Note from JWR:

The extended 33% off sale for the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course ends tomorrow. Be sure to place your order online or have it postmarked by midnight Monday, December 3rd.

Three Letters Re: Choosing a BOV

Hello Jim, et al,
Reading Choosing a BOV by “Brian B in Iraq”, there are a few inaccuracies that I should mention. Some of the statements are definitely subjective, but I’ll leave those alone and just deal with the factual stuff:
Regarding this statement: “These “first generation” Cummins trucks used a Bosch rotary injection pump (called a VE pump)….” This is incorrect. The First Generation trucks used, and use, the P7100 Injection Pump. The “Bosch pump” is the VP44, used in the Second Generation trucks. There’s a huge difference between the systems, and I’m not going to go into that, since it’s a complete article by itself. Suffice to say that the author seems to have reversed the information.

Regarding this statement: “The timing gear cover on the front of the motor uses dowel pins to line up the cover when being installed. Unfortunately, in some cases this dowel pin can vibrate and back out of their spot falling down through the timing gear case causing lots of damage before ending up in the oil pan.” Again, incorrect. The dowel pin (usually called the “KDP” or “Killer Dowel Pin”) aligns the gear housing, not the timing gear cover. It does have a tendency on some engines to back out, fall into the gearset, and jam between the gear and gear housing, cracking the housing and giving [the engine] a lovely oil leak. [Preventing this is] a very simple fix to deal with, and is most commonly a problem that occurs on the 12 Valve engines, but the 24 Valve engines are most definitely not immune to it.
Regarding this statement: ” The engine coolant should be a greenish color…” The author is ignoring, or not aware, of current antifreeze formulations that are required by newer engines (heck, even my 2001 ISB Cummins uses them) such as Dexcool, which is an orange color. Some people mistake it for rust, but orange is the normal color. Note too, that there are untinted antifreeze formulations out there.

Other items in the article are minor, but these are the ones that jumped out at me.
As to my personal knowledge, it comes from owning a 1985 Suburban with an 2001 Cummins ISB and extensive modifications, older Dodge 12 Valves, a M35A2 2-1/2 ton with the LDT in it, various Kubota diesel engines, the early GM diesel, Cat, DDs, et cetera. All of these vehicles, plus plenty more, have had all the work done by yours truly. Gearheads never quit! Thanks for the site! – Czechsix

 

Mr. Rawles:

I’m not a chronic nit-picker, but there are many errors in the post written by Brian B in Iraq – titled “Choosing a BOV.”
This can be misleading to someone seeking information on the subject. He certainly includes a lot of good information, but some of the errors need some repair.
I’ve been a diesel mechanic and owner for 40 years and own over 30 diesel trucks and SUVs. I worked on, and drove many when new. Here are some citations from Brian’s post – and my replies.
Brian wrote: “Indirect injection systems spray the fuel into a prechamber where the combustion process begins. This prechamber is also the location of the glow-plugs for help starting the truck in cold climates. This is a very inefficient but durable design. Direct injection systems spray the fuel directly into the cylinder where combustion occurs. This is a much more reliable and efficient system.”
My reply: No, IDI is not very inefficient. Often, it comes to a 5-15% difference, but sometimes there is none. Some direct-injected diesels are less efficient than some indirect-injected diesels. Many of the newest diesels out now, for model year 2008 offer the worst fuel mileage ever – and they are using state-of-the-art combustion chambers and fuel-injection-systems. The new direct-injected Dodges and Chevys have tested at 13 MPG overall mileage, and the new direct-injected Ford at 10 MPG. Going back to the early 1980s – many indirect-injected Chevy diesels averaged 16 MPG and Fords 13 MPG.

Brian wrote: “For those of us who have decided on a diesel powered vehicle, you’re now faced with choosing from three different manufacturers. GM, Ford, and Dodge.”
My reply: No, that’s not the case if looking for older vehicles – which seems the be the main point of the original post. Isuzu turbo-diesel Troopers, International Harvester turbo-diesel Scouts are certainly still to be found. I own several. Also, smaller rigs e.g. Isuzu PUP 4WD trucks with 2.2 diesels, Chevy LUV 4WD with 2.2.diesels. Chevy S10 diesel trucks, Ford Ranger with Mazda 2.2 diesels, Toyota diesel trucks, etc. Also a lot of little Chevy 4WD Trackers that have been converted to 1.6 Volkswagen diesels – a real easy swap – but not factory made like the rest. Also very popular are 1/2 ton trucks with Cummins or Isuzu 3.9 liter diesels installed. Many companies now offering the conversion-service. This results in a 1/2 ton 4WD truck that can get close to 30 MPG highway, and over 20 MPG around town. In Europe, the same swap is very popular with Land Rovers, Range Rovers, and Toyota Land Cruisers.

