In an emergency, your home might no longer be a safe place to stay. You need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice, and a bug out vehicle can help. Here’s how you can make a bug out vehicle that can take you and your family to safety.
What is a bug out vehicle?
You know the bug out location you’ll go to if the unthinkable happens. The big question, then, is how to get there safely. A bug out vehicle is the answer. This is a vehicle equipped to handle rough ground, and it’s ready to go when you are. That means it always has at least half a tank of gas, the tires are in good shape, and you’ve kept up with routine maintenance. Your bug out vehicle should be stocked with the essentials you and your family will need if you’re stuck in your car for a couple of days.
Many people choose four-wheel-drive SUVs or trucks as their bug out vehicles. For example, Jeep Wranglers are a popular choice. Wondering how to build a bug out vehicle with whatever you’re driving now? With a little planning, you can turn anything into your bug out vehicle. If your current ride doesn’t have much storage space, consider adding cargo carriers or roof racks to ensure you can fit your necessary car bug out gear.
Bug out vehicle checklist
You probably won’t have much time to prepare in a real emergency. You should always have your bug out bag ready to go, but you’ll need more than that. It’s important to keep your car stocked with everything you’ll need at a moment’s notice. These are a few of the essentials you’ll want to keep in your bug out vehicle.
Emergency vehicle kit
This should include everything you need to tackle any mechanical issue that may come up. Your emergency road kit should include, at a minimum:
- Jumper cables
- Emergency flares
- Shovel
- Spare tire
- Jack
- Tire repair kit
- Gas can, siphon, and pump
- Tire chains
- Air compressor
- Ice scraper and brush
- Tow straps
- Fire extinguisher
- Traction ladders
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Oil
- Antifreeze
You should also include spares of important parts, like spare fuses, windshield wipers, spark plugs, and even spare keys.
HaloXT Tactical Solar Flashlight
You need a flashlight in your bug out vehicle at all times. The HaloXT Tactical Solar Flashlight is a superior choice for a bug out vehicle because it is solar-powered, meaning you don’t need electricity or batteries while you’re on the go.
It’s more than a flashlight, too. It has nine functions, including a flashlight, glass breaker, USB charger, seat belt cutter, and compass.
Tool kit
Keep a basic mechanic’s tool kit in your bug out vehicle. This should include the most common sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdrivers. You should also keep a heavy-duty knife, rope, a firestarter kit, and a power inverter in your bug out vehicle as well.
The 4Patriots Staples of Survival Kit contains many must-have items that you might not have thought about. It includes pliers, a firestarter, a whistle with a secret dry compartment, a wire saw, and more. Grabbing a kit like this can make preparing your bug out vehicle easier than ever.
Food and water
You don’t know how long you’ll be in your bug out vehicle, so it’s important to keep plenty of food and water in it. Always keep your bug out vehicle stocked with this even if you have food and water in your bug out bag. Load up your vehicle with bottled water and survival food items.
4Patriots Emergency Food Bars are an ideal choice for bug out vehicles. These bars require no cooking, water, or heat, store safely up to 300 degrees, and they last for up to five years. These bars are basic rations, not lavish dinners. But they are packed with nutrients and can help you hang in there during a true emergency. Everything comes in disaster-resistant packaging.
First aid kit
Your bug out vehicle first aid kit should include the basics. It should have bandages, antibiotic ointments, antiseptic, burn cream, gauze rolls and pads, scissors, medical tape, sterile saline solution, and gloves.
Extra clothing and blankets
Keep a basic change of clothes, warm winter clothing, socks, and boots in your bug out vehicle at all times. It is smart to also keep blankets and a sleeping bag in your vehicle. To conserve space, you can use Mylar blankets instead of typical blankets.
Emergency radio
It’s important to stay informed about what is going on in a disaster situation. Always keep an emergency radio with solar power or a hand crank generator in your bug out vehicle so you can stay on top of the news.
Maps
Don’t expect to rely on your GPS. Keep your bug out vehicle loaded with maps of local and regional areas. You will also need a compass; there is one included on the HaloXT Tactical Solar Flashlight.
Making a bug out vehicle doesn’t have to be a hassle. With 4Patriots, it’s easy to find the food and gear you need to keep your family prepared. Start building your bug out vehicle and emergency kit today and be ready whether an emergency happens next week or years from now.
