4 Additions to Create a Bug Out Vehicle

Whether an extinction-level asteroid strikes planet Earth or the U.S. morphs into a full-fledged police state, pre-disaster due diligence is key to ensuring your liberty and freedom.

You don’t have to be a prepper or conspiracy theorist to at least have a vehicle that can get you out of harm’s way if and when it becomes necessary. These four additions can instantly turn any car into a bug-out vehicle.

All-terrain tires

One of the best bug-out locations in the continental United States is Crown King, Arizona, a mountain community with one way in and one way out. The trails (can’t really call them roads) to access it are unpaved, uneven and rough all around. But even a little Volkswagen Jetta can scale this terrain with the right equipment.

A new set of all-weather, off-road tires are key when taking your car to unknown areas. Nitto tires, for instance, have staggered shoulder lugs for stabilization when driving over loose gravel and large rocks. Make certain whichever tires you choose have sipes for maximum traction on wet, snowy and icy roads.

Emergency supplies

They call it “bugging-out” because more likely than not you’ll never see your old home again. This means your vehicle must be equipped with everything you need to survive in the short-term and to set you up for long-term living.

A cooler stocked with at least two-weeks worth of non-perishable food needs to be ready to go at all times. Canned and dried items are best. One gallon of water per person, per day is reccomended. A siphon pump, tire chains, CB radio and a few cans of Fix-A-Flat are also necessities. Get rid of the “doughnut” spare tire and get a real one.

Portable power pack

Electricity is one of the most precious commodities in a SHTF scenario. A portable power pack can provide enough electricity to maintain a certain level of normalcy even in the most remote locations.

A cheap and effective option is the Power Dome EX. It can jumpstart your car in an emergency and also power or charge your laptops, smartphones and other low-wattage electronics. Another option is a 110/120v inverter that plugs right into your cigarette lighter. Energizer makes them from 500 to 4,000 watts.

Solar options

It’s inevitable that you will run out of gas at some point and have no means to power anything. Solar energy systems are becoming more affordable and portable everyday, to the point that it’s now a necessity for a true bug-out vehicle.

Goal Zero has several options for portable solar power. Its setups are small enough to strap onto a backpack and charge devices while hiking toward a sanctuary spot. Those who already have a bug-out location can build a basic solar power system to provide perpetual power. A complete 100 watt system, including the charge controller, can be purchased for around $200. The only additional item needed is a 12v deep-cycle battery or two 6-volt run-in series.

It’s very important to practice your bug-out routine several times a year to ensure a smooth process. Always stay a few steps ahead to guarantee life and liberty continue regardless of what’s going on around you.

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