Brian wrote: “GM, for a brief time, installed diesel engines in their half ton trucks, but they are rare and hard to find.”
I find them all over, and 1/2 ton GM diesel trucks were never rare. All the Oldsmobile 5.7 diesels in the 70s Chevys and GMCs were 1/2 ton but the engines were terrible. [That changed.] Starting in 1982 with the Detroit Diesel-designed 6.2, GMC and Chevy sold thousands of 1/2 ton K5 diesel Blazers, 1/2 ton C10 and K10 diesel pickups, 1/2 G10 diesel vans, and 1/2 C10, K10, and V10 1/2 ton diesel Suburbans. The US Army bought 24,000 1/2 ton diesel Blazers in 1984 [and designated them CUCVs], and more later on. GM sold over 10,000 civilian diesel 1/2-ton Blazers in 1982 along with 1/2-ton pickups, Suburbans, etc., and continued to sell them until 1991 when sales dropped off to 92 for Blazers. In 1988, Chevy came out with a new generation 1/2 ton truck with the 6.2 diesel using a new body style, serpentine belt system, and independent front axle. The heavier trucks were not changed at that time, nor were the Blazers or Suburbans. During the 1990s, GMC and Chevy sold 1/2-ton trucks, Blazers, etc. with the 6.5 diesels.

Brian wrote: “A turbo will give you more power and better mileage so if you can find a turbo charged motor that’s the route to go.”
My reply: No, not true with all. A turbo raises effective compression ratio – and – enables an engine to burn more fuel and make more power. With most turbo diesels driven on the road, the result is less fuel mileage and more power. Years back, turbochargers were more commonly referred to as “altitude compensators” and were used to restore power at high altitudes – not make more power a lower altitudes. A diesel with no turbo loses 1% of its power and fuel efficiency for every 328 feet it’s driven above sea-level.

Brian wrote: The older mid-80’s trucks will likely have a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic, none of which have an overdrive gear to save on fuel consumption.
My reply: Again, not true with all. All GMC and Chevy 1/2 ton diesels if equipped with automatics had a .7 overdrive via the 700R4 transmission with lock-up torque converter. For standard shift, all the 1/2 ton diesels were available with the New Process 833 four-speed manual with overdrive. I own four of them. Later , around 1988, GM offered NV3500 five-speed manuals with overdrive in the 1/2 ton trucks.

Brian wrote: “The GM trucks and Suburban’s also had one additional limiting factor, the front independent suspension, which improved ride quality and handling substantially, but the tradeoff is off-road capability and the ease with which you can install a lift kit on the vehicle.”
My reply: No, not true with many. All the GMs had solid front axles until 1988. Then, only the 1/2 trucks went to independent. The 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, as well as all the Blazers and Suburbans kept the solid front axles until the 1990s.Brian wrote about Ford diesels: “by 1994 a 5-speed manual was standard and a 4-speed automatic was optional. These trucks are pretty bulletproof and maintenance friendly and get marginal fuel mileage. A 4×4 3/4 ton 7.3L turbocharged truck will likely get around 15 mpg average and go 200,000 miles between overhauls”
My reply: Yes, they were rugged trucks except the fairly new Ford four-speed automatic overdrive – the E40D. It was prone to problems – very expensive ones and still is unless it receives many updates and improvements.
Brian wrote: “Beginning in 1989 Dodge began installing a 12-valve 5.9L I6 diesel produced by Cummins with mechanical direct injection. In 1991, Dodge added a turbo charger and intercooler as standard equipment”|
My reply: No, the turbo was not added in 1991. All the Dodge trucks with Cummins diesels were turbocharged since the first year – around 1989. Dodge did sell 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks for one year in 1978 with a Japanese Mitsubishi 6 cylinder diesels – but that is something completely different. That engine was 243 cubic inches, i.e. 3.9 liters.

Brian wrote about the Dodge diesels: “The 1994 to 1998 trucks are probably the most sought after trucks. A typical 1/2 ton 4×4 truck with 5-speed transmission and 3.55 axle ratio will get 20-22 mpg and these trucks regularly go 300,000 miles before major work needs to be done.”
My reply: Dodge never -ever – made or sold a 1/2 truck with a Cummins 5.9 diesel. Also, Brian mentioned earlier the reasons to stay away from independent front axles. The 1989 to 1993 Dodges have solid front axles, and the later 3/4 ton models he refers to here have independent front axles. The older trucks get just as good fuel mileage as the newer ones and often bring more money if found in good shape.
Brian also wrote: “Unless you are really squared away and have the finances to allow it, many of us simply can not afford a dedicated BOV in addition to our regular daily-use vehicle.”
My reply: With the money I see many people spend these days on dinners, vacations, etc., I find it hard to believe that someone serious about this matter – cannot afford $500- $2000 for an extra vehicle as a project – and/or an emergency-use vehicle. If you have no mechanical skills – then you are subject to either paying a lot of money to someone who may – or may not be worth it. Or, pay more for a vehicle in better shape. That being said, I find many diesel 4WDs, in good running condition in the $1,000 price-range or less. School districts often sell Chevy 4WD diesel Suburbans in good running condition for $250-$500. I just bought a 1991 for $225. – John in Central New York.

