Trek of the Americas Expedition

Trek of the Americas Expedition

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Trek of the Americas

RV Expedition

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Vehicle Preparations for Trek of the Americas Expedition
After operating this trip for 5 years (and three years of research before that), we have found the following vehicles and equipment to have proven themselves time after time. These are only guidelines, if you have any questions about the material discussed in this section, please call us at 800-455-8687 or via email: info@adventuretrek.com

R.V. Guidelines:
The following guidelines are required for “Trek of the Americas” Expedition

	35’ or less in total overall vehicle length (required).
	Good ground clearance (especially important not to have excessive rear overhang or long bumpers).
	Top mechanical shape.
	New tires (we recommend buying Bridgestone ® brand tires)
	Potable water purifier, we suggest Nature-pure by General Ecology.
	Transmission Cooler & Oil Cooler.
	A/C Generator or Inverter.
	Solar Panel for battery charging.
	FULLY Self-Contained ... expect no hook-up facilities on this trip. Your vehicle should be comfortable enough to live in without the need of constant external service connections.

What type vehicle should I get?

There are many options available when deciding on the ideal unit for this expedition. There are four principal aspects to keep in mind:

Comfort/Livability:

Choose a vehicle you can ‘live with’ for the period of the journey. Decide if you can do without air conditioning (most campers do not have generators). Units should have sufficient vents for air flow, with the door closed. Also consider the windows for visibility. A fantastic vent roof air-circulation system is a great investment and will help when you need to keep air moving in your RV.

Security:

Your RV must be able to be securely locked with all windows secured. Windows should have shades or blinds (tinting recommended) so living quarters are not visible from the exterior. An alarm system should be installed and identified with exterior decals. A separation door or “removable wall” is highly recommended to divide the rear living quarters from the driver’s compartment. This is specially valuable when your RV is shipped to prevent pilferage on the ship. Interior cabinets and furnishings should be secured and extra care taken in securing loose items (lamps, mixers, pictures, storage bins, etc.) with Velcro fasteners.

Size and Design:

The maximum length currently acceptable is 35 feet. The chassis design should be such as not to have under-carriage drag. Drag characteristics depend on ground clearance and rear axle/body overhang. Generally speaking, if you have a dragging problem here in the US or Canada, your RV will not be acceptable. We have found the Air Lift System, excellent for improving ride and suspension height.

Fuel - Diesel or Gas?

The preferred fuel for south-of-the-border travel is diesel and the price will average approximately 40% less than gasoline. Both fuels are readily available in all countries. Diesel will usually give you higher mileage than gasoline. Fuel capacity should be sufficient to travel at least 300 miles.

The best type of vehicle for this trip is either a 'Class-B motorhome, Class-C motorhome or pick-up truck/slide-in camper combination. We have had many RV's on our caravans and have found most to be well built and able to withstand the rigors of foreign travel conditions. Of the three types of RV listed above, the following are recommended:

photo courtesy of Home and Park Motorhomes

Class B Motorhome:

Home and Park Motorhomes

100 Shirley Avenue,
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2B 2E1

1-888-ROADTREK

www.roadtrek.com

photo courtesy of Dogden Industries

Class C Motorhome:

Born Free Motorcoach

Highway 169 N - Humboldt, Iowa 50548

800-247-1835

www.dogden-bornfree.com

We had one Born Free 24' diesel motorhome go on two South America trips without missing a beat!

Pickup/Camper Combination:

Truck:

Ford Powerstroke 3/4 ton (or 1 ton)

See your local Ford dealer or CLICK HERE to visit online

Camper:

Lance Camper Manufacturing Co.

43120 Venture St.

Lancaster, CA. 93535

661-949-3322

www.lancecamper.com

The RV of choice for our South America tour leaders because of its size, versatility and overall quality.

Other Manufacturers that offer quality motorhomes, campers and vans include:

Alaskan Campers (Washington) - www.alaskancamper.com

Chinook RV (Washington) - www.chinookrv.com

Coach House (Florida) - www.coachhouserv.com

Dynamax Corp (Elkhart, Indiana) - www.dynamaxcorp.com

Lazy Daze Inc. (California) - www.lazydaze.com

Provan Industries (Colorado) - www.tigermotorhomes.com

Sportsmobile (Texas) - www.sportsmobile.com they also offer a 4-wheel-drive model

Xplorer Motorhomes (Michigan) - www.xplorermotorhome.com

Canadian Manufacturers

Leisure Travel Vans (Manitoba, Canada) - www.leisurevans.com

Pleasureway Industries (Saskatchewan, Canada) - www.pleasureway.com

Spare Parts List:

Even if your vehicle is new, it is highly suggested that you bring the following spare parts along. Keep in mind - most dealers and parts stores will give you a full refund when you return the parts un-used after the trip.

Thermostat

Ignition module

Plug wires

Alternator

Fan clutch

Wheel cylinder repair kit

Master cylinder repair kit

Glow Plugs (Diesel vehicles)

Radiator Hoses – upper & lower

Full Set of Belts

Full Set of Filters (Air, Oil, Fuel)

Wheel Bearings (both front and rear and both inner and outer)

Wheel Seals (front and rear)

Water Pump

Fuel Pump

Vacuum Pump

Alternator (Vehicles over 75,000 miles)

Extra brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and a can of radiator stop leak.

TIRES - Bridgestone tires are recommended and have proven durable in our tests in the extreme heat, cold, dirt and gravel roads, and general riding comfort. Extra tires (at least two spares), should be carried if you have a half size (i.e. 16.5, 17.5 or 19.5" rims), which are extremely difficult to find in South America.

RADIO - CB radio. Must be connected to operate with the ignition switch is in the “off” position. 2-meter radio also may be used for more effective communications.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT - Optional items you may want to have are: compass, altimeter, outdoor thermometer, and GPS.

Call Toll Free: 800-455-8687 for more details!