Page Title

Article #6 - VEHICLE ISSUES: What about them?

by Jim Jaillet - Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

In Article #1, CENTRAL AMERICA: You Can Do It!, we discussed the importance
of planning. Pre-servicing your vehicles for NO VEHICLE PROBLEMS, is most definitely
a high planning priority! I also indicated I would not supply basic information found
elsewhere, BUT:

insure you obtain an engine tune-up.
insure you install new tires and brakes.
insure you install new hoses and belts.
insure you install new shock absorbers.

These are basic MUST-DO items that require completion prior to departure! I know, I
can hear you loudly stating, "But I bought them only x months ago or xxxxx amount of
miles remain on them!" Okay, but if you experience problems along the way, just
remember "I TOLD YOU SO!"

The following list identifies the required items from my previous trip:

all vehicles must contain INSTALLED CB RADIOS (no hand-helds).
all tires MINIMUM GRADE D.
if you drive a 5th Wheel or Travel Trailer: you MUST prove you installed HEAVY-
DUTY SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.

The following list identifies the recommended items from my previous trip:

minimum of two spares for every different size tires on your vehicle (s).
spare belts and hoses.
for 5th Wheels and Travel Trailers - spare set of four heavy duty springs.

My own personal requirements (for both of my vehicles) is to have a spare:

STARTER,
ALTERNATOR
FUEL PUMP.

If you need one of these items out in the toolies, THEIR VALUE: WORTH THEIR
WEIGHT IN GOLD!

A FEW WORDS ABOUT TOWED VEHICLES

No one else in my awareness has towed a vehicle all the way to Panama. The professional
tour companies do not allow towed vehicles on the caravans. If two people ride in a rig
and both names appear on the title, problems become minimized. You need to be aware
that in Guatemala and Costa Rica it is illegal to tow a vehicle behind your motorhome. In
those two countries, you will probably need to unhook the towed vehicle and drive it
separately.

Driving your motorhome as a solo becomes a BIT OF A STICKY WICKET! In Guatemala
after a couple of hours of telling me "no permit", the border official inexplicably
changed his mind and gave me the permit.

In Costa Rica Southbound, after four hours of arguing, the border official finally gave
the permit with a written proviso the Bronco be attached to the motorhome on my
return trip. The major problem Northbound occurred because that border official
refused to honor my still valid Southbound permit. After seven long hours of haggling,
he finally gave me a three-day permit to cross 325 miles of HORRIBLE COSTA RICAN
ROADS IN JUST THREE DAYS. Be aware, as a solo in Guatemala and Costa Rica, you
may encounter substantial problems with a towed vehicle!

Planning to buy vehicle(s) specifically for your Central America trip? Then read below:

A FEW WORDS ABOUT MY CHOICE OF VEHICLES

For your information, some of the reasons why I chose older vehicles for my Central
America trip:

I believed, for a lot of reasons, that there was a 50/50 chance that I would need
to abandon my vehicles during the trip.
In the wilderness a shorter wheel-base and higher clearance works best.
If I should scratch or dent my vehicles, who cares?
I want vehicles with NO engine computers. I like to do all my own mechanical work
and I like the comfort of knowing that I will always get my engines started. With
computerized engines, if the engine refuses to start, the mechanics own the
advantage; so the ideal situation revolves around fixing your own vehicles. No
engine computers for me, thank you very much! (Note: Modern computer-
controlled vehicles sometimes seem allergic to excessive heat, humidity and dust,
and you will not find repair facilities outside the main cities.)
If I should need mechanical assistance, all mechanics generally can do the work.
Usually inexpensive and easy to find parts.
I believe they possess more built-in quality.
Seldom need washing and waxing.
Relatively inexpensive licensing and insurance.
RV's depreciate in value. I prefer someone else other than myself eat the
depreciation. The general rule-of-thumb: 50% depreciation in five years

Now that the trip is history, I believe roughly only one-in-a-million vehicles have
traveled the miles and roads that my motorhome and Bronco II traveled. I really enjoy
driving such unique vehicles!

Don't miss the next installment "HEALTH ISSUES: What about them?" in which I'll
discuss the considerations of preparing your body and medicine cabinet for your
journey. Stay tuned and remember my promise at the beginning of
Article #1.......................................... YOU CAN DO IT!

=====================================================================
Jim Jaillet is a full-time RVer, Adventurer and Author of PANAMA OR BUST - A 343
day adventure in a motorhome!

You can claim your copy of my book for only $19.95 at http://www.panamaorbust.com.

I'd love to hear what you thought of this Article #6, VEHICLE ISSUES:
What about them? Please send your comments, questions, and ideas for upcoming
articles to me at jimj@panamaorbust.com
=====================================================================
Disclaimer: The author in no way can guarantee your safety in Central America. After
all they are Third World countries and not without danger or the possibility of death.
You go at your own risk. The author is only suggesting that with some planning, common
sense and caution you may minimize your potential dangers and be rewarded with
countless cultural experiences. :)
=====================================================================