I'm thinking about a truck for weekends, camping, etc, and one that could potentially be used for bugging out. I like the F150, but have a few considerations that I'd like opinions on.
First, it seems to me that almost any vehicle built in the last 10-15 years has some sort of ECU and electronics that would make it a big box of metal in an EMP situation. An older standard ignition vehicle might fare better, but I think you'd have to go back to the 70's to get such a vehicle. Heck, even Harley's have electronic ignitions and EFI now. So my thinking is that on the one hand, having a truck could be useful, on the other hand, in an EMP scenario, you are either bugging in, or you are on foot/horseback.
Second, in looking at the Ford F150, which seems to be the breed standard for good work trucks, I am stuck on engine choices. The Eco-boost seems like a great idea, and gets great mileage on the highway with no load, but when towing, driven hard, or under load, it gets about the same mileage as the V8(though it is a little faster). My thinking is that the V8 would likely last longer, cost less to maintain, and be easier to service and repair than a twin-turbo V6 in almost any situation where you aren't dealing with a full shop and warranty service. Besides which, turbos eventually fail, and cost a ton to replace. So I like the V6, but think the V8 makes better sense, especially if we are talking about keeping the truck for 15-20 years, which we are.
Finally, I assume that virtually all new vehicles have GPS integrated into their brains. Is there a means to disable these, or to ensure that you cannot be tracked by evildoers with the appropriate technology?
Your thoughts and opinions are welcome.
First, it seems to me that almost any vehicle built in the last 10-15 years has some sort of ECU and electronics that would make it a big box of metal in an EMP situation. An older standard ignition vehicle might fare better, but I think you'd have to go back to the 70's to get such a vehicle. Heck, even Harley's have electronic ignitions and EFI now. So my thinking is that on the one hand, having a truck could be useful, on the other hand, in an EMP scenario, you are either bugging in, or you are on foot/horseback.
Second, in looking at the Ford F150, which seems to be the breed standard for good work trucks, I am stuck on engine choices. The Eco-boost seems like a great idea, and gets great mileage on the highway with no load, but when towing, driven hard, or under load, it gets about the same mileage as the V8(though it is a little faster). My thinking is that the V8 would likely last longer, cost less to maintain, and be easier to service and repair than a twin-turbo V6 in almost any situation where you aren't dealing with a full shop and warranty service. Besides which, turbos eventually fail, and cost a ton to replace. So I like the V6, but think the V8 makes better sense, especially if we are talking about keeping the truck for 15-20 years, which we are.
Finally, I assume that virtually all new vehicles have GPS integrated into their brains. Is there a means to disable these, or to ensure that you cannot be tracked by evildoers with the appropriate technology?
Your thoughts and opinions are welcome.