BajaNomad

Questions about things to take on Baja trip

mackconsult - 1-14-2011 at 10:29 AM

So I am outfitting my WVO sprinter van for a trip next year. Here is how it is shaping up so far.

WVO powered sprinter van with diesel heater, oak insulated paneling, several sunroofs, and 3 bunks in back. Also have lots of extra parts & tools in the van. Putting an extra full size spare on a modified brush guard in the front, so will have two fulls size spares.

Would put my XR600R motorcycle in back. This could be used for exploring, and if the van breaks down I have a way to go get parts.

Pretty much have all the sweet camping stuff including coolers. Of course would need to bring $$$.

Getting into kiteboarding here in the Columbia River Gorge so would of course bring all the kiteboarding gear.

I am a big time fisherman. Don't really want to trailer my 18 foot avon down, so was thinking a small aluminum boat on top of the van might be the way to go (I have a nice yakima rack for the van). Could have a wheels on the transom with big fat tires good made for sand to get the boat down to the water, then strap a motor on back once it is down at the water.

Any body have experience with use of small open aluminum boats down in baja, would a small inflatable be better? Either way I would get a small gas motor. The inflatable would be good because I could deflate it put it up on the rack, then still have room for other stuff.

[Edited on 1-14-2011 by mackconsult]

[Edited on 1-14-2011 by mackconsult]

El Jefe - 1-14-2011 at 10:53 AM

Wind is your friend kiting, but your enemy camping. Buy one of those swap meet type shade rigs with the flat tarp top and eight poles with four corner pieces. Legs are six footers and the horizontal pieces are ten footers (1" galvanized tube). Then get at least 22 feet of 6 foot wide shade cloth and enough clamps so you can wrap the cloth around two sides of the structure to keep out wind and sun. You can see through it, but it keeps the wind out. Now you have a bomb-proof 10X10 place to cook and hang out when it blows all day.

Santiago - 1-14-2011 at 11:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mackconsult
Any body have experience with use of small open aluminum boats down in baja, would a small inflatable be better? Either way I would get a small gas motor. The inflatable would be good because I could deflate it put it up on the rack, then still have room for other stuff.

[Edited on 1-14-2011 by mackconsult]

Tons and tons of info on tin boat fishing in Baja here.

mackconsult - 1-14-2011 at 11:17 AM

Thanks, I will buy it next paycheck.
Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Quote:
Originally posted by mackconsult
Any body have experience with use of small open aluminum boats down in baja, would a small inflatable be better? Either way I would get a small gas motor. The inflatable would be good because I could deflate it put it up on the rack, then still have room for other stuff.

[Edited on 1-14-2011 by mackconsult]

Tons and tons of info on tin boat fishing in Baja here.

mackconsult - 1-14-2011 at 11:18 AM

Actually a sprinter van makes for a great block against the wind. I already have plans to bolt some attachment points around the van so tarps can be used to shield from sun and wind. My trip report will show everything I did.
Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe
Wind is your friend kiting, but your enemy camping. Buy one of those swap meet type shade rigs with the flat tarp top and eight poles with four corner pieces. Legs are six footers and the horizontal pieces are ten footers (1" galvanized tube). Then get at least 22 feet of 6 foot wide shade cloth and enough clamps so you can wrap the cloth around two sides of the structure to keep out wind and sun. You can see through it, but it keeps the wind out. Now you have a bomb-proof 10X10 place to cook and hang out when it blows all day.

El Jefe - 1-14-2011 at 12:23 PM

Yes, I would do the same with my van as a wind block. But, you can't always park your van in the ideal spot or at the ideal direction for wind blockage. That is why I liked the portable setup.

bigzaggin - 1-14-2011 at 12:41 PM

Tough call. Inflating/deflating a boat is rarely so quick and easy that you're always motivated to do it, but lugging a skiff up top takes up all that precious cargo space.

One thing I would say, if you can rig a detachable bimini of some sort to the skiff, go that route. The sun is murder fishing in Baja.

One mod I would strongly suggest for your rig - assuming you can find 'em to fit - is a set of Rite-Rite air springs. It sounds like your rig is gonna weigh a ton and those things make the offroad ride so much better. I cannot believe I survived for years w/o 'em...and they're not that pricey.

mackconsult - 1-14-2011 at 12:46 PM

Actually the sprinter is a little better at loads than most vans. I already loaded it up for 10 days in yellowstone, including tons of WVO/wood/food and it did fine.

