A convoy for the long haul.

Standardizing the Fleet
To start i feel the need to stick to a single manufacturer for component compatibility's. Suzuki (with a few exceptions in several markets) make all their vehicles in house using their own technology (ie same powerplants, nut & bolt threads, wheel stud patterns), chevrolet/GM on the other hand has vehicles from countless sources (different engines, different stud pattern and threads etc etc, some of them even Suzuki :D). You could be forgiven into thinking this is an unrealistic Suzuki nut (i happen to be one, they make generators and outboard motors too) but the core principles can be carried across to any fleet. Suzuki happens to be a quiet achieve that is successful on almost every continent . If i was in a country like Brazil the template would be based on the VW aircooled engine. (Beetles, Kombi's, Brasilias's, Gurgels and they even have fiberglass VW jeeps) Ex-soviet nation? Well Lada's etc etc.

Compression Ignition vs Spark Ignition(not just Diesel VS Petrol)

First of all if you didn't know, diesel engines do not have a throttle, its one of the reason why they are so damn fuel efficient, diesel will burn with extremely lean mixtures. They are excellent 'work horse' torque motors that will often chug along for many more kilometres before giving up the ghost. In a short term catastrophe the 'diesel' in my opinion beats a petrol engine hands down, the diesel stores for longer and you have the option to make bio-diesel from cooking and motor oils.
In an 'indefinite' catastrophe like world wide zombie plague/ social anarchy, i would recommend the more abundant petrol engine. Why? Well spark Ignition engines have a wider range of compatible fuel sources.(providing you set it up for fuel type) The flexibility allows you to run whats available where you are.
Examples are
Spoilt Petrol#
Ethanol(methylated spirits)
Methanol,
Mineral Turpentine (white Spirits)
Natural gas (LNG/CNG), *
Petroleum gas (LPG/propane),*
Wood gas, *
Methane, *
Kerosene *
Acetone#
Toluene#
Thinners#

# Can act as a 'filler'
*'European style' LPG venturi adaptor can act as a 'gaseous carburettor', alternatives can be taken from stove burners or a straight pipe with a flatten mouth into the air stream (or drilled holes)

In short Diesels are better employed in generators, heaters and non-transport roles.

So Small you can keep it Big.
The convoy would be comprised as small and simple carburettor/TBI (single point injection) vehicles to get the best of real world fuel economy and dependability.
The cars are also light making man-power feasible when conducting maintenance, troubleshooting or recovery. examples include:
-Sub-1600cc engines are light enough that two people can pull out the engine and/or gearbox without an engine hoist, facilitating repairs and consolidating wrecked vehicles.
-On average total unladen vehicles weigh 500-1000kg, pushing them out of ditches and push starts are quick and easy. (relatively)
-gutted wrecks make barricades or gateways.
NB: When you read the word 'footprint' it refers to the external dimensions of the vehicle.

Semi-nomadic lifestyle.
A set circuit with hidden supply drop points would allow you to manage the feast and famines. When you have to much resources to carry you can deposit them in the savings hold and withdraw when pickings are slim. These drop points should be remote storage sheds located in areas that will support 'wild' crops for foraging. Fortifications, workshops and facilities can be added overtime.

GENERAL VEHICLE MODS

-Remove pollution gear and replace catalytic converter with auxiliary muffler.
-Replace rear side glass with metal/perspex/fibreglass sheeting (weight saving)
- Remove choke and other air restrictions.
A Choke is not necessary in a carb car, if you pump the pedal several times before starting this 'primes' the system for cold starting, auto-chokes have a tendency to seize over time too.
Another trick is to replace the air-box and filter with one from a larger vehicle.
-2 barrel economy vacuum carb mod.
Basically it involves disabling the vacuum operated secondary circuit during cruising, you should still be able to reach 60km or higher speeds on flat. You can do this to ways, one with a switch to a electronic vacuum actuator and put it it in-line with the vacuum source or just disconnect the hose and plug it. You can re-connect/activate it when you need the power boost. (check that you are actually saving fuel doing this, you may just be labouring the engine and having to rev more to compensate!)

