PREP Preps Go Bad. Keep A Check On Them

day late

money? whats that?
One of my preps, believe it or not, is a go-kart. It doesn't go to fast, (Max. speed is about 20 M.P.H.) and it doesn't go far or fast, but it goes faster than a man can run. It allows me to carry a passenger and a small amount of cargo. OR I can carry a lot more cargo and no passenger. If and when an E.M.P. weapon goes off, my go-kart will still run while everyone else is walking because their high tech fancy new cars don't work. The E.M.P. wiped out their electronics. The go-kart doesn't have computer chips that can be fried that a car does. The point here is that my go-kart sat neglected for several years. Recently I have gotten back to the beast and found my neglect had caused a number of problems. The floor boards had rusted out and had to be replaced, the carburetor needed work, the tires had dry rotted over the years and had to be replaced. In short because of my neglect if I had to depend on this thing to get me out of a situation it couldn't do it, BECAUSE OF MY NEGLECT!!!

So
everyone check your preps. DO NOT assume that they will function the way they did when you put them away. You get dead making those kind of assumptions. Time passes, things get old, materials go bad. This is a fact of life. If I had to bug out before this and needed the go-kart I would have been left high, dry and in a world of hurt because I didn't keep an eye on my preps.

FWIW, I have begun repairs to my neglect, the go-kart is now running again but I still need to replace the fuel line. That is the project for tomorrow A.M. It's raining here this afternoon. CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK your preps. Your life WILL depend on it.

FOLKS, it isn't enough to have "stuff". Time passes, things change. CHECK your preps often and thoroughly before they turn around and bite you in the butt
 

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
If and when an E.M.P. weapon goes off, my go-kart will still run while everyone else is walking because their high tech fancy new cars don't work.
Well, honestly what you'd be is a TARGET for a sniper.


As to its condition, if you kept it INSIDE it wouldn't have deteriorated. One has to actually care for their equipment if they want their equipment to care for them.

JMHO - YMMV
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
Well, honestly what you'd be is a TARGET for a sniper.


As to its condition, if you kept it INSIDE it wouldn't have deteriorated. One has to actually care for their equipment if they want their equipment to care for them.

JMHO - YMMV
This is exactly what I think about people going ga ga over having a bicycle or anything like that in a SHTF situation.

The only way to get around will be staying hidden while you go. This was my plan years ago when I still worked in New Orleans and lived in Slidell.

The only thing on wheels that I planned on using was https://www.amazon.com/Grocery-Shop...s=grocery+shopping+cart&qid=1596140861&sr=8-9

or one of the wheeled back packs I had. This would be to carry my gear on my 40 mile trek With something like this I could stay out of sight and slip from place to place.

I've still got a grocery cart, but I doubt that at this stage of the game I'd be going anywhere. If I don't already have what I need then I'll do without.

I did just order a nice sturdy pair of hiking boots, as I already have two pair of good 6" ankle high boots that are quite comfortable.

God is good all the time.

Judy
 

day late

money? whats that?
Well, honestly what you'd be is a TARGET for a sniper.


As to its condition, if you kept it INSIDE it wouldn't have deteriorated. One has to actually care for their equipment if they want their equipment to care for them.

JMHO - YMMV

Dennis, you are right and you are wrong. Having something that allows you to get from here to there does make you a target, no question about it. But as all shooters know a moving target is much harder to hit than one that is standing still. The go kart will be moving and I do have the ability to shoot back. Like most things, it is a matter of give and take.

As to the matter on keeping the kart inside, well we all have our situations. My wife would be most upset if I insisted on keeping it inside and left her car outside. It is what it is, not what we want it to be. I'm doing what I can with a wife that thinks I'm nuts. Yet I prepare to take care of her when everything goes down the tubes.

nomifyle,

One point you miss is that a go-kart can go places a car can not go. I can go between the posts they put up to stop regular cars. It can be used to stay out of sight, while still getting you from here to there. Minibikes are much the same, but with less cargo space. The point here being that after an E.M.P. strike, cars won't start, the go-kart will. I am mobile, others are walking. The minibike will start, cars and motorcycles won't. I ride carrying cargo and others walk.

