Vehicle recommendations

[TheGrey]

Hello Hivemind!

I would like to hear your recommendations on decent vehicles that may be used for bug-out purposes, should a wildfire or natural disaster cause a family to have to leave. I'm researching the subject, of course, but there is nothing that quite equates to experience.

Criteria: A family of four. Pets. Need room for baggage, must be able to haul a 12' trailer as well. Decent gas mileage would be a plus, because the vehicle would be used outside of emergencies as well. Off-road capability is good. What other criteria do you think would be needed?

For instance, I was looking at Ford Explorers when I noticed an issue with exhaust going into the cabin when the AC is run. So that's a no-go.

What are your opinions or experiences with big SUVs?

[thedave1164]

I have a 2003 Z71 Suburban, it would fully meet your requirements, stock with good tires.

We get 17mpg on the highway.

The 5.3 is a pretty solid engine.

The Z71 Tahoe would be similar, but less cargo space that comes with the shorter wheelbase

[ChunkyMonkey]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Kenwort...RZTS~E&vxp=mtr

otherwise, pick most commonly available vehicle w/ most commonly available parts. My daily truck is a GMC SIERRA.

[TheGrey]

I hadn't even thought of a Suburban! I'll need to research that. Thanks!

Cargo space is pretty important.

[TheGrey]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Kenwort...RZTS~E&vxp=mtr

otherwise, pick most commonly available vehicle w/ most commonly available parts. My daily truck is a GMC SIERRA.

LOL! Thanks for that laugh.

Yes, we definitely don't want some rare snowflake of a vehicle that only uses burnished rose-gold wire connectors or some such. That's why I drive a JGC. Common as flies.

[hurley842002]

I've always wanted one of the Quigley converted full size vans, would definitely be a good bug out rig, albeit harder to come by used.

[clodhopper]

Suburban.
Excursion.
Crew cab pickup with a topper.
Van, although 4x4 is pretty rare.
Durango.
Box truck.
Ambulance.


I have owned a burb. Very nice for highway running. Currently have Crew Cab with Topper. I find it more useful during normal life than the burb as I can pull the topper and use it for hauling stuff. If you are looking for lower profile, you could look at station wagons. Extra points for wood on the side.

[TheGrey]

I'd be afraid of tipping over in that thing!

I admit, I'm a bit of a snob he it comes to vehicles and I had never considered a van. But I Googled "Quigley converted van" and I ooked their ste over. I'm impressed! You have changed my viewpoint on vans.

[clodhopper]

deuce & 1/2.

[TheGrey]

Suburban.
Excursion.
Crew cab pickup with a topper.
Van, although 4x4 is pretty rare.
Durango.
Box truck.
Ambulance.


I have owned a burb. Very nice for highway running. Currently have Crew Cab with Topper. I find it more useful during normal life than the burb as I can pull the topper and use it for hauling stuff. If you are looking for lower profile, you could look at station wagons. Extra points for wood on the side.

If I couldn't find one with genuine wood on the side, I could always make do with contact paper.

Those are some good recommendations- I'm adding them to the list of things to research. Thanks!