BajaNomad - Safe to drive my SUV down to Cabo?

Safe to drive my SUV down to Cabo?

GilandVal - 8-15-2012 at 12:03 PM

Just wanted some opinions on driving my 2011 SUV down to Cabo. Thanks

Cypress - 8-15-2012 at 12:08 PM

GilandVal, It's safe!! Enjoy the ride down and give us reports!!

Safe in what regard?

John M - 8-15-2012 at 12:14 PM

I wouldn't hesitate. Mexican auto insurance is a must- check out BajaBound on the above banner.

If you are not familiar with the Baja Highways, they tend to narrow south of San Quintin, many mile of little or no shoulder. I've heard that the road surface is 19 feet edge to edge and that doesn't seem like much room for error when you are passing or being passed by a semi or a bus.

Most tend not to drive at high speeds, the limits posted in km/per hour seem to be a little low; but dips and sharp curves will have you paying attention.

Nighttime driving has its own challenges - a lot of the areas are open range, thus no fences to keep cattle or goats or ??? off the highway. Broken dowcn cars seldom can be seen before you are right on them.

Gas up when you can - stations are not always open, or may not have electricity to pump with. Don't be afraid to gas up from the vendors alongside the highway - a bit more expensive, but easier than having to watch the gas gauge and hope for a station.

John M

The adventure

Taco de Baja - 8-15-2012 at 12:17 PM

Sure it's safe, just remember some general rules:

Don't drive at night.
Slow down, and arrive on-time. Try to obey the posted speed limits; especially in towns
Livestock can and do wander onto the road, watch for them.

DENNIS - 8-15-2012 at 12:23 PM

Just like John says.....lots of insurance and park in safe places. GTA is a local sport.

comitan - 8-15-2012 at 12:34 PM

Just made the drive, its better than it ever was. Much new construction has made the road wider in many areas. The grade at Santa Rosalia is complete and much wider and safer, from the bottom of the grade to town construction.

bajajudy - 8-15-2012 at 12:43 PM

If you need maps, guide books click below
It is a great trip. You will enjoy it.

David K - 8-15-2012 at 01:16 PM

See my trip report... spent 15 days driving to Cabo and back, with lots of side trips (2,622 miles total from and back to San Diego County).

My truck is a 2010 4 door Toyota Tacoma 4WD... an SUV with a pickup bed!
Full coverage insurance from BajaBound.com
Never had any issues with police or crime... it was a fantastic trip!

Cielomar - 8-15-2012 at 02:04 PM

Take three days to get to Cabo if you have it. First night in El Rosario (Baja Cactus), second in Loreto (Oasis) and then an easy 7 hour drive to Cabo. don't drive at night and get away from the border where all the traffic in Baja seems to be. Besides, the "real" Baja only starts at El Rosario....

Jack Swords - 8-15-2012 at 02:30 PM

We've driven down to La Paz in a new SUV (4Runner) with no problems. Heed other's advice about not driving at night, drive carefully. Enjoy the trip.

BajaBlanca - 8-15-2012 at 02:45 PM

FILL UP IN ENSENADA
FILL UP IN EL ROSARIO it is a long drive til you can
FILL UP IN VIZCAINO and for sure
FILL UP IN LORETO since it is another long drive til you can
FILL UP IN LA PAZ

and FILL UP with margaritas when you make it to Cabo.

Have a wonderful trip.

bajachris - 8-15-2012 at 02:55 PM

Just drove Toyota Tacoma back from near Guerrero Negro. No issues, except it's hot in that dessert. My gage read 101, but then kept cutting out i suspect it was much hotter near Santo Thomas, but that's what AC is for. Carry extra water for pets, you and the car. Weekday is a good day to travel. Still hit or miss with construction.

Ateo - 8-15-2012 at 04:14 PM

Just drive safe. A decent hospital could be hours away. Have fun!

Pacifico - 8-15-2012 at 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
FILL UP IN ENSENADA
FILL UP IN EL ROSARIO it is a long drive til you can
FILL UP IN VIZCAINO and for sure
FILL UP IN LORETO since it is another long drive til you can
FILL UP IN LA PAZ

and FILL UP with margaritas when you make it to Cabo.