Mine has big 16" wheels, E rated tires, and planing on putting the KONI's on .....

bigzaggin - 1-14-2011 at 12:53 PM

Copy that...but with a heavy load up top (ie skiff), will it sway/feel top heavy on the turns? In big winds (common) on sharp turns (common) I'm not a big fan of top heavy.

woody with a view - 1-14-2011 at 12:54 PM

there is a punchline there somewhere.....

bigzaggin - 1-14-2011 at 12:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bigzaggin
I'm not a big fan of top heavy*.



*Concerning cars only.

mackconsult - 1-14-2011 at 02:50 PM

Have you seen a sprinter van??? Good luck getting a heavy load up there .... which is not what I am talking about. Any boat I put on top of my van would be max 200 lbs. I have already driven my van down in the gorge with my laser on top and it was not a problem.

Besides I am going with an inflatable boat any ways.
Quote:
Originally posted by bigzaggin
Copy that...but with a heavy load up top (ie skiff), will it sway/feel top heavy on the turns? In big winds (common) on sharp turns (common) I'm not a big fan of top heavy.

Curt63 - 1-14-2011 at 03:01 PM

Air compressor (spend the money on a good one)
shovel
Tow Straps
Cans of Fix a Flat
Gas and water jugs
Spanish English dictionary
Give away items (clothes, toys, sporting goods, bottles of hooch)

Bien Viaje

mackconsult - 1-14-2011 at 03:34 PM

Thanks man. Already have the air compressor, shovel, tow straps, & fix a flat.

I like the give away items .... kids would like doing that

Quote:
Originally posted by Curt63
Air compressor (spend the money on a good one)
shovel
Tow Straps
Cans of Fix a Flat
Gas and water jugs
Spanish English dictionary
Give away items (clothes, toys, sporting goods, bottles of hooch)

Bien Viaje
;D

[Edited on 1-14-2011 by mackconsult]

Howard - 1-14-2011 at 10:12 PM

Good Swiss Army knife

DENNIS - 1-14-2011 at 10:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Good Swiss Army knife


Instead of a bad one? :lol:

Oh, well....g'nite.

bajalera - 1-15-2011 at 06:30 PM

I once saw some bad ones for sale--lightweight and sleazy, but they had the silver cross.

What I gotta question is Curt's list. Take booze to GIVE AWAY????

acadist - 1-15-2011 at 06:47 PM

I would (and do) bring anything and everything I can think of, you never know but better to have it and not need it

Marc - 1-15-2011 at 06:50 PM

OK Dennis. Give it to 'em.

[Edited on 1-16-2011 by Marc]

DENNIS - 1-15-2011 at 08:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Marc
OK Dennis. Give it to 'em.



No can do, Marc. I had to promise not to post "The List" again for 30 days. They're pretty sure that's what took down the site the last time. :lol:

redhilltown - 1-15-2011 at 11:11 PM

I second the good air compressor...I guess you'll be going off road and airing down now and then and there is a 50/50 chance any gas station (should you be so lucky) will have one working...or if it is you might as well pull up a chair and crack a few beers as it may take a while.

The Baja Catch is also a great recommendation be it aluminum or inflatable. The winds on the Cortez of course are legendary but in the upper Cortez, it is the OFF shore winds that can really bust your buttons. You can usually see the on shore ones coming with a ruffling of the water on the horizon but the off shore winds can hit you like a bolt of lightning...seems like spring/early summer is the worst time for these. Definitely have some sort of emergency kit on hand.

backup

Skipjack Joe - 1-16-2011 at 12:26 AM

Duct tape and bailing wire.

In order to mend virtually anything you do decide to bring.

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 07:40 AM

Yep, I am a sailor, have been commercial fisherman. You need to include zipties and WD40.

The tools of Mcgiver :o
Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Duct tape and bailing wire.

In order to mend virtually anything you do decide to bring.


