• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Your budget is $10k for an Apocalypse Vehicle


sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
13,837
Reaction score
14,692
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17


sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
13,837
Reaction score
14,692
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
A diesel would probably run longer due to more flexibility in what they will burn. The least amount of electronics it has the better. Less to fail. A 4X4 would offer more options on getting getting around. Parts may be an issue. It's hard to say what the best target year range would offer the most parts availability. Diesel is going to limit that as well since there is a lot more gas vehicles than diesel vehicles in the U.S. Also, the smaller the vehicle, with in reason, the better. More places you can go and get into compared to full sized truck or things like robertmangrum posted. Plus, it may blend in better, as in not standing out as much. Attracting attention would be a very undesirable thing. Just having an operating and running vehicle is going to draw enough attention as it is.
 

rusty ol ranger

2.9 Mafia-Don
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
13,394
Reaction score
8,656
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
You guys are no fun
 

Curious Hound

Formerly EricBphoto
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
16,523
Reaction score
18,996
Age
60
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
According to the definition of apocalypse, there is no reason to plan for a vehicle. “Complete final destruction” will destroy anything you plan on using. It would be better to make sure you have your life in order and a proper relationship with whatever God you do or don’t worship.

I, personally, am prepared.

Are you?


IMG_0356.png
 

rusty ol ranger

2.9 Mafia-Don
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
13,394
Reaction score
8,656
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
According to the definition of apocalypse, there is no reason to plan for a vehicle. “Complete final destruction” will destroy anything you plan on using. It would be better to make sure you have your life in order and a proper relationship with whatever God you do or don’t worship.

I, personally, am prepared.

Are you?


View attachment 97474
Im a survivor.

A mix between daryl dixon and walker texas ranger.

Atleast...i like to think so:sneaky:
 

Curious Hound

Formerly EricBphoto
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
16,523
Reaction score
18,996
Age
60
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Im a survivor.

A mix between daryl dixon and walker texas ranger.

Atleast...i like to think so:sneaky:
But that contradicts the definition of the word apocalypse.

The whole reason for my reply is that, as I pondered the original question, I had to figure out what I would be preparing this vehicle for. What are the conditions it has to meet? What will I need it to do? So, I refreshed my knowledge of “apocalypse” and figured out that there is no reason to plan for anything after an apocalypse because everything and everyone will be destroyed.

So, maybe the original question should be modified to something else. Perhaps along these lines. “If the major world powers were to engage in nuclear war and destroy all the major military bases, most major resources (think oil refineries and electrical power generation) and major population centers, what type of vehicle would you want?

This still leaves a lot of unanswered questions. What percentage if the work population remains and where are they? We need to know that in order to figure out how we might live and how the remaining resources will need to be shared or fought over. How long will it take to start rebuilding and restoring what we currently consider normal? Many discussions about apocalypse planning seem to center in some unrealistic scenario in between this and a true apocalypse.

There are places in the world that would still come through relatively unscathed. There are places in the US that would still be habitable.

In my opinion, for several years, it would be impractical to place heavy importance on vehicles with internal combustion engines. That ties you to a fuel source. Sure, there are tanks full of gasoline and diesel fuel all over the place. But you will have to stay near them and develop electrical sources to pump the fuel out of the tanks. It would probably be easier to get some horses or mules and live off the land somewhere. Choose a place where you can grow food but also have access to a stream that is suitable for running a mill and possibly a small hydro-electrical generator. Learn to dry and smoke meats to preserve them without refrigeration. Learn how to preserve and store grains and vegetables. Watch out for lazy people coming to steal what you work so hard to build up for yourself. Etc. Eventually, industrious people will start rebuilding the important parts of our infrastructure and life will slowly return to some civilized state, just not as grand as it is now. Even though we already have a lot of knowledge and technology, a lot of the people who “know how to do things” will have been killed. It will take years to repopulate, re-educate and regenerate the people needed to get things running again. And that doesn’t take into account the high crime rates that are inevitable because of the self-centered laziness in our current society.
 

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff
TRS Event Staff
V8 Engine Swap
TRS Technical Advisor
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Ugly Truck of Month
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 9, 2007
Messages
24,391
Reaction score
5,737
Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
E41A0991.JPG




true shtf....???

10 g.....i only need to buy food medicine and ammo.....some fuel......but all of you sorry fawks will be supplying me with plenty.....and i know how to make it and where to get it anywhere regardless.

but you wont be driving anything in a true shtf situation short of full battle rattle tracked vehicles where concentrations of people are.


mine is just to get far enough away to maintain
 

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff
TRS Event Staff
V8 Engine Swap
TRS Technical Advisor
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Ugly Truck of Month
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 9, 2007
Messages
24,391
Reaction score
5,737
Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
According to the definition of apocalypse, there is no reason to plan for a vehicle. “Complete final destruction” will destroy anything you plan on using. It would be better to make sure you have your life in order and a proper relationship with whatever God you do or don’t worship.

I, personally, am prepared.

Are you?


View attachment 97474


only on the second Tuesdays after full moons....so i will have to time this right...
 

rusty ol ranger

2.9 Mafia-Don
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
13,394
Reaction score
8,656
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
But that contradicts the definition of the word apocalypse.

The whole reason for my reply is that, as I pondered the original question, I had to figure out what I would be preparing this vehicle for. What are the conditions it has to meet? What will I need it to do? So, I refreshed my knowledge of “apocalypse” and figured out that there is no reason to plan for anything after an apocalypse because everything and everyone will be destroyed.

