My husband and I have long-harbored a dream to live in a tiny house. This was even before the notion of tiny homes on wheels or otherwise became a popular thing. We wanted to get a small-size school bus or panel van and turn it into a get-away camper that we could be comfortable in for summertime camping as well as maybe live in someday if we ever really needed to. We haven’t bought one yet even though we keep talking about it. And with two kids, it’s not likely that we ever will actually live in one. Still, we want a getaway camper and one that has it all is even better.

Like this one, the UGOAT. It stands for “Utility Go Anywhere Off Road Camping Trailer” and it means “I want one.” It’s $15,000. But realistically, if I were to convert a bus  or van and make it as nice as some of the pictures I’ve seen, it could conceivably cost that much. Plus it would take a ton of time to tear it apart and rebuild the inside, which I don’t have. So maybe buying a ready-made rig is the way to go. And because this thing originally was designed based on military use, it’s rugged.

The UGOAT was created by a team of Marines from the United States and the British Royal Marines to create a “multi trailer” that is better than most standard camping trailer rigs.

Check out this Build Your Own page to see what the base model comes with. It’s a long list. It includes such basics as steel frame, cargo racks or bicycle racks, spare tire mount, standard RV electrical cable, and propane bottle holder. the base model is $6,495. You can add on an aluminum camper top ($6,000). This has multiple power and USB outlets, water outlets, 21-gallon water tank, kitchen and galley lighting, and more.

You can add a tent rack ($500). The adjustable rack lets you use the space below or above it for more storage.

You can add paint and bedliner options and choose some colors. You can also choose to pay more for raising or lowering the lift height and for your choice of tires.

Add on a whole host of options like a kitchen sink ($300), on-demand hot water shower (225), galley kitchen kit ($425), axe and shovel mounts ($199), solar suitcase ($380/$600), two-burner stove with windscreen ($325), and a storage box ($750.)

Add on an awning ($700) or a tent that zips onto the side of the awning ($700). Larger tent sizes are available, from a basic two-person tent for $1,000 up to a deluxe four-person tent with an annex for $2,400.

All those options do seem like they would add up the cost. But taken all together, this is a camper outfit that my family of four could actually live in, as long as we could park it someplace warm!

Images from ugoat.us

I like vehicles. Yes, I drive a car everyday to and from work and everything else. But our everyday car is not the type of car we dream about. Last year we wrote about the Ripsaw EV2 Supertank, and we’ve discovered another drool-worthy vehicle we have to tell you about.

Check out the Sherp ATV. It’s made in Russia and can go nearly 4 miles an hour, although the videos (on the website’s media page) make it look like it’s going much faster. 4 miles an hour is faster than a person can keep up with walking for very long. And with this ATV’s off road capabilities it won’t matter what kind of terrain you’re on. The rate of movement is a little confusing. The video shows 6 km an hour which is 4 miles. But the spec page says the max speed is 45 km per hour, which is nearly 30 miles per hour. Another site I found says it can go 4 mph in the water, so maybe that’s the difference. I think something is getting missed in translation there.

According to the website, the company first started designing an unequaled ATV in 2012, and has refined their design over the past 3 years. The newest version climbs over vehicles as high as 3 feet (1 meter) and at inclines of up to 35 degrees. “Geologists, oil workers, fishermen, hunters thrill seekers and discoverers” have all put the Sherpa ATV to use.

Price tag: about $47,000. I don’t know…I might rather spend that money on a really nice RV with a kitchen and bathroom. What do you think?

Sherp ATV

Images from sherp.ru

Twin brothers Mike and Geoff Howe are the masterminds behind Howe and Howe Technologies, makers of limited-edition, high-performance luxury vehicles. The Ripsaw EV2 (Extreme Vehicle 2) is a closed-cabin, high-mobility/high-speed lightweight “personal luxury tank” that we definitely want when the apocalypse hits.

The vehicle was originally built for the military, and it proved to be the fastest dual tracked vehicle ever developed. From 13.4 inches of suspension travel, to its luxurious interior and over 600 diesel horsepower, The Ripsaw stands alone. It can easily traverse snow, sand or mud. We imagine it as a B-2 Bomber that you drive over the ground. If you order one, be aware that it is a custom-designed vehicle made upon order. It can take up to 6 months to fabricate this baby, but we know the wait will be worth it. Yeah, it’s expensive, with a base price of $295,000, but there are people in the world who can afford this, and we hope to meet them someday.