[Edited on 1-16-2011 by mackconsult]

wilderone - 1-16-2011 at 10:56 AM

How long are you going to be on this trip? Consider that less might be "more" - in terms of hauling, setup, weight, maintenance, cost. I always find that simplicity works in every case. How often will you be fishing? Could you just hire a panga or fish offshore instead? I like the fittings welded onto your rig to attach tarps. That usually serves you well when you want relief from the hot sun. A cheap large tent will do the same thing. A cliff, tree or umbrella works well too. I move my chair to follow the shade. If it's not raining or 100 degrees, you don't need a tarp. If it's too windy to build a fire, a tarp isn't going to help. That's when you bring out the smoked oysters, a jar of olives, crackers, vino rojo for dinner - or go out to a restaurant. Really - you don't need to bring literally a ton of stuff to enjoy Baja CA. Don't insulate yourself from all that is Baja.
PS: Inflatable will drift faster in a breez/current and will puncture more easily than aluminum.

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 11:38 AM

Probably be two weeks. Take 3 to 4 days to get down, camping the whole way. Then stay some were nice. Camp 3 to 4 days back.

Actually the stuff I carry in my van stays there. We have lots of room in the sprinter. Fishing often when ever close to water. No, I will not hire any body to take me out, unless I get skunked day after day. I am an accomplished fisherman.

Trust me we will enjoy Baja to its fullest including villa stay, restaurants, and the beach/dessert. My wife and i have travelled to Cabo, Zijua, Isla de Navadad, and Guadalajara.

I realize winds will push an inflatable around, but the same thing will happen to a light aluminum boat. Buckets in the water can help with that.
Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
How long are you going to be on this trip? Consider that less might be "more" - in terms of hauling, setup, weight, maintenance, cost. I always find that simplicity works in every case. How often will you be fishing? Could you just hire a panga or fish offshore instead? I like the fittings welded onto your rig to attach tarps. That usually serves you well when you want relief from the hot sun. A cheap large tent will do the same thing. A cliff, tree or umbrella works well too. I move my chair to follow the shade. If it's not raining or 100 degrees, you don't need a tarp. If it's too windy to build a fire, a tarp isn't going to help. That's when you bring out the smoked oysters, a jar of olives, crackers, vino rojo for dinner - or go out to a restaurant. Really - you don't need to bring literally a ton of stuff to enjoy Baja CA. Don't insulate yourself from all that is Baja.
PS: Inflatable will drift faster in a breez/current and will puncture more easily than aluminum.


[Edited on 1-16-2011 by mackconsult]

DENNIS - 1-16-2011 at 11:45 AM

I know "Judy's List" is cumbersome, overloaded and space consuming and no one in their right mind would try to bring all those items, but if the need arises for any one of them and you don't have it, you'll never forget it.
It's one of those "Baja Facts of Life."

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 11:57 AM

I have had a list of things I keep in my van, here it is:

List of things in van
-snow chains *
-well outfitted tool chest *
-tow strap *
-jumper cables *
-bucket w/ lid *
-rope *
-bungee cords *
-fillet knife *
-soap *
-zip ties *
-duct tape *
-WD40 *
-bailing wire
-fix a flat
-wrenches *
-socket set
-rags *
-paper towels *
-toilet paper *
-tarp *
-towel *
-portable rain gear *
-extra hoses, clamps, & fittings
-flashlight *
-water/food
-12 v air compressor
-small portable shovel; http://casanovasadventures.com/catalog/metaldetector/p11021....
-ECU programmer *
-gloves *
-scrubber pad *

As I mentioned before the van will have two spares implemented one on the front brush guard, the other in the normal spot underneath. I am putting "hooks" on the top of the van so that I can hang tarps off it on side and in back were the doors are. Have a yakima rack on top with long bars so that I can put my big 22 ft^3 thule box on top. Also buying one of these HF 2" cargo carriers (http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-carrier-66983.html) that will be strapped to the yakima rack for further storage capability on top. Only light things go on top of the van, anything heavy stays down low on the floor of the van, tucked on sides of the motorcycle.

I have done several camp trips in my van with this setup and it works really well even if the night of camping is some what short. I.E. stop at 7 pm, unload some stuff, camp out till the morning, then load back up and start driving. When the van is loaded it can be easily configured so that we can stop for like lunch, pull the food and cooking equipment out easily.

