Archive for BOV
Oct
09
BOV – update
Posted by: | CommentsFriday is upon us again! I don’t know about you but it has been a long week. Lots going on and no hope of that changing anytime soon. Prepper juniorette had her seventeenth birthday this week. I’m sure many of you will be able to relate with how I feel… “How in the heck did this happen?” ” How old do I have to be to have a 17 year old daughter?” I remember just yesterday I was 17, OH NO that means she’s probably around 17 year old boys – sheesh, that makes me uncomfortable… Just kidding, sort of, I do feel like the time is going by to quick and she will be out on her own in no time flat. Mrs Prepper and I have been preparing her for that eventuality for years and she will be able to handle herself fine but she’s still our little girl and life will never be the same without her! Pretty soon some snot nose punk will be knocking on my door, asking to take her away from me. At least he better be asking me – lots of wide open spaces around the BOL and seems the country folk practice the three “S” principle… Shoot, Shovel and Shut Up – so I’m obviously among friends!
We have a long list of criteria for that young man to meet before he gets to marry my young lady. When I say we that includes, said young lady. I have always made an effort to show her an example of how a man conducts himself with a woman, especially with a special woman… Opening doors, allowing her to be first to order and so on. I have not only done this with Mrs Prepper but her as well… I wasn’t sure if she would know how to operate a car door handle on her own as I had ALWAYS opened it for her and I still do at every opportunity. I don’t even want my ladies to pump their own gas, they know how to and will of course if I’m unavailable to take care of this for them but its my goal to have this handled ahead of time… Even though they both are competent shooters, we don’t need to try them out at the local mini mart…
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I digress, I actually had something I wanted to show all of you today. Not everything has to be serious all the time, sometimes things are just fun or more fun than practical. Thats what I have for you today, something that isn’t really necessary but still inside the overall theme of prepping.
As a guy I enjoy my gadgets. I remember having alot of fun with my first cars, I would always look for ways to customize stuff and really make it my own. I know nobody else ever did that, right? Yes you did, don’t even try to fool me. I bet there’s alot of you that were just like me, found every nook and cranny or hidey hole to store things in. I know there are some of us that had already been bitten by the prepping bug all the way back in high school.
- Kydex Holster attached to center console in BOV
I wanted to show all of you an upgrade I made to the BOV. I spend alot of time on the road and its not always comfortable to keep my carry gun in its holster at all times. Even sometimes when I’m just out off roading in the toolies I want an alternative to just laying it on the seat next to me. I had done this exact thing on one occasion and shortly afterword found myself stomping on the brakes for one reason or another, only to have my gun fly off the seat onto the passenger side floor. At that point if I had needed to reach my gun I would have had to stop the car and lean way over before getting my hands on it. Any alternative I would come up with was considering the gun must remain secure and be ready at a moments notice.
- Holster was specified for a G17 but the G19 works fine
Here’s what I did, I went out to the local sporting goods store and found an inexpensive Kydex holster. I had a bit of an idea of what I would need and was able to find one made for a Glock model 17, I carry a model 19 but the 19 is just a shorter version of the model 17 and so would still work just fine.
I also was thinking that it would be nice to have a way to keep a couple spare magazines handy as well. I knew that just putting them in the center console or glove compartment loose wasn’t going to work well. So I found a 2 mag holder from the same company that makes the holster and headed home to start working on some customization.
- The gun and holster blend well with the console
I wanted to find a way to have the gun ready at all times without being readily visible from any other cars near me on the road or even in the event of being pulled over by the police. I located the perfect spot, low down on the side of the center console. This was low enough that even if a truck pulled up next to me they wouldn’t notice the firearm and it would be completely invisible from the drivers side window.
