tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post7096003546305714264..comments2024-02-11T01:14:21.904-08:00Comments on SURVIVING IN ARGENTINA: Van vs. Truck for Bugging OutFerFALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07578136334334588454noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-49626740289122973292012-03-25T11:29:22.545-07:002012-03-25T11:29:22.545-07:00a toyota 4runner or nissan pathfinder, 90's mo...a toyota 4runner or nissan pathfinder, 90's model, is both cheap and efficient. the 4runner is a 4door version of the famous Hilux pickup, which is known for its unparalleled durability. they have plenty of clearance, are offered in 4wd, and get reasonable gas mileage out of their V6 engines, 17-20mpg for a '95 4wd 4runner. <br /><br />for a larger family one could turn to the '01 chevrolet tahoe, with available 3rd row seating, which is removable for a LOT of cargo space. The 5.3L engine sucks a little less gas than the small block 350 of the model year before, but is slightly less bulletproof. This SUV will cost a few grand more than a 4runner but certainly has its advantages.<br /><br />For apocalypse-prep (which is rather unrealistic btw) a 87-99 Chevy 1500 Silverado is probably the best bet. Parts are dime a dozen and any mechanic can work on them. They among the easiest vehicles to learn to work on, and are quite reliable. Of course, this is speaking if you are in USA. <br /><br />For the original poster, i would either go with a 4door pickup with a topper over the bed, or a midsize SUV with good all-terrain tires. minivans have their benefits but they are easy to get stuck when not on pavement.reconnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-56884659213594444702012-03-16T20:10:20.991-07:002012-03-16T20:10:20.991-07:00I would respectfully disagree that mini-vans are b...I would respectfully disagree that mini-vans are better than a mid size 4x4 pickup. The solution to the rain issue is to put a camper shell over the bed, which generally have blackened security glass. I ride my Tacoma 24/7 this way and never any issue with rain or theft. The truck has great clearance and is going practically anywhere in 4 wheel drive. The Tacoma even has axle lockers in the stock model. I am experienced on off road driving (not an extreme offroader though), and I can say I love the flexibility of this arrangement. Smooth on the road, convenient, and excellent clearance and traction off road.Alexnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-20121217006794027732012-03-16T11:06:56.369-07:002012-03-16T11:06:56.369-07:00Three observations from Ukraine:
1. Fuel may not ...Three observations from Ukraine:<br /><br />1. Fuel may not be available, and no fuel = no go. Therefore, fuel efficiency is critical.<br /><br />2. Diesel is generally preferable to gas, as not only is fuel efficiency better, but it is easier to make local diesel substitutes. These may be far from ideal, but the only thing going.<br /><br />3. Drive whatever it is that the locals drive in your area. That way parts will be available. No parts = no go.<br /><br />Note that these observations may contradict one another, depending on your individual situation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-39369751012133433542012-03-10T01:47:43.054-08:002012-03-10T01:47:43.054-08:00One should consider the total cost of ownership. A...One should consider the total cost of ownership. An old Chevy 4WD pickup does get lousy MPG, but are so simple to work on if you are so inclined, one can restore or repair these vehicles, or afford to have it worked on. In the NW, to be without a 4wd assumes that the road will always be plowed and graveled. However tire chains do work well. Back in the day, most folks did not have 4wd.<br /><br />BTW. According to the Sec. Def., the U.S military now derives it's authority from the UN and NATO, and no longer from Congress. "We The People..." no longer have a say or actual representation. We are seeing that a comparison with Argentina has limitations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-2087567979328355582012-03-06T13:58:22.931-08:002012-03-06T13:58:22.931-08:00I've owned sedans (Ford, Honda, Audi), mini-va...I've owned sedans (Ford, Honda, Audi), mini-vans (Honda), and SUVs (Honda CRV), but the best all-around vehicle I've ever owned is a Honda Ridgeline. It's a 5 passanger, 4 door, AWD pickup truck with a water-tight trunk under the bed. It has a unibody so it rides like a SUV. The bed is carbon fiber so scratches won't rust it. It has a 6 cyl. engine. I get 19-20 mpg highway. 139K and still going strong. I'll eventually sell it and buy newer one just like it. FWIW351wslhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14221836853321793412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-70467941139296025252012-03-05T03:35:55.419-08:002012-03-05T03:35:55.419-08:00The naming terminology for these cars/mini-SUV is ...The naming terminology for these cars/mini-SUV is a Crossover. They are based on a car with higher suspension and 4WD. <br /><br />Another example is the Suzuki SX4/ Fiat Sedici, a CHEAP 4x4.<br /><br />https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossover_%28automobile%29gagahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02397267261646267166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-80469567568606753822012-03-04T16:22:31.118-08:002012-03-04T16:22:31.118-08:00Maybe you can have both?
