Lets talk Vehicles...

[Sullivado09]

Suzuki Samurai!!!

[Jimmy310]

Suzuki Samurai!!!

They seem like great, tough, fuel efficient 4x4's, but they cost sooooo much on the used market (neglected ones for $2000, restored ones for $4k+)

[funnybookz]

I think its another one of those things that is up to personal preference and what you think you need or is necessary.

One of my many projects is my '65 F100. This is my idea for it that I sketched up.

[Lex]

serving in uncle sam's heavy junk repair for over 20yrs, I have a couple of thoughts about the 109's and similar

duece comm vans and lwme's are pigs.. underpowered and short featured
detuned na 855's - meh
cti is nice to have but a maintenance nightmare

trans/final drive is strong.. definate +

800/900 srs winch is a MUST HAVE.. or have a buddy nearby with one..
desert crawling alone in one of these is asking for trouble or abandonment - who or what are ya going to tie off to for help?

5 ton winch models are better powered and often better featured for reliability

I can't count how many of these similar configured trucks I have towed for numerous reasons.. on and off highway

admittedly they are great toys in the context of private ownership but not at all practical or dependable without proper convoy support..

extended trips in those are tough on the body.. even young, fit bodies..

nothing about this type of project is cheap.. and don't blast me with a line of thrifty bs.. I'm still in the captive fleet heavy junk biz..

I'm still a little jelly and will probably set one up for myself to play with one day..

but it's primary task will be a prime mover for something much more reliable and sustainable on my own..

/rant
nice rig though for your current use and good luck!

Thanks for the productive comments. I do agree with your post. The reason why I like the Deuce and a Half is the ability to take multiple fuel. This is very important for SHTF. Standard fuels might be available. Secondly, I like the 6x6 feature. I was in the desert last month with few friends with 4x4s. We missed a dirt road turn and ended in a dead end dirt road. I drove this 6x6 camper literally off road for like 3 miles. Dodging Joshua trees, deserts plants and rough terrains. No problem. I also have driven multiple 4 hours away camping trips without any issues yet and I am also a regular visitor to Barstow from SGV without problem. I always maintain my rig to tip top condition. Given it is not the most comfortable ride but it isnt that bad.

[Lu(ky]

I'm looking into getting a good 4x4 vehicle that will be a simple toy in the desert but will also serve as my SHTF vehicle. I had a 90 Jeep Cherokee and loved it, but sold it to a buddy that needed it more than I did at the time. Im thinking about getting another one and really deck it out for the survival mindset. This will be done on a budget, so no 2013 F150 Raptor with flame throwers and machine guns.

Does anyone currently have a great SHTF vehicle or suggestions as to what would be great to start with?

I'll take this one from RECOIL MAGAZINE (Issue #5) and all the goodies in the back of the truck

[kaligaran]

I'll take this one from RECOIL MAGAZINE (Issue #5) and all the goodies in the back of the truck

I'll take 2 please.

[ex-infantry]

Toyota 4x4 pickup. 79-85 model with solid front axle. Nearly indestructible.

What he said. There is a reason you see this model all over africa and the middle east with heavy weapons mounted in the bed.

[TheWhopper]

OPTION 1 = Any Toyota SUV or Truck that has a 4x4.

May not have the power as the American vehicles but they are reliable like there's no tomorrow and they have really good gas mileage which is really important.

OPTION 2 = A 4x4 you can convert to biodiesel.

I sort of worked on my SUV, added a two hitch so I can mount a bicycle rack. I purchased used bicycles on Craigslist. Gas can only be stored for a few months and 4x4 vehicles can travel only a couple/few hundred miles...hence the reason for the bicycles.

[Ronin2]

Got ya all beat...