Knowing roughly where I thought that this would be mounted I had selected a lefty holster for the project. This would allow me to remove the belt clip assembly and then after it was mounted in place me being right handed would have easy access. This was not a difficult task and came off with out a hitch… Well, almost without a hitch. In the original configuration the holsters belt clip was screwed together from the clip side. When I disassembled the holster and held it in place where it was to be mounted I could see the screws would have to go into place from the holster side this time. This wouldn’t have been an issue but the screw holes were down inside the holster, Hmm! No biggie, this thing is just made out of a fancy plastic material. I just drilled a couple of access holes in the outer side of the holster to line up with the holes on the inside. You know the old saying, “cut to size and file to fit…”
- Empty center console in BOV
Alright, holster down and mag holder to go… I wasn’t initially sure where the mags would go. I was fairly certain that I didn’t want the mags mounted to the outside of the console like the holster was. I examined the glove box but gave that thought up right away as to put them in there would require that I sacrafice all use of the area. The clearance would be all wrong and the mags would still be somewhat hard to reach in an emergency. This left the center console… I emptied the current stuff out of it so I could get a real good idea of what might be possible. It was looking like this was a bust as well. There were CD holder slots in the bottom and this was preventing the depth I needed to make the holder fit and have the ability to close the trap door while the mags were in place.
- Console after Kydex 2 mag holder installed
I kept looking for a viable setup when I realized I could take the back plate of the carrier. This was the part that created the slot for a belt to pass through, enabling the user to have the mag holder on the opposite side from the holster. Once this plate was removed I saw that I would be able to mount this much the same way. Screwing it to the inside of the console would be made possible with the same access holes drilled to allow me to get a screw driver onto the screws and tighten them down.
I went to work and with a little fine tuning was able to get this mounted also. Both of these upgrades came out very smooth. It looks as thought these items belong right were I have them located. I hope that the photos due them justice…
Well, that wraps up another week here at Prepper Nation, now get out there this weekend and get something done. You might consider telling a friend about this really interesting blog you’ve been reading… Help me spread the word! Thanks
Prepper
Sep
30
Old School – Off Road Vehicle
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Well, we made it to Wednesday! I know on Monday’s, Wednesdays are so far away, but here we are again… 2 days until the weekend. Life’s just racing by, I swear I saw the holiday stuff come out at the department store already? Really, wasn’t it just Christmas? I have just finally got the stupid Dogs barking Christmas Carroll’s out of my head and we’re right back to the holiday season. I remember when I was a kid, not all that long ago in reality, the holiday season was from Thanksgiving until New Years Day. That’s just over a month by my calculations… I’m beginning to believe we’ve been successfully duped into this 3+ month long season of commercialism.
I am really wondering how we’re going to pull off a good sales season this year? I was thinking that the economy was pretty tight last year but the stores in large part have been able to keep the doors open? Before anyone emails to remind me that the recession is officially over, take a survey of the people you know and see if you can’t name a few that don’t have a job. I didn’t see the last jobs report but I do hear from people I personally know that they haven’t been able to find any kind of meaningful employment and these people were actually looking? I guess we’ll all just have to wait and see! I was really hoping for a little more time to pass before I had to have the reminders of the fact that Christmas was right around the corner…
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1962 Swiss UniMog
Today I’m going to share with you a little bit of how I spent my time last Sunday afternoon. Really it wasn’t more than a couple of hours but you get the idea.
Let me back up just a little bit… This all started back on Labor Day weekend. We were on our way out of town heading for the BOL. My daughter had a friend coming along with us and so we had to make a quick stop to pick her up. Neither my wife or I had met this particular friend yet and so we obviously hadn’t met the girls parents previously either. After a bit of a wild goose chase and a few wrong turns we end up finding the correct house. As we pull up to the home I see some sort of military vehicle in the driveway, Swiss military to be exact… I was still distracted as we proceed to parade to the front door so we could make the appropriate introductions before heading for the hills with these nice folks teenage daughter.
Well we, as all of you would have done, introduced ourselves and made sure that Mom knew exactly where we would be all weekend and how to reach us in an emergency. As I was about to turn and leave I mentioned seeing the “Truck” in the driveway? Mom explains that this was her husbands Unimog project… Ding, Ding, Ding – Unimog? Well, now this really had my attention as I explained that I would have liked to have had the opportunity to talk with him about it. She was surprised that I even knew what the Unimog was! Oh well, maybe next time, she explained that her husband was a history buff and would enjoy telling me about it.