If you choose not to own one, so be it. Nothing wrong with that. Just remember while you wear out shoe leather, I'm riding and you aren't.
 
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zeker

Has No Life - Lives on TB
This is exactly what I think about people going ga ga over having a bicycle or anything like that in a SHTF situation.

The only way to get around will be staying hidden while you go. This was my plan years ago when I still worked in New Orleans and lived in Slidell.

The only thing on wheels that I planned on using was Amazon.com : Wellmax Grocery Shopping Cart with Swivel Wheels, Foldable and Collapsible Utility Cart with Adjustable Height Handle, Heavy Duty Light Weight Trolley : Office Products

or one of the wheeled back packs I had. This would be to carry my gear on my 40 mile trek With something like this I could stay out of sight and slip from place to place.

I've still got a grocery cart, but I doubt that at this stage of the game I'd be going anywhere. If I don't already have what I need then I'll do without.

I did just order a nice sturdy pair of hiking boots, as I already have two pair of good 6" ankle high boots that are quite comfortable.

God is good all the time.

Judy


gun kid.. was the first thing that came to mind

sry
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
Dennis, you are right and you are wrong. Having something that allows you to get from here to there does make you a target, no question about it. But as all shooters know a moving target is much harder to hit than one that is standing still. The go kart will be moving and I do have the ability to shoot back. Like most things, it is a matter of give and take.

As to the matter on keeping the kart inside, well we all have our situations. My wife would be most upset if I insisted on keeping it inside and left her car outside. It is what it is, not what we want it to be. I'm doing what I can with a wife that thinks I'm nuts. Yet I prepare to take care of her when everything goes down the tubes.

nomifyle,

One point you miss is that a go-kart can go places a car can not go. I can go between the posts they put up to stop regular cars. It can be used to stay out of sight, while still getting you from here to there. Minibikes are much the same, but with less cargo space. The point here being that after an E.M.P. strike, cars won't start, the go-kart will. I am mobile, others are walking. The minibike will start, cars and motorcycles won't. I ride carrying cargo and others walk.

If you choose not to own one, so be it. Nothing wrong with that. Just remember while you wear out shoe leather, I'm riding and you aren't.
yes, but you are more likely to get shot at than I am.

God is good, all the time.

Judy
 

jed turtle

a brother in the Lord
My 20 y.o. Honda -powered generator (a backup), has worked pretty much flawlessly for many years, but when I went to put some fresh fuel in it, the fuel line fell out of the gas tank : the rubber grommet that held the fuel line to the tank had dissolved away. I went to a repair guy today and he sold his last one to me. Said that part has always been a problem for generators regardless of brand.
 

Old Gray Mare

TB Fanatic
The op's point is: nothing lasts forever and without maintenance it may not last long.

This could apply to a host of things.
I had the glue holding the filters to my N95's fail.
When was the septic system last pumped?
Were new batteries put in the smoke detectors, radios and flashlights?
When was the generator run last? The chain saw?
I've had a popup trailer rot out because a seal failed and water got in.
Is the fire extinguisher in date? Do you have more than one? Are the extinguishers rated for the type of fires you're most likely to have to deal with?

Requirements for various preps can change with time, physical abilities, needs and environment.
 

Kathy in FL

Administrator
_______________
The op's point is: nothing lasts forever and without maintenance it may not last long.

This could apply to a host of things.
I had the glue holding the filters to my N95's fail.
When was the septic system last pumped?
Were new batteries put in the smoke detectors, radios and flashlights?
When was the generator run last? The chain saw?
I've had a popup trailer rot out because a seal failed and water got in.
Is the fire extinguisher in date? Do you have more than one? Are the extinguishers rated for the type of fires you're most likely to have to deal with?

