The Gun Counter

I have noticed over the many months a type of vehicle that just screams respect and I think it would be a perfect SHTF vehicle. It is a jet black Charger with a front grill guard. On each side pillar, their is a spot light. And naturally some lights mounted in the back window. Now since the big three auto makers are dam near giving away vehicles at cost, either in the form of huge upfront discounts or zero interest rates, one could pick up a unit like that rather cheap. In fact one could even buy a used one. Anyway, the added lights and grill guard might be a grand total to the cost. I know when I see one of these undercover vehicles, I check my speed and make sure I am driving perfectly.
Well, I think people see where I am going. In a SHTF, this vehicle could just drive by the real authorities, who in the hell is going to stop them. And if one had a special agent badge, offical looking interior with laptop, etc. one could get out of dodge and with some respect too boot.

Sounds like Mel Gibson's ride in "Mad Max".

I'd vote for an M1A2 Abrams, but they might be hard to come by. If I could pick, I would pick one with a blade.

2nd place would be a Caterpillar D7 or D8, with the addition of some armor plating and a ring-mount M2HB.

In SHTF, I wouldn't count on roads being very usable. I do my share of off-roading and 4WD is an over-rated feature, especially once you leave paved and unpaved roads. Tracks help - a lot.

I was looking for a vehicle that has the look of authority that could be had in the here and now. Also, stealth will be better than brute force. And hopefully, I will be using the undercover vehicle to get out of Dodge to my safe house. It will look like a cop car and but with that added touch of undercover since it will not have any offical stickers on it.
Now after the SHTF, yes a Striker would be nice with all of the military weapons one could get, but that is not likely, not only for cost, but where would one store it. that would not be fun, I would want to train and play with it.

Sounds like a fun ride!

However, unless you live in Elko, NV and have your "safe house" in the hills nearby, I don't think you will be moving on paved roads out of any city that's in the top 100 MMAs (Major Metropolitan Areas) in any SHTF situation that would require a move to a "safe house".

By the way, I'm being generous in that assessment -- Richmond, VA doesn't even make the top 100 MMAs and I don't think anyone will be moving on the highways around Richmond. Given the demographics, there should be some interesting action in town, however!

BTW, while an M1A2 may not be available in your local Chrysler dealer's lot, you might come across one when the SHTF.

In preparation for SHTF, if you live near any military installation (Ft. Hood, TX is home to 5CAV, for example), it might be a good idea to get to know some of the troop commanders on a social basis (host the base boy scouts at the range, BBQ, etc.). That might help getting a ride on an M1A2 in a SHTF situation.

Military ground vehicles the M113 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M113_Armor ... el_Carrier ,
Non Military F350 w/crew cab and full bed .

D5CAV wrote:Sounds like Mel Gibson's ride in "Mad Max".

There are a coupla companies in Oz selling kits to convert 70s falcons(Note: these are Australian Ford Falcons, much differrent than the American version - Closest thing in the US was the Ford Gran Torino) into Interceptors.

Link 1

Link 2


HTRN

Having a cop car is a good way to cruise in stealth, but if the waste product and the rotating device actually physically intersected a 4x4 might be a bit more handy.

If you've got a pair of bolt cutters, I know where to get an LMTV.*

*In the event of the apocalypse.

Nothing beats a Walmart shopping cart, enough room for your SHTF basic load of various goodies. In appropriate garb you'll be confused for street people, especially if concealing your M1 in a golf bag with a driver head cover. Dress appropriately and everyone will give you a wide berth, especially after an application of deer urine, thus allowing you time to get to your hideout of choice.