BajaNomad - Hi guys I been reading namad post in the closet and now want to ask question

Hi guys I been reading namad post in the closet and now want to ask question

Silvasam - 11-22-2013 at 11:17 AM

I am planing to drive to cabo in my 40 RV and want some advise. Plan is to drive from San Diego on sat am and drive south. Got 5 boys and wife and me and my friend.

I been told not to drive at night cause there are check points.

Good advice

bajaguy - 11-22-2013 at 11:25 AM

Not to drive at night, but not because of the checkpoints.

The checkpoints, most staffed by the military day and night, will be checking for firearms, ammo, large amounts of cash and drugs.

I don't drive at night because of the road, other drivers and animals on the road

You will also have the RV searched by Mexican customs as you enter Baja. Might as well get in the declare lane, then get your travel visas

DENNIS - 11-22-2013 at 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Silvasam
I am planing to drive to cabo in my 40 RV and want some advise. Plan is to drive from San Diego on sat am and drive south. Got 5 boys and wife and me and my friend.

I been told not to drive at night cause there are check points.

Welcome to BajaNomad, Silvasam.
OK...you know the first rule about driving in Baja, but there are more reasons than check points......there are cows and horses and drunks and lost tourists and crazy semi drivers and...lottsa stuff you don't want to deal with.
Drive slowly and enjoy the trip.

vgabndo - 11-22-2013 at 11:31 AM

Thanks for hopping aboard. I think you miss the point about driving at night. The Army stops will be among the safest places on the road. The difficulty of stopping a 40 foot motor home without putting a wheel off the pavement during the panic that happens immediately after you finally see the black cow resting on the warm pavement in your lane is more to the point. The rest, to me, is math. The road is 6 meters wide. Your coach is 8' plus mirrors, the oncoming semi is 8' plus mirrors. Subtract 16' from 19' for 36" to be divided three ways. 12" between the semi and the desert, 12" between your right front and the desert, and 12" for your inside mirrors to share with the truck with a 100 MPH closing speed. If it turns out you really enjoy that sort of night time activity, you were made for Baja! :lol:

David K - 11-22-2013 at 11:39 AM

The checkpoints are the GOOD GUYS... The reason for not driving at night, camping alone, or next to the highway or in towns (other than in an RV park) is because of the BAD GUYS.

The checkpoints are every 100-200 miles about, and they usually ask where are you coming from and perhaps where are you going to. They often ask for you to get out and stand by your car so they can search for drugs, guns, ammo. YOU may watch them... A good idea is to keep your money and valuables, camera, etc. on you when you get out of the car. Yes, they are the good guys but why tempt one of them?

No driving at night is more about missing scenery, or avoiding range cattle or burros on the road... I feel safer in Baja than in any American city, fyi.

[Edited on 11-22-2013 by David K]

absinvestor - 11-22-2013 at 11:44 AM

Take your time. (When in our motorhome, we take 4 days from the border without any side trips.) In my opinion there are many better final destinations than Cabo. Definitely don't drive at night.(The checkpoints aren't the problem with driving at night. The problem is cows in the middle of the road, disabled trucks without lights etc.) It is hard to find someone driving a large motorhome that hasn't lost at least one driver's side mirror to an oncoming 18 wheeler in that 100 mile stretch south of San Quintin. (There isn't a shoulder so moving over isn't an option.) Drive alert and have fun!!

24baja - 11-22-2013 at 11:44 AM

Silvasam welcome to posting. I agree with the other posts here, just remember to take off your sunglasses at the border and checkpoints. And remember to be aware of your surrounding and intuitions, if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't. Happy and safe travels.

Mulegena - 11-22-2013 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Welcome to Nomads, Silvasam.

Your question would be...? how to get to Cabo in one piece, no grease, with a big 40-foot RV on a narrow, curving two-lane highway with cows, burros, 18-wheelers, road construction and have a great time and not pull your hair out. Might this be correct?

Yes, don't recommend driving at night for the above reasons, and more. Take your time and enjoy yourselves. Stop. Rest. Relax. Follow your nose and your instincts.

