BajaNomad - What's the Best Border Crossing Towing a 35' Trailer ?

What's the Best Border Crossing Towing a 35' Trailer ?

BajaRun - 5-7-2012 at 12:46 PM

I have crossed the border back into CA at San Yasidro, Tecate, Calexico East and Algodones towing a small (20') open trailer. I have not had any problems, however, I prefer Tecate or Calexico East..

I was thinking about towing my 35' trailer down and was thinking about which crossing I would cross at for the trip back north. I read Pompano's trip report where he towed his boat behind his motorcoach total length @ 65' and crossed at Tecate. My total length with truck and trailer is @ 62'.

Many times when I have crossed back north at Tecate they only have the right lane open, not both lanes.. So my question is..In your experience towing a long trailer back north which border crossing do you prefer ? and which lane do you recommend ??

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by BajaRun]

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by BajaRun]

Bob and Susan - 5-7-2012 at 12:58 PM

i would call the border patrol...you may need to cross at the commercial crossing

they can tell you

as for crossing south the tj crossing is the straightest and the toll road very nice...but expensive...they charge by axels

windgrrl - 5-7-2012 at 03:50 PM

Tecate heading north:
23' trailer (7' wide) was fine through right lane
25' trailer (8' wide) was fine through left lane
30' trailer (8' wide) was the limit through right lane (extremely tight)

BajaRun - 5-7-2012 at 04:03 PM

My trailer/ toyhauler is 35' x 102 (8'6") wide

[Edited on 5-7-2012 by BajaRun]

fourninerpapa - 5-7-2012 at 06:20 PM

I could not make it into secondary at Tecate with a 38' 102" wide class A Motor home. They did open another gate for me so I could be inspected and be on my way.

Norm

LancairDriver - 5-7-2012 at 09:53 PM

I have gone through Tecate with a 40ft Motor home pulling a Jeep using the left lane, which they directed me into. From there it's a hard right after you clear the booth, and turn really close to the building, then a left into secondary very carefully. An agent helped guide me. They open a gate to let you out after inspection.I don't think you could do it from the left lane, but I could be wrong, some truck driver could probably pull it off.

RnR - 5-8-2012 at 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LancairDriver
I have gone through Tecate with a 40ft Motor home pulling a Jeep using the left lane, which they directed me into. From there it's a hard right after you clear the booth, and turn really close to the building, then a left into secondary very carefully. An agent helped guide me. They open a gate to let you out after inspection.I don't think you could do it from the left lane, but I could be wrong, some truck driver could probably pull it off.

Which lane is better for a big rig?

The first part of the description relates to a successful transit of the left lane. I think Pompano's post also said left lane. The last sentence then says making it through the left lane might be difficult. Typo??

windgrrl - 5-8-2012 at 06:43 AM

Get in the left lane if there is a line-up up the hill to the US border. Stay in the left lane and enter the US Customs gate. This gives you more room to turn after clearing the first inspection booth. With an RV, you will most likely go to secondary, especially if you have a dog. To go to secondary, you leave the first booth and have to take a sharp right turn to drive to the right of the larger building infront of you. Drive past the buiding and into the secondary inspection parking area and then it's a left turn to park. Parking in secondary is very adequate and you face west. Once cleared, they open the gate straight ahead and you drive straight through, and then stop at a stop sign, then drive through and then turn right (north) at the next stop sign.

Pompano - 5-8-2012 at 08:14 AM

Hola all,

All the posters have good & helpful answers to the OP's question on crossing with a long rig.

All I can add is, I've made the Tecate crossing numerous times with cargo trailers and boat trailers behind a motorhome and also a full-size pickup. From 40ft to 75 feet overall length.

On crossing at Tecate northbound with a long rig you only have 2 options:

1. Up to 65 ft long you can use the left lane entry. It is snug but doable...as stated above, be prepared for sharp turn right, then sharp turn left into secondary. Best to have a walking lookout directing your turns. My last time through here (April 27th), the Mexican army guys had a great time helping to direct me into the check booth. Pretty friendly bunch on both sides that day.

2. Over 65ft long you can ask to use the commercial truck entry. If there is a long line-up, be sure to stay in right lane and it's best to send someone ahead to line up this procedure in advance, otherwise you will be jamming traffic if you wait. Plus, it is very difficult to back up a triple rig ...unless you grew up with haywagons. :rolleyes:

(75ft from grill to boat propeller.)

Hope that helps. Take it Slow and Easy...save yourself some dings! Buena suerte and bon voyage.
:yes:

[Edited on 5-8-2012 by Pompano]

rts551 - 5-8-2012 at 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl
Get in the left lane if there is a line-up up the hill to the US border. Stay in the left lane and enter the US Customs gate. This gives you more room to turn after clearing the first inspection booth. With an RV, you will most likely go to secondary, especially if you have a dog. To go to secondary, you leave the first booth and have to take a sharp right turn to drive to the right of the larger building infront of you. Drive past the buiding and into the secondary inspection parking area and then it's a left turn to park. Parking in secondary is very adequate and you face west. Once cleared, they open the gate straight ahead and you drive straight through, and then stop at a stop sign, then drive through and then turn right (north) at the next stop sign.

Don't get in the left lane on the hill unless there is an actual line of cars there (does not happen often). Otherwise you may get a ticket for lane blocking or line cutting. It is generally reserved for commercial vehicles.

CortezBlue - 5-8-2012 at 09:23 AM

Not Los Algodones, it is way to narrow. I pulled a load of lumber on a long flat bed and it was a pain.

Not San Luis as they have a series of blockades entering that you have to weave through.

Just my opinion

BajaRun - 5-8-2012 at 10:19 AM

Pompano..Ok let me just make sure I have this correct..My rig is right at around 62'..so crossing at Tecate you recommend that I use the left lane..but with a longer rig stay in the right lane ?? That seems backwards or maybe I'm bassackwards

, lol.. Seems like the left lane would be easier to turn into the booth than the right.. If you can get that 5th wheel and boat thru at Tecate I'm sure I can get mine thru..Just want to clarify which lane to stay in..Thanks !!

Pompano - 5-8-2012 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaRun
Pompano..Ok let me just make sure I have this correct..My rig is right at around 62'..so crossing at Tecate you recommend that I use the left lane..but with a longer rig stay in the right lane ?? That seems backwards or maybe I'm bassackwards

BajaRun,

Sorry about any confusion.

With your rig, stay in the far left lane (if the military lets you..) and enter the last entry...the far left one. It will be okay for your 62ft rig and you can make a wider turn into the booth area.

You will be fine. Enjoy the experience ....and get rid of all your veggies and fruits beforehand.

[Edited on 5-8-2012 by Pompano]

BajaRun - 5-8-2012 at 10:57 AM

Pompano...Muchas Gracias Amigo !!!! Cheers...

windgrrl - 5-8-2012 at 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

Thanks, should have said veer left to make it in time. In March the military was at the top of the hill directing vehicles small and large to approrpiate lane.

LancairDriver - 5-8-2012 at 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RnR

Quote:

Which lane is better for a big rig?

The first part of the description relates to a successful transit of the left lane. I think
Pompano's post also said left lane. The last sentence then says making it through
the left lane might be difficult. Typo??

My fault, I meant left is safe, right more difficult.

[Edited on 5-8-2012 by LancairDriver]

RnR - 5-8-2012 at 08:34 PM

Got it!

Right lane on the approach road parallel to the border fence. At the actual border station there are two lanes. Left lane with a big rig.

Thanks go to Lancair, Windgirl, and Pompano, rts551.