There are several survivalist situations in which you need to leave the safety of your home. In these situations, staying inside your home is more dangerous than evacuating. For example, if there is an imminent natural disaster or riots in your neighborhood, it might be better to bug-out as soon as possible. Keeping a bugout bag can be handy, but how long will you be able to survive with supplies in a bag? What about your transportation to where you will be bugging out? The public transport system might be shut down or not safe for use, so you need to prepare your vehicle as your bugout transportation.
Getting the right information about using an RV as a bugout vehicle can help you prepare better for a survivalist situation. For the ultimate survival bugout vehicle, you would need a vehicle that is a powerful engine, plenty of storage, high ground clearance, and a tough exterior to withstand different driving conditions. These characteristics make the recreational vehicle (RV) a great candidate for a survival bugout vehicle, however, there are a few key factors to consider if you are thinking of buying an RV or converting your RV for use as a survival bugout vehicle.
Pros and Cons of an RV as a Bugout Vehicle
There are several advantages of using the RV as a bugout vehicle. For starters, it contains most of the basic elements required for survival such as a shelter, cooking facilities, storage for supplies, water, and more. The RV is mobile, allowing you to drive to a more secure location or less populated region. Some RVs are also built to go off-road, providing you more flexibility in where you can go. A key advantage of using an RV as a bugout vehicle compared to just your car is that even if you don’t have a safe destination in mind, an RV allows you to stay in the bugout vehicle for an extended period.
There are also some disadvantages of using the RV as a bugout vehicle. The relatively large size of an RV makes it difficult to maneuver and handle than a smaller vehicle. If you need to drive through choked roads or tough driving conditions, handling the RV can be a problem. The RV is also not built for speed, so it might not be the fastest bugout vehicle. The low fuel efficiency of an RV means it will require more gas compared to a smaller vehicle. You will need to keep a large quantity of fuel onboard. That could be a problem if there is a fuel shortage in a crisis. Also, an RV is not a stealth vehicle, making it an obvious target during riots, and other desperate situations.
Types of RVs
There are different categories of RVs such as motorhomes, trailers, and campers. The motorhome is the most common type of RV providing plenty of space but the larger size can also draw unwanted attention. The motorhomes are also the most expensive to purchase and maintain. It does offer several amenities similar to living in a small home, so it is the most comfortable type of bugout RV.
The other type of RV is a trailer that can be towed with a regular vehicle. A key advantage of a trailer RV is that it can be disconnected from the tow vehicle allowing you to set up a home base away from prying eyes. The tow vehicle can be used for supply runs. The space is limited so if you have a family, it might not be comfortable to live in a trailer for long. Some trailers require external generators for electricity.
The third type of RV is a camper, which is the smallest category making it highly mobile. The camper can be installed on the bed of a pickup truck. Apart from extremely limited space, one of the other disadvantages is that you need to own or buy a pickup truck to use a camper.
The type of RV most suited to your bugout vehicle will depend on your location and conditions. If you have a large family and need to be on the road for long, then a motorhome is your best bet. If you live in areas with tough terrain and space is not important, then a camper might be a better option.
Converting an RV to a Bugout Vehicle
The last thing you want in a bugout vehicle is to run out of fuel. Buy some no-spill 5-gallon gas cans from Amazon, and fill them with gas and securely store them in your RV. Petrol or diesel can be extremely flammable so it is important to keep the gas in a secure place inside your RV. If you want to be able to generate your electricity, you can buy an off-grid portable solar panel that will provide your RV with an unlimited supply of electricity given you get enough sun.
Purchase a No-Spill 5-Gallon Gas Can for your Bugout RV
For the RV to be a bugout vehicle, you need to be able to repair any minor issues yourself. One of the most vulnerable components of the RV is the tires which can suffer from punctures and other types of damage. Keep a tire repair kit in your RV is essential in converting it to the ultimate bug out vehicle.
Purchase a Universal Heavy Duty Tire Repair Kit Here
One of the pressing concerns in any bugout situation is to have an adequate supply of food and water on the road. Depending on the type of RV you plan on using as the bugout vehicle, there is going to be a limited supply of water in the RV tank. A good quality water purifier is a handy tool to have in the bugout vehicle. A water purifying system might be a better option than a simple water filter, which is more suited for survivors on foot.
Under-the-Sink Water Filtration System for Your Bugout RV – Get Now
Installing a GPS in RV that has in-built maps and does not rely on data or coverage can help you navigate unfamiliar territory. If you can’t find a compatible GPS that fits into the RV, you can consider a compact satellite GPS and communicator such as this Garmin Handheld GPS with Altimeter and Compass available on Amazon.
Purchase a Handheld GPS with Altimeter and Compass
Don't forget to stock all the other required supplies such as first aid kit, non-perishable food supplies, and more.
Preparation is the Key to Ultimate Survival
None of us expects to get come across a situation where we have to bug out in a vehicle but several scenarios could require such a move. Preparing ahead of time is the best way to ensure you and your family have the best chance of survival.
Do your research for what type of RV suits your needs and convert that RV to bugout vehicle, with the above tips in consideration. All the best!
