I've been visiting this forum for some months now. I've contributed a couple of posts about the importance of community prep, and while I still believe in the importance of this, I have also taken to heart the idea so prevalent here of getting away from densely populated areas. As a consequence, next week I'm moving from Santa Cruz, CA to a small town (pop. 600) in northern Wisconsin. I've lived there in the past and have been offered a good job and have many friends in the area. People in rural parts of the upper Midwest tend to be a bit more self-sufficient, generally speaking. I'm not certain that y2k awareness levels are very high there, but I hope to have some impact on that.

I've sold both my vehicles here, will drive a rental truck there, and need to buy a vehicle when I get there. This seems like a small issue, I suppose, but lately, I don't seem to be able to make any decisions without putting y2k considerations at the top of the list. So my question is this: I'll have about $3,000 - $4,000 cash to buy something. Does looking for something diesel make more sense than gas-powered? Someone once told me that some diesel engines will run on cooking oil if need be. Is it possible that diesel fuel could be easier to come by? I do know it's easier to store. Maybe just any junker that will run now and save the money for preps etc.? Any insight, opinions or ideas appreciated, including makes, models etc. Thanks folks, for everything.

-- cat (ccordes@scruznet.com), March 06, 1999

Answers

cat,

Have had the exact same thoughts re vehicles. I guess it depends on your final decision on just how bad you think things will get.

At one end of the spectrum there is the idea that I might want to get a VERY fuel efficient vehicle cause gas may be in shortage.

At the other end of the spectrum are those who are investigating bicycles etc. because if ANY fuel is available it can be put to better use tilling or generating electricity to cool food.

I like you, don't have the $$$ to get all the stuff I want and get the new vehicle. As a matter of fact I've even thought of down grading the present Bear Wagon to something less valuable (if that is possible) and putting the money into a sack of rice.

Wis I had better advice. maybe someone else will pop up with better ideas.

-- Greybear, BTW have you seen those 4 wheeled bicycles?

- Got Spares?

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), March 06, 1999.

If things get very bad, diesel is more likely to be available than gasoline. There was a thread a week or so ago on the subject. You can mix various plant oils (canola, peanut etc ) with diesel to extend its utility. The downside is you are moving to a very cold climate where gel formation is common (harder to start a diesel than a gas engine in cold weather). A very fuel efficient small car might be your best bet but I would seriously explore diesels in your price range if you have some way to keep it warm in Wisc.

-- RD. ->H (drherr@erols.com), March 06, 1999.

Hey for four grand you can buy a nice titanium bike :)

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), March 06, 1999.

Thanks, RD, for thread note. Finally found it under 'fallback planning'. Had searched 'transportation' and 'energy' prior to posting. Excellent thread. Sure has convinced me to look for a diesel. Cold is a problem in No. Wisc. but not ALL the time. Didn't know that stuff about diesel gelling. Very interesting discussion there of using old deepfryer oil. Also, discussion around what will be easier to get if there are fuel shortages.

Gosh Andy, have you ever tried to ride a bike (titanium or otherwise) when it's 10 below and roads are ice? I DO have a bike - with grocery baskets, a dingy-bell, and big padded seat! Sit straight up on it, like the Wicked Witch of the North! Taking it with me.

Greybear, Got Pedalpushers?!!

-- cat (ccordes@scruznet.com), March 06, 1999.

If you're going to a small town of 600, vehicle choice may be affected by local fuel availability. Obviously you've checked to see if diesel is readily available at your new location? If your new home is an active farming community, there should be no problem. In any other type of small town (bedroom or retirement community), you will get caught short.

There will be more diesel than gasoline in a farming town. Diesel is the obvious choice in such a case because there is a better chance for fuel to be diverted from farming use to your vehicle.

WW

-- Wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), March 06, 1999.

..cat:

Old trucker's trick::

About 1-2 pints gasoline to 55-100 gals deisel. Cuts down on the gelling.

Check with an old trucker on the proportions though.

Chuck

-- Chuck, night driver (rienzoo@en.com), March 06, 1999.

During WWII, the London buses ran on methane gas. The prime source was from pig manure (no joke!!).

Standard transmission vehicles (the low-end torque control helps) can easily be converted to run on LPG. Efficient, clean burning, more low-end power than diesel, cheaper than gasoline. All of the taxis in Japan run on LPG. Tank is installed in the trunk, partially under the back seat.

-- PNG (png@gol.com), March 06, 1999.