Drivers side dash
This last Sunday I got my chance to get a better look. I called and introduced myself to Dad and asked if I might come see his project and take some photos. I did my best to explain that I had hoped to post them on my website as a way to share with my readers. He asked what exactly this website was all about and after a short explanation he willingly consented to my visit.
We made our mutual introductions and he began to tell me a little of the trucks previous use. This truck was Swiss Military surplus, specifically a 1962 Command Cab Unimog. The truck was manufactured by Mercedes Benz and had spent its life with the Swiss Military and various private owners before it found its way to where it is now owned in Western Washington State, a long way from home.
Bunks added for sleeping comfort
The owner explained that this being a “Command Cab” configuration was similar to the “Radio Box” only a bit taller. This extra height was appreciated as it allowed me to move around the interior completely upright. Originally the interior was setup for a commander to use as a rolling office. It had a desk, bench and was equipped with other various map holding apparatus.
The new owner had purchased the truck with only 35,000 Kilometers on the odometer. He has added a few since but this is still a very low road time vehicle. It was left virtually stock on the exterior to maintain the historical military appearance. However, creative control was exercised on the interior. This truck had been purchased with “Elk Camp” in mind. The owners father is an avid Elk Hunter of MANY years. Each year 3 generations of the family men make the trip to the mountains, less about the meat than about the quality time spent as a family. They like to get away from the crowds and hunt areas off the beaten path. This requires they go higher up and also down into the snowy canyons to find the privacy they’re seeking. It was with this particular need in mind that the owner went searching for his next ORV.
It took him a couple of tries and over a years time to secure this truck. It was exactly the setup he had been searching for. So, once he was able to get it home he set out to customize the interior to his needs. For the camping that this truck was destined for they wouldn’t need the desk and other accoutrement’s. He basically stripped the current equipment out and salvaged what he could to reconfigure and reuse.
Kitchen area
As you are able to see in the photos, there are 3 bunks, a kitchen area, lots of storage under the bunks/benches and even a custom wood stove to provide the required heat for cold wet hunters. This wood stove is completely custom built by the owner. It is made from a piece of 8 inch steel casing and other steel plumbing pipe fittings. He explained that this took a bit of engineering to make work. It will overheat the box if it isn’t managed correctly but will definitely be a hit this winter at camp!
Bunk/Bench
I poked around the trucks cab a bit and found that it wasn’t at all designed for creature comforts. I’m sure that this was both because it was the military as well as 1962. The passenger seat doesn’t even have a leg well for sitting up normally. This requires the passenger to sit with their legs extended straight out in front of them? Doesn’t look to comfortable for a long ride? Everything has been left original and even the labels for the controls are still in German. It is in very good condition over all. The trucks engine is a gasoline configuration, its also the same engine that was found in the Mercedes Benz automobiles of the same vintage. I was told the truck is under powered and not setup for a lot of highway driving. Not a big issue as this owner isn’t going cruising and wanted it for the off road clearance and capabilities! It is perfect for that chore!
Passenger side in cab
This was the first Unimog that I have had the opportunity to get a good look at as they don’t seem to be a dime a dozen, at least not in my neck of the woods. This is an impressive vehicle for its age. I would say its condition is “GOOD” to “VERY GOOD”, many of the original pieces of equipment are still with the truck. For example the OE wheel chocks and spare fuel cans. The fuel cans were removed and put in storage as the owner elects to carry additional water over the extra fuel but that is just a personal choice.
If any of you have the opportunity to get a peek at some of these old military surplus trucks, I would highly recommend it! I have seen collectors from time to time at our local gun show in the past. I hadn’t previously had much interest but will look forward to giving these vehicles a look from now on, well worth the time.
Swiss Surplus UNIMOG
Other than the obvious parts availability issues, this would make a great bug out vehicle. I think that if a person was a collector and could therefore justify the added expense and trouble that comes with a more rare truck, it would be a real fun project and or hobby that would have the “Preppers” side benefit!
I hope you enjoy getting a look at this truck as much as I did… See ya tomorrow!
Prepper
Sep
29
Maybe, Maybe not?