Jim,

I have been going through the BOV dilemma myself with the size of my family I can not just have one vehicle. So what I have done is rebuilt my 1 ton Chevy crew cab 4X4 in which I have sunk a great deal of money in it but it is nearly bulletproof (all but the windows anyway). The place that rebuilt my Chevy crew cab is USA6x6.com they have great shop rates ($35 per hour) and they do a great job. My large BOV is now a 6X6 that can also be run in more fuel-efficient 2×4 mode. It has a military surplus multi-fuel engine engine that can burn just about anything: gas, diesel, biodiesel, WVO, JP-4, kerosene, perhaps even turpentine. It has 2-1?2 ton axles and brakes, and many other extras. It has a hitch for a 5th wheel (flat bed) trailer which I have stocked for Bugout at all times. My wife has an Isuzu Rodeo that I know that many of you said was a bad choice, but for the money and with the testing that I have put it through, this is [still] the secondary BOV that I have chosen for my wife. It is very kid friendly, four wheel drive, and we got the flex fuel version which means that it will burn E85 Ethanol fuel. This also has a small trailer that has my home made power plant on it. Our third trailer [assuming I have the chance to pre-position or make two trips to my retreat] is my camping trailer. It [is ia “Toy Hauler” style trailer that] can accommodate two ATVs, tool boxes, fuel and water barrels and so on.

Now, as for routes not only should you have roads picked out but also possible some off-road routes by mapping the possible detours. This is made easier by making some friends with the farmers [at key points on your route. For example, I live in the Portland-Vancouver area and my retreat is in Idaho. I have flour main road routes but I also have several back off-road detours and farming and ranching friends that wouldn’t mind if I use their gates.

Just about everything that Brian B. in Iraq said was correct except tires I would use the 37” tire because you can get those in Kevlar and there are many run-flat systems that can be used for that size. If you go with smaller or larger there are not that many options. – CDR

Six More Letters Re: New-Found Respect for .223 as a Potential Man Stopper

Note from JWR: The string is starting to degenerate into one of those endlessly-mired “Ford Versus Chevy” or “Revolver Versus Automatic” debates, so this will likely be the last batch of letters that I post on this topic.

Hey Jim:
The .223 versus.308 [debate] is interesting. I think that several factors should be examined when selecting a cartridge and weapon. Military and police snipers shoot .308 or bigger. Why? Killing power. all the hype about .223 boils down to this. It is a varmint round meant to shoot things under 50 pounds. Jeff Cooper described the controversy very succinctly. a SWAT team in Alexandria Louisiana found out about stopping power the hard way. Which brings up the next point. The SWAT team could not penetrate a federal housing project steel door with their .223 weapons. All of the comments on .223 out performing .308 are wrong. That SWAT team now carries your weapon of choice, the [.308] FAL. Also, if .223 was all that great, why is the military fielding more .308 weapons than before? And why did the Special Forces community invent the 6.8 mm SPC if they loved the .223 so much? The .223 was designed to be used for varmints on four legs and two wings not two-legged ones. People forget that a rifle is not a death ray. You need all the stopping power you can effectively handle. You also need the versatility of a cartridge that penetrates cover, which the .223 does not as the rounds are designed to expand violently. There was a [Discovery Channel] television show that compared the effectiveness of.223 to that of 7.62x 39mm. On paper and in a clean sterile environment, that M16 and .223 look superior. But after examination of the rounds in combat the 7.62 x 39 was superior. I agree that the .223 is good for what it was meant to be used for, a varmint gun. Also, I will keep a .223 Galil in my battery just because it uses our military forces’ cartridge and may be around if ammo is in short supply. But, it is very far from my mind as a primary or secondary combat rifle cartridge. – Bret

 

James:

AVL wrote in praise of the .223, “…it bears repeating, any wound over 2″ deep has a very high likelihood of being fatal.” I’m sorry, but I couldn’t let this one go by. That statement is utterly false Following the infamous Miami/Dade shootout with Platt and Madix, the FBI has done extensive testing and found the minimum penetration requirement for a given round to be effective. It is 12″
(30.48cm) in 10% ballistic gelatin, not 2″ as AVL suggests. The 12″ minimum is agreed to by the International Wound Ballistics Association (IWBA) as well. This is exactly way you don’t use [an instantaneously-expanding] varmint round against humans:

He went on to state: “With this in mind, even explosive varmint bullets will penetrate this deep, most likely tearing through soft body armor up to 500 yards.” The main kill method for bullets, clubs, and rocks is not penetration, it’s energy transfer.” Wrong again! Energy transfer actually has little to do with incapacitation. I suggest reading the following online sources:
Firearms Tactical
BT Ammo Labs
Tactical Forums
Regards, – Krunch

