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Article #17 MISCELLANOUS (PART 1) 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. In this and the next article, I'll give many miscellaneous
tips that will complete your preparation of your planning for your
BORDER CROSSING! Rather than categorizing them, they appear randomly.

* Hold-Harmless Agreement. You need to ask your attorney to prepare this
document which identifies the potential dangers of the trip, including
the possibility of death, and that they (your travel companions) release
you from responsibility for anything that may happen and will not sue
you. Everyone on the caravan must sign this agreement or they do not get
to join your group! (I no longer possess my copies because they were
kept in my briefcase stolen in Nicaragua.)

* Toilet Paper. Always carry some with you. Most bathrooms you will
encounter are filthy, with no toilet seat and they do not supply toilet
paper.

* Spares. Evaluate everything! Anything you consider absolutely
essential and you expect may prove difficult to find, bring spares!
E.g.. reading glasses, odd size batteries, etc......... ..

* Height/Width Chart. You will encounter many narrow and low structures
along the way. Make a large, easy-to-read- at-a-glance, chart and tape it
to your dashboard. It should include the following: Hard Height (doesn't
bend, like your air conditioner cover ), Soft Height (bends, like your
CB radio antenna), Width, and Ground Clearance measurements of your rig.
The chart should identify the measurements both in feet/inches as well
as in metric.

* Metric Chart. Locate and tape in a convenient location. This chart
should identify items such as temperatures, speed, length, area, mass
and area volume. Mexico and Central America measure everything in
metric!

* Maintenance. Your rig will undergo massive shakings because of the
potholes and topes. When you can think of nothing better to do, crawl
under your rig and inspect everything! Most likely you will find things
broken, coming loose, ready to fall off, etc......... ..

* Window Locks. The hand-screwable type, found at most hardware stores.
One for every window!

* Storage Compartment Lists. Write down every item as you place it in a
storage compartment. Keep a separate list for each storage compartment.
When you really need something, you can find it!

* Spare Change. Keep a container convenient to your driving position.
You will encounter people holding a rope across the roadway and charging
a "donation" to pass. In addition, you will encounter many others
soliciting money such as the Red Cross, Firemen, etc.... You should
always carry spare change with you for propinas (pro-pee-nas) (tips).

* Fire Extinguishers and Safety Cones or Triangles. Required in your
rig by law in many countries. The police checkpoints may ask you to show
them. Without them, you face a fine.

* Compass. One on your rig dashboard and also a hand-held will prove
useful occasionally.

* Hitch-Hikers. Those obvious non-locals may possibly possess drugs,
pass them by. Locals can wait hours for a bus, give them a ride if you
feel comfortable with the situation.

* Propane. In Mexico and Central America they use butane and you will
find it sporadically available. Fill up before going below half-full and
watch them closely as they will frequently overfill your tank!

* Gasoline and Diesel fuels. Readily available everywhere. Pay in local
currency.

* Mail. I asked FMCA to hold my mail for the year. No Problem. If you
must receive mail along the way, DHL offices exist in most major cities.
Expensive service.

* Books and Videos. You will find none in English. Bring your own
supply.

* Pets. I cannot speak on this topic as I do not own a pet. One couple
on our caravan owned a small poodle-type dog which they managed to get
all the way to Panama. Their veterinarian gave them a "sleeping pill"
for their dog which they administered prior to arriving at the border.
During the border crossings, the dog slept peacefully at the lady's feet
and the inspectors never saw the dog. If you want to bring a pet and do
it legally, I recommend you contact John and Harriet Halkyard. You can
email them on their website at 99 Days to Panama
<http://www.99daysto panama.com> . They took their dog along on their
trip and can provide you with all the appropriate details.

Don't miss the next installment "MISCELLANEOUS (PART 2) ISSUES - What
About Them?" in which I'll provide you with additional tips to ease and
enhance your journey!. Stay tuned and remember my promise at the
beginning of Article #1...................................... YOU CAN DO IT!
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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 www.panamaorbust.com

I'd love to hear what you thought of this Article #14, POLICE/MILITARY ISSUES,
What about them? Please send your comments, questions, and ideas for upcoming articles
to me at jimj@panamaorbust.com

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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. :)