Camper van shipping South America

Moving a self contained camper across the equator is more logistics puzzle than road trip. The gap between Panama and Colombia blocks overland travel, so most travelers ship by sea. Two primary methods dominate. Roll on roll off places the vehicle on a vessel under its own power. Container shipping encloses the van in a locked steel box. Your route choice and prep work set the tone for everything that follows.

Shipping methods and route planning

RoRo is often the simplest for larger campers and tall roof vans. The ship crew drives your vehicle on and off the vessel. Schedules are frequent on popular lanes, and pricing is usually competitive because carriers can stack many wheeled units. The tradeoff is access. Port workers may enter the cabin for inspection and handling. That means personal items should be removed and all cabinets secured.

Container service offers privacy and more control. A standard high roof van may fit in a 40 foot high cube with room for gear boxes if permitted. Solo containers cost more but reduce touch points. Sharing a container with another traveler can lower the bill, though it adds coordination. Loading uses ramps or a bonded warehouse with forklifts. Accurate measurements matter because a tight fit prevents rub damage at sea.

Common embarkation points include Colon or Manzanillo in Panama, and US Gulf and Atlantic ports such as Galveston, Jacksonville, and Baltimore. Popular South American arrivals are Cartagena and Barranquilla in Colombia, Montevideo in Uruguay, Zarate near Buenos Aires, Santos in Brazil, and Valparaiso or San Antonio in Chile. Caribbean routes can be as quick as one to two weeks on the water. Reaching the southern cone can stretch to three to five weeks depending on transshipment.

Documents, customs, and insurance

Bring original title or registration that proves ownership, your passport, and a notarized authorization if a bank holds the title. The carrier issues a bill of lading that must match your vehicle details exactly. A cleaned vehicle with clear VIN stamping and accurate measurements will keep port inspections moving.

Most South American countries use a temporary import permit for foreign vehicles. Colombia typically issues a permit at the port after customs review, and you must purchase local liability insurance known as SOAT before you drive out. Chile requires agricultural inspection and may order a cleaning if dirt or seeds are found. Argentina and Uruguay are known for straightforward permits but still expect careful VIN and document checks. Brazil requires a tax ID number known as CPF for customs processing, which a local agent can arrange for travelers.

Plan for marine cargo insurance that covers total loss and partial damage. Policies can be arranged through a specialty broker and are priced on declared value. Ask your carrier about port storage, handling, and security procedures so you know where liability begins and ends.

Costs, timelines, and preparation

Budget ranges vary by size and route. RoRo for a camper sized van often lands in the range of fifteen hundred to three thousand US dollars before port and agent fees. A solo 40 foot container may run higher, while a shared container can moderate the cost if timing aligns. Additional line items include customs brokerage, port handling, security escorts within the terminal, and inspections or fumigation when required.

Preparation reduces risk. Empty the living space of valuables and visible personal effects for RoRo. Fit lockable storage inside the living area to hide items you must ship. Disconnect propane and drain or seal water tanks if the carrier requires it. Secure all doors, drawers, and hatches with latches or straps. Use wheel chocks and tie down points approved by the port or warehouse crew. Photograph the vehicle inside and out before handover and again at pickup to document condition.

Season and schedule matter. Peak holiday periods can squeeze space, and Atlantic storm season may disrupt sailing dates. Book early, but keep your plans flexible by a week or two. Expect one to three days of port processing after the vessel arrives if paperwork is clean and inspections are smooth.

Build readiness for South America travel

Shipping is only the prologue. Once your camper touches Latin soil, you will meet steep grades, remote service, and a wide mix of road surfaces. A resilient electrical system, true ventilation for humid coasts and high deserts, durable cabinetry that stays quiet on corrugated gravel, and secure external storage for recovery gear all make a difference. Theft resistant enclosures for tools and spares reduce worry in city centers and ports. Consider simple serviceability so any competent mechanic can access critical systems without special tools.

OZK Customs builds campers that are prepared for shipping day and the long run that follows. Need a platform tailored for extended travel Our team designs interiors that stay tight through port handling and rough roads, with smart tie downs and secure stowage baked in. Explore platforms and past work to plan your own journey with confidence.

• Learn how we approach travel ready builds: Explore recreational vans
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Quick checklist before you book

Measurements and photos

Record length, width, height to the highest point including racks and solar. Photograph the VIN and all sides to document condition.

Paperwork and agents

Confirm title status, passport validity, and the need for a local customs broker at your destination port. Verify exact names and numbers on the bill of lading.

Security and insurance

Remove visible items, add internal locks, and secure cabinets. Arrange marine cargo insurance for the declared value of the vehicle.

Plan the adventure and let professionals handle the build details. OZK Customs can configure your rig for South America travel with secure storage, power systems tuned for long range living, and layouts that survive ports and mountain passes. Reach out and we will map your build to your route and timeline.

What we do We design and build recreational and overland vans tailored to real travel. From complete custom interiors to targeted upfits, our Fayetteville Arkansas shop delivers rigs that work in the wild and look right in the city. Explore our services, tour Adventure Point when you pick up, and roll out ready.