Yes, there are military checkpoints. Not to worry; these guys are there to help and protect you.
They may try to speak a little English, maybe not. They'll ask you two question in a row when you stop and they approach your rolled-down driver's window. First, "Where did you come from?" You can say, "San Diego" or wherever you crossed the border. Then, "Where are you going?" You can answer, "Cabo San Lucas." They are looking for drugs and the movement of illegal arms (remember Fast 'n Furious scandal?). They may ask to search your RV; no worries, everybody jumps out of the rv and you stay inside with the soldiers. They may want to take your fresh fruits and vegetables-- just smile and say, "No." They have no right to do this. If you do drive at night and approach a checkpoint, slow down and turn on the inside lights so they can see you. They feel pretty darned vulnerable out there in the dark with your headlights trained on them. Always be polite. They may have a clipboard and record your name and nationality. No worries. They're not bad guys. They're to help serve and protect.

At the border between Baja (norte) and Baja Sur there is an immigration station and agricultural station; two separate agencies sharing the same stop. They are not military, btw. Expect to show your tourist visas that you got when you crossed into Mexico at the border. The agricultural inspector may confiscate fresh fruits and will probably want 10-20 pesos for you to proceed over an insect spray.

Get a little Spanish phrase book and use it. Smile to everyone and you will be immediately rewarded with a returned smile.

TRuckers !!

captkw - 11-22-2013 at 11:46 AM

IMO the truckers run a lot more in the night...without question !! I drove a 23' C-class down one year !! Whoa Howdy !! " swapping mirrors " The next season,, had no hesitation about driving down in car !! I felt Like I widen the road by a good 3 feet and no heart attacks....LOL :lol:

durrelllrobert - 11-22-2013 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vgabndo
Thanks for hopping aboard. I think you miss the point about driving at night. The Army stops will be among the safest places on the road. The difficulty of stopping a 40 foot motor home without putting a wheel off the pavement during the panic that happens immediately after you finally see the black cow resting on the warm pavement in your lane is more to the point. The rest, to me, is math. The road is 6 meters wide. Your coach is 8' plus mirrors, the oncoming semi is 8' plus mirrors. Subtract 16' from 19' for 36" to be divided three ways. 12" between the semi and the desert, 12" between your right front and the desert, and 12" for your inside mirrors to share with the truck with a 100 MPH closing speed. If it turns out you really enjoy that sort of night time activity, you were made for Baja! :lol:

...and the worse place is the curvy down hill grade ending at El Rosario. Scary in the daytime!

David K - 11-22-2013 at 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 24baja
Silvasam welcome to posting. I agree with the other posts here, just remember to take off your sunglasses at the border and checkpoints. And remember to be aware of your surrounding and intuitions, if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't. Happy and safe travels.

Excellent suggestion, and one I have done... Let them see your eyes... especially the U.S. border guards.

David K - 11-22-2013 at 11:51 AM

Quote:

From the late jrbaja...

DSCF0034 copy.jpg - 26kB

THE Grade!!

captkw - 11-22-2013 at 11:56 AM

I have always suggested to spend the night in san Ignacio and leave dawn thirty and take the El Rosario grade early while its cooler if driving with a load or towing and/or RV...really helps on the brakes...and God knows that grade can fade good brakes !!!

David K - 11-22-2013 at 12:00 PM

The El Rosario grade was widened a few years ago. The worse grade is 'El Infierno' between San Ignacio and Santa Rosalia, and it was widened last year.

The steepness hasn't changed, however.

Barry A. - 11-22-2013 at 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
I have always suggested to spend the night in san Ignacio and leave dawn thirty and take the El Rosario grade early while its cooler if driving with a load or towing and/or RV...really helps on the brakes...and God knows that grade can fade good brakes !!!

Capt. Capt.-----I am surprised at you. :lol:

The key is to put it in a low gear, and mostly stay OFF the brakes. eh?

Barry

Brakes

captkw - 11-22-2013 at 12:53 PM

Being That's a "given" didn't think I had to include such actions....also helps to open the door and and drag your foot !!

[Edited on 11-22-2013 by captkw]

LancairDriver - 11-22-2013 at 01:06 PM

All advise previously posted is right on. I have driven a 40ft+ RV down the Baja Road many times, and IMHO the most critical times are when meeting 18 wheelers coming at you at 65 or 70mph with only inches separating you. DO NOT go off of the shoulder when meeting them as this is a certain bad wreck, whether losing control and crossing lanes or rolling over in the ditch.It is far better to lose a mirror if your too close. So far I have experienced neither scenario but it is always a possibility. When you are sure you have no traffic ahead or behind, run in the middle of the road to relax and get ready for the next one.

