[sandcruiser]

get a small schoolbus

Not the itty bitty ones based on a van chassis, but the sorta medium sized ones that are still "real" buses, but shorter than a full-size bus thus allowing you to get in and out of towns where full-sized buses just won't work very well.

You might even be able to find a locking rear differential on a bus, somewhere. But a BIG winch will get you unstuck even if you've got 2wd. Suspension is a lot more of an issue on roads here than traction.

The bus will have ample space for 5 and 2 dogs. It'll also have space to do all manner of storage where the rear seats used to be. You can cut/weld doors into the exterior that you can secure yet still access easily for your exploits.

The larger size will help with idiot drivers (I'd rather be in a bus in a collision than just about anything else). Buses will certainly also blend in nicely as there are buses EVERYWHERE down here.

If you really want to, you can even partially or completely convert the vehicle to run on veggie oils. Would be greener than using diesel, maybe cheaper, but does introduce potential hassles and I'd stay away from it if you don't have any real experience with mechanicals.

Another thought: for the sake of meeting quality contacts along the way, I would suggest you plan to seat 6 people and the two dogs. You never know when you are going to want to pick up a hitcher or a guide to get you somewhere, or a guard who asks for a ride then wants to drink all your beer...

You could go with a Mog or big Volvo truck... but a bus should be dirt cheap somewhere up in the States and you can get parts everywhere, and you will probably save enough $$ on buying the bus to overcome the higher cost of $hipping across the gap.

Finally: you can sell the bus anywhere. There is demand.