I am about to leave on a RV Expedition doing the Trek of the Americas from USA to Argentina. I made a post but can't find it? I will try to do a blok but do not know how much time I will have enroute. I have a diesel truck with camper and will leave with a small group in the last week of July this year, travel through Central America, and then south along the west coast of South America via the Pan American Highway...
I think I recall seeing your previous post, and if that was the post I'm thinking of, it was probably removed because you broke the "NO website postings for promotional purposes are permitted." , which is interpreted very strictly for new members, as experience shows that for the vast majority of them, the only reason for posting at all is to post such links.
Anyway, sounds like an exciting trip; hope you'll have a great time!
Thanks for the information. I just thought fellow travelers would be interested in this unusual journey (expedition) and although I am not a very good writer, I am going to try to keep a "road log" of the event. Afterwards, I may publish it - not for profit or a business, but just to have a memory of the trip.
I hope that I have not violated any rules.
I also thought I could get some feedback, before I start the trip in late July. I do not think many persons have done a overland trip like this. The reason I am looking forward to this type of travel is:
1. The chance to see the small out-of-the-way towns and communities that the normal tourist will never see, and actually live within those in your personal "hotel" (your motorhome).
2. The interesting places also include visiting local factories, sugar mills, farms, fishing villiages, and those places we do not see on the more touristy trips, where you are booked into a Hilton Hotel!
3. The marvelous view of waking up in the morning, with the view of a white sand beach, and stepping out and feel the sand under your feet.
4. Cooking outdoors over a open fire (when you choose to), and the smell of pine needles.
If there are any outdoors persons that read this post, they can relate to it..
====FINDING PARTS AND SERVICE FOR RV.s (CARAVANS AND MOTORHOMES IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
===Chile, Argentina, and Brasil are the best bets
After leaving the USA, many RV travelers are at a loss to replace or repair their needed parts on a RV. The best rule to follow is to travel with extra parts, and supplies. The other option is to know where to look for these in Latin America.
Items to take along include are: Small cabinet hardware (latches, hinges, locks), plumbing items (faucet washers, hose connections,repair kit for pvc), Sewer and hose washers, holding tank deodorant, LP gas connections, roof & vent repair kit (fiberglass), velcro, superglue, duct tape. You may also consider taking a water pump, or at least a repair kit for it.
There are some RV dealers in Chile, Argentina, and Brasil, however you also may find this type of parts at Marine Supply Dealers, near most ports. Boats use many of the same parts as motorhomes, such a water pumps, and toilets. We have found that they are very expensive, usually about 3 to 4 times what you would pay in North America.
On our Trekoftheamericas we had one person carry a supply of the most commonly needed parts. Also everyone should their OWN necessary parts for the vehicle they have (ie. OIL FILTERS, FUEL AND AIR FILTERS, FUEL PUMP, ALTINATOR & STARTER REPAIR KIT, BRAKE PARTS, FUSES, TIRE REPAIR KIT, and of course, the required spare tires, fire extg., first aid kit, etc.
MOST OF ALL - HAVE EVERYTHING CHECKED AND READY BEFORE DEPARTURE.
Isn't that cool.
I'm like you've said. I'm on the smallest allowance SSI can imagine and the mini-van is goaning, but I've made it to the Ensenada area and I feel ready again. I've loved it here, but I know there's so much more. I want as much of the west coast of South America as I can put my feet on. Thanks for the encouragement.
You're already there. Do you know of anyone who'd like to chum up with a small, older woman and a large, almost not a puppy anymore dog? You might have some ideas. I can see that I'll meed more than myself to make some of it. I'm good to have at the table. I'd like to see Panama and some rain forest. I am so ready. See if you come up with anything?
Thanks,
M
Hola MargretnMaggie: It sounds like you have the first ingredient to GO...that is the enthusium to do so!!! The only thing you mentioned that disturbed me was that "groaning" van - IT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA to go with a rv or car that is not "in top condition".
The adventuretrek people have a travel exchange for people that want to go together with no costs, but I am not permitted to give any website on this forum, as I was reminded when I first posted. But I am sure if you search the internet you can locate someone to do so.
As for Panama, when I first traveled beyond Mexico, it was "like another planet" traveling within Central America, and further south. The grand daddy of all was doing the Pan American Highway south all the way to the most southern city in the world!
Best of luck on your adventures, and Happy Travels!!!!!!!
I responded to the no reply bot. Sorry about that. Thanks for the encouragement and I'm really thinking about how I would get along without a vehicle, but maybe I should think about it if I want off the continent.
I'm curious how you drove through the central american area. I've been told I would need to be very casual with the customs of people and not with governments, but that there was no way to get on down through the bottle neck. What did you find?
thanks, M
The route through Central America, generally follows the Pan AMerican Highway (CA-1/CA-2) from the Mexican Border to Panama City, Panama. There are no problems throughout the routing, and most of the highway is above the "good" rating.
You may be referring to the "Darien Gap" as the "bottleneck" - that 100 km stretch is IMPASSABLE and you must ship you vehicle via OCEAN FREIGHTER to some point in South America, we chose to go to Cartengena, Columbia. The shipping time is about 14 hours.
There are lists of people who do the trip, then wish to sell their vehicles afterwards, also sometimes join up with others and travel together. I would be glad to give you information on that if you wish. It is a fantastic trip you should try to do.!!
I'm really close to right on, but the vehicle is at issue. How about throwing in with someone? Are there "roomies wanted" somewhere? -snip- is a mail bot gate house. If this is in violation of the rules, I don't understand, only apologize. I'd love any info you might have to offer. I'm "mobility" close. Thanks
M
0 Response to "RV to tip of South America from Texas"
Post a Comment