RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ROLLING OUT

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JONATHAN KILBURN

Many newer production vehicles, such as this Toyota Tacoma TRD, fill the role of an overland or survival vehicle.

(Photo: Toyota USA)

Selecting and outfitting a vehicle with all the necessities is one of the most difficult tasks you’ll encounter … except for learning the skills to utilize all equipment properly.

If you’re starting from scratch, there are innumerable options that will make it difficult to choose the type of vehicle to outfit. Nevertheless, your environment should help you decide.

If you’re in a mountainous area and will have a significant combined payload of people, pets and gear, a small or midsized passenger car might be inadequate. If you expect poor roads, obstacles, bad weather and have small children, you might opt for an SUV with all-wheel drive.

Family needs and finances, the time and distance you plan to travel, items carried and the fact that this will probably be some family member’s daily driver will determine what type of vehicle and requirements must be accommodated.

1.0 THE VEHICLE

The most common transportation method will be a motor vehicle. While other options are available, cars, SUVs and trucks are within most people’s means and comfort zones.