 

JWR,
In case some of your readers missed the reference in Michael Z. Williamson’s letter, the info available in the Ammo Oracle reference is well worth the time reading. All AR15 owners/shooters and potential owners/shooters should read and digest this info, it gives invaluable info regarding the capabilities and limitations of the 5.56/.223 round. It is a long read but well worth the time. Good stuff!
Regards, Keith in Texas

 

Jim,
Nice ammo dialogue. I am reminded of the old domestic giant engined muscle car versus slick handling foreign sports car arguments of the 1970s. As Bonehead reminded us, survivalists are not infantrymen. I would guess that the lighter/smaller third of our population will find the .223 much more user friendly and therefore effective in a sustained engagement. I also don’t see how many folk can properly practice with .308 at current ammo prices. I would rather be accurate than be Macho. – Bruce F.

 

Jim:
Re: [AVL’s comment] “… even explosive varmint bullets will penetrate this deep, likely tearing through soft body armor up to 500 yards.” That is laughable. I have no doubt that lightweight varmint bullets would be devastating against an unarmored person at close distance…but at 500 yards, with a 5.56×45? You might as well be shooting buckshot, IMO, at least then you might hit an unarmored place. Controllability in full auto? That is a non issue – we [aren’t he military so we] don’t work that way. Too much [expense] to buy one, too much to feed one, and too wasteful in the long run.

Lots of cover here in the northwest and I’ll take a 308 for it’s versatility and power. If things were to ever get close, in a situation where many people would grab an M4, I’ll take my 7.62×39 AK – it has enough bullet IMO and I don’t have to worry about a short barreled 5.56 “underperforming”. I think it is very informative that the military is looking at calibers from 6.5mm to .30 as possible replacement for the 5.56, no calibers smaller…hmm.

I hope we do see a compromise in the future, I think one exists. Given the constraints of the M16 platform the 6.8 SPC is spectacular and with a new platform the 7×46 in a moderate loading might be ideal.

As far as medics treating 5.56 wounds goes – why are our medics treating 5.56 wounds? Because those we shot with 5.56 and were not hurt really badly–left to fight another day would be my guess. No doubt the little 5.56 can get the job done – with the right load but larger calibers offer more flexibility and a larger margin for error.
Keep up the good work! – A. Friendly

 

Sir:
As I’ve read the interesting and informative debates here, on .223 vs .308 vs 7.62×39, I can’t help but think we’re falling into what Jeff Cooper would call PII: Preoccupation with Inconsequential Increments. Terminal ballistics is only one consideration, among many, and when the differences in that one metric are marginal, you look at other factors for your decision.
For example, do you buy a $70,000 car if it is only 10% better than a $30,000 car? Not unless you’re independently wealthy. Why? Because the $40,000 price difference is an opportunity cost; it represents $40,000 of other goods and services you now can’t buy. It is in this context that I view firearms: they fulfill a survival role, and as such, should be cost effective. Money spent on gold-plating firearms is money not spent on other preps.
To many of us, this debate is moot: we’ve already made our choices of platforms and calibers. We bought our .308 milsurp back when it was $150/case. But what if I were starting out all over again, with no legacy arsenal? How would I select? I would define the mission that my firearms would fulfill, and find the best-for-the-money solution, without undue overlap.
What would I need? I need: handgun; defensive carbine; and, depending on my area, a longer range solution. I need them all to “get the job done” without soaking up too much money. I also need to look at the reality of defensive gunfights: most people are not going to be able to take careful aim and make one surgical shot after another. You need something easy to shoot, with reasonable capacity, rugged and light. You also need to afford enough ammo for training and practice, as well as to stockpile.
For this reason, I exclude MBRs in .308: at $600 per case, .308 is no longer a serious option for those starting out. The .308 is analogous to the $70,000 car: yeah, it might be a little better than the others, but the cost effectiveness isn’t there. I follow a similar rationale for handguns: .45ACP and .40 [S&W] might be slightly better stoppers than 9mm (though there really isn’t any evidence of this), but not enough to justify the large price difference in ammo. The bottom line reality is that all the basic intermediate powered rifle and “service caliber” handgun rounds will get the job done within the limits of most people’s ability to hit anything under pressure. Hence, here is my advice for those starting out:

Handgun = Glock 19 or Glock 17. At least 10 spare magazines. Holster and mag carrier. 5,000 rounds FMJ 9mm for practice. 500 rounds premium hollow point for self defense. Minimum of two weekend training classes. Total cost about $2500.

Carbine = AK47. At least 10 spare magazines. Shoulder-style mag/dump pouch. 5,000 rounds 7.62×39 Wolf ammo for training and also actual use. Minimum one weekend training class. Total cost about $2200.

Affordable plinking/practice = any rifle in .22 Long Rifle: bolt, lever, or semi-automatic. 10,000 rounds .22LR. Advantage Arms .22LR conversion kit for the Glock. Total cost about $700.

