Nomadness in the Andes

Peter Jennings


Dodge Ram Roadtrek Versatile Camper

The choice of an ideal camper to roam around South America is not an easy one. Looking through the vans and cars available this spring, I weighed the trade-offs of comfort, economy, ruggedness, and off-road capability.

It wasn't an easy decision. In the end, I went mainly for comfort. But, timing was a major part of the decision, and this lovely van was available just at the right time for me to take over from Christine and Dave, who spent almost a year driving Ginger Lee from Nova Scotia to Chile.

Dave and Christine flew back to Canada to get married and I drove off into the sunset (quite literally) after dropping them off at the airport.

In Europe, I often wished I had a bicycle to ride into town. Now I have two.

The original sales brochure for the Roadtrek Versatile, shows how well planned this little van is. The Van that thinks it's a Motorhome [PDF].

The Owner's Manual [pdf] will explain how everything works.

Unfortunately, Dave did not leave the bed warmer behind.

Registered in Nova Scotia, Canada
1988 Dodge Ram Roadtrek Campervan
Automatic 318 engine Fuel injected 8 cylinder
Power steering
240,000 kms
Cruise control
Power windows
Power locks
In dash air conditioning
New Bosch starter battery March, 2014.
New 140AH leisure battery, 2013.
All rear windows tinted
110V connection (for fridge, lights, microwave)
Transformer for 220V connection
4 good condition Michelin tires and one spare
New rear shocks in back
New O2 sensor
New master brake cylinder
New alternator
New Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
New fuel filter
All new engine belts (Sept 2012)
New front brake calipers, pads and brake lines
New fuel lines
Fluids and filters changed regularly
Fully checked by a mechanic, March 2014, with no issues.
3 person seating capacity (all with functioning seat belts)
3 way Dometic Fridge (gas/12v/110v)
2 burner gas stove with fan above Microwave
Sink Toilet Fresh water tank
reserve/holding tank
Grey water holding tank
Black water holding tank
Large inbuilt propane tank
Ceiling vent
All windows with mosquito screens
Side and rear doors with removable screens
Double bed in back (can covert to dining table)
Single bed in front converted with drivers seat and back seat
Kenwood stereo system with tape deck including speakers above bed
Removable in floor table in front area
Spare tire and jack
3 Fans that work off 12V
Gas Furnace
Comfortable captains chairs for driver and copilot
Chairs rotate 180deg for when camping
Removable awning
Working in dash air conditioning
All windows have working curtains for privacy
Nice clothes cupboard
Lots of storage space
Toolbox and tools (extensive mechanics tool kits)
2 mountain bikes (from Canada: one male, one female)
Bicycle rack
Emergency tire repair canister
Dodge Ram 'Haynes Repair Manual'
Bicycle repair kit and pump
Power inverter (12V to 110V)
Up to date paper maps of most South and Central America
Sawyer Water filter system
outdoor chair and small table
Large bolted safe to store valuables
FM transmitter so you can play iPod through radio
Towels (4 large, 2 hand)
2 pillows, 2 sets of sheets, 2 blankets
1 duvet
1 pot, 1 skillet, 1 wok, 1 Coffee press (medium size)
Set of plastic dishes (plates, bowls, cups, mugs)
Cutlery and utensils
2 umbrellas
Fly fishing rod and reel with flies etc
Outdoor Solar shower
Coleman Lantern (battery powered)
Spanish-English dictionary
Latin American Spanish phrase book
2 emergency triangles
New Dash Cam to record the trip
High Power Alfa WiFi Adapter and high gain antenna.