So, maybe the original question should be modified to something else. Perhaps along these lines. “If the major world powers were to engage in nuclear war and destroy all the major military bases, most major resources (think oil refineries and electrical power generation) and major population centers, what type of vehicle would you want?

This still leaves a lot of unanswered questions. What percentage if the work population remains and where are they? We need to know that in order to figure out how we might live and how the remaining resources will need to be shared or fought over. How long will it take to start rebuilding and restoring what we currently consider normal? Many discussions about apocalypse planning seem to center in some unrealistic scenario in between this and a true apocalypse.

There are places in the world that would still come through relatively unscathed. There are places in the US that would still be habitable.

In my opinion, for several years, it would be impractical to place heavy importance on vehicles with internal combustion engines. That ties you to a fuel source. Sure, there are tanks full of gasoline and diesel fuel all over the place. But you will have to stay near them and develop electrical sources to pump the fuel out of the tanks. It would probably be easier to get some horses or mules and live off the land somewhere. Choose a place where you can grow food but also have access to a stream that is suitable for running a mill and possibly a small hydro-electrical generator. Learn to dry and smoke meats to preserve them without refrigeration. Learn how to preserve and store grains and vegetables. Watch out for lazy people coming to steal what you work so hard to build up for yourself. Etc. Eventually, industrious people will start rebuilding the important parts of our infrastructure and life will slowly return to some civilized state, just not as grand as it is now. Even though we already have a lot of knowledge and technology, a lot of the people who “know how to do things” will have been killed. It will take years to repopulate, re-educate and regenerate the people needed to get things running again. And that doesn’t take into account the high crime rates that are inevitable because of the self-centered laziness in our current society.
You think to much lol
 

RobbieD

2.9l Mafia
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
4,413
Reaction score
4,245
Location
Georgia
Vehicle Year
1984,1990,1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
Toonces drives a Ranger . . . . just not very well.
OK, so it's an "Almost Apocalypse".

Like in Stephan King's "The Stand".

Anybody here read that one?
 

ekrampitzjr

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 28, 2021
Messages
830
Reaction score
1,175
Location
Virginia
Vehicle Year
2011
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
It's a fun exercise, but pointless if an apocalypse really does hit.

If something like an all-out nuclear war does happen, people will be commandeering at gunpoint any running vehicles with fuel they see, and those people will include any remaining authorities. You're not going to want to be driving around in a real SHTF situation for that reason alone. In fact, you're going to want to try to protect your property and loved ones if you survived in the first place. Therefore your choice of doomsday vehicle doesn't matter. You're not charging off anywhere.

Sorry for the cold water.
 

snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,368
Reaction score
14,540
Location
Jackson, NJ. And Manahawkin too.
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!
But that contradicts the definition of the word apocalypse.

The whole reason for my reply is that, as I pondered the original question, I had to figure out what I would be preparing this vehicle for. What are the conditions it has to meet? What will I need it to do? So, I refreshed my knowledge of “apocalypse” and figured out that there is no reason to plan for anything after an apocalypse because everything and everyone will be destroyed.

So, maybe the original question should be modified to something else. Perhaps along these lines. “If the major world powers were to engage in nuclear war and destroy all the major military bases, most major resources (think oil refineries and electrical power generation) and major population centers, what type of vehicle would you want?

This still leaves a lot of unanswered questions. What percentage if the work population remains and where are they? We need to know that in order to figure out how we might live and how the remaining resources will need to be shared or fought over. How long will it take to start rebuilding and restoring what we currently consider normal? Many discussions about apocalypse planning seem to center in some unrealistic scenario in between this and a true apocalypse.

There are places in the world that would still come through relatively unscathed. There are places in the US that would still be habitable.

In my opinion, for several years, it would be impractical to place heavy importance on vehicles with internal combustion engines. That ties you to a fuel source. Sure, there are tanks full of gasoline and diesel fuel all over the place. But you will have to stay near them and develop electrical sources to pump the fuel out of the tanks. It would probably be easier to get some horses or mules and live off the land somewhere. Choose a place where you can grow food but also have access to a stream that is suitable for running a mill and possibly a small hydro-electrical generator. Learn to dry and smoke meats to preserve them without refrigeration. Learn how to preserve and store grains and vegetables. Watch out for lazy people coming to steal what you work so hard to build up for yourself. Etc. Eventually, industrious people will start rebuilding the important parts of our infrastructure and life will slowly return to some civilized state, just not as grand as it is now. Even though we already have a lot of knowledge and technology, a lot of the people who “know how to do things” will have been killed. It will take years to repopulate, re-educate and regenerate the people needed to get things running again. And that doesn’t take into account the high crime rates that are inevitable because of the self-centered laziness in our current society.
TL;DR… Give me the Cliff notes version.
 

Curious Hound

Formerly EricBphoto
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
16,523
Reaction score
18,996
Age
60
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
TL;DR… Give me the Cliff notes version.
Definition of "apocalypse" makes this a useless question. Define the scenario you really want us to prepare for.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
13,837
Reaction score
14,692
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
If it comes to nuclear war, I'm hoping I'm still living close enough to a strategic target that all I see is a bright flash and then some pearly gates.
 

Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jan 24, 2018
Messages
8,545
Reaction score
4,870
Location
Tallahassee Florida
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Today's birthdays

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Rick W
October Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

25th Anniversary Merch

Follow TRS On Instagram

25th Anniversary Sponsors

TRS-3 Ford Ranger Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top