Long distance = scoped bolt action in .308 or .30-06 (a used Savage provides excellent value, for example). 500 rounds match level ammo. Remember: we’re looking for usable minute-of-torso shots at reasonable distance, not match trophies. Total cost about $1,000.

If you have any extra money, buy an extra Glock and an extra AK47.

This covers all essential firearms needs. I consider a shotgun a niche weapon, whose role the carbine adequately covers. Shotgun is nice to have, not must-have.
I invite readers to calculate similar solutions for .308 MBR-based arsenals, and decide if the ballistics value-add justifies ammo that costs three times as much as 7.62×39. – DG in Philadelphia

Odds ‘n Sods:

“Florida Guy” sent us an article that clearly warns that the recession bellwether is starting to bah loudly:  Sears profit plunges 99 percent

   o o o

More bad news for the dollar as the UAE gets ready to dump it. (A hat tip to L.W. for send us that.)

   o o o

Eric S. suggested this article from Der Spiegel: Is Atomic Radiation as Dangerous as We Thought?

   o o o

Thanks to Hawaiian K. for sending this article from Harper’s: Six Questions for Chris Whalen on our speculation-based economy and the 2008 elections. This guy is a mainstream banking and political analyst, and he is predicting: “The next president, whoever it is, may be dealing with a 1930s-style financial crisis from the first day in office.”

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"Behold, the eye of the Lord [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." – Psalm 33:18-19 (KJV)

Notes from JWR:

Congrats to LP, the winner of the latest round of the SurvivalBlog nonfiction writing contest. His article “Preparedness While on Business Travel –What to Pack” wins the grand prize: four day “gray” transferable Front Sight course certificate. (Worth up to $2,000!)

Second prize goes to Paul B. for his article “Building a Scout Rifle on a Budget”. His prize is a copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, generously donated by Jake Stafford of Arbogast Publishing.

Honorable Mention awards go to “Jerry the Generator Guy” for his article “Home/Retreat Power Generator Noise Reduction” and to Nathaniel for his article “Homeschooling During the Crunch”. They will both receive complimentary copies of my novel “Patriots: Surviving the Coming Collapse.”

Note to the prize winners: Please send me an e-mail to let me know the snail mail addresses where you’d like your prizes sent.

Round 14 of the writing contest begins today, and ends on January 31st. The following is the first article that will be considered in the judging for Round 14:

Western Washington — A Retreat Potential and Disaster Assessment, by B.H.

I am writing to you at length today about Western Washington and its retreat potential and Assessment of disaster scenarios. Last year I made a career move that required us to move to Western Washington from Eastern Washington. We moved into what is considered the South Sound area of Western Washington (WWA) this area includes the State capital of Olympia and its bedroom communities of Tumwater and Lacey. Lacey and South East Olympia border the “Argonne Forest” of Fort Lewis. On a side note the 3rd Stryker Brigade is starting to rotate back home—Great job to you all and were glad to have you home on American soil!

Let me take a moment to describe some important geographic details about WWA. Imagine a vertical strip of land 60 miles wide and bordered along the north/south axis by ocean and mountains. The entire WWA is riddled with rivers running East to West from the Cascade Mountains into Puget Sound or directly into the Pacific Ocean. Starting in King County the population center expands outward to the North and South with heavy concentrations in Pierce(South) and Snohomish (North) and East into the cities of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and Issaquah. Interstate 90 runs directly through these cities and stops directly next to Qwest Stadium (Seahawks). Running North/South directly through WWA is Interstate 5 (“I-5”) which at times is 8 lanes wide to just two lanes in Lewis and Cowlitz Counties.
I have spent one year driving almost all of WWA for my job and I am convinced that WWA is not in anyway viable for retreat potential and at best would be a death trap during any Disaster. The main two reasons are 1) Population/Culture and 2) Nodes of Transportation/Infrastructure. I have found it best to describe and discuss these blended topics rather than individual subjects. I’m sure what I’m about to discuss may be quite redundant to most SurvivalBlog readers but what is new information is the application to the specific region called WWA or Puget Sound.

The first point of concern is and always should be size of population and without being too redundant you can imagine the jar of marbles exercise being applied to Seattle area and it’s obvious that no truly rural area truly exists in Western Washington. The golden horde numbers well over 2 million people just in the Puget Sound area. The greatest concern is that the majority of these people are left-wing big government liberals. The Seattle or “West-Side” culture as called by the Eastern Washington (Eastsiders) is very decadent or metropolitan lifestyle. The average Sounder relies heavily upon morning lattes, delivered sushi for lunch and fast food for dinner so the kids can get to soccer practice. It’s a decadent lifestyle but frail and unsustainable. This coastal community relies heavily upon government interference and actually tends to vote socialist in every election. In fact, I predict the socialist’s will kill gun shows in Washington in the 2008 legislative session since they control both houses and the governor’s mansion. They may also ban .50 caliber rifles if they push hard enough.