[Edited on 11-22-2013 by LancairDriver]

baja Road 1.JPG - 34kB

TV Camera

bajaguy - 11-22-2013 at 01:13 PM

If I had a motor home I would install an inexpensive wired camera to the rear and mount a screen on the inside left pillar post and fold in the left mirror. The TV would cost less than the total mirror replacement.

http://www.tadibrothers.com/Products/CategoryProducts/Backup...

MMc - 11-22-2013 at 01:24 PM

Silvasam,Go have a good time! There are lots of 40' motor homes that have made the drive. You are not a pioneer :spingrin:

Take your time and use your head, you'll be fine.

How long will you being going down for? Have you been to Cabo before? What are your goals for the trip?
Has the rig been prepped? Parts could be a issue.

It takes about 20 to 26 hours to drive in a car, how you do it is up to you. I drive a night often, I run with scissors also.( I fully understand the dangers and except them) If this is your first time driving in Baja, take your time enjoy yourself. There are some beautiful places you'll be passing, stop and check them out.

[Edited on 11-22-2013 by MMc]

MMc - 11-22-2013 at 01:28 PM

LancairDriver did you take that photo or was it somebody over your shoulder? IT does say a lot.

BajaBlanca - 11-22-2013 at 02:47 PM

well, welcome and have a great drive!

There is a book I recommend for those coming south as it is great for reading AS you travel down Baja;

THE BAJA HIGHWAY by John Minch and Thomas Leslie.

They call it " a geology and biology field guide for the Baja Traveler". I absolutely adore it. The kilometer markings are sometimes off, which makes it all the more fun. You can get it at the library or look for it on Amazon as it is out of print.

BajaBlanca - 11-22-2013 at 02:49 PM

Forgot to mention that you really want to keep an eye on the military guys at the checkpoints for things have been known to disappear!

Take all your cash and cameras as well as documents WITH you as you exit the vehicle.

Lee - 11-22-2013 at 02:54 PM

Quote:

It's ''advice'' not ''advise.''

Not all military checkpoints have good guys. Checkpoints also have guys who'll palm and pocket anything that looks attractive. WHen they're onboard, watch them closely. Don't have anything laying about that can be stolen.

I've had a driver side mirror clipped by a convoy going in the opposite direction. It was a miracle the mirror arm didn't take out my window. If your mirror sticks out past the side of the coach, move it in closer. (The same trip I had my mirror smashed, met up with a Class A in Loreto and the same thing had happened to him.) Lose an RV mirror and driving will become a nightmare.

Watch your driver side mirror constantly. You'll be going slower and traffic will be passing you. There won't be much room for error.

Unless you've driven Hgwy 1 and have some confidence driving it, its a road you don't want to relax on. Seriously. Pay attention and go slow.

David K - 11-22-2013 at 03:28 PM

You will also notice it is Nomad not namad but we ALL make mistakes, yes?

Day packs

bajaguy - 11-22-2013 at 04:14 PM

We put all of our stuff in a couple of day packs. The packs go with us when we exit the vehicle. If they want to look in the packs, we are right there.

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Forgot to mention that you really want to keep an eye on the military guys at the checkpoints for things have been known to disappear!

Take all your cash and cameras as well as documents WITH you as you exit the vehicle.

dtbushpilot - 11-22-2013 at 04:15 PM

Happens in the blink of an eye. Luckily I had my window rolled up and only had to pick glass shards out of my face and clothes for a day or two. If the window had been down I wouldn't be here to type this.

LancairDriver - 11-22-2013 at 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc
LancairDriver did you take that photo or was it somebody over your shoulder? IT does say a lot.

No. My wife took that over my shoulder. All my white knuckles were wrapped around the steering wheel. :lol:

Silvasam - 11-22-2013 at 05:20 PM

Thanks for all the advice

Ateo - 11-22-2013 at 05:22 PM

Have fun! Report back.

5 boys

bajaguy - 11-22-2013 at 05:32 PM

Since boys will be boys, you might want to "sanitize" your motorhome before you cross the border and have to explain to a customs guy or a soldier why you have ________ 9fill in the blank).

Quote:

Ateo - 11-22-2013 at 05:40 PM

:LOL: :lol:

Bajaguy. Funny, but a good idea!

bajacalifornian - 11-22-2013 at 06:52 PM

Welcome, and note well (N.B.) . . . Watch Those Uphill Left Hand Turns.

Controlled entry . . .

just an inconvience.

