I read that Dorner’s truck had a broken axle. If so, I don’t think that was part of his master plan.
When was the last time anyone saw him driving it? Do you happen to know?
I think the smart man who wanted to throw off people searching for him would pick a place where he could make it look like his vehicle became disabled unintentionally.
It would not be too hard to set such a thing up. Then drive away from the damaged vehicle after leaving several items of value inside to make it look as though you had to leave the stuff because you could only carry so much.
Wouldn’t need to be an Einstein to figure out this sort of a ploy.