When you drive the I-5 corridor you get to notice lots of similarities in the average driver. The average Seattleite drives a Subaru and/or hybrid auto. Most cars have bumper stickers that reflect the overall socialist thread of the population. The most predominate are “Free Tibet”, “Al Gore for President” and the usual “Bush-hating, anti-war, I’m a coward let’s give up- why can’t we just group hug” bumper stickers. The most appalling I’ve seen is one pledging allegiance to the UN. It took a lot of effort not to run that guy off the road and hang him as a traitor.

If I had to summarize the culture of the average West-sider I would have to say they are socialist, nanny-stators who think it is they’re duty and obligation to use government to force people into living their lives the way the liberal sees fit. No property rights, no gun rights just what is best for the collective good. They won’t be happy until we are all walking or riding bikes and digging for grubs so “Mother Earth” won’t be plagued with the human parasite.

The second point of concern is node of transportation/infrastructure. Most people think of rain when they think of Seattle. Rain and runoff go hand in hand. As moist pacific air moves inland the Cascade mountain range forces the clouds up which squeezes the rain out of the clouds. This is the reason Seattle gets so much precipitation and Eastern Washington is dry and arid. All the rain runs down and drains back into Puget Sound or the Ocean via dozens of rivers. You can’t drive more than 20 minutes going North or South on I-5 without having to cross a bridge. There is water everywhere. This leads to concentrated traffic flow on all North South arterials and since the Mountains only allow a few East-West passages through mountain passes. All traffic flow in Western Washington is overly concentrated.

Also added into the equation is the state politics over the last two decades. Liberal democrats have obstructed common sense growth and infrastructure planning and building. The result is growth management bordering on the criminal when it came to adding on new infrastructure and roadwork projects. No new lanes have been added to the I-5 corridor in over 10 years. Some projects to add additional lanes are nearly complete but it is too little, too late. The population growth due to Microsoft, Boeing and a blockbuster economy similar to Silicon Valley has put the carrying capacity of current roads way below what is necessary. Not to mention the cost of living is 20% higher than Eastern Washington and real estate over inflated to double the cost of Eastern Washington.

The results are catastrophic even on most average of days. I have seen traffic at a dead stop at 2 PM on a Tuesday because someone got a flat tire and had pulled over to change the flat. Our Northbound traffic had slowed to a stop and Southbound traffic was slowed to a crawl just because people wanted to see what was going on—which was absolutely nothing. I don’t think a vehicle with a full tank of gas would make it 100 miles during an evacuation scenario or crises. I fill up when leaving the South Sound and it takes me almost two hours to go North to I-90 just to get started going East.

In closing, I could go on for days with examples of how bad it is. But the only conclusion is that Western Washington is a death trap when it comes to evacuating. I would like to hear from some readers about potential enclaves in the “rural” parts of the Olympic Peninsula or far southwestern sections about potential retreat locations. I will concede that the heavy timber growth and easy access to water and wildlife could lead to favorable retreat locations but only if road access is cut-off or the population is on foot and not in vehicles.

The year that I have spent here has convinced me to move back to the Intermountain West and commute to WWA for work only. Which means I am now forced to set up alternate evac routes and caches to get over the Cascades and to home/retreat in case of an emergency. Time to go re-check my Bug Out Bag.

Jim, thank you again for the opportunity to add to the discussion on your blog. I have been a long time reader; 10 Cent Challenge subscriber, and [content] contributor and I look forward to many more years of learning from you and your readers.

JWR Adds: Any SurvivalBlog readers that live in Western Washington and that have plans to “Get Out of Dodge ” to a retreat in the eastern half of the state (or beyond, to northern Idaho or western Montana) should make several alternate route plans, and practice driving them. Crossing the Cascades in winter can be dicey, even in “normal” times. Roughly 26,000 vehicles a day travel the Snoqualmie Pass route. But during a crisis, the Snoqualmie Pass bottleneck may very well turn into a death trap. Without a lot of study, here are some tentative suggestions:

Plan A, for the sake of speed and simplicity should be I-90, assuming good weather and that you can get on the road ahead of the Golden Horde. Plan B might be to drive south and parallel the Columbia River Gorge, on the north shore. Plan C would be to take one of the smaller pass roads (such as White Pass and Stevens Pass), assuming good weather. Many of these are closed during winter months. Plan D might be to take surface roads, a car/passenger ferry, or a privately owned boat north, then make your way east by 4WD pickup or SUV through lightly-populated British Columbia and Alberta, and then drop back down into the States once you are safely far enough east. Because of Canada’s restrictive gun laws, this would only be an option if you have nearly all of your guns, ammo, and gear pre-positioned at your retreat. You might be able to carry a flare gun, edged weapons, impact weapons (such as a baseball bat) and road flares (when lit, these make great “stay away” intimidators), but probably not much more. (OBTW, as I often tell my consulting clients, in the event of a search, “dual use” items must be found in appropriate context by law enforcement officials. For example, your flare gun and flare cartridges should be stored in the same dufflebag as your nautical charts and tide tables. And your baseball bat should be carried with a baseball mitt looped around one end, and stowed alongside a couple of softballs.) Traveling lightly-armed would be a calculated risk. But if it is winter the Snoqualmie Pass is jammed, and the other passes are closed for the season, then it might be worth the risk.