Requirements for various preps can change with time, physical abilities, needs and environment.

We had to deal with this issue in our business. We now have a "regular" maintenance schedule that is flexible enough to allow for emergencies. At least this way we aren't shocked by major expenses too often and have a good idea of what something costs to operate, not merely what it costs to buy it.
 

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
Bottom line: take care of your equipment or don’t have it. At that point it’s just more junk. As to garaging, drain the gas tank and oil and put it vertically against the wall. Secure with hooks or straps.

WORK THE PROBLEM.
 
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ShadowMan

Designated Grumpy Old Fart
Got my Tactical Wheel Barrow ready to ROLL!
ZOMG.jpg


:prfl:
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
Thank you for this timely warning, Day Late! I'm sorry you had to replace things on your go-kart.

I just have a bicycle as my alternative transport. I'm daydreaming about getting an electric assist motor for it (helps on hills but would still be legal to ride on bike paths).

It's not in the budget right now, but I'm keeping my eyes open for alternatives. Scooters are cool, but I want something I can ride legally on the bike paths.
 

Hometown

No place like home
Day late, good point about up keep and very smart to have alternative transportation. We have off road misc. atv's. Four wheelers, I have a Polaris, street bikes, dirt bikes, golf cart. We're so backwoods can get to those wonderful Amish, who can grow anything and make all kinds of things, in no time on or off road or not. But very important to keep them going. Its according to where you've positioned your self to be as to whether you'd be a target or not.
 

BeeMan

Just buzzin along
Just remember while you wear out shoe leather, I'm riding and you aren't.
Until you run out of gas.
Someone directly ahead of you or behind you won’t have to worry about if you are moving or not.
A few tree branches or 2x4’s across your path of travel could slow you down enough to make it easy to take your cart, cargo, and you.
I’ll walk thanks, to each his own.
 

Hometown

No place like home
Thank you for this timely warning, Day Late! I'm sorry you had to replace things on your go-kart.

I just have a bicycle as my alternative transport. I'm daydreaming about getting an electric assist motor for it (helps on hills but would still be legal to ride on bike paths).

It's not in the budget right now, but I'm keeping my eyes open for alternatives. Scooters are cool, but I want something I can ride legally on the bike paths.
Motorized bikes are awesome. Good idea.
 

day late

money? whats that?
Well the more I get into this thing the deeper the rabbit hole goes. The major problem at the moment is I'm not getting enough gas into the carburetor for the thing to run more than a short distance. I figured with rubber fuel line it most likely started to go bad and wasn't allowing the gas to pass through. To get to the fuel line I have to remove the gas tank. That's when I found out that 15 year old plastic tank has more cracks and wrinkles in it than Grandmom's face. I've got a new tank on the way, but it'll take almost a week to get here. Folks, here's the lesson learned.

INSPECT you preps, especially the older ones. Time and tide take their toll on your stuff. That's a fact of life and there's nothing we can do about it. It is entirely possible your "good ole standby" won't stand to well. And just because I learned this much long ago, and haven't made that mistake recently, if it is battery powered, have you checked to see if the batteries haven't corroded? Check them people. After all, it's YOUR future you're looking out for.
 

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you for this timely warning, Day Late! I'm sorry you had to replace things on your go-kart.

I just have a bicycle as my alternative transport. I'm daydreaming about getting an electric assist motor for it (helps on hills but would still be legal to ride on bike paths).

It's not in the budget right now, but I'm keeping my eyes open for alternatives. Scooters are cool, but I want something I can ride legally on the bike paths.
I have been thinking of one for a couple years now. I actually would have one but for the fact it would just be for me and that seems unfair to my wife(she can't ride bike). Still thinking and she could care less if I buy one but I would still feel bad about it.
 

Warthog

Black Out
Well, honestly what you'd be is a TARGET for a sniper.


As to its condition, if you kept it INSIDE it wouldn't have deteriorated. One has to actually care for their equipment if they want their equipment to care for them.

