’s not exposed to the elements.
Fuel Economy
For a prepper that’s gearing up for anything, the subject of cost often comes up. The cost of the things you buy or make should be worth it in the interim and the long run. If you’ve got a BOV plan in the works, gasoline should be one of your primary considerations. You may think that the price of gas is exorbitant now but just wait until that point where gas is no longer easily obtainable. So your BOV needs to be something that doesn’t wipe out your fuel reserves and doesn’t presently drive you to the poor house. A motorcycle doesn’t take up much gas, yet can go for several miles. Therefore, the current cost and future cost of a motorcycle are logical and practical. Also, it is worth remembering that your BOV isn’t something that you use once and toss away. It is an investment that can help keep you and your homestead thriving after a disaster has hit everything else.
A motorcycle is a vehicle that has all the makings of a reliable bug-out vehicle. What you’ll need to do to make sure that it stays that way is to brush up on your understanding of motorcycles, that is if you aren’t already familiar with its ins and outs. Always keep in mind that your BOV will only ever be as good as you prepare it to be.
Over to you…
Bug out vehicles are a certain breed, but when you get one, it doesn’t just mean its purpose is for when the SHTF. For me, I am an outdoors regular as I enjoy camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors, and when I first chose a vehicle for that purpose I was not even thinking of a bug-out vehicle. So as you can see, the two go hand-in-hand, and whether you are a hunting enthusiast, into fishing, or just love the outdoors like me, one of these vehicles will give you everything you need to do that, as well as to act as a bug-out vehicle, should the need arise.
The extra gear that I have mentioned at the end of this post, is also stuff that I use when I go camping and are things that will no doubt be useful for any practical prepper and survivalist.
In writing this post, I hope I have given you some ideas of what it is you might be looking for in a good bug-out vehicle, so that should a natural disaster, or a worst-case scenario warning be aired, you will be ready to jump in your bug out vehicle, and get out of dodge to keep you are your family safe.
If you already have a bug-out vehicle, let me know in the comment section below what type you have!
I own a 07 wrangler and 11 subaru outback…id take my outback over any one of these vehicles. Awd, 24mpg, lots of space and storage options, can tow a small trailer. Put a 2in lift on it and it can go almost anywhere those others can go. Yeah just because it’s a truck or suv, doesn’t make it ideal for a bov, trust me, chances one will be rockcrawling in shtf situation aren’t too high.
Good one Jay. The Outback is a great vehicle and is great for daily use in the city and with a family! They pack a heap of space!
Consider. you are advertising, I am a pepper, shoot me and take my truck full of supplies. Consider going Gray man with an older mini van. They are cheap, a lot of room after you take out the rear seats, and looks like half of the driving public. Maybe not macho, but with a good set of all weather tires on the front. you can go a lot of places and a lot better gas mileage. Just a consideration. Be safe!
Thanks for writing this. Although I have these vehicles listed, I feel these are some of the more reliable models, but if you can get something that looks inconspicuous you are ahead of the game.
If its 4×4 and cheap you want with high performance and everything you listed, then I saw Dacia Dusters swarm Southern Europe’s emergency services and rural communities when I was there last year.
Apparently they all swear by it.
Absolutely correct, out of sight, out of mind
I have a 02 4×4 suburban, has lots of room for the kids. It is not an off-roading vehicle but it will handle any logging or state forest trails on the North GA traverse. I have room for everything without a roof rack so i consider it a gray man vehicle. Jerry cans full of water and my hiking bag, camping gear all in the back with room for day to day use with the third row seat up. Without third row seat you can carry an enormous amount of gear.
I have owned a wrangler and this truck is not even close to offroad capable as it was. but its a rolling fortress and with a family you cant beat it also iv taken it on every dirt trail and alternate route, had no issues.
Mid-2000s Ford Ranger here. 4×4 with cap on bed. More gray-man than he-man. (no loud tuned exhaust, etc.) Capable enough on rough barely-a-road terrain. It seems like a good compromise between power and economy. Working on optimal load out for quick deployment — all hidden under bed cap so I don’t look like a rolling target.
Realistically, in a Bug Out, I might have to improvise some roads to get around obstructions, but I’m not likely to need to cross the Sierras off-road, etc. It seems easy to over-emphasize extreme off-road capability at the expense of the other criteria. (cargo, economy, grayness)
I have a chevy silverado 2500 HD 4X4 with as much or more than any found on road dead! It will go places I don’t want to. With a cap on the back and pulling a trailer I feel confident with this bug out vehicle!!!
