Ahab - 10-14-2009 at 12:48 PM
We will be towing a 22' TT and are wandering where is the best place to cross. Tecate?
David K - 10-14-2009 at 01:11 PM
Getting to Tecate from the east, on the U.S. side involves many miles of 2 lane winding road (Hwy. 94), off I-8 (see exit signed for Campo or better
exit at Buckman Springs Rest Stop and join 94 from there).
I would think staying on a freeway or multi lane highway would be a bit more relaxing to drive towing.
You don't say where you are going... but since you mentioned Tecate, I will guess you are headed to Ensenada or south on Hwy. 1?
Southbound, I would go to San Diego on I-8 to I-805 (goes right to Tijuana) and if you look on a map, you can take a small shortcut from La Mesa south
on 125 to 805.
Another option is to cross at Mexicali or San Luis and get onto Hwy. 2 or 2-D (toll) to Tecate and then south of 3. This involves some cross city
traffic, and won't be as relaxing as going to San Diego on the freeway then south.
Bob and jane - 10-14-2009 at 01:14 PM
that's the way we always go. Easy first day to Potrero County Campground, cross the border early the next day at Tecate and you can get to the
campground at Sta Inez that day. Then slow down and enjoy your trip. We just did it a few weeks ago pulling our new boat down. Some detours and
road construction between Tecate and Ensenada and again south of Maneadero but take it slow and you'll be okay. Clear sailing once you get past the
busy-ness at San Quintin.
toneart - 10-14-2009 at 02:53 PM
I am usually towing a trailer or a boat and I prefer Tecate. The winding road has not been a problem.
Bajahowodd - 10-14-2009 at 05:51 PM
Geez. I hate those mountains just South of Tecate when I'm driving a car. Different strokes, I guess. It would seem that crossing at Mexicali and
going over to the BL 2000 turnoff on the toll road. would be the easiest run on someone towing. But you never mentioned where you were headed.
Diver - 10-14-2009 at 05:57 PM
We have crossed at Tecate the last 10 or more times south (and north) with our camp 24' trailer.
Potrero is a great layover and the crossing is simple, calm, easy ......
The winding road is not that winding and no real challenge for a trailer.
Not a lot of traffic so you can take it easy.
mulegemichael - 10-15-2009 at 06:52 AM
i agree totally with tecate being the only way to cross; no wait, no hassles, beautiful drive between there and ensenada...the nasty part of the drive
is after ensenada all the way to san quintin; lots of stop and go traffic, local buses, zig zagging drivers, etc...tecate all the way1
David K - 10-15-2009 at 07:36 AM
Remember he is coming from Arizona... have you guys been on 94 from Jacumba or Buckman Springs (ie. the east)? It isn't the same as the west approach
to Tecate from San Diego, that we all use to get there if we drive I-5 to/ from home.
None-the-less, it would be good primer for what he will experience on Hwy. 1!
He still hasn't replied with where he is going...
Ahab - 10-15-2009 at 07:44 AM
We are headed to Guerro Negro then to Conception Bay for a week of Whale watching.
David K - 10-15-2009 at 07:49 AM
Hi Ahab... so you have options... Take freeways to the Tijuana border, the the toll highway to Ensenada (1-D) fast and easy... Or, take a country road
to Tecate, not as fast, but pretty drive and Hwy. 3 to Ensenada.
capt. mike - 10-15-2009 at 11:55 AM
Ahab - in 2001 Nov i trailered my 35' Coachmen from Snottsdale AZ to Mulege over 4 days of driving.
i took the Jacumba exit off I-8 to get to Tecate and spent the night at that trailer park there before the border. that road was no problem for my
truck and large RV travel trailer.
and it was dark by the time i got to the exit, no problem. it is 2 lane and twisty in spots though. but saves time over taking 8 all the way to TJ.
mulegemichael - 10-15-2009 at 07:45 PM
here's a tip....not sure if you'll see many whales in bahia de concepcion...not many there, really...like...very few...you need to look over to san
ignacio laggon or scammon lagoon in feb/mar...don't expect very many whales in concepcion...but....it's soooooo beautiful!...that's why we're there!