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Thanks to everyone that sent compliments on my Jeep. I agree, everyone should own a Jeep. Mine is nowhere as nice as some of what was described to me and that I have seen but its mine and I’m not planning to get rid of it anytime soon! Also, I will try to get some photos of the contents of my GHB, Get Home Bag, and do a post on the “what and why” of these bags. So just hold your horses and it all will be revealed.
I’m working on another addition to the daily posts. It will be at the beginning, in this area, for some of the emails I am receiving about different topics we all might be interested in. Please continue sending these in to me as you find things that look interesting and I’ll make room for them and probably setup a link as well when appropriate.
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VW Version of a house
Alright, you will either love todays subject or you’ll hate it! As this is still all my show, no guest articles submitted yet, I’m going to go for it because I like the topic. I wanted to discuss something that has been a curiosity of mine since I was a young man. Ready? Living in your car… I know, I know – “Prepper’s taken one to many tumbles and finally really hurt himself”… No seriously, hear me out, you never know I might convince both of us to try this out?
Let me give you some background on where I’m coming from. As a boy my paternal Grandmother lived with us from time to time, at least in a manner of speaking. She actually lived in a motor home in our driveway, just steps from the back door. At the time this seemed unusual but looking back from the vantage point where I now sit, more people should have been so lucky.
Grandma was a free spirit, to say the least. I loved my Grandmother and still miss her very much to this day. She was the type of person that was going to have an impact on you whether you wanted her to or not. Well, she made her impression on me for sure! She seemed to be the most free person I had ever met, now I do realize she was retired or at least not working in the conventional sense from about the time I was born. She could pickup and take off at the drop of a hat or stay put for months, her choice not yours! Sounds like heaven to me…
VW Custom Home
I spent time with her in her motor home and it was just that, a home. She had about anything you could want close at hand. Prior to her having the motorhome I recall she had a 1970′s cargo van, don’t remember the make but it was the style with minimal windows and seats that folded down into a bed in the back. This was like some sort of strange phenomenon to a youngster. A bed in a car? Well, I was hooked I had decided at that young age I wanted to have this kind of setup when I grew up!
I guess it never really went away? Other family members seem to have this sense of wanderlust that runs deep as well, must be in the blood! I know freedom is, I believe that anyone reading this has to got to have a strong desire for freedom or they wouldn’t put so much effort into being prepared. Prepping at its most base definition is really being prepared in advance to be able to hold onto our freedom. Freedom to make our own choices and live our own destiny without the government or anyone else telling us what we have to do or accept…
Back to the original subject, its actually has a name – Vandwelling… Do a google search and you’ll see what I’m talking about. I found a particularly interesting website that is the perfect example of what I am referring to, www.cheaprvliving.com It seems that there are many folks out there living the lifestyle I was always so intriqued by.
Daytime setup
They have a dozen or more examples of people that live full time in there automobiles. Everything from a Ford Festiva to larger box vans. Incredible! These aren’t your typical snowbird retirees in a high dollar motor house, these folks are all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. They are choosing this as a lifestyle and enjoying a truly freedom centered life.
As you have already picked up on, I believe that we should be looking at alternative housing arrangements. At least alternatives to the McMansions with 50 year mortgages in the exurbs of most any large city. With my firm belief that “DEBT=SLAVERY”! Our largest expense that has to be paid each month is our housing. I already know someone will email me and explain that health insurance is their highest bill but come on, I know that everyone here knows what I’m getting at. If we play by the rules that society in its infinite wisdom has setup for us we will all live in traditional housing and pay property taxes like good little drones! All I can say is that these folks aren’t and I’m not sure I want to if they don’t have to! That just wouldn’t be fair?
I really am trying to make this a serious post but I don’t think there are many folks here or anywhere else that would resort to such extremes to get rid of there monthly housing expense. You will also notice that many of the pictures you’ll see of these rolling homes is that they are quite cramped and rather cluttered. I mention this not so much because I’m a died in the wool “neat nick”, Mrs. Prepper will assure you that I’m not, but just as an observation. However, I have to also point out that these are happy people. Often they are out seeing the world and engaging in activities that us “workers” could only dream of. I don’t read their stories and hear a bunch of complaints about not enough room for the 54″ TV or latest consumer kitchen gadget?
