Smoke - 9-28-2008 at 12:18 PM
I will share what happened to us this morning so no one else gets the suprise we did. We crossed at Tecate on Sunday Morning with a Generac standby
generator. Cost was 2800 + tax,and a 800.00 bar-b-que. We were told we needed to go to TJ because they were not allowed to take that much tax on
Sunday. Went to TJ and got turned around because the generator was not a normal Household item. The agent told us we needed to see a lmport broker. No
import brokers open on Sunday.
So we are sitting in a motel in Chula Vista waiting for Monday to visit a broker and get through the border.
Did a search and found Bob & Susans post and recomendation for a Broker, will visit them in the morning.
Damn I wish I woulda checked this site before all of this.
vandenberg - 9-28-2008 at 01:31 PM
Must be in the back of an open pick up.
This is where it pays to have a camper shell.
Paulina - 9-28-2008 at 01:35 PM
Why wouldn't a generator be a normal household item? If you don't have electricity it would come in handy. Our neighbors in Bahia sure think theirs is
a normal household item as they run it 24/7 when they are there.
In Any Case.............
MrBillM - 9-28-2008 at 02:36 PM
Isn't the import limit (sans broker procedure) for other than computer equipment $1000 ?
Bob and Susan - 9-28-2008 at 02:38 PM
a "Generac standby generator" is in a BIG metal sound proof enclosure...
smoke would be a good neighbor...nice and quiet
Smoke - 9-28-2008 at 05:06 PM
Bon & Susan
I have no idea how noisey it is. Do you know something I don't?
bajaguy - 9-28-2008 at 05:07 PM
what size/model is it?????
Smoke - 9-28-2008 at 05:12 PM
12 kv gererac automatic switch over Bought new from costco
Bob and Susan - 9-28-2008 at 05:18 PM
you actually have one of the quietest big dogs...
they all make noise...
at least its in a box...
i still have to enclose my "box quiet" unit to make even more quiet
solar is soooo much quieter
Smoke - 9-28-2008 at 05:34 PM
Ok, good, was not sure if you were kiding, and that it was really loud.
Thanks for the info. We have great neighbors and I would hate to make them bad neighbors. We do plan to enclose it as well.
auto switch over
bajadave1 - 10-1-2008 at 02:06 AM
Smoke, if you are going to be a full time resident, you might want to install the generac with a manual switch. my neighbor burned up two of the auto
switch relays. when power is fluctuating it can't handle the constant on/off. the last rental casa I had, the owner removed the "auto switching, and
went to manual. DO use the auto start battery charge. Install the largest propane tank you can.Dave
Bob and Susan - 10-1-2008 at 06:16 AM
if you have a GOOD inverter then the inverter will turn on the generator as needed based on the voltage...
you need the auto start on...
or the inverter may shut off if you drain the batteries at one point
the lower the voltage the harder the inverter has to work to make 120v for "house current"
if the generator is comming on and off all the time you need to reset the points on the inverter lower and higher so it wont flip on and off
Smoke - 10-1-2008 at 09:19 PM
Thanks for all the info, will put it to use. Also on the issue of entering the border with items that require import fees. You must enter on weekdays
and you must enter through TJ or Otay Mesa, where they have mexico brokers at the entrance to inspect,Take the money and give you the paperwork for
your items. My fee was 15% and very a very easy process at Otay Mesa.