Consider the vehicle's payload and towing capacity and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Know how many miles per gallon you can drive. Know how many miles you can drive on one tank of gas. Know how many gallons of fuel it takes to fill up. Make sure it has front and rear tow points. Once you make your choice, have a working knowledge of your vehicle. This is fine however with one caveat, you must be driving it during an emergency, and you may not be able to head home to where it is stored. You may also choose to have a designated non-daily driven vehicle. I have personally owned a Tacoma and Wranglers for many years in the past and now run a Jeep Gladiator JT. Jeep and Toyota have some of the best truck and SUV 4x4 platforms on the market. There are some standout vehicle platforms that I recommend. I prefer the midsize market variants because of their smaller size, fuel economy, and ease of driving. Find a 4 wheel drive platform that suits you in price, size, and style. You could face roadblocks, off-road situations, or being exposed to the elements and extreme weather.
In a worst-case scenario, you may even find yourself where the rule of law is abandoned. In an emergency, you may find yourself having to evade others or retreat from a gridlocked freeway. Some were observed laying on the ground after giving up.
Drivers had to ditch their cars and retreat on foot. Specifically, a popular video distributed by the media depicted a small canal, and drivers unable to drive over it. Cars became stuck in the grass, gravel, and some on the curb itself. As they descended into the adjacent terrain, all involved learned the limitations of their vehicles. Drivers had to run over a chain-link fence, road barriers, and rollover curbs.
When Californians recently found themselves facing wildfires on the freeway, they discovered the limitations of their vehicles firsthand. Even in factory form, a 4x4 vehicle will be able to conquer environmental issues and minor obstacles like curbs. You do not have to spend a ton of money and you do not have to buy something brand new. Choosing the right vehicle does not have to be complicated. You should first start with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. You should be able to operate out of your vehicle for at least 3 days and this article will cover that time frame. There are numerous scenarios and environmental factors that come into play regarding this topic. The difference between a negative and positive outcome is dependent on the right mindset and a few key pieces of kit. Is your vehicle prepared for any situation? Whether it is your daily driver, or a bugout rig, here is a basic list of gear you need to consider.