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Chase Vehicle

The Vehicle

Believe me, chase vehicles are as varied as the people who drive them.  I've seen everything from an old station wagon to the most sophisticated panel vans in existence.  I guess as long as it's dependable and it has the equipment you want in it, then it's a good chase vehicle.  There's certainly no set requirements.

I'm currently using my 2006 Ford F150 super cab as a chase vehicle.  It's very dependable, it handles well and there's enough room for me, a passenger, a suitcase and all of the equipment I use when chasing storms.

The Equipment

The equipment in a vehicle is also a personal preference.  Some chasers just grab their camera and a map and go chasing, navigating by sky-watching and gut feel.  Others have more equipment than the National Weather Service.  It's really whatever you feel you need -- and what you can afford.

When I'm out chasing, I have my laptop computer with an air card, a GPS attached to my laptop to track my location relative to the storm I'm chasing (and to get me out of a "Damn, I'm lost" situation), a CB radio with the NWS weather channel, GMRS radios for emergencies, a scanner, first aid kit, cell phone and, of course, my camera gear.

As you might expect, there's been plenty of discussion by law enforcement and other chasers about having a light bar on a chase vehicle.  I guess there's not really a right answer for whether or not you should have one.  I have a small amber light bar on my truck for my safety and for the safety of other motorists.  I use it when I'm pulled off to the side of the road and when I'm chasing on the less traveled or narrow county roads.