BajaNomad

Border crossing 32 foot RV with tow vehicle

RenoJoe - 7-23-2014 at 11:39 PM

RV south From Riverside and north from Ensenada. What crossing and what lane?

DENNIS - 7-24-2014 at 06:22 AM

Explain, please.

SFandH - 7-24-2014 at 06:50 AM

IMHO, not Tijuana unless you are very familiar with the exact way to do it. One wrong turn, one missed exit and you're in trouble with a rig that long.

I vote for Tecate.

Howard - 7-24-2014 at 07:06 AM

Agreed, Tecate. Less stress and a lower possibility of going down the wrong streets.

RenoJoe - 7-24-2014 at 07:07 AM

I purchased a newer 32 foot class A motorhome and would like to take it from Reno to Bahia Asuncion. Will be leaving the 4th or 5th of august. Back to Reno the 18th of august. Whats the easest border crossing. I've been in the wrong lane before.

prt328 - 7-24-2014 at 08:11 AM

We took our 32 down last January and crossed at Tecate. It was painless with no wait. The road getting to Tecate is however worse than some stretches of MX 1 (narrow and winding). I came back through Otay Mesa as it supposedly had a shorter wait but got in the wrong lane. Stay in the left hand lanes. Regardless of where you cross you will have to go through secondary. I was only held for 5 minutes in Otay. Have a safe trip!

Bob53 - 7-24-2014 at 02:53 PM

If you cross at Tijuana, you have to go to the far right lane.

mojo_norte - 7-24-2014 at 08:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by prt328
We took our 32 down last January and crossed at Tecate. It was painless with no wait. The road getting to Tecate is however worse than some stretches of MX 1 (narrow and winding). I came back through Otay Mesa as it supposedly had a shorter wait but got in the wrong lane. Stay in the left hand lanes. Regardless of where you cross you will have to go through secondary. I was only held for 5 minutes in Otay. Have a safe trip!


where did you get your tourist card - parking @ Tecate etc. ?

dasubergeek - 7-24-2014 at 08:20 PM

Cross south at San Ysidro. Trying to park a rig that long in Tecate to get your card is an exercise in futility. (You can try and find or rent parking on the US side of Tecate and walk across to get your FMM, but that can be iffy too.)

Cross north at Tecate. Expect to be sent to secondary.

LancairDriver - 7-24-2014 at 08:47 PM

After wandering lost through the streets of TJ with a tag axle RV and towing, I have never crossed there again. It is Tecate both south and northbound hands down. We always get insurance and tourist cards sent from Discover Baja at the first of the year for hassle free time saving entry's. Spending the night at Potrero County Park near Tecate the night before crossing allows for early morning entry at Tecate and a comfortable drive as far as Catavina that day if your destination is farther south.

bajabuddha - 7-24-2014 at 11:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mojo_norte
where did you get your tourist card - parking @ Tecate etc. ?

Parking in Tecate (U.S. side) has changed immensely in the last few years. They've 'redded-out' (no parking) almost all curbside for big rigs and trailers, and made a half dozen parking lots for pay on the right as you approach the border. Best bet for parking is in the first lot you come to on the right as you enter town; all others are too small of spaces to maneuver a trailer/motorhome in.

Easy walk-down to the border, go through the turnstile gate, first big building on right is Émigré, go in to the right, get your FMM, walk back towards the border 50' and there's a little kiosk there to take your money, take receipt back to Émigré, they stam the FMM and you cross the street, walk through U.S. customs, get in your rig and gone. Easy-peasy, Buy pesos, get a coffee or a pop for the road, stretch a little and voila! BAJA BOUND.

mojo_norte - 7-25-2014 at 06:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
After wandering lost through the streets of TJ with a tag axle RV and towing, I have never crossed there again. It is Tecate both south and northbound hands down. We always get insurance and tourist cards sent from Discover Baja at the first of the year for hassle free time saving entry's. Spending the night at Potrero County Park near Tecate the night before crossing allows for early morning entry at Tecate and a comfortable drive as far as Catavina that day if your destination is farther south.