http://en.wikipedia.org/...Maybe you can have both?<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Delicalemmiwinkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12897071451229534159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-24861976098735422542012-03-04T16:18:31.804-08:002012-03-04T16:18:31.804-08:00Recently facing the same choices - I opted for a 1...Recently facing the same choices - I opted for a 1986 Chevy Suburban half ton 4x4 with the 6.2 diesel engine. <br /><br />It gets 15.5 mpg in town and 21 mpg on the highway and cruises at a comfortable speed.<br /><br />It's very roomy inside and with the back seats down you've got considerable sleeping or hauling space.<br /><br />To me it combines the best features of both a pickup and a van.<br /><br />YMMV.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-74161368659024234842012-03-04T13:43:59.248-08:002012-03-04T13:43:59.248-08:00I absolutely love my Honda Pilot. I have 4 kids so...I absolutely love my Honda Pilot. I have 4 kids so the CRV is not big enough for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-59591630337985766492012-03-04T08:41:12.329-08:002012-03-04T08:41:12.329-08:00I have a Nissan Pathfinder...while trucks are grea...I have a Nissan Pathfinder...while trucks are great, you really only need them for oversized or heavy cargo. Plus, trucks gulp gas and are expensive to maintain...for bug out situations, I'd think a van or small suv is right up your ally...just be sure to check on reliability, first and foremost.Josephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-80778831716545009082012-03-04T06:51:24.026-08:002012-03-04T06:51:24.026-08:00Nissans and Mazdas - pretty much anything made in ...Nissans and Mazdas - pretty much anything made in Japan - are pretty good too. <br /><br />We just went through selecting a new vehicle and one of our requirements was seating at least 7 people at once - we aren't leaving elderly parents to fend for themselves.<br /><br />One of the main things that would force us to bug out is a severe weather event so "light off-road capability" was a must. We usually get at least one heavy snow a year and one windstorm strong enough to knock down trees. <br /><br />Hence we needed something with 4 wheel or all wheel drive to better deal with snowstorms and to give the ground clearance needed to go around obstacles or through soft ground after heavy weather.<br /><br />Our final choice was a mazda cx-9 and I have to agree that fuel consumption is a big issue. Then again that's why they invented jerry cans.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-90106635231439466682012-03-04T01:14:13.618-08:002012-03-04T01:14:13.618-08:00The Hyundia Santa Fe and the Ford Escape are a lit...The Hyundia Santa Fe and the Ford Escape are a little bit bigger than the CRV. Both are available in AWD/4WD and with sufficiently powerful engines.Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09612373437033635765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-16652586944501426652012-03-03T21:02:31.302-08:002012-03-03T21:02:31.302-08:00A motorcycle accessories dealer I recently met tol...A motorcycle accessories dealer I recently met told me, "I only drive Hondas because I can't afford downtime". <br /><br />Honda makes some really nice minivans! <br /><br />Being on a budget and having had a Volvo 740 several years ago, I recently got a Volvo 850. Volvo's first front wheel drive model. AWD is best, but in slippery stuff, front wheel drive isn't far behind. Good for slippery conditions. No it can't offroad it with the stacked up 4X4's, it probably can't do Paris-Dakar, but it will get stuck a lot less than many more 'macho" vehicles. If I'm really worried, I guess I could rig a winch for the front, and make sure it's compatible with the barricade-buster bumper that would come next. Or say screw it and move to Ireland and nip off to the pub. <br /><br />For sheer room as OK gas consumption, minivans can't be beat. But for a lot of all-around stuff, Swedish-made Volvo wagons are worth considering. <br /><br />For really big hauling, I'd consider a full-sized van, we're talking Ford F250-F350 size. They're big, they're mean, they gobble gas, and they can move a LOT of stuff. You'd better have money to burn, or be in a situation where when you turn the key, you're making money. But now you have the equivalent of a large truck bed, and all enclosed and secure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com