Cockpit
Would I actually pursue this as a lifestyle, truthfully, probably not. I am however more interested than ever and that means I will be continuing to study this subject. Sadly, this also means that all of you will be getting to hear my findings from time to time as I discover something particularly interesting. There are apparently lots of folks that have put their individual stamp on what this lifestyle might look like and I’m going to be watching for them with a much more trained eye from now on.
I have had a dream since I was a junior in High School about getting one of those cargo vans, similar to Grandmas van, converting it myself and then going on an extended road trip. I mentioned this to Mrs. Prepper today and she was encouraging in her response, she usually is, sounds like she would be willing to even take the trip with me… I do believe I have another project to add to the growing list!
Whether this project is ever realized or not, it sure is fun to dream. I’ve waited 21 years since first cooking this scheme up in my head, I’m 38 now, so I can probably wait a little longer. I know I’m not old but I do appear to be getting to an age were I can see things more realistically. I’ve been admitting to myself lately that its all probably not going to happen? I’d wager that you folks a year or two ahead of me have already come to grips with these feelings and let me assure you youngsters that what the old man told you about life going by faster each year is 100% accurate.
My point in this post wasn’t to look at shattered dreams but hopefully to help encourage you to dream. Dream up unique ways of achieving the lifestyle that you’re after. Only you know whats most important to you and your family. Other people have taken to the road or water to fulfill their need for freedom. Maybe, that cabin or farm house isn’t as wild of an idea as you thought. If they could live in a car to free themselves of a mortgage or rent payments. I think I might be able to make do in a mobile home? Its all up to you to decide, I only caution you not to sell out or give up, find a way! Get the wheels turning that take you closer to the freedom I know you crave!
This is all just friendly food for thought, take it or leave it! Either way I’ll be back tomorrow with something different to make your head hurt and have you wondering if I have all my marbles? Until then -
Prepper
Sep
28
BOV – Bug Out Vehicle
Posted by: | CommentsWelcome back! Its a beautiful Monday and the start of another busy week… I have to apologize for missing a post on Friday… I owe you an additional one, I’ll see what I can come up with. I promised one a day Monday – Friday, I’ve kept to that schedule fairly well and I have no plans to start slipping now!
Since I gave all of you a 3 day weekend, I’m sure you found the extra time helpful in reaching a few friends to let them know “Prepper” Nation is here and encourage them to stop in and check us out…right? If you didn’t, please help me spread the word the next chance you get! Thanks…
I’ve been getting emails with topic suggestions and show advise but haven’t had anybody step up and offer a guest article yet? I would really like to share the podium with all of the rest of you. I also know that some folks have gotten far more accomplished than I have in this prepping for self sufficiency lifestyle. I know we’ll all enjoy seeing the other folks projects or even just a new perspective or world view… Anyway, don’t be shy!
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So I thought I’d start this week off with a little show and tell. I’ve been showing you my projects and even some of my toys. Today I want to show you my version of the BOV or bug out vehicle.
For anyone that is unfamiliar with this term or possibly even the concept. This is a vehicle that we “Preppers” have designated for making our escape. Obviously, this could be an escape from a disaster after the fact or even in final preparation for the disaster about to strike. There aren’t any hard fast rules as to the configuration this vehicle must take. However, I find that many are of the 4 wheel drive truck or SUV styling. There are also alot of folks that have decked out their daily driver with all the in sundry equipment and capabilities, this way they can make their automobile do double duty.
Preppers BOV
I happen to be one that falls into that last camp. My BOV is also the car I drive most of the time. As you’ll see that doesn’t mean that my other vehicles are completely useless, just less equipped on a routine day to day basis. I have been blessed with a wife that follows my leadership and consents to my selecting our vehicles for the most part. This means everything is 4 wheel drive. We really don’t have to have this feature most of the time but as we “Doomers” always say “better to have and not need than need and not have”… Truer words have never been spoken, so we have 4 wheel drive. All of our cars are older and paid for and we try to keep them in good repair, as I’m not anxious to take on any car payments! Debt=Slavery, never forget that!
