Bug Out Vehicle: Side Front View
My taste in Bug Out Vehilces changes as my needs and knowledge develops. My first dedicated Bug Out Vehicle was a Ford E350 Econoline 15 Passenger Van with extended rear cargo bay.
My first major mod on this van was the addition of 4-wheel drive with a Quigley 4×4 Conversion.
Quigley 4x4 Conversion Kit
After the addition of 4-wheel drive, I lifted the van 4 inches for a little more clearance and added some beefed up BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A tires with a spare.
WillowHavenOutdoor Bug Out Vehicle: E350 Side View
You will also notice that I added a 3/4 Roof Cage from Wilderness Products. I also added a rear access ladder.
Bug Out Van - Back View
Both bumpers are aftermarket Road Armour Brand bumpers. The front bumper was a full brush guard. Both front and back bumpers have built in PIA lights with internal dash switches.
Bug Out Vehicle: Front Brush Guard
I also added nerf bars along the side bottoms and off-road lights to the roof cage on top for added night time visibility.
I left the inside pretty standard for packing plenty of gear and passengers.
Bug Out E350 Vehicle: Interior
Bug Out Van: Front Bench Seat
I added all kinds of gear to the inside… the usual stuff: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, CB Radio, Police Scanner, Axe, etc… I kept extra gas cans in the roof rack on top.
My first BOV was my daily driver – a Ford Explorer Sport. The E350 – which I called the RECOVERY VEHICLE – was my first dedicated BOV. Overall, I was very happy with the truck. It had a big Triton V10 Engine and could pull a ridiculous load. It sucked the gas like crazy but it could carry a ton of supplies and people. It was a modern van with all the modern conveniences – and the modern problems such as complicated maintenance, etc…
My thoughts:
Positives:
- Big storage and cargo capacity
- Powerful
- Rugged 4×4
- Sleeping area inside
Negatives:
- Low MPG
- Very big vehicle
- Stuck out in a crowd of other vehicles
Ultimately, I ended up selling the Recovery Vehicle and replaced it with my 2nd dedicated Bug Out Vehicle: a 1968 Ford Bronco. You can see it by clicking here.
Would love to know your thoughts on this BOV or your own.
Cheers-
Creek
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What brand lift kit did you use? I just ordered a 2012 Quigley and want to run 35 inch tires with room to spare.
Mitch – sorry for the delay in this response – you’re probably all set by now, but I used a Highjacker kit. I’d love to see a pic of your Quigley. I miss mine!