Have a wonderful trip.

Great advice!!!

norte - 8-15-2012 at 04:27 PM

Check for State Department warnings first. They are the experts. Some people benefit encouraging tourists to drive to Mexico even when it is dangerous.

oxxo - 8-15-2012 at 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GilandVal
Just wanted some opinions on driving my 2011 SUV down to Cabo. Thanks

Just did it two weeks ago...............for the 15th time in the last 5 years. Enjoyable as ever.

fandango - 8-15-2012 at 05:14 PM

the only thing that would add to my concern about driving an SUV or a newer pickup truck in baja, is if it was black.

David K - 8-15-2012 at 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
Check for State Department warnings first. They are the experts. Some people benefit encouraging tourists to drive to Mexico even when it is dangerous.

What BS... our government are the 'experts'... pah---lease!

Read my trip report, I have 0 financial gain from telling anyone it was a great trip.

Mula - 8-15-2012 at 05:24 PM

If you have concerns, fly.

DK- you beat me to it

thebajarunner - 8-15-2012 at 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
Check for State Department warnings first. They are the experts. Some people benefit encouraging tourists to drive to Mexico even when it is dangerous.

What BS... our government are the 'experts'... pah---lease!

Read my trip report, I have 0 financial gain from telling anyone it was a great trip.

My ex-brother in law was a State Dept high official,
he was worthless
so are their reports!!!
If you believe them, then stay home in your crime-free California neighborhood.
OOOOPS, you say, your neighborhood is not crime free...
Well, son of a gun, better go to Baja where you are lots less likely to get mugged.

norte - 8-15-2012 at 05:50 PM

here he comes out from under the table. Hey you write books about baja. your in bed with people who sell accommodations. you promote baja. pahhlese. I would rather listen to the people who keep you and me FREE. I am entitled to my opinion.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
Check for State Department warnings first. They are the experts. Some people benefit encouraging tourists to drive to Mexico even when it is dangerous.

What BS... our government are the 'experts'... pah---lease!

Read my trip report, I have 0 financial gain from telling anyone it was a great trip.

norte - 8-15-2012 at 05:58 PM

geeze. ex brother in law says it all. Please keeep your family problems from influencing your recommendations.

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
Check for State Department warnings first. They are the experts. Some people benefit encouraging tourists to drive to Mexico even when it is dangerous.

What BS... our government are the 'experts'... pah---lease!

Read my trip report, I have 0 financial gain from telling anyone it was a great trip.

motoged - 8-15-2012 at 06:18 PM

Driving an SUV anywhere can be dangerous if you aren't paying attention:

and , David..... we all like your latest trip report, but do you need to tell people to read it in all your current posts :?:

http://jalopnik.com/5900071/violent-suv-crash-video-shows-latest-victim-of-the-nurburgring

David K - 8-15-2012 at 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
here he comes out from under the table. Hey you write books about baja. your in bed with people who sell accommodations. you promote baja. pahhlese. I would rather listen to the people who keep you and me FREE. I am entitled to my opinion.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
Check for State Department warnings first. They are the experts. Some people benefit encouraging tourists to drive to Mexico even when it is dangerous.

What BS... our government are the 'experts'... pah---lease!

Read my trip report, I have 0 financial gain from telling anyone it was a great trip.

Yes, you are... but scaring people over false fears is best left to the president and his staff.... Oh wait, you were reading a 'State Dept. bulletin'!
:lol:

norte - 8-15-2012 at 06:55 PM

What a nonsense statement. Somehow I don't think a new president is going to change the Sate Departments opinion on travel in Mexico. One of their jobs is to warn US citizens of dangers in other countries. Take it for its worth. Or in your case don't take anything but your own opinion.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
Check for State Department warnings first. They are the experts. Some people benefit encouraging tourists to drive to Mexico even when it is dangerous.

What BS... our government are the 'experts'... pah---lease!

Read my trip report, I have 0 financial gain from telling anyone it was a great trip.

