is a 4x4 really needed or is it overkill if you need to bug out.

H

hannibal lecter spyderco

Joined
Mar 29, 2001
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Hi there I've always thought that my rig and gear were more than good enough in the worst case possible. I think one of the things that we often overlook is our form of transportation. Seems like everyone plans to go to the sticks. As for myself I don't own a 4x4 simple reason being that I don't go 4x4 except at some training courses that range rover offers. Anyways, my bug out vechile of choice is my 1955 ford f-100 pickup, with updated modern day suspension, but no 4x4 and a 6.7 diesel engine. It capable of getting 40+ miles on the highway as long as you don't have a lead foot. There is no real modern day electronics in the car so even if an emp pulse does hit it, I'm able of get it running again in about half an hour with the spare parts I have on board. It has run flat tires and a roll gage.You can gain access to the bed via 3 door under the rear window that I crafted. My question is that is a 4x4 really needed on a scale of 1-10 how important do you guys out there think that a 4x4 is really needed. My reasoning is that in 90% of the cases a good sturdy truck with lots of clearance could probably get to pretty remote places.

I highly doubt the new 4x4 would do any better than my truck in off road where speed is not a factor.
 
It's probably a matter of geographical location. I don't need a 4X4 where I live, but I do need it when I hit the Adirondacks during winter and spring. The winters in the Adirondacks have quite a bit of snow, only to be topped by the mud from the spring thaw.
 
If you put a Wench on there, I think you could probably get
out of anything that a 4X4 could and Even somethings a 4X4 couldn't, As long as you have something to tie it to. YMMV
 
YMMV=Your Mileage May Vary

A 4X2, as they are now called can be very capable with the addition of a good winch and some sort of locking differential such as Loc-Rite, Detroit Locker, etc.

Large rear tires that are sufficiently deflated can do wonders for off road capabilties, especially with the locker.
 
I'll second the opinion that it depends on your area and your bugout goal. I think the real trouble will be can you bypass the main road bottlenecks. In my region, all the roads go through various mountain passes. If they get bottled up, you need to be able to drive around the road blockages. That terrain is never pleasant, if passable at all.

Clearance isn't everything. On a big vehicle such as a full size truck, the weak point is the breakover angle, which will be small because of the long wheelbase. Additionally, the approach and departure angles of a big vehicle are generally poor in regards to negotiating various changes in terrain (slopes and obstacles).

Width can be a consideration, again something big vehicles may have too much of.

Certainly, a truck is sufficient, or more than sufficient for many locations. Just be sure of your location and destination, as well as the critical bottlenecks between those points.

Phil
 
I'm in california so bug out isn't so bad if I head up the mountains or even up to oregon, washington state or even canada. I be interested in hearing which part of the country do you all feel the need of a 4x4 bug out vechile is needed.
 
My BOV is an 82 Chevy Suburban 4X4 newly rebuilt 6.2 Diesel, it gets about 20MPG, and has a 40 gallon, and 20 gallon tank, this truck can use many spare parts, tires, etc as Hummers and Mil Blazers.. I think having a 4X4 could be VERY important in many situations, But if you cant have 4WD a locking rear diff, could be a REAL help.. When roads are blocked or jammed alternate routes may not always be pleasant, in fact might be downright nasty.. I have been on trails and roads around here that would be impossible to take without 4WD...
Just my opinion for what its worth...

Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
www.thrblades.com
 
I figure unless I'm climbing rocks or going down big pot holes my trucks could probably go most places as long as I keep the wheels moving and have a more aggressive tires. Also I would figure that your sub would get more than 20 with a the 6.2
 
We live in a pretty rural area of the Inland Empire...Mostly Agri-land around here. Hopefully we will be in Northen Idaho SOON!!!
My BOV gets about 20 MPG, maybe a bit more cruising,its set pretty hot for power, with a Banks Power Pack and a few other things... If I have my tanks full I have plenty of range, and can go just about anywhere... 4WD isnt absolutely necessary, but it can be the difference between making it and NOT in a bad situation...
My wifes BOV is a Jeep Cherokee that has been nicely tricked with Rancho Suspension, Ramsey winch, etc... I like older vehicles with minimal elecs. so you can actually WORK on them!!! Some guy in a 2001 Ford/Chevy 4X4 may get his ass handed to him on the trails I haunt, its happened before.....:-) New trucks just arent made for off road even if they are 4WD... I would rather have a locked diff older 2WD truck ANYDAY..

Trace...
 
As far as EMP I don't know if your fuel injection would survive that unless its mechanical.
 
My rig has a mechanical fuel pump... Only way to stop it is to stop the fuel, even completely dead batts wont stop it, once its running.. Can even pull up to the local Micky D's and fill up with fry oil once its running..HEHEHEHE... Kerosene, and many other fuels can be pressed into service too... Diesels can be a pain in cold weather but they are very versatile as far as fuel is concerned... Trains, Construction machinery, big rigs, boats etc.. ALWAYS have a bit of fuel in them that is often overlooked by the average idiot...

Trace...
 
Chances are you be able to find diesel around when all the gas station have dried out. Diesel engines are suppose to be tougher than gas engine, they get better gas mileage, and can pull more. However they don't generate as much horsepower so top speed is going to be low.
 
I guess, as someone else has mentionened it's a bit of a geographical issue. I admit with some embarassment my "bug out" vehicle consists of a pair of Kona mountain bikes and a couple of backpacks. (even in some winter conditions) It's about the only thing that's gonna get me even anywhere close to where I would prefer to go. I guess as far as motorized vehicles go....for my area, if I were using one....YES. a 4x4, winch, (come along if you're broke) Handyman Jack, an axe and a shovel would getcha as far back as yer likely to get without one heck of a good fourwheeler, an Argo, or a moose-buggy. Alaska's a pretty big place with a heck of alot of different terrain and alot of people are bound to have a different places to go than I do. (family cabin for me)
 
If times get so bad you have to "BUG OUT" of ALASKA!!!!! U might as well swallow yer pistol..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Trace....
 
Oh! Fleeing out of Alaska instead of deeper into Alaska? In that case my "bug out vehicle" would have to be an empty banana crate on a large ship. Unless I wanted to drive to Canada... In either case, I think I'd be best off taking a self-prescribed "hot-pill";)
 
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