Camper for family of 4

[ianc]

I'm looking at the idea of doing the Pan American highway with my family and looking at what vehicle options I should consider. Things I think I need are:
1) Tough enough to deal with South/Central American roads (Not lots of off road)
2) Room for two adults & two kids to cook, live & sleep
3) Easy to maintain (can it be fixed in Bolivia?)
4) Not so flash that I have "target" written on my forehead.

Any pointers & help appreciated

[stevenmd]

Subscribed!

[pnwkayaker]

I might be partial (OK, I know I'm partial, since I *love* my Syncro Westy), but have you considered a Vanagon Westfalia ? Can sleep 2 adults and 2 kids, and several people have done the same trip (see http://torlasco.tripod.com) with that van.

[maximumrob]

I have the same challenge in front of me with my very young children, but we have no aspirations of going south of the border (north of the Red River, maybe!). The answer for us is a Suburban and a tent. There are some snazzy tents out there these days if you don't have to have expedition-bling or hard sides on your abode.

How minimalist do you want to be? What things are you not going to compromise on?

How 'bout a crew cab truck with a hard-sided camper in the bed?

[ujoint]

I think you already know you want a 4wd van!

[ianc]

A 4WD would not be a forgone conclusion - but they do look the part!

I think the VW would fail on the sleep/live/cook for 4 test.

How big an RV/Camper can you easily do this trip with (I'm thinking a small seperated bedroom would be good for the peace - But are any of them up to the abuse?

Anyone know what people do with their vehicles when they get to the bottom of South America? turn around or sell?

Just wondering - Could I fly to "somewhere south" and pick up a vehicle then travel north?

[stevenmd]

Anyone know what people do with their vehicles when they get to the bottom of South America? turn around or sell?

Just wondering - Could I fly to "somewhere south" and pick up a vehicle then travel north?

Interesting idea. I wonder if Graham has any input on this.

[18seeds]

I don't know anything about the type of road conditions you will encounter but what about a Truck with slide in camper or a Tiger Provan? More room seems like a must if you are traveling with children.

[Jnich77]

used uhaul truck with a 4x4 conversion then converted into a camper.

[tamangel]

my favorite book as a kid..

20,000 Miles South. A Pan American Adventure in a Seagoing Jeep From the Arctic Circle to Tierra Del Fuego by Helen and Frank Schreider

float around the Darien Gap..

Mike W