Our BOV is our 2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic. This is actually the 3rd jeep we have owned, all cherokees. We had a 1988 cherokee that was setup almost identical to the current one back a decade or so ago. Then we had a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee after that, it was a nice car but just didn’t excite me that much. I always had liked my first jeep and as soon as it became necessary to make a purchase I jumped for another cherokee classic.
This Jeep is nearly all stock. I purchased it a few years old with low miles. The only customization I have done is to add a 3 inch SkyJacker lift kit and larger tires. If you’re interested or can’t tell from the pictures they’re BF Goodrich AT’s 31×10.50×15, not to large or aggressive but give a bit more ground clearance and traction. Helps the looks too, not important but boys will be boys!
Locking Steel Box
I also installed a heavy gauge steel locking gear storage box behind the rear seat. This box was designed for a Jeep Wrangler but is just fine installed in the cherokee. I bolted it through the floor from underneath, so it won’t be going anywhere without a considerable amount of effort. I have a surprising amount of equipment and materials stowed in the car on a permanent basis and I haven’t lost any passenger space either. I hope you all can see the rear storage area well enough to see that I still have adequate space back here too.
I’ve found ways to attach everything so it won’t be getting in the way or rolling around in the back either. If you flip the rear seat forward you will see that I have attached the larger of 2 shovels, the D handled “real” shovel, to the backside of the steel box with plastic C clips normally used to secure a maglight. Behind this and held in place by the shovel I have a bow saw and 2 additional blades. Somewhat interlocking with these first two tools I have a camping hatchet and also a carpenters hammer. I found a small tool box that fit perfectly into this configuration. I keep various wrenches and pliers in here along with other potentially helpful mechanics tools. The final items stowed here are a pair of leather palm work gloves and a couple of large black contractors garbage bags, these could be used for any number of reasons.
Equipment Stowage
All of these items as well as a 4 D cell maglight and a collapsible lightweight snow shovel are always kept in the Jeep. Additional equipment is located here 99% of the time but can transferred whenever needed for road trips in another vehicle. In the winter months I also carry tire chains, these are heavy link chains and I have a set of 4.
In a small rubbermaid action packer tote I keep additional gear. Tow straps, fix a flat tire sealant, jumper cables, 12 volt air compressor, blue utility tarp and duct tape, roll of plastic sheeting, etc., etc. Kind of a catch all for potentially helpful items, oh yeah – I even have the always mentioned roll of bailing wire! You know what they say about rednecks using Duct tape and bailing wire to fix just about anything…
BOV Gear
I also keep a large heavy lined Carhardt jacket, stocking cap and a +15 degree sleeping bag in the back. Oh, and of course my GHB… “Get Home Bag” I didn’t get a picture of the contents of the Steel box, hmm, you’re wondering what he isn’t showing us?? Actually I keep this area mostly empty as to provide a lockable compartment for any sensitive items I might be carrying from time to time. The items that are usually in there are more for containment than security… Water filter, 3 MRE meals, a few bottles of water and maybe a box or 2 of extra ammunition for my carry gun. You know, everyday kinds of stuff!
For emergency power needs I keep a spare set of batteries for the maglight and one of those multipurpose battery jumper boxes. This power box deal is actually very handy and rechargeable with a cigarette lighter plug, so it doesn’t even have to leave the vehicle to stay charged. It also has an emergency light on it. It has a cigarette lighter 12 volt outlet on the front, I have even used this in my office to recharge cell phones that I didn’t have an AC charger for. All around a pretty handy item!
12 volt Power Jumper Box
All in all this list is fairly complete and could be helpful in many ways. As I discover additional items and or refinements I will continue to improve my readiness. Alot of prepping is modular and as such we could easily throw in additional sleeping bags from the shelf or a bin of easily prepared storage food. The applications are endless but it is important to have supplies and equipment with you, there may be no warning or you could find yourself too far from home when disaster strikes. At least you will have the beginning of a way to start to reorder your life and this can make all the difference.
