Best SHTF Vehicle

Regarding preparedness for what would be a worst-case-scenario (many definitions thereof), one question is as follows… What would be the best SHTF vehicle?

I posted about this during 2015. However the subject of a best shtf vehicle recently came up on the open-forum so I decided to revamp this original article in hopes of further opinion and comments.

The Purpose of Having a SHTF Vehicle?

Well, if and when the “shite” ever hits the fan, wouldn’t it be nice to have a practical functional operational vehicle? One that might even be tailored for post-SHTF?

This topic comes up most often when discussing EMP (electromagnetic pulse). And how most modern vehicles might (or probably will) become burnt toast afterwards (at least their electronics). The fact is that these weapons do exist. While the application of said weapons have never been applied on-purpose in the theater of war, they are part of our own arsenal as well as a number of other nations (e.g. China, NK, Russia, and who knows who else…).

So lets dive in…

Bug-out Vehicle

There are other reasons to consider what might be best for a SHTF vehicle too. What about one that would enable you to ‘bug out’ of your existing location? One example might be that you live in the city or a major population-dense region whereby you know it’s going to get ‘real bad’ after the collapse. People getting desperate while the infrastructure crumbles. In that case, hopefully you’ve already thought about, and planned for, heading to a safer destination where you will be welcomed. But you will need to get there, in a vehicle. Equipped and able to deal with the process of getting there (with supplies?).

Get-home Vehicle

Maybe you work in the city, or population-dense region. But you live well outside of the area in a ‘safer’ place, although a long commute. Lets say sudden disaster strikes while at work, and you need to get home (e.g. major earthquake and infrastructure disruption). Will a particular type of vehicle be better than another?

EMP-survivable Vehicle

Some of you have been wondering about this next question… Which vehicles might survive an EMP (electromagnetic pulse)? While an EMP (weapon) attack ‘event’ has never happened before, it is well known that these weapons exist. ‘If’ it happens, it is said that so called ‘modern’ vehicles might become disabled due to the possibility of the EMP ‘frying’ their electronic systems (especially if closer to ground zero). Older vehicles without these modern-day electronics will not be affected in this way, so, which vehicles are they?

Practical SHTF Vehicle

Lets say you’re already living in your ideal location when the world around you devolves into social chaos (for whatever reasons). What type of vehicle might be practical for life after SHTF in your own ‘ideal’ location? What will it be used for? And how will it need to be equipped to accomplish those uses?

Other Considerations

What about fuel after SHTF? Will it run out, making a long-term ‘best’ SHTF vehicle obsolete shortly thereafter? (A complete infrastructure and distribution breakdown scenario).

Maybe the collapse will not be completely disastrous in that there will still be some distribution and availability of fuel, it’s just that not everyone will be prepared to pay for it or trade for it. Let’s say that you are prepared and therefore you will still have access. So what’s the best vehicle to have?

Does it have to be fast and nimble? Or heavy, tough, and slower? Is speed even a factor? Will it need to be capable of clearing out or riding over obstacles?

A truck? SUV? A Prius? Something else? What are the features? 4WD? Off-road capable tires? The ideal color? Diesel? Gasoline? Fuel consumption vs. engine and/or vehicle type? Winch? Other accessories or modifications? Mad Max? Equipped with a .50 cal turret? ;)

Your Opinions

This should make for an interesting discussion as you add your own opinions, recommendations, ‘use-case’ scenarios and the differences in requirements based on what you envision as your primary use (which may be different from one person to the next), etc..

Let’s hear from you… What’s your best SHTF vehicle?