BajaNomad

East cape from airport to Villa del Faro?

Santiago - 10-23-2024 at 06:16 AM

It's been 25 years since I've driven this road and may do it from the airport to Villa del Faro in January, what's the condition? I intend to rent a car at the airport.
Thanks

Cancamo - 10-23-2024 at 07:07 PM

Don't tell the rental agency you are going there, insurance doesn't cover off the pavement.

Easiest is via Palo Escopeta. South of the airport on the highway, take a left at the first stoplight at San Bernabe, follow the well-used path up past the dump turn off, through Palo Escopeta, continuing on to the coast road, make a left.

It should be in decent shape by then.

Santiago - 10-24-2024 at 08:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Cancamo  
Don't tell the rental agency you are going there, insurance doesn't cover off the pavement.

Easiest is via Palo Escopeta. South of the airport on the highway, take a left at the first stoplight at San Bernabe, follow the well-used path up past the dump turn off, through Palo Escopeta, continuing on to the coast road, make a left.

It should be in decent shape by then.

Thanks

surfhat - 10-25-2024 at 11:10 AM

I recall there were some 2wd? Jeeps available at the airport to rent that were allowed on the East Cape's washboard roads. It has been a few years, but might be worth checking out.

Passenger cars on washboard roads are a risky combo. Mess one of those paved road cars up and the payout could be dramatic. cha ching$

Air down!

AKgringo - 10-25-2024 at 11:56 AM

I don't care if it is a rental, if I knew there was a lot of washboard ahead of me I would drop a few psi to soften the ride. If I had a full load of passengers and luggage, that would be a different story, and of course highway speeds would have to be reduced when on pavement.

Carrying an inflator of some sort probably wouldn't be an option, but I would sure carry my own gauge to make sure the tires were at the original psi when I returned it.

Cancamo - 10-27-2024 at 09:47 AM

Just drop air down to 18/20 lbs. Packing a 12V compressor is not a bad idea to avoid having to find a llantera when you hit the pavement.

No need for 4WD, or even high clearance, just go slow when called for. These are well travelled access roads, sometimes a bit of a challenge after a hurricane,(pack a shovel), or under extreme washboard conditions, but certainly not off road.

surfhat - 10-27-2024 at 11:58 AM

Recently, I somewhere saw a battery charged small tire inflator that did not have a compressor attached. It was reputed to be able to inflate a set of tires on a single charge. The portability is unmatched. The actual inflating performance on a set of truck tires leaves me questioning.

This device had no need for long air hoses. It came with what looked like a foot long air hose. If this actually works for our trucks and vans, it would be an attractive option for what we have had to carry until this point in time. I will leave an assessment of 'practical' value to others.

Cancamo - 10-27-2024 at 12:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surfhat  
Recently, I somewhere saw a battery charged small tire inflator that did not have a compressor attached. It was reputed to be able to inflate a set of tires on a single charge. The portability is unmatched. The actual inflating performance on a set of truck tires leaves me questioning.

This device had no need for long air hoses. It came with what looked like a foot long air hose. If this actually works for our trucks and vans, it would be an attractive option for what we have had to carry until this point in time. I will leave an assessment of 'practical' value to others.



I have one. USB cord charges it. Works fine so far, although not intended for heavy loads, or extended use. Ideal for motorbike trips, as it is small and light.
All portable pumps have their limitations, and varied longevity. I keep a Truper 200 peso hand pump in my vehichles, very dependable up to medium pressure.