1972 Pinzgauer 710
Posted by: Prepper | Comments (1)You would not believe what you find when you start paying attention. I brought you a post on the Unimog Camper that I discovered an acquaintance owned just a couple of weeks ago. Then I remembered that another acquaintance had some sort of surplus military vehicle that I had seen him driving on several occasions… Strange, at least it seems that way to me?
Anyway, I call this second gentleman and proceed to ask him about his vehicle. He explains to me that it’s an old Swiss Military truck, a Pinzgauer 710 built in 1972. He continued his explanation, it had been configured as a troop hauler. It could carry as many as 10 soldiers in the rear of the vehicle plus the driver and passenger in the cab. Like I said, I had seen it around town from time to time and it didn’t appear much larger than a jeep. At least that was how I remembered it. I was confused as to how 10 guys could get into the back of this thing? He continued the run down for me, the rear seats are a bench design and run up both sides and face each other. Alright, that makes a bit more sense but I still wanted to see this thing for myself as I could no longer trust my “minds eye”…
Hatch to rear from cab / heavy tow cable came stock
I arranged with him to come and take a look. He wasn’t planning to be around but gave me the access information to the yard where he currently had it parked. I was thinking to my self that this would be perfect, allowing me to get up close and personal with my inspection. I cleared my schedule and headed over as quickly as I could…
I was just arriving at the place he told me to go to find his truck when low and behold he pulls up right before me. Alright, I can’t complain as he has generously allowing me to come look. I’m always leery of taking to many photos when I’m privileged enough to get a peek at someone’s preps… I’d just have to do my best and hope you all can use your imaginations on what I might miss.
As you can see from the photos, this is a pretty cool truck. He again explained that this one was designed to move troops but they have been configured in many different designs from command vehicles to ambulances. He happened on this one and did some horse trading with the previous owner to make the deal come together. He told me about a couple of other folks in our area and how they have theirs outfitted. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled and see what else I might get to do a review on!
Rear bed stuffed with camping gear
We walked around back and he opened up the rear door. As you can see it was stuffed with camping gear. He explained that he is active with a search and rescue group and can be ready at a moments notice. This truck can go anywhere he wants to take it and has. I don’t know this gentleman from any of my “Prepper” circles and he didn’t describe himself in this way at all but with the camping gear and some specific ammunition magazines that I also noticed, he’s a prepper whether he realizes it or not… Nice to know who the good guys are! He said something that I’m not sure is true, maybe someone can confirm this, it is powered by an inline 4 cylinder aircraft engine? Not that this wouldn’t be possible but I hadn’t ever heard of this before so I wasn’t going to open my mouth and look stupid, at least not until I was back to the safety of my own blog… Over all I really thought that this looked like a capable vehicle.
We moved around to the drivers side and he’s rattling off the specs, 24 volt, storage here and here, built in shovel and ax, etc. etc. He said that this particular vehicle has been referred to as the “Swiss army knife of trucks”… He went on to show me how the engine is mounted up between the driver and passenger, which allows even better ground clearance and center of gravity. The thing is designed to be able to complete water crossings up to 27 inches with out taking on water and he claims that it has exceeded that with no issue. The ground clearance is 13+ inches to the differential, not to shabby, in that arena either.
24 Volt Battery and Storage compartment
It sounded to me like he had purchased the truck more for search and rescue than anything else or at least that was his excuse to buy it. He pointed out that the rear seats flipped forward and made into a bunk that he used whenever he’s out over night. I couldn’t see that in action because of all the gear but it sounded like the designers put some thought into additional usages beyond the obvious. Another quick example of this is what are called the “Step Centers”, at least thats what this guy said they were called. It was a round metal center cap that stuck out from the front hub and acts as a step to get up into the cab, pretty ingenious…
I have always been VERY happy with my jeeps and I don’t think I’ll ever be without one in some configuration. However, as I am recently getting to see some surplus military vehicles I can begin to see an appeal that I had never understood before. These are really cool, often they have stock capabilities that we jeepers normally only get in the after market realm. I have far to much to get done already to be sidetracked by another project right now but if the funds were ever available at just the right time, I might be tempted to add a historical BOV to my preps. I hope you all found this as interesting as I did!
Prepper
Lots of ground clearance