Letter Re: Updated Nuclear Targets in the United States

The recent post [on nuclear targets] that mentioned the prevailing winds reminded me that Weather Underground posts graphs of historical weather data, including wind direction. Because the chart is for the calendar year, the seasonality of the wind in a different region can be determined. For instance, compare the hot south summer winds in Dallas, with the summer ocean winds in Los Angeles, and the northwest fury in Missoula, Montana. Even Eugene, Oregon and Boise, Idaho, despite being close to the same latitude, have different wind trends.

OBTW, if you know the local airport code, you can just alter the URL after the ‘k’ prefix. Regards, – Brian

Letter Re: Security for Unattended Retreats

Technology has so advanced that we are now on the threshold of a new era in security. Off-the-shelf wireless burglar alarms are getting so sophisticated that you no longer need the services of a security company. If your retreat is in an area that has cell phone service, you can get a system that requires no hard line. Look for a GSM [Global System for Mobile Communications] Wireless Security System. GSM is the newer cell phone that uses a card. You don’t have to sign up for service at your retreat location and pay a monthly charge. Simply buy a prepaid card and there is never a cost except those (hopefully) few times that the system calls you. Of course you can typically program these systems to call any or all of six different phone numbers. Some of them have other features, such as a connection to a loudspeaker whereby you can talk directly to any intruder. They accept numerous inputs from motion detectors, temperature sensors, etc. Some of them are capable of running on battery backup power. This means that you can set up a system at a retreat with no phone service, and no electricity, and still be fully protected. These systems are commonly available on eBay for $300 or less, and can be purchased from local security equipment dealers. – K.L. in Alaska

JWR Replies: Thanks for that suggestion. OBTW, I anticipate that even the remote Rawles Ranch will be inside of cellular coverage in less than 10 years.

Letter Re: Reactions to Preparedness Course

Jim:
What a coincidence. I’m quite certain, that the amazing e-mail that you received from HH happens to be from my very good friend and colleague. HH is a good man that care’s for his family and friends. He cares so much, that he often risks the ridicule and accusations as he mentioned, to try and help inform and consequently protect his loved ones with the gift of information.

People are waking up, and I am one of those people. I was the guy that listened to the wisdom HH was resonating, much of that information came from the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course.

I remember talking with him one night in the parking lot as we were leaving work. We were having a good conversation about preparing for potential hardships that our country may soon be facing. I noticed a backpack in his vehicle’s trunk, as well as some shoes and what looked like a change in clothing. It made me chuckle at first as I didn’t understand what it was for, but I had noticed it there on several occasions before. I thought perhaps it was his “emergency” pack in the event of a melt down with his wife… hehehe.

He explained to me that it was part of preparedness plan. I was curious but, admittedly, I thought he might be just a little paranoid or crazy.

A transformation has happened as my eyes have opened to what’s occurring around us. I became curious about the pack and the reason for it.

HH led me to SurvivalBlog.com and to the “Rawles Gets You Ready” course. I borrowed it over the Thanksgiving holiday. After perusing the materials, I certainly felt like I had another thing the be thankful for this year.

I purchased the course for myself last night and took advantage of the great offer. I really owe this enlightenment to my great friend HH, I’m truly grateful to have such a selfless friend with so much knowledge.

I pray that I will never need to utilize this information, but that won’t stop me from absorbing it and getting prepared. Considering the increasingly complex world we live in, with all of the unrest over wars, economic failure, volatile weather patterns, and increasing pressure on our natural resources, one cannot afford to ignore the signs. I felt that at the very least, I needed to start preparing for the possible troubles we’ve brought upon ourselves.

Thanks for providing this great wisdom for those of us that want to be ready for the challenges of our current times. – Todd H.

Odds ‘n Sods:

Bruce A. found this article about Tamiflu for us: Panel Seeks New Warning on Flu Drug

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Frequent contributor Eric S. sent us this from The Australian: Chinese tiger has nothing in tank. The piece begins: “China is running out of fuel. Police are guarding petrol stations in several inland provinces to prevent fights, as shortages of petrol and diesel are causing huge queues of trucks, buses and cars.”

