Pan American driving tips

If you want to attempt a similar journey, here are some tips to make life a little easier on the road. We know we will get many questions from people wanting to make a similar trip so this will hopefully be a good starting point.

Your first port of call should be here: http://wikioverland.org a community of people keep this up to date with the latest on pricing, safety, times etc. It has nearly everything you need to know.

Also ioverlander.com has an interactive map withrecommended campsites, free camp spots, mechanics etc.

What vehicle to drive

Up to you and what you have in your budget, but:

• we would recommend a make of car that is common in central/south america so you can get spare parts. 
• something with a bed inside so you can free camp wherever you want
• if I could do the trip again I would go for a 4x4, the roads are terrible in most countries as soon as you leave the highways.

Paperwork on the road

• Unavoidable to cross borders, but not too bad. Becomes routine after a while. You basically need immigration stamps, temporary import permit for the car, and often mandatory car insurance
• allow lots of time, border crossing days can be tedious. There are usually helpers or "tramadores" pestering you, they want money to help you through what is usually a very easy process, just ignore them
• make sure you have original title for the vehicle in your name, do not lose this piece of paper
• a common trick is to take colour copies of all documents, and a laminated copy of your license. This means you never have to give originals to cops and other officials. We have heard of scams where they keep your documents until you pay a bribe, if you give copies you can always just bounce and not worry about it
• international drivers license not needed

What to pack

In no particular order:

• steering wheel lock, we took the sort that bolts steering wheel to brake pedal
• two burner stove with big propane bottle
• 20+ litre water container (you can fill with drinking water from any store/gas station that stock 20 litre refill bottles)
• another water container for non drinking water
• a fridge or chilli bin to keep them beers cold
• french press/plunger for coffee
• folding chairs and tables
• tent to use as guest room for amigos
• a multi port USB charger for 12 volt
• electronic devices that charge off mini usb
• fan that runs off 12 or 110 volt
• spanish grammar workbooks and audiobooks
• snorkeling and fishing gear
• hammock(s)
• surfboard(s)

Misc driving tips

• go and do it, you will have a great time! Don't listen to anyone who tells you it is too dangerous, they likely have not done the trip themselves
• that being said, do your research. Some countries in turmoil due to drugs/politics. Tourists are left alone for most part, but trust your instincts
• we have been told multiple times that you should avoid driving at night on quiet stretches of road because of the aforementioned drug/political issues
• toll roads or "cuota" sneak up on you and can be pricey, especially in Mexico, sometimes up to $20-30 for a few kms. These roads are in immaculate condition and are safe, but you can avoid by taking "libre" roads if you have time and think they will be safe enough
• all gas stations have attendants that pump your gas, always check the pump is at zero before they start pumping
• mechanics are widely available, honest, cheap and are basically magicians