I have an 03 Ram 3500 with the 5.9 Cummings and get 22mpg I figure that will get me anywhere I need to go even rough roads and still pull any trailer I want/need to pull
I too went with the diesel option for the multi-fuel capability issue. This engine will run with almost any conceivable flammable liquid as long as you have a supply of clean oil, transmission fluid, etc. to add to it for lubrication qualities. I personally tested this with a Deuce and a Half for 9 months in the middle East. For every 5 gallons of high test gasoline I added to the 50 gallon fuel tank I would add either two quarts of motor oil or transmission fluid.Sometimes I would mix and match the combination. I also used JP4 aviation fuel and Kerosene in my Deuce with excellent results. It wou,d also be advisable to carry some type of pumping devise to salvage old gas from abandoned and disabled vehicles. You can also salvage old cans of turpentine, lacquer thinner, bottles of liquor, break free gun lubricant, parts cleaning fluids, lubricating oil, general purpose weapons oil, light, this stuff you can find in anyone’s garage or shop where people have bugged out and left behind. Your vehicle might throw a code light or smoke more than usual but you’ll still be rolling toward your final destination. Just sayin.
Regardless of the SHTF situation, having a cyclonic air filter, more than recommended is imperative. Surely it will have to advance on dusty roads, through burning areas, etc.
All these vehicles are nice, but none of them will operate in the event of an EMP. I just helped my buddy make his vehicle. He bought a nice old F 350 four door 8 foot bed. We pulled the 460 gasser and auto trans out of it and put in a 12 valve 6 BT Cummins and manual trans. All mechanical. NICE! The stock radio is the only thing that will stop working in an EMP. ????
Any of you guys know that Cummins makes a complete 4 cyl diesel replacement kit for the Jeep Wrangler? Of course it’s common rail, so will succumb to an EMP. ????
Good article. I have a 2010 F150 STX with a fiberglass campershell. The electronics brain is enclosed in a faraday arrangement and has been tested for EMP survivability-passed entire truck.
My choice would be 67 or newer VW bug. Drove mine everywhere, even over a beaver dam. Super easy to work on, taillight bulb for a timing light. 30 mpg. Light weight, easy to push, etc. Only negative is small size.
People forget about the venerable old Series Land Rovers (Steyr Pinzgauers as well) have been to more forsaken places on the planet than any other STOCK 4×4 ever made. Totally field serviceable, tough as nails, small in size but it’s a 3/4 ton, full-floating axle, EMP proof (ok Lucas-Prince Of Darkness electrical system but even that is field fixable!) 4×4. Put a M416 or similar off-road trailer behind it and you have a very capable BoV that’s hard to beat. I used to get 18-20 mpg hauling a trailer in Colorado and worse off-road mpg was 16mpg being most of the day in low-range at 8000-12000 foot altitudes in the Rockies. Put an overdrive in and you can cruise highway speeds without hearing loss and you’ll have a total of 16F 4R gears to choose from! It always got me home at the end of the day…albeit not fast!
I just have horses lol they will go anywhere
And you can feed/water them for free usually. But if they die…
Or someone looks at them as food.
Wrong wrong, all wrong ???? there is only one vehicle in the world that meets each and every requirement of SHTF vehicle.. massive mpg, HD suspension, low key, emp proof, ultra ease of maintenance. Awd…
93 Toyota Corolla Wagon HD Delivery Factory RHD, DIESEL, 4X4, 5 speed 53,000 miles
These are Fantastic Unique Vehicles
They are Factory Heavy Duty Versions of the Wagon. They have upgraded brakes, cooling capacity.
These are rare beasts, They are actually Toyota Hilux Pickup suspension in the back and have a 900lb carrying capacity. That’s right SOLID Rear Axle and HD leaf springs on a Corolla Wagon from the factory!
Absolutely bulletproof 2C Diesel Engine!!
Surprised that people missed the old vws, mk1 rabbit diesel, any of the buses are awesome off road with the engine in the rear and light front, air cooled – all are super easy, with my druthers towards the rabbit diesel for economy. Use any fuel, and seriously reliable
Incase of an E.M.P. incident; Any vehicle made after1990 is probably going to be useless. You need to have a vehicle that has NO COMPUTERCHIPS IN IT!!!
I’d want a ‘ 76 F-150 4X4.
Now wait a minute this was supposed to tell me the best bug out vehicle. These are all newer what about the computers in them. Not to mention the guy writing this has he ever worked on a fuel injection dodge plus the ball joints go out of them all the time.
honda trail 125
1988 F250 4×4, long bed, 7.3L diesel with a ZF5 manual transmission. Dual upgraded 19-gal fuel tanks, 2″ leveling kit with 35″ tires, ARE shell with custom roof rack made using 80/20 aluminum rail. Original factory paint with touchup and rust removal for “greyman” appearance.
I really like the idea of having a bug out vehicle that can also serve as a regular vehicle. This is a great list of options!
Nobody has mentioned the older Nissan Xterra’s. I’ve got two of them and they can tow a bit of weight. I’ve had mine on the back roads and driving through creeks without any problems.
You forgot the now discontinued Nissan Xterra’s, and I mean the older models that are second generation (2005-2015) 2005 to 2010 time frame. I have 2 of them and both are great off road vehicles.