Basics to a BOV

Having a BOV and actually using it can be two different things. First off, a BOV doesn't have to be a surplus military vehicle or something huge to qualify as a BOV. I know of some people that have gone through the expense of locating and purchasing a surplus 2-1/2 ton, Deuce and a half, truck and then outfitting it as a BOV. While a nice idea in general, the maintenance and upkeep of such a vehicle far outweigh the benefits.

A BOV should be a vehicle capable of holding your BOB and any and all equipment that you deem necessary to take with you and your family. That's another thing, your family. Any consideration of a BOV should be large enough to facilitate your family and their personal BOB as well as the gear and equipment you will need. If you're a solitary individual then the size requirements of a BOV are not particularly a problem. One member has a smaller SUV as their chosen BOV and considering their size requirements, its a perfect fit for them.

Some survival minded people still think they need a huge vehicle for a BOV. I know of one family that bought a surplus Saracen British APC and have it stored in a RV storage lot. Given the event that might require a bug out, having an armored vehicle might be a viable option, if you lived in the inner city or a seriously built up urban area. The problem with having a BOV such as the Saracen is how do you plan to train with it? You would either go get it and drive it back to your home, load it and then drive it out of town or load up your everyday vehicle, drive to where its stored and then load up the BOV.

This is a time wasting exercise.

Any BOV needs to be something that spare parts can be readily obtained from several sources not special ordered. It should be something that you can and should be able to drive on the streets without any special registration of licensing. (Surplus armored vehicles require special permits and licensing in most states.) It shouldn't be something that blatantly stands out and literally shouts to the panicked sheeple 'BOV! BOV!'.

Your choice for a BOV should take into consideration the landscape and environment in your region. That should be your primary consideration for the type of BOV you will need. Follow up that choice with maps of your area and add a GPS if needed. After you have obtained or converted a vehicle into a BOV your next step should be to train with it. How do plan to pack it? With what? And in what kind of containers? My personal choice for packing is using the Rubbermaid Roughneck locking containers due to their uniform size. The choice is, as always, up to you.

The BOV of your choice should then be tested. How does it handle loaded? What is the fuel consumption difference between loaded and empty? How much extra fuel will be required and how will it be carried/stored and/or replaced? What roads do you plan to use?

Take the BOV out on the roads you plan to use and mark areas on your map that may be useful places to egress the paved road or alternate routes out of the hot zone. On your days off, go to those roads that you plan to use and watch the traffic patterns during the morning commute and evening rush hours. This is a good way to guage how the traffic might be during a mass evacuation.

The key with any choice of BOV is ease of maintenance and upkeep. You don't need to have a bug out event, run to the BOV only to find a lake of oil or tranny fluid under it. Or be out of the hot zone on your way to your safe house and break down with no option for spare parts in the future.

Another consideration for a BOV is to train with it. That means any spare time you and your family have, you need to train on how to load and go. If you are a family, make sure other members know how to drive it and repair it.

Whatever your choice of BOV, remember that it is part of your insurance policy for survival and should be treated as such.

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