BajaNomad - Renting an RV to drive into Baja

Renting an RV to drive into Baja

BrianBenson - 11-8-2005 at 12:16 PM

Looking to rent an RV to take down Highway 1 all the way to Cabo. Anybody know which companies rent RV's that can be driven into Mexico?

David A. - 11-8-2005 at 12:25 PM

El Monte RV will do it.

Debra - 11-8-2005 at 01:56 PM

Check with the KOA in Chula Vista, easy to get in and out of and 10 mins. from the border.

bajabound2005 - 11-8-2005 at 08:27 PM

r u nuts??
stay in hotels!!! :lol:

[Edited on 11-9-2005 by bajabound2005]

Swatez - 11-8-2005 at 08:50 PM

bajabound ..why stay in hotels when you can stay where you want in an RV
Meet lots more folks..............

Phil S - 11-9-2005 at 09:05 AM

I have to say that driving an rv into Baja is going to be one of the greatest adventures you'll have ever experienced. Starting with "getting through" Tijuana without ending up downtown. Then the narrow highway will turn your hair gray before the trip is over. The truckers that cross over the yellow line (when there is one) as you go into the turns. Having to swerve to miss a small washout, and you can't because oncoming truckers keep you from doing so. Your so big, you can't enjoy the scenery, because your spending all your time staying on the road & between the lines.
If you have experience with operating an r.v. then that's great. But if you are doing this for the first time, than consider going down with a touring group for your first time. It's an incredible journey, and one you'll remember the rest of your life. In fact, most likely you'll be wanting to do it every year until you can't travel anymore. Good luck, and keep up posted of your trip, and where you rented your r.v. & how you rated the dealer.

David K - 11-9-2005 at 09:52 AM

Yup, pretty hard for two wide rigs to pass each other on a 19 foot wide, elevated highway, without shoulders!

Photo from jrbaja...

comitan - 11-9-2005 at 10:17 AM

David

Thats a nice stretch of Highway,center line, shoulder line what more could you want.

Cincodemayo - 11-9-2005 at 06:14 PM

Well there isn't much room at all for error...great way to create instant air conditioning on the left side of the motorhome!

backninedan - 11-9-2005 at 08:58 PM

I drove my 35 footer to Loreto with no problems at all. I hogged the center line when I could and gave way to trucks on the curves. It was actually much easier than I thought it would be.

Phil S - 11-9-2005 at 09:42 PM

Yeah Dan. But how many years experience did you have before, driving 18 wheelers????

bajalou - 11-9-2005 at 09:54 PM

I drove my Class A 30 ft'r to Loreto and didn't think it was too bad a trip. Of course, my daughter once told me in Mazatlan that "You drive just like the Mexicans" so maybe thats the reason.

Highway Driving

MrBillM - 11-10-2005 at 12:36 PM

During my Honeymoon in Baja 1981, we drove down to a friend's casa at Alfonsina's, Gonzaga Bay via Highway 5 across the Three Sisters. Our vehicle was a Toyota FJ55 Wagon. Some areas of the Three Sisters were in such bad shape that one side of the vehicle seemed about to go off the edge while the other side appeared to scrape the canyon wall. It so upset my wife that she asked (strongly) that we go home via Highway 1. The drive up that highway terrified her even more, mostly because of the trucks, busses and general craziness of the Mexican driver. She said afterwards that she would take the Three Sisters anytime over that highway. A first time drive in a motorhome would be more than I would recommend, but Hey, it'll be an adventure.

I'd agree with the guy that said stay in hotels and drive a smaller vehicle.

comitan - 11-10-2005 at 12:58 PM

Just to add one note everyones fear threshold is different therefore what bothers you may not bother the next person or vis. Also there are thousands of Rv's driven up and down the Baja every year, some with little old men that have difficulty walking and are driving a 40X9 wide motorhome, sometimes even women, most times the women are driving because their husband can't see.

how about one of those travel vans?

BrianBenson - 11-10-2005 at 01:33 PM

Does anybody know of places that rent those travel vans (vans that are made like an rv with kitchen, sofa, etc)?

Swatez - 11-10-2005 at 01:45 PM

we've driven our RV a number of times and we are still alive to tell about it. Almost died once..verrry scarey. Actually hydroplaned it after hitting a ledge on the right side and overcorrecting. Then at the border leaving Baja we sideswipped the guard booth. brook out our right side rbedroom window, peeled the paint off the guard booth and ripped the facing of the some of the side. But ya know what...no one said a word. He grimmaced, we cringed and we left. Now we havnt been back since...maybe they have our license plate number and you'll never see us down there again. But after all that...It's a great way to go...

You might try these guys....

neilm - 11-10-2005 at 03:22 PM

http://goodtimesrv.com/1.html

Neil

Quote:

Originally posted by BrianBenson
Does anybody know of places that rent those travel vans (vans that are made like an rv with kitchen, sofa, etc)?

Baja&Back - 11-12-2005 at 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phil S
I have to say that driving an rv into Baja is going to be one of the greatest adventures you'll have ever experienced. Starting with "getting through" Tijuana without ending up downtown. Then the narrow highway will turn your hair gray before the trip is over. The truckers that cross over the yellow line (when there is one) as you go into the turns. Having to swerve to miss a small washout, and you can't because oncoming truckers keep you from doing so. Your so big, you can't enjoy the scenery, because your spending all your time staying on the road & between the lines.
If you have experience with operating an r.v. then that's great. But if you are doing this for the first time, than consider going down with a touring group for your first time. It's an incredible journey, and one you'll remember the rest of your life. In fact, most likely you'll be wanting to do it every year until you can't travel anymore. Good luck, and keep up posted of your trip, and where you rented your r.v. & how you rated the dealer.

At this point, is it ok to throw in a commercial plug here, saying that Baja and Back Caravans has 2 spaces left on our30 day tour leaving the Chula Vista KOA on the 15th?

http://bajaandback.com

Hmmmmm? :tumble:

BTW: We've never lost a guest & only lost 2 mirrors total!

[Edited on 11-12-2005 by Baja&Back]

Bob and Susan - 11-12-2005 at 05:03 PM

You're 28 Brian...

throw your clothes in the back seat and bring a tent!!!

Have FUN!!! :lol:

comitan - 11-12-2005 at 05:10 PM

Stove and Ice chest. going Bob & Susans way you'll enjoy more because you'll have more money to spend, probably 1/3 coming to the Baja do it this way.