122: High Mileage Options for Long-Distant Bug-Out Vehicles (BOVs)

Your Bug-Out Vehicle (BOV) must be able to go the distance.

When disaster happens several things can lead to your success or failure.

• Distance you need to go
• The route that you have to go
• Gas stations along the route
• Gas station closures or lines

How to ensure your Bug-Out Vehicle (BOV) will go the maximum possible distance.

You can alter your vehicle to go further, or you can practice fuel management.

The following can help your vehicle go further on less fuel:

• Smooth Acceleration and Deceleration
• Ensure all panels are in place properly
• Keep your engine tuned
• Keep your tires inflated properly (check every week)
• Keeping speed below 65MPH, but this may not be realistic for bug out
• Low Rolling-Resistance Tires
• Alloy Rims (low weight)
• Change your air filter (engine management runs richer with dirty filter)
• Keep your spark plugs changed or cleaned
• Coast in gear, not neutral in newer vehicles
• Don’t use higher octane fuel (doesn’t help unless you have a high-compression engine)

You need to be able to store more fuel:

Great fuel mileage can only take you so far when looking to travel large distances without refueling.

Raise your fuel storage to raise the distance you can go.  Some ways to carry extra fuel are:

• Larger Fuel Tanks
• A Second Tank
• Jerry Cans
• Flat Fuel Cans
• Barrels
• Roof Racks

Larger Fuel Tanks

Conventional tanks are between 350 and 400 miles in distance.  Long-range tanks can add about another 100 miles.  Bigger tank = more fuel = more fuel

A Second Tank

Many cars actually have space for this.  You just doubled your mileage.

Jerry Can Mounts

You can add 5 gallons per can.  You can add to the outer shell of your vehicle, so no interior room is lost.

Flat Fuel Cans

If you want something low profile to add to your roof or the back of your vehicle use flat cans.

These cans are also great for ATVs.

Keep 15 or 50 Gallon HDPE Barrels in Bed of Truck

Trucks have bed space to place barrels.

• 15 gallon barrels give 150-300 miles extra
• 50 gallon barrels give 500-1000 extra miles.

Pumps are a great idea (12v, battery, manual).  I don’t recommend siphoning, but it is possible.

Roof Racks

If you have a roof rack, you can use ratcheting straps to hold basic fuel cans down on your roof.

Keep Extra Fuel for Long-Range Bug Outs

If you keep enough extra fuel with each vehicle, you will be able to make a long range trip to your Bug-Out Location (BOL).  Using these options, determine how you will extend the range of any vehicle.