THREE MUST HAVE SPECIALTY TOOLS

Gunson Colortune
A lot simpler than a wideband sensor (tuning air/fuel ratio) it lets you get in the 'ballpark' of the correct air fuel/ratio. Its basically a 'clear' spark plug that you use to see the colour of your combustion whiles the engines running.
http://www.etoolcart.com/manual/G4074_Inst_Colortune_English.pdf
Vacuum Diagnostic Guage
Almost forgotten in the new world of ecu engine diagnostics this little tool is indispensable.
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_111456/article.html
Multimeter
Trace electrical problems, monitor batteries etc etc Aim if to get a automotive one which reads engine revolutions as well.
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_107735/article.html
http://www.autospeed.com/A_110206/cms/article.html
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_110207/article.html
http://www.autospeed.com/A_110208/cms/article.html

THE VEHICLES
Here are a list of vehicles to fill the tasks in a convoy, although i mention specific models all countries have vehicles that can fit the 'mold', where possible i would be tailoring the convoy around making it consitiong 80%+ 'core vehicles' (MPCV greater than 50%)

MPCV (Multipurpose Core Vehicle)
Suzuki Sierra (Samurai/ Carribean/Jimny, maruti gypsy, holden drover)
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Suzuki_Sierra&redirect=no

This vehicle has a simple rugged construction (eg ladder rail chassis and leafsprings) and is over-engineered(eg. G13 all alloy OHC engine with beefy internals). Unloaded it can achieve speeds over 120KMs on the flat. They have a small footprint and high ground clearances allowing them to go 'anywhere'.

Also capable of doing any colony task you throw at them, scout foray, plow fields, transport, vehicle recovery, hunting expeditions etc etc.

The humble leaf-springs is an excellent suspension system. It has excellent load bearing properties and you can make your own set up by mixing and matching from various 'leafs' found on utilities, pickups, offroaders and older passenger vehicles .

GENERAL MPCV MODS
Bullbar with Winch (modded for stowage)
on-board endless air (a/c compressor converted to air compressor)
onboard Welder
3 20ah+ deep cycle batteries
Long range fuel tank
Stock profile all-terrain tires with alloy rims
Towbar with stowage points and Aux moped mount.
NB: Small moped allows passenger to act as spotter/scout when travelling through wreckage on uncharted urban areas)
(Suzuki FZ50 / FA50, Yamaha QT50, HONDA NC50 or equivalent)
Small 3x3 cargo/stowage trailer with matching stud pattern and spare wheel. (emergency quick release )
provisions for LPG/Propane venturi carb.
VARIANT SPECIFIC
Soft-Top/Rag-top (SWB/LWB 1300cc) Leave all seats, have stowage in interior rear wheel arches. (approx 50L) Long wheel base models as ambulances
Hard-Top/Tin-top (1300cc) Remove all passenger seats leaving large space to carry priority supplies and accompany any Cargo Haulers.
Trayback/Pick-ups/ute(970cc) Converted to 'tool truck' with onboard genset or outrider carrier.

Footnote: Asia Rocsta/Kia Retona (diesel or petrol) would make a great Heavy Duties version of the MPCV taking larger trailer .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocsta
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Retona
http://www.4wdonline.com/Kia/Rocsta.html
The early Suzuki Vitara (Sidekick/Geo Tracker) and the late model Jimny are coilsprung suspension and use complex fuel management systems making it harder to do improvised repairs. (If vehicles are available i would set them up as stripped down Multipurpose Disposables)

CCHV (CORE CARGO HAULER VEHICLE)
Suzuki Carry (Every/Hoden Scurry/ Bedford rascall, maruti omni)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Carry

Small form factor, large cargo space, ladder rail chassis, good ground clearance, shares stud pattern with many 4cyl hatchbacks. The come in as a mini-Van or Trayback. Some markets have 4wd. Power-plants vary according to market from 550cc to 970cc. You will not find something smaller with more cargo space in a smaller footprint. You can literally drive these things inside shopping complexes and down supermarket and home depot aisles. Teams of three can loot/scrounge quite effectively. (Two loaders and a driver) 'People' can also be considered cargo.