Yes, you are... but scaring people over false fears is best left to the president and his staff.... Oh wait, you were reading a 'State Dept. bulletin'!
:lol:

This just in......

thebajarunner - 8-15-2012 at 06:58 PM

Hot off the State Dept wire....
Special message for "Norte"

STAY HOME!!!
STAY SAFE
BAJA IS NOT WELCOME FOR YOU (only you- all others OK)

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
What a nonsense statement. Somehow I don't think a new president is going to change the Sate Departments opinion on travel in Mexico. One of their jobs is to warn US citizens of dangers in other countries. Take it for its worth. Or in your case don't take anything but your own opinion.

Lee - 8-15-2012 at 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
the only thing that would add to my concern about driving an SUV or a newer pickup truck in baja, is if it was black.

This is true. A neighbor drove a full-size truck with camper shell (both black) and tinted windows. He said he was stopped at every checkpoint South and questioned/searched.

On the other hand, parking a new vehicle in the wrong area (could be anywhere), might get it keyed.

I drive a silver colored truck, no tint

thebajarunner - 8-15-2012 at 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
the only thing that would add to my concern about driving an SUV or a newer pickup truck in baja, is if it was black.

and I got stopped at every checkpoint and searched.....
ain't no big thing
just part of the landscape.... :tumble:

bajaguy - 8-15-2012 at 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GilandVal
Just wanted some opinions on driving my 2011 SUV down to Cabo. Thanks

Check your u2u

Curt63 - 8-15-2012 at 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cielomar
Take three days to get to Cabo if you have it. First night in El Rosario (Baja Cactus), second in Loreto (Oasis) and then an easy 7 hour drive to Cabo. don't drive at night and get away from the border where all the traffic in Baja seems to be. Besides, the "real" Baja only starts at El Rosario....

Good advice. Make sure you have your Tourist Visa. Your Mex car insurance may be invalid without a visa.

liknbaja127 - 8-15-2012 at 07:55 PM

Well said Bajarunner,we're leaving for San Quintin tomorrow! Cant wait to,
get the hell out of So. Cal. for a few days,

Thanks, and have a great safe trip

thebajarunner - 8-15-2012 at 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by liknbaja127
Well said Bajarunner,we're leaving for San Quintin tomorrow! Cant wait to,
get the hell out of So. Cal. for a few days,

For 40 years I have endured listening to uninformed (I scratched out "ignorant") folks bashing the land I love down South.
Sad that those stories still persist.
Man, we get a murder a day up here in a small Central Cal county, and they call Baja 'unsafe'

Enjoy, and have a cool one each day for me.

Ateo - 8-15-2012 at 08:42 PM

Just go. The safety thing is total BS. I feel safer in Baja than cruising around LA/OC/SD. U2U me if you want specifics. Again, drive safe.

Sandlefoot - 8-15-2012 at 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by norte
Check for State Department warnings first. They are the experts. Some people benefit encouraging tourists to drive to Mexico even when it is dangerous.

These "experts" do not live, vacation, or even travel here themselves. So what makes them more knowledgable than those of us who do?

Have you EVER been to Baja? Have you EVER driven to Cabo? If you have what happened on your trips to sour you so on this wonderful, beautiful, safe place? And of course if you have not.....well you opinion is as valuable as other "experts"!

I am interseted to know what happened on your trips that make you feel this way.

Happy Trails

KaceyJ - 8-15-2012 at 09:05 PM

My dos centavos:

Forget Baja Cactus/El Rosario , except for fuel (Noisy)

Try Jardines , (San Quintin) you won't be disappointed

Avoid everything in the moscaino triangle

Slow down , stay at Serinedead , Mulege, pool , decent meals and accommodations , a/c

