Start your self-catered South American adventure now! All you need to embark on this trip of a lifetime is a plane ticket and your personal belongings. 🙂
Bella in Chile
Mark, Maya, and I are wrapping up our three-year journey on the South American continent and are looking for a couple or small family that will enjoy our truck camper Bella as much as we have. If you know of anyone interested in an overland adventure with the perfect set-up for this part of the world, please let them know about our vehicle or share this post with them. We are very happy to answer any questions.
Thirsty Bella in Peru
Here are the details of our rig and a bunch of photos.
FOR SALE:
Fully Equipped Truck Camper – Ford F350 + Lance 830
This camper is set up for fulltime off-grid living and the vehicle is the perfect transportation to explore South America and beyond.
Price: $47,500 USD
Location: Argentina/Chile/Paraguay
Available: Now.
We speak English, Dutch, and some French and Spanish.
Registered/titled in the United States, easy transfer to any nationality via visitor.us.
You can also use a poder to travel while waiting for official US registration/title.
Camper and truck are meticulously maintained to provide care-free travel. Clean title/no accidents.
Likely one of the best equipped vehicles in South America with the lowest miles.
The cow décor brings smiles and laughs to the locals and allowed us to meet some great people along the way by giving them something to ask us about. We loved it and enjoyed making people smile during our travels. That said, the cow spots are stickers and can be removed if they are not your thing.
The camper can be removed from the truck to allow for exploration with just the truck.
Truck details:
- Currently ~72000 miles.
- 2016 F350 with 6.2L gas engine (385hp) and 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine/transmission combination is extremely reliable.
- Front seating for 3, or 2 with a center console.
- Extended cab with a back seat suitable for children and/or pets. Adults will be cramped. Seating for 3.
- 35-gallon (132 liter) fuel tank.
- Short truck bed (6’ ¾”) so it has a shorter wheelbase, which makes it easy to turn and maneuver.
- 4WD with in-cab switch on demand.
- Front hubs auto and manual lock.
- 4WD High and Low.
- Rear differential lock.
- Flex-fuel compatible so no issues with high ethanol fuel in Brazil.
- Power windows/locks. Windows in back doors are manual. Rear window in back is glass and electric.
- Running boards along the entire cab.
- Tablet mount on dash with wired USB-C cable.
- Dash cam.
- Moo horn (crucial safety equipment).
- 3M security film on truck windows to prevent them from breaking (easily).
- We are the 2nd owner.
- Oil change every 5k miles with full synthetic.
- Air filter changed every 20k miles.
- Coolant changed at 40k.
- Transmission oil changed at 70k.
- Transfer case oil changed at 40k.
- Spark plugs replaced at 60k.
- Front brake pads replaced at 48k.
- Rear brake pads replaced at 64k.
- All oil and filters are Motorcraft/Ford.
- Front tires replaced at 55k and rear tires replaced at 58k. AT tires with plenty of tread left.
- Vair portable air compressor.
- New truck battery 4/2024.
- Heavy duty tow strap.
- Titled in Massachusetts (US) and can be fully transferred to anyone (not just US residents) via visitor.us.
- Spare parts: Oil filters, belt, ignition coils, front and rear brake pads, caliper pins.
- Full set of tools with imperial and metric sockets, 3 torque wrenches, oil filter wrench.
- Tools for electrical repairs.
- OBD-II reader for Forscan Ford specific computer diagnostic software.
- Full Ford workshop manual in PDF.
- Truck is stock beyond the addition of Timbrens to help the rear suspension and Bilstein shocks all around.
- Torklift camper tiedowns mounted to the frame of the truck for camper attachment.
- Driven up to 15,500ft with no engine issues.
- Total vehicle height with camper is 10.6ft (~3.2m).
- 5-gallon jerrycan for extra fuel
Camper:
- 2008 Lance 830. Very rare side-door entry truck camper. Roomiest floor plan for a truck camper this size.
- Aluminum frame structure.
- We are the second owners.
- Outfitted specifically for off-grid travel in South America.
- Standing height inside is about 6’ 3” (1.9m). I am 6’ 1” and fit comfortably.
- Queen-size bed with 2” memory foam on top of spring mattress.
- Dinette area for 4 people that converts to a smaller bed.
- Wet bath with Separett Tiny composting toilet, wet shower and sink.
- Kitchen with 2-burner stove, large and deep sink, 12V oven, and 12V Isotherm compressor refrigerator.
- Water filtration system with .5-micron filter to allow for drinking tank water.
- 4 large awning-style windows with shades and screens.
- All windows and hatches have mosquito/bug screens.
- 2 ceiling fans. MaxxFan above the bed (in/out) and Fantastic fan in bathroom (out).
- LED lights throughout.
- Permanently mounted Starlink wired to 12V with on/off switch. Mounted inside the camper in a ceiling skylight.
- Permanently mounted router for use with Starlink. Gl-MT3000.
