3 of the Best Vehicles for Surviving a State of Emergency

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

While you may be preparing for the worst case scenario, it has already happened for many people across the world. The recent 7.5 earthquake in Nepal ravished the nation and left more than 8,000 dead in its wake, according to the Nepal Red Cross Society. While it is one of the worst natural disasters of the 21st century, it's still only one of a long list in the past 15 years–Japan and Haiti also suffered massive earthquakes that killed thousands.

Closer to home, there are water shortages in California and political uncertainty throughout the United States. The recent social unrest between citizens and police in Ferguson and Baltimore sparked riots that caused both property damage and danger to the people of the city, and you can be certain there will be more riots in the near future.

Although the right vehicle isn't a guarantee that you will survive or escape every emergency situation, it can give you better odds in the worst case scenario. Whether you live in areas vulnerable to natural disasters, drought, or civil unrest, owning a proper vehicle is just one part of preparing for survival situations. Here are three vehicles that will help you get through an urban disaster unscathed.

1. Ford Super Duty F-550

No matter what the disaster, being forced to leave your home with no option to return is a horrible situation. In this case, assuming you're also providing for a family, you need a vehicle that can get you out fast and act as your home, at least in the short term.

Recreational vehicles make great offsite homes, but they are slow and stubborn on the road and impossible to take off road. Instead, the Ford Super Duty F-550 with an attachable cabin is the perfect marriage between an off-road powerhouse and a livable space that can last months if needed.

Although the F-550 doesn't come camper ready (as in the picture above), there are companies like Global Expedition Vehicles that build shells specifically for the Ford Truck in all sizes and levels of luxury.

2. Jeep Wrangler

There isn't a better vehicle for survival situations in American auto than the Jeep Wrangler. It's versatile, easy to fix and maintain and, if you buy used, it's very cheap. According to auto retailer DriveTime, many used Jeeps go for less than $10,000. Even less if you're willing to do some work fixing it up.

In a situation where spare parts are your only option, the Wrangler can take parts from all sorts of abandoned domestic cars on the side of the road. You can drive coast to coast in the Jeep without scavenging too hard for pieces to complete the journey.

On top of all that, the Jeep Wrangler is great for off-roading, which will be a must when roads are clogged with cars and debris.

3. UNICAT

If your budget is unlimited, you want a vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything. The UNICAT is just what you want in this scenario.

The UNICAT is an expedition vehicle and an absolute beast, making the Hummer 1 look like a toy. It is usually built with a Mercedes Benz chassis, is rarely street legal, and can easily clear $100,000. It's so big that you can't even think about owning one if you live in the suburbs. But, when SHTF, there's almost nothing short of a tank that could bring the UNICAT down. If you have the means, go for it.

Good luck owning a UNICAT without everyone in town noticing. But, if you don't mind a lack of secrecy, you'll be well protected on your way out of town.

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