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