Making Plans
9 hours ago
Thursday, August 1, 2013
BOV reality check
We do love our bug out vehicles. Nothing like a custom bit of machinery to get you out into the hinterlands, fully equipped for what may come.
Back in the real world, my ambulance to motorhome veggie burning magic bus is in the shop. Never mind how well equipped it is, it isn't going anywhere for at least a week.
I was driving down the road and noticed a bit of smoke behind the van. After pulling into my daughter's place, I noticed the motor oil was rather quickly leaving the engine. Not good.
After some hassle, I got it to my mechanic's. (I've written my last membership check ever to AAA, but that's another story.)
My mechanic found the problem. It's your basic $3 part that takes 4 hours to change. Only takes 1 hour for the same motor in a pickup truck. Vans are nasty to work on. He can't get to it right off as he's book solid. The best mechanics are.
So my wonderful home on wheels that can pull my sailboat is unavailable. Good thing I already live in the woods and don't have to bug out to get here.
I've always been a bit leery about the whole bug out vehicle concept. When is the right time to go? Where the heck do you plan on going anyway? Can you really count on getting there. Travel, especially in times of turmoil, is dicey. Road blocks are easy to set up, as are ambushes. Look at what happens in conflict zones and then reassess your plans.
In a pinch, I could load up basic survival gear into my wife's car and be on the road in 20 minutes. That's how long it took us to pack for a spur of the moment camping vacation once. Ten more minutes and I'd have a canoe on the roof. If you have to go, better the make do vehicle you've got rather than the perfect one in the shop.
Of course, it's better to not have to go anywhere at all.
-Sixbears
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and if things were so terrible that bugging out became necessary where would you get gas even if all other difficulties were overcome? it's got to run out some time whatever you have stored.
ReplyDeletedeb harvey
A person can only safely store so much gas and it doesn't last long. Hauling it around is a problem too. Then there's the simple fact that storage space for fuel takes away storage space for other supplies.
DeleteI can carry enough WVO in my van to go 1500 miles, plus have all my gear -but it's in the shop, so I really can't.
I'm too old and fat to bug out; I'll just have to bug IN!
ReplyDeleteUsually it's the best plan, if you are in a good place.
DeleteSorry to hear about the veggie van having some problems. Still...better now than on the road, right?
ReplyDeleteMy thinking exactly. Thanks.
DeleteUnless you happen to live in a city or a town your best bet is just to stay put in case of any emergency. The only thing I ever worry about is fire. Still have over two acres of land that is not cleared. Saving for a hand pump for the well. When we get that, we're set.
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky, my well has an overflow that runs year round. All that's needed is a jug to catch it.
DeleteFire is an underrated threat. Most fire departments are so good that we forget. Single room fires stay single room fires and don't burn down whole city blocks.
Best to live where you'd bug out to. That way a broken vehicle is not the end of the world.
ReplyDeleteIf you had an oil pan heater like they usse in Alaska, could you use veggie oil for lubrication in an emergency??
ReplyDeleteI do have an oil pan heater.
DeleteHadn't thought about veggie as a lubricant. Probably better than nothing, but I wouldn't want to use it long. It does go rancid and goopy over time. When used as fuel, it's not around long enough to be a problem.
For bug out vehicles, I think the ultimate option is a mountain bike for each member of the family. They can get around roadblocks fairly easily, and fuel is never a problem.
ReplyDeleteI've got a couple of those too, but my lovely wife has balance issues.
DeleteA good bike is hard to beat.