CCHV MODS
Bullbar with Winch
provisions for LPG/Propane venturi carb
Upsized tyres on large alloy rims
Tyre chains

FOOTNOTE: Later model Suzuki Carry's and the Suzuki MPV are Fuel Injected but use G13 and G16 Engines. They are larger and could be used as people movers (removing rear seats you could fit 6-10 people in the back). Assuming you had time and spares the engines could be 'dumbed down ' to the older carb equivalents (this includes fitting a vacuum advance distributor etc) WagonR is also a candidate but has lower ground clearancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Wagon_R

MDV (MEDIUM DISPOSABLE VEHICLES)
Suzuki Swift (Cultus,forsa, chevrolet firefly, geo metro, holden barina )
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Cultus

Any compact hatchback qualifies in this catergory providing if it runs (presuming it from a 'metric' build, eg Toyota Starlet, Honda Civic, Daihatsu Charade, BMC/Leyland Moke etc ) The idea is to gut it of everything to save on weight for fuel economy and task-specific speed increase. These vehicles do all the 'dirty and/or dubious' work for the convoy. Scrounging resource rich, dense urban areas that you don't want to commit the convoy to; carrying non-essential supplies; parts fodder for repairs and creations.
The Swift in particular though is a good candidate as the engine itself is compatible with the Suzuki sierra, the wheels with the Carry etc etc. Its virtually a moving spare parts box.


MDV MODS
Stripped out interior completely (save front seats +seat belts)
Remove front fenders, cut/bash-in rear panels for clearance
fit high profile tyres

LDV (LIGHT DISPOSABLE VEHICLE)
Suzuki Alto (Suzuki hatch, 800, Maruti zen etc)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Alto

In my opinion more desirable then MDV, the smaller footprint and nimble nature making them highly ideal for scrounger runs, scouting. The Suzuki alto powerplant suits the Suzuki carry or the 1000cc Suzuki sierras. Also known as Kei class vehicles they often swap out the sub 660cc powerplants for larger variants in markets outside of japan. Excellent new-driver and technique training vehicles. (Alternatives: Honda City, Daihatsu Mira, Gen 1 Mazda 121/ford festiva, original Mini Cooper etc)

LDV MODS
Same as MDV

FOOTNOTE: If you ever do come across a SUZUKI LJ80, LJ81 or LJ50 its probably worth fitting it out as a MPCV.

MDG (mobile diesel Gensets)
Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mazda & Isuzu Natural Aspirated diesel vehicles

Sourced from old mechanical injection diesel utilities and offroaders. Stripping the motor, gearboxes and fuel tank and mounting it on a compact skeletal frame trailer with a canvas dustcover/tarp for transportation. These are to power generators and alternator stacks. A custom steel boxes around the exhaust manifold and mufflers to serve as hot plates and hot-water tank. Salvaged Headlights provide floodlights.

FOOTNOTE: VW golf (rabbit?) Peugeot sub-1800cc and Daihatsu 1000cc diesels would make good lighter smaller alternatives that could be taken by Cargo haulers or even ATV's. They just aren't common in the countries i frequent.

OUTRIDER BIKES
Honda CT110 (Suzuki FR50,FR70,FR80 & RV90,RV125 and Street Magic 2 stroke)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CT110

Small light bikes that are capable of riding on all surfaces developed as an economy trail bike. . Scouting, prospecting and patrolling. Unlike the more contemporary off-road bikes (eg Suzuki RM) these bikes don't have a high centre of gravity helping with stability (they will still ride over metal pipes, mufflers and small logs... anything larger you best going around anyway) They have a robust manual gearbox with no clutch lever. Twist and Go automatic scooters are dangerous as inexperienced riders know everything about riding because of the perceived ease
Your probably thinking 'aha, a Honda.' The CT110 is technically Australia's largest selling bike, because Australia post buys thousands of them a year for their fleet and then sell them at a certain mileage rather than service them. Its 4 stroke and hits 60km/hr
The Suzuki FR is virtually identical set up 'chassis' but in a Two stroke. I actually own one and know other people who do too
Different shape but conforming to the same design mould is the rv90 and RV125. They are rare beasts. (i am thinking of restore one) What makes them great is the fat tyres are awesome one beach sand and in mud. The TR50 street magic is not available locally for me but it is the ultimate motocross-scooter in a tiny 7hp 50cc package
http://www.suzukicycles.org/RV-series/RV90.shtml
http://www.suzukicycles.org/RV-series/RV125.shtml
http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/2001/2001_TR50SDStreetMagic2_250.jpg

Outrider MODS
gear racks and panyards on rear and handles bars

FOOTNOTE: 80-125cc quads can also be used but are not as abundant and inexperienced riders risk being over-confident in using them.