Are the tourist cards from Discover Baja now prepaid - or do you have to still get a bank stamp - and then another stamp? from immigration for them to be valid? I believe that's how it was in the past ?

prt328 - 7-25-2014 at 07:08 AM

where did you get your tourist card - parking @ Tecate etc. ?

I am a permanent resident but had to stop anyways. Immigration is on the right as you cross; we went around the block and parked on the street for a short walk. Maybe I got lucky but it was painless. The customs inspection was also very brief. It's a great place to cross, just didn't like the U.S. road getting to it.

mojo_norte - 7-25-2014 at 07:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by prt328
where did you get your tourist card - parking @ Tecate etc. ?

I am a permanent resident but had to stop anyways. Immigration is on the right as you cross; we went around the block and parked on the street for a short walk. Maybe I got lucky but it was painless. The customs inspection was also very brief. It's a great place to cross, just didn't like the U.S. road getting to it.


A bit more difficult finding parking if towing 32' rig

bajabuddha - 7-25-2014 at 07:59 AM

Mojo- pre-paid cards are still available through a number of companies, but you still have to pay at a bank AT THE BORDER, not Ensenada or points south, and get it stamped, plus you pay the company that issues it for the 'privilege' of typing it out for you. Plus, if you do have it pre-made, you HAVE to cross at that particular border crossing on the FMM they do for you.

Just grab the first lot on the right as you enter Tecate U.S., a block walk, git 'er done.

SFandH - 7-25-2014 at 08:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
Cross south at San Ysidro. Trying to park a rig that long in Tecate to get your card is an exercise in futility. (You can try and find or rent parking on the US side of Tecate and walk across to get your FMM, but that can be iffy too.)

Cross north at Tecate. Expect to be sent to secondary.


Good point. Southbound at the brand new San Ysidro crossing is easy and there is plenty of parking to get the tourist visa. After that just follow the signs to Playas de Tijuana and the toll road to Ensenada. Northbound is better at Tecate.

cliffh - 7-25-2014 at 10:46 AM

Agree with SFandH south bound through San Ysidro is great tecate north perfect, stay away from mon. Hadn't been through TJ in a few years wanted to see new crossing, big mistake 3 1/2 hours, good news first time in year's secondary was so busy they jumped in 5th wheel looked, less then 4 min and we were on our way

Cliffy - 7-25-2014 at 11:27 AM

Went through Tecate both ways with F150 pulling 23 ft trailer. Went through south and had them look into TT for 2 mins. Stopped 3 blocks away down second street on right. Went back to border for FMMs and money exchange. No big deal, Came back through Tecate and had secondary of course (all RVs to secondary) looked 5 mins and on way. Be aware that the road from Ensenada to Tecate is used by empty big rigs going to border to pick up loads and they travel at warp speed. They will pass you if you are going speed limit or slower even on blind curves. Always watch behind you and in front and be ready to slow down if they pass so you don't get caught in a head on. Had to do two quick stops to avoid head-ons on blind right hand curves from passing vehicles.

Martyman - 7-25-2014 at 11:36 AM

I don't get all the angst about going through TJ. Tecate is an extra 2 hour drive...but whatever.

dasubergeek - 7-25-2014 at 12:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
I don't get all the angst about going through TJ. Tecate is an extra 2 hour drive...but whatever.


The issue is that not all the lanes at SY northbound are able to accommodate the trailer width. You have to know which lane to be in of the 24 that could be open. Tecate only has two lanes, each exactly the same width.

Southbound, though, SY is the way to go. You have to tie up traffic a little bit making that sharp right at the bottom of the 5, but then you just go straight and make the last possible left (back side of the poles) and there's plenty of parking while you walk to get your FMM done. Then it's one turn and you're on Av. Internacional headed to the cuota.

mojo_norte - 7-25-2014 at 12:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
Southbound, though, SY is the way to go. You have to tie up traffic a little bit making that sharp right at the bottom of the 5, but then you just go straight and make the last possible left (back side of the poles) and there's plenty of parking while you walk to get your FMM done. Then it's one turn and you're on Av. Internacional headed to the cuota.