- Large manual full-length awning on side of camper.
- Outside LED lights on 3 sides of the camper.
- USB charging ports.
- Single 20lb US propane tank.
- 2 heaters (propane). 1 forced air heater for when it’s really cold; also keeps tanks and plumbing from freezing. 1 catalytic heater that uses no electricity and is great for above freezing situations.
- Gas grill with quick disconnect to use main tank for gas. No camping bottles needed.
- 1 large outside storage compartment.
- 48 gallons of fresh water. We added an additional 18-gallon tank to the standard 30 gallons. Plumbed together.
- 17-gallon grey water tank.
- 6-gallon hot water tank.
- No black tank. Storage space now as that tank was removed when we installed the Separett.
- Outside shower with hot/cold water.
- 4 electrical jacks with remote control to take camper off the truck.
- 400 Watts of solar panels mounted on the roof.
- Victron 100/30 MPPT solar controller.
- Victron Smart Shunt battery monitor.
- Victron Orion XS 50A DC-DC charger. Charges from truck alternator.
- Camper is wired for 120V. Can charge battery from a 120V power source (35A). A local transformer would allow you to plug into 220V outlets. We rarely had the need to plug-in for power because of solar and truck charging systems.
- 500W pure sine wave inverter.
- Single 272Ah lithium battery with Bluetooth management/monitoring.
- Keyless entry on the door with a keypad (or key).
- Fastgun turnbuckles to secure camper to the truck.
- Camper connects to trailer plug of truck for all camper driving lights.
- Camper connects via separate large Anderson style plug for DC-DC charging.
- Tablet mounted on wall as permanent battery monitor connected to all Victron equipment.
- Electric chainsaw to cut branches and small trees.
- Spare parts for lots of things like electrical work, plumbing, caulk, repair tape, etc. Spare water pump. Spare water filters.
- Lots of normal camping and household gear. Plates, pots, pans, glasses, outdoor chairs, bedding, snorkel gear, 12V vacuum, 2 camping tables, etc…..
Once you get used to maneuvering, the camper can be taken off the truck in about 10-15 minutes. It takes about 20-30 minutes to put it back on.
This flexibility offers the best of both worlds: you can leave the camper safe in a campground and take the truck anywhere you could imagine. For us, this combination of truck and camper is ideal for South America and we would not have done it any differently.
Original brochure: lancecamper.com/docs/2008-brochure.pdf
Video walkthrough: https://youtu.be/M-IlN4qigWk?si=YWeQ0TZigW7BUOXL
We have posted regularly on this blog if you’re interested in the full history of our overland travels thus far.
It is time for new adventures – for the new owners, for the camper, and for us.
Curious about a previous ten-year chapter in our nomadic lives, which includes eight years aboard a 35-foot sailboat in the tropics with dogs, check out my compelling, inspiring, and refreshingly honest travel memoir:
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August 22, 2025 at 15:06
Holy Cow, Liesbet! It’s so weird, I was just thinking about you and Mark and wondering when your adventure would be over. You didn’t provide details so I hope future posts will let us know what your plans are. Of course, if you get anywhere close to San Diego again, we’d love to see you.
August 22, 2025 at 19:24
Haha, Janis. Was your “holy cow” pun intended? 🙂
Sam Diego, or the US for that matter, is not in our near future. That will have to wait for at least three more years, if you know what I mean.
At the moment, we are playing with the Europe idea, but we would need to find another suitable camper for that continent. I’d be happy with a few month’s break from the road, but that would mean living at one of our parents’ places, which we are not keen on in the wintertime. First, let’s see how long it takes to sell our current home…
August 22, 2025 at 20:04
Yes, it was intended. I’d love to get out of the US too for several years (but, not in a camper). Good luck selling Thirsty Bella (but you might want to lose the “Thirsty” part of its name while you are trying to sell it). 😊
August 24, 2025 at 06:57
Good points, Janis! 🙂 Maybe you can do a home exchange or something like that.
August 22, 2025 at 15:40
Can’t help but wonder what’s next for you guys.
August 22, 2025 at 19:24
We are wondering that as well, Leslie. Ideally, another camper to explore Europe and Africa with. 🙂
August 22, 2025 at 15:49
It’s happening! Sharing…
August 22, 2025 at 19:25
Thanks, Jacqui. It would make us happy to make another adventurous American couple happy with our camper. That would be easy and straightforward for the paperwork. 🙂
August 22, 2025 at 17:03
Three years – doesn’t seem that long that I’ve been reading your South American adventures! Good luck with the sale and whatever comes next.
August 22, 2025 at 19:26
Thanks, Anabel. Time flies!!! It’s kind of crazy. If it’s Europe next, we hope to swing by for a visit one of these years. 🙂
August 23, 2025 at 04:12
You never know!
