I am not quite as long winded as the other writers, but I just wanted to comment on a couple of items:
A 4x4 is NOT required on the Pan American Highway (if you want to go off road at home or in other countries - then go for it!)
The truck camper has also become popular in South America, and being manufactured in Chile, Argentina, and mostly in Brazil. In fact, a German in Chile has been renting them for years.
If you are NOT comfortable in this type of RV at home, you probably won't be for the months traveling south.. I have found that I spend very little time sitting in my RV, looking out the window on the Trekoftheamericas' route!
Diesel is also the ONLY way to go as a fuel choice...the older vehicles are much easier for service, parts, and costs... why do you need a 2015?
I will be doing this again this next summer.