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Pete D. sent us a link to a downright scary article on Credit Default Swaps from the Sudden Debt Blog: CDS: Phantom Menace

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The extended 33% off sale for the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course ends Monday. Be sure to place your order online or have it postmarked by midnight Monday, December 3rd.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“In six days–less than a week–the world turned upside down. San Francisco became a war zone. Do you know what people do when you tell them they no longer have rights? That an individual is
powerless? They fight. It was ludicrous to think mankind would just roll on its back and comply. I saw my neighbors–people I’ve known for years–become bloodthirsty savages. Infected, uninfected, it didn’t matter. We were all driven mad. The survival instinct went ballistic. Food, guns, medicine, blood–it all became priceless. Worth killing for. Those who had became the targets of the had nots.
A city of five million people. Within a month more than half were dead. Six weeks later, about ten thousand like me. AB Negatives. We were all determined to live. But we didn’t gather together. There was no unity. It was every man for himself. Trust had been abolished. By the end of the year, it was me. Just me.” – Mark Protosevich –from an early draft of the “I Am Legend” Screenplay

Notes from JWR:

By popular demand, the 33% off sale price for the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course has been extended until Monday night (December 3rd.) Be sure to place your order online (or have it postmarked) before midnight, Monday.

Today’s first article is from the SurvivalBlog archives. I wrote it back in August of 2005. For the sake of the many newbies, I am re-posting it:

The Pre-Test and the Ultimate Test

There may come a day when you have to put all of your training and preparations to use. That will be ultimate test of whether or not you have a true survival mindset. Do you think that you are ready for WTSHTF, physically and mentally? Assuming that you live in the suburbs, try a weekend “grid down” test with your family. This will test both your mental preparedness and how well you have prepared for the basics. Here is how it is done: Some Friday evening, unannounced, turn off your main circuit breaker and shut the valves the gas main and the water main. Leave them off until Monday morning. You might be surprised how the weekend goes. One thing that I can guarantee you: Some of the most accurate lists of logistics that you will ever compose are those written by candlelight.

Now, assuming that your weekend test goes well, extrapolate to a situation where your entire community is in the same circumstances. Then add to that some turmoil: bullets are flying and perhaps there is even the occasional stray mortar round. The recent civil wars in Kosovo and Macedonia are good points of reference.

Letter Re: Security for Unattended Retreats

Hello Jim,
Todd’s article [on Friday, November 23rd] was a good discussion on the all encompassing aspects of your retreat. It has been some time since security has been discussed on the blog, namely security systems. Here are some things that could, (should) alert you to a detrimental event at your intended retreat when you do not live there.
Have a security system wired into you future retreat, motor home, CONEX, outbuilding, etc… I would venture a cost range from $300-to-$2,000 to cover your structure from basic to very well covered. Monitoring varies and will likely run around a Dollar a day.

There are countless options that provide “extra sets of eyes and ears” at your retreat during life as we know it. There are many companies that will give you support so you can install your own system. They will likely cash sale you the necessary wire and components. Then you can have them come out and connect it to a monitoring service that will call anyone you decide either before or after calling the authorities, it is customizable. If you would like it to call a trusted neighbor, your pager, or your own phone, it is possible.

If your retreat is already built, you can go with wireless sensors that have great range and extremely simple to install. A huge piece of mind can be offered by adding moisture sensors and temperature sensors to your system that will along with fire, contact you and the monitoring service can tell you that your heat source has failed, smoke is detected, water is detected, and so forth. All without having to compromise a key to your retreat and the password to your alarm.

You can add different user passwords so you can tell whom has been there and when. It is amazing what is available. Don’t forget the weakest link which is the hard-line to the property. Vandal proof it, or better yet, discuss underground thru foundation service. This is available, you just have to ask and possibly bear the risk of having to pay the phone companies technicians to come in and troubleshoot future line problems rather than it be on their dime when the demark point is outside the structure. If you don’t want the possibility of having the technician inside your structure, then harden the wire with stout metal pipe where it is above ground, possibly make a hardened sheet that protects the demark point from impact or bolt cutters. Details will have to be worked out with your utility company. At the very least this will add considerable work and noise to attempt to terminate your phone line.

If you have multiple structures on your property, don’t forget to bury an underground high speed Cat 5 telephone line and it’s a good idea to throw in a low voltage and coax line in the trench for interconnectivity of your buildings. This will allow you to monitor the structures with only one system, (if large enough), and only pay one monitoring fee. If someone attempts to break in to your garage, you can have the sensor chirp in your home so you can investigate on your own rather than wait for the authorities should you deem it necessary and safe to do so.
As a last reassurance, add a set of security cameras. Many companies offer cameras that only tape when motion or heat is detected. Get with your local “techie” and ask him how to view your property real time and/or review your recording device over the Internet so you can look for odd or awkward behavior. At least you have the opportunity to apprehend the bad guys and possibly recover some of your stuff should you choose to do so. Or, at least you can know who or whom you can trust if you decide to “keep quiet” about your loss.
Peace of mind for about the cost of a nice rifle and magazines. I think that it is worth it. – The Wanderer