Silvasam - 11-22-2013 at 07:00 PM

These are great post and thank you.
We are going for 7-day or so. Just to spend time with kids and do some fishing. Not in a hurry to get to cabo , how is Bahia Los Angeles .. I heard that was a nice place. How about fuel.

FUEL

captkw - 11-22-2013 at 07:13 PM

As a suggestion, from a Baja guy and a mechanic...buy the best you can get for your RIG !! and enjoy your trip !! if your gas you have a choice (most of the time) if diesel you get only ONE choice....... :cool:

...PS...WHOA !! I just reread your last post !! Is that seven (7) day trip to cabo ?????? Or a total trip to cabo and back in a forty (40) footer in seven (7) days????? BIG change of venue....In IMO !!! :?:

[Edited on 11-23-2013 by captkw]

Silvasam - 11-22-2013 at 07:31 PM

we are not stuck on the venue...just...good fishing..

MMc - 11-22-2013 at 07:49 PM

I got no problem to do Cabo and back in 7 days, but I don't drive a 40 footer. Go 1/2 way down. Bay of Los Angeles, Asuncion, La Bocana Mulege or just south. I have and will blast to the tip 22 hours straight, it is not a family trip. Do not take a 7 day turn around trip to Cabo. To much driving not enough fun, blowing by the best of Baja.

If you want to fish and enjoy go to Bay of LA. if its windy drive Asuncion/La Bocana, both have good fishing. Boys will kill it. Everybody will have more fun and 1+ day each way driving. I am a bit more hard core then most here and I don't know anything about you. If you were a casual friend, the above is the advice I would give. Double it if it's your first time down.

Another option is plan 2 trips one to Cabo, one halfway, drive and day and decide which is the best for you. Your mileage may very.

East Side???

bajaguy - 11-22-2013 at 08:00 PM

How's about crossing at Mexicali and head south of San Felipe to Gonzaga or someplace in between????...it's all paved there

Spend a night in San Felipe, Drive down to Gonzaga. fish from shore.......the 5 boys will go nuts there and not bother anyone (much)....less driving, more relaxing

mcfez - 11-22-2013 at 09:52 PM

Seven days to Cabo San Lucas is around a thousand miles...... one way. That's a lot of driving. Not fun. Not fun for the kids. They be so bored looking at The Baja highway....that they wont ever want to go back again.

Now you had a good idea about Bay of Los Angeles. No so much of a drive....leaving plenty of days to camp, fish....explore. Stay at www.campdaggetts.info Plenty of fuel and services nearby.

The kids will beg you to go again.

vbnh.jpg - 46kB

mtgoat666 - 11-22-2013 at 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Silvasam
These are great post and thank you.
We are going for 7-day or so. Just to spend time with kids and do some fishing. Not in a hurry to get to cabo , how is Bahia Los Angeles .. I heard that was a nice place. How about fuel.

7 days to cabo and back in a motor home?!?!?
You better drive at night if you want more than 1 day at beach in cabo :lol:

It's a 2000 mile drive round trip!

MMc - 11-22-2013 at 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
How's about crossing at Mexicali and head south of San Felipe to Gonzaga or someplace in between????...it's all paved there

Spend a night in San Felipe, Drive down to Gonzaga. fish from shore.......the 5 boys will go nuts there and not bother anyone (much)....less driving, more relaxing

I believe this is a first time down.Let's go with little positive goals. Cross at SY go south and enjoy asap. 40 ft and a dirt is not good, paved is good, lets stay paved and fun. Lets skip that side of Sea of Cortez. Maybe get to BOLA to enjoy.

[Edited on 11-23-2013 by MMc]

schwlind - 11-23-2013 at 08:14 AM

Forty footer... first trip... Cabo and back... did you say 7 days? WOW.

Please heed the advice given here... do not drive at night, and as has also been suggested.. small goals... there are plenty of places in Baja Norte that have good fishing, with so much to see and do everywhere.

Take it slow and easy... Your wife and kids will love you for it!

Welcome aboard!

Pescador - 11-23-2013 at 08:24 AM

I live in Baja full time and I avoid driving at night as much as possible. It is not that I don't trust my own driving, but I worry about animals, other drivers, and the unseen problem that occurs. If possible I almost always try to follow a large truck at a safe distance and let him "clear the way", so to speak.