JMHO - YMMV
Only 20 mph too! While everyone else is walking? How long you think that will last? Someone with a ball bat could take a driver out!
 

day late

money? whats that?
Only 20 mph too! While everyone else is walking? How long you think that will last? Someone with a ball bat could take a driver out!

There are three problems with this statement.
1. The kart has a roll cage to which adding more bars will not be a problem when the time comes. Making the bat useless.
2. An M-1911A1 .45 A.C.P. in the hands of someone who knows how to use it and isn't afraid to.
3. The idea I would be driving INTO crowds and doing it solo. This thing is to take me where others can't follow. And I get to carry another person plus some stuff with me.
 
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waterdog

Senior Member
I've got a generator I bought in 98 for y2k. It's setting in my well house in the box (never opened). Borrowed 750,00 to pay for it from Northern Freight. I'm gonna get it out someday and see if it will run oh wait I said that 15 years ago.
 

Millwright

Knuckle Dragger
_______________
Two prevalent schools of thought on long term equipment storage/use.

A. Exercise it periodically to run the fuel out. Keep a spare carb and soft parts.

B. Store it dry and keep a spare carb kit. I'd keep it in the fridge, so the rubber parts don't deteriorate. Even at that, wire insulation, fuel lines, plastic switch parts, tires and similar things still get hard and brittle.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I've got a generator I bought in 98 for y2k. It's setting in my well house in the box (never opened). Borrowed 750,00 to pay for it from Northern Freight. I'm gonna get it out someday and see if it will run oh wait I said that 15 years ago.

The problems I've had with gas generators: 1) noisy and 2) must be run under load on a regular basis. That's why I ended up selling mine when I moved from Ohio. I found myself using a large portable battery for my needs (mostly powering the computer for short periods).

You may want to carefully inspect yours -- see if it works -- and then put it in the market if you really aren't going to use it.

You may find that installing a nat'l gas space heater in a basement might be a good alternative heat source, and several dual fuel lanterns might do the trick. You might not need a generator at all.
 

Millwright

Knuckle Dragger
_______________
IMO, big (20KW+) generators have a 10-15 year life span.

I have a few in fleet that are pushing 20, but they are getting hard to keep running and genning. Parts obsolescence is also a factor. More often, I find myself having to use fit-all parts to keep them running.

These are propane burners with 3.8L, GM motors. The motors and generator heads are still doing OK, but the controls and peripheral parts are failing.

Smaller gensets, 3600rpm screamers, don't seem to last that long.

If you buy a genset, figure the purchase price divided by 10 and that is the price per year for backup power insurance...provided you exercise them monthly and do maintenance.
 

day late

money? whats that?
Is this an off-road-capable machine? Balloon tires and a real suspension? Or is it a street cart?

It is a Yerf Dog 3203. There is a picture of it here;


The manual says that it shouldn't be taken anything more than a 15% slope. I know from experience it will easily handle a short 45% slope. (My son found out that it won't STOP very well with two teenagers on a 45% downhill slope. He and his buddy couldn't stop before they reached the bottom of the retention pond. Those two looked like drowned rats.)

I should also mention my kart is no longer bright red.
 

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
That cart won’t travel well on rough terrain. Have you ever tried it out along the routes where you anticipate using it?

Something like this, yes:

1596406215352.jpeg

Something like this, yes:

1596406389080.jpeg

something like you have? Probably not so much.
 

day late

money? whats that?
After an E.M.P. The first vehicle you have shown probably won't run. Electronic ignition ya know. The second one sits about as high off the ground as mine does, and mine has an adjustment on the front end so I can increase the height above ground if I want to. I believe my rear tires are a little lager than those pictured on the kart you have put up, but I'd love to have the tread on those for mine. I have also seen a video on line where some kid I'd guess was about 12 to 14 put a different carb. on the exact same kart as mine and claims he now tops out at around 40 M.P.H. As the money becomes available that's something I want to look at.
 
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