[Edited on 1-16-2011 by mackconsult]

Corkscrew - See below

Howard - 1-16-2011 at 11:58 AM

Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water." --W.C. Fields

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 12:01 PM

We have a tote for "camping" there is a corkscrew in there.
Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water." --W.C. Fields

DENNIS - 1-16-2011 at 12:23 PM

A list without TAMPAX will leave you cursing yourself to the grave. :lol:

woody with a view - 1-16-2011 at 12:24 PM

just take a screwdriver and push the cork into the bottle. if you got a screw needs turning, well, you planned ahead. but really, in my 30 years going to baja the only thing i ever forgot that i REALLY needed was a can opener, for the soup, back when we were less sophisticated. again, a hammer and screwdriver solved that problem.'

most of the stuff you are bringing you will only be moving around to try to find what it is your are searching for. less is better. let us know what % of the stuff you never touched when you get back.

unless you end up in the area that shall not be named, there are actually stores everywhere.....

[Edited on 1-16-2011 by woody with a view]

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 12:35 PM

Most of the stuff on this list is small and easily fits in milk crates or the door pockets of the van. I am a sailor, used to be commercial fisherman ....

Even though I may not touch some of this stuff during the trip, doesn't mean there was a "risk" that I would touch it. I am one that is usually very prepared for anything. You have to be to drive a WVO powered sprinter van :o.

I posted this list for other peoples benefit, so don't bash it.

Besides you have to remember that I will most likely be traveling with the wife, kids, and dog. Any where we go we bring half our house with us ..... that is one of curses of owning a sprinter van.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
just take a screwdriver and push the cork into the bottle. if you got a screw needs turning, well, you planned ahead. but really, in my 30 years going to baja the only thing i ever forgot that i REALLY needed was a can opener, for the soup, back when we were less sophisticated. again, a hammer and screwdriver solved that problem.'

most of the stuff you are bringing you will only be moving around to try to find what it is your are searching for. less is better. let us know what % of the stuff you never touched when you get back.

unless you end up in the area that shall not be named, there are actually stores everywhere.....

[Edited on 1-16-2011 by woody with a view]


[Edited on 1-16-2011 by mackconsult]

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 12:39 PM

I am sure the wife would remember those.
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
A list without TAMPAX will leave you cursing yourself to the grave. :lol:

woody with a view - 1-16-2011 at 12:54 PM

i didn't see the part about the kids. all bets are off.....

bring a trailer!:lol:

[Edited on 1-16-2011 by woody with a view]

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 12:56 PM

Nope, no trailer...... yet ......

Although I do have a good 8'x6' utility trailer, with good big wheels on it.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
i didn't see the part about the kids. all bets are off.....

bring a trailer!:lol:

[Edited on 1-16-2011 by woody with a view]

Skipjack Joe - 1-16-2011 at 01:23 PM

I agree with wilderone that modern baja has almost everything you need if something breaks or you run out. So panic rarely sets in anymore.

The one thing I really pay attention to is medication for cold sores. The wind and sun always brings them out and the farmacias offer things like blistex and vaseline, which are useless.

So I always stock up on Abreva before leaving (Zovirax is better.

Sunblock is available everywhere so don't worry about the kids overdoing it (you can be sure they will ignore your advice).

Spearo - 1-16-2011 at 03:13 PM

Concerning the boat...I have been hauling a 15' Gregor with a 20hp 4 stroke down on a tricked out 14 ft flatbed aluminum trailer. The trailer has storage boxes for camping gear, boating gear, extra fuel, two spares, coolers etc. The boat is big enough but not too big; boat weight 250# and motor 120#. We use it to fish around Bahia Concepcion and up to Craig Channel at San Lucas for yellowtail. Just have to pick your days. Two of us can drag the boat above high tide line at the end of the day. I have run alot of RIBs (I'm a fish biologist) and I think you would be better served by a small aluminum boat in Baja. Just easier to deal with. Those RIBs are heavy and boat ramps are in short supply down there. If you bring a small boat make sure wire in a bilge pump in case you eat one over the transom on a following sea.

mackconsult - 1-16-2011 at 07:28 PM

Know that is the kind of stuff I like to hear. Thanks for the input. I am on the fence on aluminum vs inflatable. Inflatable would be nice because I can deflate and easily store on top of the van. Aluminum is nice because they are durable and light, but would take a trailer for sure.

