USA to Panama road trip

Hi all...

I am a 36yr old single guy wanting to do a road trip from Wyoming to Panama. I would like to have at least one person with me on the trip but won't let finding a travel partner stop me from going. I have been to Mexico, spent a month in Belize and have been to Colombia, SA a bunch of times. My Spanish is pretty limited though....that could be imporved upon though before the trip.

The trip would be early January to mid-April at the latest. I think it is plenty of time, I could stretch that from early Decemeber to April. I have heard the holidays is a bad time to drive down there though.

I would like to head down from LA, have family there. Travel down through Baja and then ferry over to the mainland. From there not to big on Mexico or time spent in Mexico. Maybe go diving a few places and stop off in the Yucatan before heading into Belize. Would like to spend time in Belize, Gautamala, Honduras (Roatan), Costa Rica and Panama.

I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4dr. 4wd with a capper on it. This would be the truck I would take. It is pretty nice though with tinted windows, bar work, lift, nice stereo, ect. So I wonder if it might be a bit to high profile for the trip? It does have a good alarm system. I would like to set it up for a bit of camping and a long road trip like this. Meaning I would pull a rear seat and put in a fridge. Set the back up with a bed, storage, water/fuel tanks, ect. I would also like to take a kayak, surf board, fishing poles, beach cruiser and some diving gear. So a rack on top would be required to carry the big stuff. I am thinking I would drive the truck back but if pressed for time and it was economical to ship it home I may go that route. I have imported vehicles to the USA from overseas so am fairly well versed on this, just not cost from CA to the USA. Any suggestions?

Here is my questions....

Is my vehicle a good choice? It is not red or to flashy...it is dark green, no chrome, ect.

I don't need to camp along the way when going from place to place. But once I get somewhere I want to stay for a week or so I want to be able to camp. I would like to camp on beaches or next to them, when in the jungle camping would be ideal too. How much camping could I expect to be able to do safely?

How much should I budget for the trip. I am used to spending a lot on trips...ie I stay in nice hotels, eat in nice restuarants and do what I like. I don't have a prob hiring a boat to take me diving, ect ect. I did want to do this trip for less than I usually spend "living it up" outside the USA. I was thinking $2,000 a month which would include fuel should be plenty. On this trip I am interested in catching my own food either snorkeling, diving, fishing or out of the kayak whenever I can. I will eat all kinds of fresh seafood. I also have no probs with beans and rice for long periods of time and oatmeal for breakfast. I can easily cook that stuff up out of the back of my truck. So the question again, is $2,000 plenty to plan for each month?

I might want to take my dog with me. Is that possible and is there anything special I should know about a dog going with me. He is great on road trips and loves them. He also guards the truck very well. My only concern is what to do with him when I go diving or do a few days on a river.

I have read up on the whole insurance, borders, paerwork things so don't really have any questions about that stuff. I am fine with maps and a compass but would you suggest a GPS too? Any probs with range and fuel stops? Meaning 500 miles between fuel stops?

Like I say I would really like to camp along the way, stick to coastlines mostly but also spend time in the jungle. Hire local guides for fishing, diving, boating if needed. I would really like to be able to pull up to a beach, start a fire and camp out. I realize doing that every night won't be possible but as much as possible is ideal. If I plan the trip with this in mind (route) do you think I can find plenty of places to camp out on or near the beach or is the hostel/local hotels the better way to go? In the jungle do most "parks" have camping?

I am very familar with Belize and think I can pull off most of what I have in mind in that country. I know some locals and guides so that helps.

I would like to maybe do this trip this year or January 2010. Getting close though for having not prepared. Also not sure I will have the cash this year. Maybe just do a trip down Baja instead to test the waters this year and go for the bigger trip next year.

Any ways, looking forward to any responses....