The Best Vehicle for Natural Disasters or a Doomsday Scenario for your Bug-out Shelter

Are you planning to construct a bug-out shelter in the event of a doomsday scenario? Then you're not alone. According to the Chicago Tribune, the prepper or survivalist movement is growing. And while some survivalists are preparing specifically for an apocalyptic scenario, others are creating shelters that can be used for other reasons. For example, 2017 was an especially bad time for natural disasters, with Category 5 hurricanes striking Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida as well as countless wildfires devastating many western states. A bug-out shelter, in those instances, could be used almost as a second home, albeit, one that is equipped to help you survive in a situation where you might not have power, access to fuel or other important amenities. But you'll need more than just a bug-out shelter to survive the aftermath of a terrible natural disaster. You will also need to purchase and have the right vehicles at the ready. So what type of vehicles make the best bug-out vehicles? Here are three that could help you survive a doomsday scenario or a natural disaster recovery period. 

Truck

A good sturdy, four-wheel-drive truck, such as the Chevy Silverado, is the type of vehicle you can start using now to haul in equipment, supplies and building materials to your bug-out shelter. Trucks are also able to negotiate the untamed wilderness territory that your bug-out shelter should be placed in. The Chevy Silverado is a good choice because, according to Car and Driver, its 2017 gas version gets excellent mileage, both on and off the highway. The Silverado is also available with a diesel engine. Which should you get?

Unfortunately, there is no hard-and-fast answer to that question. Gas is more common. So in the event of a big doomsday scenario, your chances of finding it will be better. On the other hand, there are ways to make your own diesel. But it's not an easy process, so if you plan on purchasing a truck with a diesel engine, you may want to start learning how to create it now, so that you'll have the knowledge and experience in your survivalist's bag of tricks. 

There is also a side benefit of learning how to create your own fuel. In the event of a doomsday scenario or even a fuel crunch -- which often occurs -- after a major natural disaster, you could be earn some extra cash, selling your own form of fuel to others in need. 

Economy Car

The truck will be your workhorse, but you will also need a lightweight, nimble passenger vehicle that sips fuel rather than guzzles it, such as the Chevy Cruze. This vehicle is also available with a turbo-diesel engine. So if you're thinking about making your own diesel fuel, this car might be a good option. And until the apocalypse or a major natural disaster actually happens, a lightweight economy bug-out vehicle can also double as your daily driver. 

Side-by Side UTV

Although many survivalists automatically think about buying an ATV for their bug-out shelter, a side-by-side UTV (utility task vehicle) can be more versatile for a number of reasons, including:

• It can fit more people. Depending on the version you choose, UTV's can fit up to six people comfortably -- more if you're in a desperate situation. 
• UTVs can haul more stuff. UTVs boast beds with generous capacity and the ability to dump its load. 
• They have some protection from rollover accidents. In an ATV, you will have no protection if you roll it. UTVs have safety enclosures and seat belts. 

Hopefully, you will never actually need to use your bug-out shelter. But in the event that catastrophe does strike, it is always better to be prepared to face the worst that this world can throw at you.