Visit Howe and Howe’s YouTube channel and order your Ripsaw EV2 (Extreme Vehicle).

Best ATV Ever: The Ripsaw Supertank Extreme Vehicle

The Polaris RZR is the ultimate vehicle for riders who want performance and agility. Use one of these babies for hunting season, as a bug-out vehicle or just for a joyride.

The RZR S 570 EPS is a new entry into the Polaris Sport category. Starting at $13,000, the 570 engine features 4 valves and a dual overhead cam design. The front and rear dual A-Arm suspension system with a rear stabilizer bar creates a stable 60-inch stance for performance on the trail that can handle anything. Power steering, of course, along with customizable features such as high-tech audio and storage. Add an in-helmet headset for instance, and LED light bars.

The RZR is available in several different versions, including an S 900, S 900 EPS (electronic power steering) and S 1000 EPS depending on the engine choice. Each one is available in a different color. Explore the Polaris 2017 RZR line-up.

Image of RZR S 1000 EPS courtesy of Polaris.com.

Check out the new 2017 model of the Polaris ACE 500 ATV.

Now featuring the 33 HP 500cc ProStar EFI engine, the new 2017 Polaris ACE 500 is more powerful than the company’s previous model. The 2017 redesign offers riders 10% more leg room and a gallon of storage space right in the dash.

Controls are familiar to any automobile driver, and the design allows users to sit down and step out easily. All wheel drive too. This model starts at a pocket-friendly $7,000. Check out the 2017 line-up and new model of the Polaris ACE 500.
Polaris ACE 500 ATV New for 2017
Polaris ACE 500 ATV New for 2017
Images courtesy of Polaris.com

You’ve done all the right things. You have plenty of stored water and food, your bug-out-bag is stocked and ready to go, you have an emergency plan that you’ve discussed with your family, and you have weapons that you can use to defend yourself and your home. But what happens if you need to leave your home and travel long distances?

Vehicles can be expensive, but they may just be the key to your survival. Take a look at the videos below to find the best rides for bugging out.

1 – RV

An RV is a home on wheels and can be a great vehicle to have in case you need to evacuate your property. The drawbacks to RVs are obvious: they are huge and require a lot of fuel if you need to go long distances. If fuel is unavailable, the usefulness of your RV is limited. They take up a lot of space, and most commercial models are not designed to be driven off-road.

The EarthRoamer is equipped with solar panels, large battery banks and engine-driven alternators. Even better, it does not require the use of external water, sewer and power hookups, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about if you’re hitting the road out of necessity.

 

2 – ATVs

All-terrain vehicles are a terrific option to have in your survival plan. They have obvious limitations including their lack of protection from the elements, limited carrying capacity and limited range. However, these vehicles typically have powerful engines and are able to quickly and easily travel through rough terrain. They are also quite affordable.

If you’re looking for the ultimate all-terrain vehicle, look no further. This bad boy can take anything you throw at it. This Russian SHERP is the ultimate 4×4 amphibious mini truck. Its inflatable tires make it a beast, even when tackling an icy lake head on.

3 – SUV

A sport utility vehicle is also a good choice for a survival vehicle. If you use it as your everyday vehicle, you don’t need another expensive option in your survival kit. SUVs with four-wheel drive tend to have decent off-road capability, and many are big enough to provide a place to sleep. However, they are not very fuel efficient and most models are not well-equipped to handle extreme terrain.

If you want the best in off-road capability you can find it here. The Legendary Jeep Nukiser is Jeep’s most outrageous and fun concept truck. This thing is no nonsense, and takes the roughest terrain you’d encounter when SHTF.

 

4- Amphibious Hovercraft

You need to prepare for how you’ll escape to the water when you need to bug out in a hurry. Land may not be a safe place.

Take to the open water in your personal hovercraft. These personal hovercrafts from Renegade are easy to maneuver and speedy for quick waterway getaways.