yes a lot of.
We where there: 1 year N-America, 2 years in S-America and now back in N-America, ready for Australia.
1 all people are very friendly and helpful
2 speaking Spanish would it make much easier: in Brasil Portugies, but Spanish works also sometimes
3 you get all stuff you need: oil, gas, diesel, tools, help ........
4 wonderfull, fresh eating, all the way in S/C-America, sometimes also in USA/CDN
5 dont go in danger areas. We dont had any problems, but other have told us about terrible things
6 we camped not free, only in "campAreas", sometimes secured by the owner (locking the gate) ore in C-America by Security
7 put all gear inside your car, avoiding quick take aways.
8 Secure your Front doors, putting a strap between the 2 doors from your backroom.
9 secure your wheels and gastank
10 take GPS maps from openstreet
http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
11 sometimes it is better to give a "donation" to the policeman, than having much trouble
12 Cross the border only on Sunday - no truck traffic and easy go (1 hour).
and happy traveling
If you need more infos, email me