BajaNomad

Question about trailer travel safety

BajaAlemana - 1-8-2007 at 01:16 PM

We were planning a trailer trip - 2 trucks, two 5th wheels, 4 adults - to Mulege with stops along the Pacific to go whale watching in February. Meanwhile we have been warned about kidnappings and car jackings. Please send me more information about the current situation. There are always many scared people but this time I am getting a lot of fright tales. I have been going to Baja for years and never encountered a problem but hauling trailers exposes us to more risk. Thank you for your replys!

Don Alley - 1-8-2007 at 01:36 PM

There was a murder a couple months ago, a man camping alone near Mulege.

There's often petty theft from time to time. I lost a pair of shoes at Bahia Concepcion once.

Lots of kidnappings of local business people in Tijuana for ransom. Never heard of a tourist being kidnapped.

Carjackings? I think they may be more common north of the border.

There are more people down here so no surprise if there is more crime. There also has been an increase in drug abuse, primarily meth. But there are also more reports of crime due to the internet and the availability of dsl in Baja.

Get insurance. Carry small amounts of cash and use the ATMs. Then you're covered. Have fun, don't worry, be happy.

Here's where I meant to post it.

Hook - 1-8-2007 at 01:43 PM

Despite their being some highly publicized attempts at carjackings and the continuing kidnappings around TJ and Rosarito (mostly of locals), it would be very unusual for you fall victim to something like this. This is especially true with the increased scrutiny of the military in the TJ area.

My advice.......plan your travel days to that you move through the corridor of TJ-San Quintin without stopping for ANYTHING really. I'd make for El Rosario, top off the rig at the Pemex there and maybe stay at the Motel Sinai RV park. It's about a half mile past the Pemex and is pretty safe; gate guard and a decent restaurant, too.

Really, almost all the rather rare troubles have been between TJ and Ensenada.

Stick together and you'll be fine.......greater safety in numbers. But remember to leave room in between the rigs for others to pass.

Where in OC do you hail from?

BajaAlemana - 1-8-2007 at 02:35 PM

Hi Hook!

We are in CdM! Thank you for all the info! Hopefully, our friends don't get scared off.
Best,
Baja Alemana
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Despite their being some highly publicized attempts at carjackings and the continuing kidnappings around TJ and Rosarito (mostly of locals), it would be very unusual for you fall victim to something like this. This is especially true with the increased scrutiny of the military in the TJ area.

My advice.......plan your travel days to that you move through the corridor of TJ-San Quintin without stopping for ANYTHING really. I'd make for El Rosario, top off the rig at the Pemex there and maybe stay at the Motel Sinai RV park. It's about a half mile past the Pemex and is pretty safe; gate guard and a decent restaurant, too.

Really, almost all the rather rare troubles have been between TJ and Ensenada.

Stick together and you'll be fine.......greater safety in numbers. But remember to leave room in between the rigs for others to pass.

Where in OC do you hail from?

We just got back and I remember feeling just like you.

vgabndo - 1-8-2007 at 08:15 PM

I went in with a lot of trepidation and on the entire trip my only boo hoo was of my own making and the ways of the Mexican World.

This trip felt essentially the same as every other. We were especially careful of our security, but still camped in the boonies when possible.

Hook's advice is good. Start nice and early from SD, and make for El Rosario with both arms around the football.

Hell, by El Rosario I'd stopped shaking uncontrollably.:lol:

We noticed a HUGE difference in tourist traffic between our ida and our vuelta six weeks later. There'll be a lot more company at most of the favored locations.

DO IT !! Be careful have fun.