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Writer's pictureIvan Tsar

Prepper vehicle / survival


( I will be using images of my vehicle in this article )


In today’s unpredictable world, preparing your vehicle for emergencies is not just a precaution; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re planning for natural disasters, remote travel, or unforeseen circumstances, having a well-prepped vehicle can significantly increase your safety and survival chances. This guide will cover essential steps and modifications to equip your vehicle for resilience, including armor, communication systems, fuel storage, solar power, and more.


1. Vehicle Selection and Basic Modifications

Start with a reliable, durable vehicle that can handle tough conditions typically, an SUV or a truck is preferable due to their robustness and space.


Key modifications include:


Aggressive Tires: Install all-terrain for example BFG ko2's OR ko3's , BFG km3 mud-terrain tires or any preference you have for a good all terrain tire that will provide extra grip and are capable of handling diverse landscapes.




Extra Battery: Add a secondary battery system like an AGM , DC or lithium to power auxiliary equipment without draining the main battery with a power inverter , solar panel system and solar controller preferably (MPPT) .


Suspension Upgrades: Reinforce your vehicle's suspension to support extra weight from equipment and modifications like using a Bilstein , fox or king setup ETC.




2. Armoring Your Vehicle

Armoring is crucial for protecting occupants against external threats. Options include:


Bulletproofing: Install bullet-resistant panels like AR500 or MiG welding steel panels in all the doors, roof, and floor. Use bulletproof glass for windows if possible.



Reinforced Bumpers: Equip your vehicle with stainless steel bumpers that can withstand impacts and help in ramming obstacles if necessary.



3. Fuel Management

Adequate fuel supply is vital for extended travel without regular refueling opportunities:


Extra Fuel Tanks: Install additiona metal fuel tanks or carry rotopax / jerry cans securely mounted to avoid fuel scarcity.


( Older design 2019 )

(Drone pad included in my design )


Fuel Efficiency: Consider modifications to improve fuel efficiency or the ability to utilize alternative fuels like biodiesel / ethanol free which is best for long term storage with fuel stabilizers .


4. Solar Power Integration

Solar power can be a reliable energy source for charging batteries and powering devices:


Solar Panels: Mount flexible solar panels or hardtop foldable brands on the roof or ground to harness solar energy, which can be stored in your vehicle’s battery system.


My off-grid setup : (200W) Monocrystalline Solar panel system with a 60 amp (MPPT) up to 720V with a marine battery 27 DC and a 1200W inverter for external power uses with a 20 amp fuse protector.



Charge Controllers: Use an (MPPT) or (PWM) solar charge controller to regulate the voltage from solar panels, ensuring batteries are charged safely.


PWM controllers are simpler and more cost-effective, MPPT controllers offer higher efficiency and better performance.


5. Reliable Communication Systems

Staying connected is vital for receiving help and information.


Radio: Ham radio for long range or CB radio for short to long range communication, which can be crucial in areas without cell service.


Satellite Phone: Consider a satellite phone as a backup communication tool to ensure connectivity anywhere in the world, as well as sattelite gps .


6. Emergency and Repair Tools

A well-stocked toolkit can help manage minor repairs and emergencies on the road:


Basic Tools: Include wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, sockets or a professional 200+ piece tool set with a 2 to 3 ton jack .


Spare Parts: Carry essential spare parts such as hoses, belts, fuses, and bulbs , oil , radiator fluid .


Tire Repair Kit: Ensure you have a tire repair kit and understand how to use it , you can also modify and build an undercarriage air tank 5 gal with a 20 ft hose .


( Spare cargo storage design )




7. Survival Gear and Extras

Equip your vehicle with survival gear for comfort and safety during emergencies , recovery hook locations , kinetic recovery rope , ammo , knife , flare gun ETC.




First Aid Kit: A comprehensive advanced first aid / trauma kit for treating injuries / fire extinguisher's .


Water and Food Supplies: Store enough water and non-perishable food items to last several days when traveling .


(If local keep about 3 day supply in an ammo can)


Comfort Items: Include thermal blankets, additional clothing, bug spray , and cooking gear for a propane skillet preferably blackstone .


8. Training and Preparedness

Knowing how to use all the installed equipment and handle tough situations is as important as the equipment itself also you can have an EMP system installed into your vehicle for natural disasters or man-made events .



Driver Training: Take courses in off-road driving, defensive driving, and emergency response.



Regular Maintenance: Keep your vehicle in top condition with regular 360 checks and maintenance routines, and keep your rig clean if you can wax / polish every 3 months.


In this case I wrapped my vehicle in 3M 1080 satin black , so I maintain it twice a week with liquid wax or waterless wax spray from meguiars .



Prepping your vehicle for emergencies involves thoughtful modifications and strategic planning. By equipping your vehicle with reliable communication tools, armor, backup energy solutions, and essential survival supplies, you can create a mobile refuge that enhances your resilience in crises. Regular maintenance and training ensure that when the time comes, both the vehicle and its occupants are ready to face whatever challenges come their way .




Keeping your engine well maintained and clean is very important.



( Prep tip ) - When building a vehicle in this manner always create a Killswitch system to protect your investment while also having a steering wheel or pedal club lock will also enhance security .



Also very important to customize and implement an L.E.D system on your vehicle , I created a unique 360 high lumen system all lights have individual switches for different environments .




( Dark zero midnight stealth mode )



Sometimes building a prepper vehicle becomes an art for the world considering it's valuable uses for emergencies or defensive methods.


www.richwashburn.com (photography)


For more pics checkout my Instagram @dystopian_zu2




( Prep tip ) Alarms are becoming useless in today's dystopian society , even with high end vehicles getting hacked with attenas and programmed key fobs.


Here are (2) links to help you enhance your ride











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