This has changed apparently since I last crossed at SY - 5 years ago? any maps / photos - DK?

BajaKeela - 7-25-2014 at 01:08 PM

We're 50ft (now 5er) years ago 53ft(M/H and car).. If you return through Tecate ...make sure you're in the LEFT hand lane..it just can't be done to turn into secondary from the right hand lane ..We've seen more damage on long RV's from crossings into the USA. It's like running the gauntlet..and of course if you're well advanced in the wrong lane ,there is no way to change your mind.
Even the customs officer worries his booth will get damaged and watches carefully..Of course there is no signage on which lane to take.. Have a great trip!!

LancairDriver - 7-25-2014 at 05:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mojo_norte
Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
After wandering lost through the streets of TJ with a tag axle RV and towing, I have never crossed there again. It is Tecate both south and northbound hands down. We always get insurance and tourist cards sent from Discover Baja at the first of the year for hassle free time saving entry's. Spending the night at Potrero County Park near Tecate the night before crossing allows for early morning entry at Tecate and a comfortable drive as far as Catavina that day if your destination is farther south.


Are the tourist cards from Discover Baja now prepaid - or do you have to still get a bank stamp - and then another stamp? from immigration for them to be valid? I believe that's how it was in the past ?


The tourist cards are prepaid and stamped. You are given two copy's of a Bancomer receipt when they send you the tourist card and simply turn one in as you cross the border. Painless. No running to the bank. Well worth the time you save IMO.

mojo_norte - 7-25-2014 at 05:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
The tourist cards are prepaid and stamped. You are given two copy's of a Bancomer receipt when they send you the tourist card and simply turn one in as you cross the border. Painless. No running to the bank. Well worth the time you save IMO.


But do you still have to park and go to immigration to turn the form in ? or can you give it to the inspection guys at he red light / green light?

LancairDriver - 7-25-2014 at 06:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mojo_norte
Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
The tourist cards are prepaid and stamped. You are given two copy's of a Bancomer receipt when they send you the tourist card and simply turn one in as you cross the border. Painless. No running to the bank. Well worth the time you save IMO.


But do you still have to park and go to immigration to turn the form in ? or can you give it to the inspection guys at he red light / green light?


My experience has been that they want you out of the way with an RV as quickly as possible. We have not had to exit the RV and they stick their head in and you hand them the receipts and are waved on. As in every border crossing going either way, you can't count on consistency.

RenoJoe - 8-10-2014 at 01:47 PM

how do you know when to get in the left lane before it's too late going northbound thru Tecate in a motorhome towing a car?

LancairDriver - 8-10-2014 at 01:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by RenoJoe
how do you know when to get in the left lane before it's too late going northbound thru Tecate in a motorhome towing a car?


Start working your way to the left as soon as possible when approaching the border crossing. Last time I went through the Mexican Military forced me to the extreme right by standing in front of my RV and insisting I go right where the commercial vehicles are supposed to go. CBT was very understanding fortunately and got me through.

wessongroup - 8-10-2014 at 02:08 PM

http://www.bajabound.com/before/driving/directions/elchaparr...

This might help ... going down

Bet he could come up with pictures going north too

Mine are way to old


[Edited on 8-10-2014 by wessongroup]

J.P. - 8-10-2014 at 02:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
Quote:
Originally posted by RenoJoe
how do you know when to get in the left lane before it's too late going northbound thru Tecate in a motorhome towing a car?


Start working your way to the left as soon as possible when approaching the border crossing. Last time I went through the Mexican Military forced me to the extreme right by standing in front of my RV and insisting I go right where the commercial vehicles are supposed to go. CBT was very understanding fortunately and got me through.








We cross at Tecate. we had a 26ft M.H. and towed a Jeep Wrangler going North we always have to go to Secondary.
We just recentaly purchased a 36ft fifth wheel and a ford dulley and crossed both ways at Tecate easy peasey. the person in secondary going north didnt want to crawl around the slideouts and just peerd in and let us go. we have a residency permit as we live in Ensenada never a problem.