I just saw a report on Traffic Fatalities done by the World Health Orginization and it showed that the road fatalaties per 100,000 residents was 10.4 for the US and Mexico had 14.7.
The Road fatalaties per 100,000 vehicles was 14.7 for the US while Mexico came in at 78.4

[Edited on 11-23-2013 by Pescador]

Don't even think about Cabo...

Mulegena - 11-23-2013 at 08:55 AM

Concur: Cabo and back in 7 days... 40-ft. RV, did you say "Vacation"?

Not. Even. In. Your. Dreams.
It would quickly become your worst nightmare. Seriously.

Stay on paved roads.
Stay in Baja (north).
Take it eeasssyyyyy...

In Bahia de Los Angeles you can camp, rent a boat and guide who will likely know where to find whale sharks to swim with, very safe and a fabulous experience for the whole fan-dambly!
Bring your snorkeling gear and a light wetsuit if you got one, btw.

Ateo - 11-23-2013 at 09:17 AM

I wouldn't drive a Lamborghini to Cabo in 7 days.

I love mcfez's idea of heading to Bahia de los Angeles. Tons of fish, half the mileage. Make a few stops on the way down. I seem to remember an RV park on the south end of San Quintin. That would be a good overnighter.

David K - 11-23-2013 at 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

7 days to cabo and back in a motor home?!?!?
You better drive at night if you want more than 1 day at beach in cabo :lol:

It's a 2000 mile drive round trip!

Did he say "and back"???

It takes 3 days to go to Cabo... in a Motorhome, not driving at night. 6 days driving for 1 day there, I don't think so.

watizname - 11-23-2013 at 10:58 AM

Daytime driving only. Bay of LA. You and the kids will have a blast. Take a day on the way back, and stop in Ensenada for all the trinkets etc you want. Don't try to make Cabo and back in a week driving, you'll miss the whole Baja experience. :yes:

DENNIS - 11-23-2013 at 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Did he say "and back"???

I think so...not really sure.........

Quote:

motoged - 11-23-2013 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
I wouldn't drive a Lamborghini to Cabo in 7 days.....

My first trip to Baja was 1989 and I spent 6 weeks in south cape area bumming around and kayaking Isla Espiritu Santu for 10 days...and next time was 1995 by moto.

I was in Catavina (area) when there was a Pemex on the east side of the highway. I was getting gas and two guys on Ducatis were there....one adjusting his chain and another guy waiting VERY impatiently for him to complete the task. The guy waiting indicated they were seeing how long it took to go from Cabo to the border....race guys, it seemed. I wonder how long it ended up being....chain adjustment might take 10 minutes max.....so if that task was the deal breaker, they must have been doing over 50 mph :lol:

Silvasam - 11-23-2013 at 03:22 PM

I am thinking baja la too, did th san Felipe 5 years ago tying to get to baja la in 35 RV while towing a car. Never made it to baja la. Sank RV in two locations and car in 3 locations and all he kids got sick. Since then stayed away.

I am pretty adventurous traveler and need to tone down since I am taking kids.

Currently we are near San quintin, where is good palce to hang. Guerrero negro seems too far for today.

RnR - 11-23-2013 at 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Silvasam

Currently we are near San quintin, where is good palce to hang. Guerrero negro seems too far for today.

Los Olivos RV park. A few miles south of San Quintin. Sign on the west side of highway.

The road is also the turnoff for Jardines Hotel (bigger sign, easier to see)

Keep your gas tank topped off

Mulegena - 11-23-2013 at 04:15 PM

Always good practice in Baja.
Especially when you're diving an RV that really guzzles not sips.
Essential if you head south from San Quintin or north from Guerrero Negro.
Top up your tank in El Rosario an hour or so south of San Q, for you won't see another gas station for 200 miles or so 'till the little village of Jesus Maria just north of Guerrero Negro. In a pinch you can buy gas out of cans being sold on the side of the highway at inflated prices in Catavina, if you can get there.

Phil S - 11-23-2013 at 04:58 PM

I've been driving down 25 years now from Oregon. Sometimes again to go back for Christmas time. I'd not drive after dusk, as others have said. But an important tip here. My wife is my 'navigator'. She watches the right hand EDGE, and when I start getting close to it, she says, "EDGE", and I move away a little bit. She will be an important member of your 'crew'. I'd also be sure to have at least more than 50% rubber on your tires. (you never know what you'll encounter that you'll end up 'running over' or driving into (pot holes or ruts). Enjoy your trip. An adventure you'll talk about the rest of your life.