It was decided at the start. We would rely on good old fashioned paper maps and a compass to route us through the Americas. That is to say no GPS solution had yet presented itself.

So, we navigated Mexico and Central America using the latest 16th century technology. It proved to be a valuable experience in patience, culture, and geography. We quickly learned Castallano for turn left at the tree and keep straight ahead until you pass a shack. More importantly we learned that Latinos will gladly and confidently provide directions regardless of their knowledge of the route.

We circled many colonial streets in confusion, cursing every municipality from Mexico to Honduras; the camper groaning with the weight   Continue reading →

10,000 miles since San Francisco and our lifeline overland equipment is well intact.  The Tundra and the Bronco 800, despite a few small maintenance issues, are holding their own.  When leaving California I had two major concerns: the weight of the payload versus the Tundra payload capacity and the structural integrity of the Palomino camper.

To deal with the payload issue I did what many with truck campers do and installed Firestone suspension airbags to help handle the weight on the rear leaf-springs.  They were considerably cheaper than adding an extra leaf and, as published, gave our overloaded Tundra a smooth ride.

10,000 miles later they’re falling apart.  Structurally, I’ve broken 4 bolts and found they need to be adjusted   Continue reading →

While we sped through Colombia and Ecuador a few months ago, we’re finally slowing the pace here in Peru. We plan to exhaust our three month visa and, in fact, we are only a few weeks away from that point. As such, the camping list for Peru is much more extensive and we hope our fellow travelers find it useful. Also included in our How To section are a number of other road warrior camping lists. Buen viaje!

South America Campsite Listing Updated  Continue reading →

Statistics:

• Distance Traveled: 5,800 miles
• San Francisco to Panama City
• Average Mileage: 15 mpg
• Number of Flat Tires: 0
• Attempted Bribes: 3
• Bribes Paid: 1 for $10
• Bandits Encountered: 0
• Robberies: 1 pair of hiking shoes – Guatemala border, 1 rosary – Colon Port
• Breakdowns: 1 taillight out, 1 suspension airbag adjustment, 1 broken suspension bolt
• Average Gas: $3.55/gallon
• Percentage Miles on PanAm Proper: 32%
• Average Cost Per Day: $39/person (gas, food, lodging, tours, etc)
• Total Nights: 130
• Nights Camped: 110
• Nights in Hotel/Hostel: 20
• Average Distance Two Americans Drive in 130 Days: 10,200 miles

Our impressions of Central America varied as often as the landscape. Leaving Mexico and entering Guatemala was as intriguing and mystifying as we expected. These   Continue reading →

In four months traveling down the PanAm, we have seen a range of vehicles from rusted Econolines to Defenders equipped for safari.  Noticeably absent is is the perfect overland vehicle, “the one.”  The monster truck equipped with more amenities than a Hilton Garden Inn suite, prepared for anything mother nature or wily banditios can throw at it.  Extended travel budgets have been exhausted in many a garage.  Most people making this journey are on the road because they dismiss the very idea of a perfected ride.

Our acquisition of the Palomino Bronco 800 happened accidentally on purpose.

We waited nine months for the perfect aluminum-framed Four Wheel Camper (FWC) to come up on Craigslist.  I used every technological tool available   Continue reading →