Not only that I don't have a lot of room at home to store an aluminum boat. Although I could easily buy one for just the trip .... then resell it.
Quote:
Originally posted by Spearo
Concerning the boat...I have been hauling a 15' Gregor with a 20hp 4 stroke down on a tricked out 14 ft flatbed aluminum trailer. The trailer has storage boxes for camping gear, boating gear, extra fuel, two spares, coolers etc. The boat is big enough but not too big; boat weight 250# and motor 120#. We use it to fish around Bahia Concepcion and up to Craig Channel at San Lucas for yellowtail. Just have to pick your days. Two of us can drag the boat above high tide line at the end of the day. I have run alot of RIBs (I'm a fish biologist) and I think you would be better served by a small aluminum boat in Baja. Just easier to deal with. Those RIBs are heavy and boat ramps are in short supply down there. If you bring a small boat make sure wire in a bilge pump in case you eat one over the transom on a following sea.

redhilltown - 1-16-2011 at 11:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water." --W.C. Fields



And adding to the list I think W.C. Fields also said: "I always carry a bottle of whiskey with me in case of snake bite...I also carry a snake."

Marc - 1-17-2011 at 12:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by redhilltown
Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Reminds me of my safari in Africa. Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water." --W.C. Fields



And adding to the list I think W.C. Fields also said: "I always carry a bottle of whiskey with me in case of snake bite...I also carry a snake."


Another W.C. gem:
I always cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.

mackconsult - 1-17-2011 at 08:12 AM

Leatherman goes every place with me.
Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Good Swiss Army knife

BajaNaranja - 1-17-2011 at 01:39 PM

Tire patch kit -

http://www.ehow.com/how_2120805_use-tire-patch-kit.html

Most times you can fix it without taking the tire off, which is a lot better than emptying your vehicle to get at the tire change gear (and you avoid pumping fix a flat in there, which doesn't always work and makes a mess for whoever tries to do a proper patch).

GrOUper-GAr - 1-17-2011 at 01:42 PM

1 oz. gold KASTMASTERs are a great shore fishing staple and easy fun for all. (I prefer over Crocodile - for its high speed retrieve option)
I always size up on fishing line as well.
Oh yea, Reel Lube and Grease. Especially if you bring small spinners.
If you go with the 'zodiac', bring a really useful net.
Many fish you can grind to the boat while trying to keep em out of the rocks (save lure and fish--that$ a good thing)..
BUT, a lively sierra, corvina, or small dodo will be happy to CLank off the side of the boat with a mouth full of hooks.

HaVE a GReAT t!ME !
-GrouPEr

I go with a 12' aluminum(transom wheels a must) / 15hp 2 stroke Yohnson(70 lbs?) / shoreline trailer/Same size wheels(spares) as truck... it can go more places than my 4 banger ford Ranger can. . spent $1,200 on it)
You can fish 2 adults / stand up / throwing iron...
....food for thought....
Its been FUN, Convenient and
WAY WAY (did i say "WAY") worth it.
PLUS, I can get it in the water in 15 minutes,
WhiLe My GiRL MAKE$ the c-ckTA!Ls !!!!!!!!

ugly1.jpg - 36kB

BajaNaranja - 1-17-2011 at 02:05 PM

Quote:
WhiLe My GiRL MAKE$ the c-ckTA!Ls !!!!!!!!


If that picture of your "girl" is who you are bringing, let me know when you go to Baja so I can stay the hell out of Mex!

[Edited on 1-17-2011 by BajaNaranja]

[Edited on 1-17-2011 by BajaNaranja]

durrelllrobert - 1-17-2011 at 02:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Duct tape and bailing wire.

In order to mend virtually anything you do decide to bring.
coul be very usefull if you are bringing a young lady also:lol::lol:

roadhog - 1-17-2011 at 07:46 PM

small bottles perfume, bright colored T's, Boones Farm,
candy with artificial sweetener....:wow:

Spearo - 1-17-2011 at 08:29 PM

Spend $150 on a speargun, extra shaft and rockpoint. You will never go hungry. Nor will you ever tire of swimming around looking down.

mackconsult - 1-17-2011 at 09:19 PM

That's okay I like fishing with a hook. Most of my fishing you would never be able to use a spear gun .......
Quote:
Originally posted by Spearo
Spend $150 on a speargun, extra shaft and rockpoint. You will never go hungry. Nor will you ever tire of swimming around looking down.

DENNIS - 1-18-2011 at 07:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by roadhog
Boones Farm,


MYGAWD...do they still make that stuff?

mackconsult - 1-18-2011 at 08:27 AM

http://www.boonesfarm.net/
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by roadhog
Boones Farm,


MYGAWD...do they still make that stuff?