I only have a suspension fork on my Koga WTR, because it , a used bike came that way , was selected & modified at the OEM level .

the travel is short 35mm travel, and stiff, so only moves on a good sized hit.

good and low cost in suspension forks are opposites ..

there was a fork well designed for loaded unpaved tracks the pannier mounts on the top, wheel motion un restricted,

But the company website where I saw it , seems to not use that one anymore.. even as an option..

Panamericana


so if low cost is a concern, then say No to a suspension fork , a thudbuster seatpost under your Butt, may help ..

the mass of having gear in panniers on your front wheel , absorbs a fair amount of buzz, just as a result of inertia.