Outdoor Life Prepare for Anything Survival Manual (19 page)

The next time you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you may want to give some thought to the worst conditions you may face behind the wheel of your new ride. Consider some emergency extras and a few nice upgrades to turn your mild-mannered auto into a mayhem-proof battle wagon.

SUV

These vehicles have lots of features that allow you to drive far off the blacktop. Find a full-size, full-frame model with four-wheel drive; avoid small/medium SUVs. Get one with a two-speed transfer case, which allows you to run in two high-, four high-, and four low-gear options, to enhance traction depending on weather/terrain.

HEAVY TRUCK

The horsepower, high ground clearance, and tow capacity of a heavy truck make it a top choice for driving in bad conditions and off road. This truck can tow twice the weight that a full SUV can pull (20,000 lbs/9 metric tons). Four-wheel-drive heavy trucks also come standard with a two-speed transfer case for many driving conditions.

VAN

It’s very hard to beat the covered cargo room and passenger numbers you can carry in a van. You can carry the whole family and a good amount of gear in a standard minivan while getting reasonable gas mileage. If you have a lot of gear and people to haul through bad weather or crowded streets, the van could be your best option.

Some vehicle upgrades serve a variety of situations; others are very specific. Here are a few to consider.

BRUSH BAR
These bars are mounted to the vehicle’s frame and protect the vehicle in a front collision. The brush bar can also push vegetation and debris out of the way for off-road driving.

SNORKEL AIR INTAKE
Driving through flood waters and rivers is incredibly dangerous, but it’s possible with a raised air intake for your engine. Ideally, many vehicle systems should be waterproofed, but the mandatory item for driving through water is the snorkel.

ELECTRIC WINCH
Pull yourself out of a jam with a sturdy electric winch. These are typically mounted on front brush bars and allow you to pull yourself (or another vehicle/object) out of a hole.

HIGH-FLOTATION TIRES
Wider, higher-flotation tires make a big difference in off-road driving. These offer enhanced traction in loose sand, deep mud, and snow.

TOW HOOKS
These hooks are attached to the vehicle frame and are a big help—whether you’re the one towing or the one getting towed.

HIGH-CAPACITY FUEL TANK
This option may only be available as an aftermarket part, but larger fuel tanks can certainly be an option in many vehicles. Upsize your 15-gallon (57-l) gas tank with a generous 20-gallon (76-l) tank, or even a beefy 25-gallon (95-l).

To be as self-reliant as possible, consider carrying a portable battery jump-starter in your vehicle. These battery packs can deliver 400 to 1,700 amps of engine-cranking power and have integrated jumper cables to connect directly to your failed vehicle battery, with no friendly neighbor necessary. Some models include additional features, such as air compressors, battery-power-level gauges, built-in lights to illuminate your work area, and 12-volt DC charging sockets that can power and recharge important electronic devices, such as cell phones.

A portable air compressor is a very handy piece of machinery that lets you properly refill a flat tire during emergencies. This easy-to-use device plugs into your car's cigarette lighter or 12-volt power outlet and is capable of inflating the tires of cars, SUVs, and light trucks. A 12-volt motor provides good air compressing power, but they may take several minutes to fully inflate larger tires. Depending on the device, extras can include an in-line tire pressure gauge, long air hoses, and various nozzles to inflate rafts, air mattresses, and other items.

You can’t do the job if you don’t have the right tools. Stock up your vehicle like a rolling warehouse by carrying these tools and supplies to help you tackle an unexpected roadside emergency.

JUMPER CABLES
A heavy-gauge set of good jumper cables and a second vehicle can get your car running in the event that your battery has lost its charge or it needs a little boost in cold weather.

TOW STRAP
A nylon tow strap can get your car or truck out of a ditch, snow bank, or swamp, if there is another vehicle to pull you out. Select a heavy strap with
no metal parts
. A tow chain or a strap with metal hooks on the end can kill someone if it breaks while under tension.

ROAD FLARES
Let the other drivers know you’re there by signaling with road flares. Some will burn for up to 30 minutes. The old-fashioned kind also make great fire starters in severe weather conditions.

REFLECTIVE SIGN
The flares will only last so long, which is the reason for having a back-up distress signal such as a reflective sign. Get one that is freestanding and heavy, so that the wind or vehicles won’t blow it over.

WATER
For your drinking water and for radiator fill-ups, keep several gallons of water in your ride. Keep more than that if you live in or travel through a dry climate.

FIX-A-FLAT
This can of tire-mending spray is able to seal up small holes in a flat tire, and reinflate the tire enough to get you to a repair shop. For large holes, use this product in tandem with a tire plug kit.

TIRE PLUG KIT
A tire plug kit consists of glue, a few tools, and some rubber/fiber strips that can be glued in place if there is a hole in your tire’s tread. Use one rubber strip for little holes, use the whole bundle if there is a gaping hole.

SOCKET SET
Simple repairs, as well as the more complex ones, will require a socket set. If you’re going this far, go all the way and buy a set that has both standard (imperial) sockets and metric sockets.

HAMMER
Possibly the greatest simple tool ever devised, a hammer can be useful for many car repairs and related work. It can also pass for a weapon, in the event that you need one.

DUCT TAPE
Purchase automotive duct tape for your car tool kit, as it is more resistant to heat and UV light. You can use it to fix or secure almost anything in your ailing vehicle.

WRENCHES & PLIERS
Adjustable wrenches can be lifesavers when you're working on a vehicle. Keep a few different sizes of pliers in your vehicle, in case you have to pull a nail out of a tire, fix battery terminals, or mend a major breakdown (assuming you know what you’re doing).

NONPERISHABLE FOOD
If you get stranded for a long time, a food supply can provide you with energy and a morale boost. Rotate this food often, and plan according to the seasons and weather. Pass on any items that will go bad in the heat or that will be too hard to eat if frozen.