I'm not going to delve into an argument about what's best, but mainly talk about my choices and why I made them.
I think we'd all like to have an old multi-fuel Willys Jeep (benefit: Awesome, will run on anything that burns and some things that won't, rugged as hell), or Mil-spec HMMWV (benefit: awesome, rugged), or maybe even a full-on MRAP complete with "zombie cage" (benefit Freaking SWEET), but the simple logistics of the situation means that most of these options are simply out of reach for the average survival-minded individual.
To further compound the situation, a good deal of us need to use our BOV as our primary means of transport from day to day.
Which led to my decision.
I own a Jeep Grand Cherokee. My wife drives a Jeep Liberty. When you are done laughing, I'll explain.
We have kids, and dogs. On average the most crazy situation my vehicle has to get me in and out of is the mall on a Saturday afternoon.
I wanted something that would easily blend in with the soccer-mom crowd, wasn't too big and unwieldy, but could be useful for pulling the boat, going fishing, camping, and God forbid, might be usable to get out of dodge should the need arise.
So, let's talk about the benefits first:
Jeep is known for their off-road reputation, and even their base models are built with the idea of function over form. For instance, at the expense of ride comfort, the suspension has a great deal of travel, the vehicle can take a pretty good angle change from the plain of travel, and while it's a bugger to get into the body has good ground clearance. Additionally there are a lot of 3rd party after-market add-ons to improve your Jeep, most of which you won't need as from the factory the things are pretty solidly built.
Now, the drawbacks:
Fuel economy. The things don't drink gas, they CHUG gas. Aside from the cost of ownership, this could adversely affect GOOD performance. The only other drawback I can think of readily is that they are, like all modern vehicles, completely dependent on electronics, so are very EMP susceptible.
I've done my best to mitigate this risk (ORM in action folks!) by purchasing jerrycans to keep fuel in to at least double my effective range if leaving from the house. It's not a perfect fix, but sometimes good enough, is good enough. As for the EMP issue, well.... Shy of figuring out a way to harden the thing, I pretty much have to hope for the best, and if it's killed, move on to Plan B:
Performance in Regular use:
As I have stated before, I keep the Jeep packed with a pretty good selection of supplies, and my wife's is packed with a smaller, but similar selection. I make a habit of refueling when I hit around 3/4 tank (every third day under normal driving) and she does the same. Both of us have a good deal of practice not just driving in cities (The wife is from just outside Manhattan originally which qualifies her to drive on roads AND sidewalks), as well as driving off-road (camping, geocaching, and the like). Between that and performing regular maintenance, I trust that one of our two vehicles will we usable under all but the most dire circumstances.
however, there is always:
PLAN B:
I run, bike, and row. A lot. I think fitness is key to health, happiness, and survival.
To the left over there is why.
Should my vehicle fail, I can always switch to the Bug Out Bag (BOB), hop on the bike and go.
I keep a spare chain, and two inner tubes in my BOB just for this reason, my own bike has a tool kit strapped in a small bag under the seat, and a small pump mounted to the frame, as well as an LED headlamp, should I need to ride at night.
My wife and I go on long rides through the woods around here a couple times a month not just because we find it relaxing, but also to stay abreast of the trail conditions, and to keep in shape and practice regardless of the season.
Of course, the bikes aren't the only option we have.
We own two kayaks, and a small boat. The boats would be less than ideal, but should the situation get where the roads are impassable, we do have options.
And of course there is always the fall-back plan. Shoe Leather Express. Being on foot makes you more vulnerable, slower, and less able to carry supplies. But it does offer the advantages of not being stuck on roads and trails, or rivers and streams. I'm pretty sure I could use this to my advantage.
I'd love to hear about any of you guys' plans, if you'd like to tell me, post 'em in the comments.
Jimmy P - Out
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