Easy days drive to La Paz, many choices for rooms and excellent meals,

Extra 1/2 day to Cabo

The Sculpin - 8-15-2012 at 09:53 PM

Personally, I do not subscribe to the " don't drive at night" theory. I do. First off, there's less traffic. Second, it's cooler. That said, you have to drive slower, unless you're lucky to keep up with the Aquila or a truck. Slower, because most likely the car coming at you in the other lane ( for now) is probably drunk. Also, large bovines and equines enjoy the heat radiating from the road at night. Don't worry about the snakes. I didn't say it wasn't without its hazards, but I do it.......frequently. Oh, and sometimes the cops aren't cops. A good poker face and and ounce of crazy helps in those situations. It's mo betta when you get to the dirt. Enjoy.

durrelllrobert - 8-16-2012 at 07:31 AM

When that big-rig, bus or other slow moving vehicle in front of you has his left turn signal on he's telling you that it's safe to pass him. Don't believe it. :lol:

BajaDixon - 8-17-2012 at 08:50 AM

I drive from Cali to Cabo sometimes on dirt roads, sometimes on pavement, and sometimes a combination of the 2. I have no direct experience with having any security problems, nor have I heard of many problems at all.

The thing with people saying it is dangerous is that it is always coming from hearsay or vague news reports. You don't hear much negative stuff from the people who are actually traveling the Baja.

The roads are dangerous if you're not driving defensively but other than that it sure seems safer than the States.

Martyman - 8-17-2012 at 09:28 AM

I have a friend who knows a guy that got ripped off in Mexico. My friend has never been but it is very scary.
How many times have you heard that story?

windgrrl - 8-17-2012 at 08:22 PM

Yes - get your paperwork in order, learn at least a bit of Spanish, have a look at the names of the towns and routes, use your usual precations for travelling in an unfamiliar place and stop along the way to enjoy the wonderful places along the way. Call me naive, but I always feel much safer once we cross into Baja.

Alm - 8-18-2012 at 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mula
If you have concerns, fly.

Normally, this is also cheaper. And a lot more comfortable. That is, if the purpose is to get to Cabo.

vivaloha - 8-18-2012 at 05:58 AM

Canadian Rental rv caravans around corners - now those guys scare me

jeans - 8-18-2012 at 12:29 PM

Watch your speed when pulling off of the highway as well as getting back on. The road itself is usually in great shape but often there is a drop-off of anywhere from a few inches to a foot or more where the blacktop meets dirt.

An SUV will have the clearance and the suspension to handle it. The guy who asked if his Corvette could make the trip was not warned of these transition issues :!:

If you drop the right-side tire off at highway speed, (easy to do if you're pulling a trailer) it could be problematic.

[Edited on 8-18-2012 by jeans]

monoloco - 8-18-2012 at 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

http://jalopnik.com/5900071/violent-suv-crash-video-shows-latest-victim-of-the-nurburgring

Nice video. We have a CRV and it's one of the worst handling vehicles I've owned, definitely not for the track.

SAFE OR NOT ??

captkw - 8-18-2012 at 03:22 PM

I HAVE TO SAY ITS A LOT SAFER THAN CALIFORNIA !! MY 2 CENTOVO'S....K&T :cool:

I drove the Baja the First Time all at night...

estebanis - 8-18-2012 at 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Sculpin
Personally, I do not subscribe to the " don't drive at night" theory. I do. First off, there's less traffic. Second, it's cooler. That said, you have to drive slower, unless you're lucky to keep up with the Aquila or a truck. Slower, because most likely the car coming at you in the other lane ( for now) is probably drunk. Also, large bovines and equines enjoy the heat radiating from the road at night. Don't worry about the snakes. I didn't say it wasn't without its hazards, but I do it.......frequently. Oh, and sometimes the cops aren't cops. A good poker face and and ounce of crazy helps in those situations. It's mo betta when you get to the dirt. Enjoy.

I was driving to Cabo in '84 with my El Camino loaded with Electronics and Tools to start my Marine Electronics Business. My Mexican partner met me in front of Hussongs. Drove the whole damn road at night stoned. When we passed the Checkpoint North of La Paz with out stopping the official chased me down. I just played dumb and he let me go. I took a bunch of CB Radios and parts. Parted out the El Camino and got free cab rides the whole season by trading CB's and Repairs with the two Sitios.
Esteban

mex runs all night

captkw - 8-18-2012 at 08:36 PM