August 22, 2025 at 18:20
Good luck with selling your home. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
August 22, 2025 at 19:27
Thanks, Suzanne. I guess we are both switching gears and home swapping (soon)…
August 22, 2025 at 19:04
All good wishes for the next steps: “It is time for new adventures – for the new owners, for the camper, and for us.” Cheering you on!
August 22, 2025 at 19:28
Thanks, Marian. I think I prefer a boring and less challenging life for a little bit, to recharge my batteries. But we all know that those itchy feet won’t be resting for long, haha.
August 22, 2025 at 20:25
Good luck with selling your home, Liesbet. I like your “it is time for new adventures” statement.
August 24, 2025 at 06:57
Thanks, Natalie! In general, we are ready for some less challenging travels and living.
August 22, 2025 at 21:00
Good luck!
August 24, 2025 at 06:58
Thanks, Margie!
August 23, 2025 at 11:36
Well, it is not a surprise since you have been talking about this for awhile. Still, it must be a huge decision. I must say this post answers all possible questions for anyone who might consider buying your rig. Excellent descriptions and photos. Hope you find a good buyer soon! Stay safe! Jim
August 24, 2025 at 07:00
Thanks, Jim. We’ve been through several transitions like these and they’re never easy, but they have to happen for us to get onto the next thing. We hope the camper sells within the next few years as we are ready to move on. But, in the meantime, we plan to take it a bit easier with less driving. I’m glad you two are enjoying Vienna so much.
August 23, 2025 at 17:51
Wow, you’ve made the decision! I have to admit I read your title and thought, “Oh, thank goodness; they’re finally going to leave South America behind and find safer travels.” Then I realized that choosing “safer” travels likely isn’t as much of a priority for you two adventure-seekers as it would be for me.
I hope the sale of Thirsty Bella goes quickly and well; and I’ll look forward to finding out where your adventures will take you next!
August 24, 2025 at 07:03
Hello Diane!
Thank you! Maybe our new travels won’t be safer, but we surely hope they will be easier and less challenging. This lifestyle suits people who don’t have to work on the road or who are on a sabbatical a bit better. But that’s life for us, so unless we settle somewhere (what???), our lifestyle will always be somewhat difficult, haha.
I wasn’t quite ready to pull the trigger on a for sale ad, but Mark is right thinking this might take a few months, which should give us enough time to get our act together about something new. 🙂
August 23, 2025 at 20:39
As others have said, they (I) knew this was coming, but it still felt like a surprise to read it’s happening for real! I hope you land somewhere where there are not as many loose dogs or fireworks!
August 24, 2025 at 07:06
Hi Lexie,
A place with less loose dogs, fireworks, and noise would be nice. Now where would that be? 🙂
We are in one of those situations where one thing depends on the other, so, as long as we don’t sell Thirsty Bella, we can’t really jump on anything else. But, we are keeping our eyes on a different kind of camper.
August 24, 2025 at 07:44
Only 72,000 miles? Seems like you have driven much more than that! Hope she finds a good home.
August 26, 2025 at 07:03
Hi Alex,
We bought the truck with about 30,000 miles in New England in the US, in 2021. So, we’ve driven about 42,000 miles in four years, probably about 30,000 in South America. That might be less than the common commuter? 🙂
August 26, 2025 at 06:02
As one door closes, another one opens. It’s sad to hear that Thirsty Bella is for sale, but I understand why. And when she is sold, you’ll still have all those memories of her (and pictures).
Looking forward to hearing what is next for you, Mark and Maya.
August 26, 2025 at 07:07
Good morning Hugh,
We will be in limbo for a while. These transitions are tricky for us, because we don’t have a home base or a place to “wait” or sell our vehicle from.
Yes, it’s sad – or bittersweet as they say – to swap Thirsty Bella for another vehicle. But this is not our first rodeo. I’m quite sure you were already following our blog when we had Zesty. In between there was Temp for only a year, and before all that we had our sailboat, Irie, on which my travel memoir, Plunge, is set. These were all life changes and feel like different eras, or chapters. Or doors. 🙂
August 26, 2025 at 09:46
Good to hear, Liesbet. Yes, I remember Zesty. I also remember your stay at Mark’s parents’ house during the pandemic. Was it Zesty you had then?
August 30, 2025 at 14:36
Yes! Good memory, Hugh. We had Zesty in 2020, during the pandemic, and “swapped” campers the following year. ow, we are approaching another time of transitioning.
August 26, 2025 at 09:59
Wow! End of a South American era! What a tour! I’ve shared around, hoping someone may be interested in your amazing rig Thirsty Bella. I look forward to hearing about where your next adventures will be! Hugs 🥰😘
August 30, 2025 at 14:38
Hi Debby,
We more than likely will be down in South America for a few more months, at least until our home on wheels sells. or longer, because of the opposite seasons. After that, things are up in the air. Transitions are never easy for us, without a home base. But, we hope to start adventuring in Europe at some point next year. 🙂