BajaNomad - Newbies crossing the border loaded down

Newbies crossing the border loaded down

majicparrot - 8-6-2014 at 07:44 PM

Hello I hope to pick the brains of people on this forum. We need advice on crossing the border. Do's and do not's what should we expect?

We are building a house in Los Barriles, we have never driven down.

This is going to be an epic trip we are bringing 3 cars 2 trailers. We will be crossing at San Diego

First car is our 2001 chevy 1 ton pulling our 24 foot enclosed trailer with all of our stuff. This trailers is packed full of stuff for our house. ( this is a long rig with the trailer at 30' and the truck at 26')

Second car is a 1974 blazer ( have to say this stands out as it is painted bright green) pulling a trailer with a canoe and dirt bike and ATV

Third car is 95 Camry nothing special about it.

The 3rd car will be driven by my parents and the first and second car will be driven by my wife and I.

We had a friend scare the poop out of us about the border crossing. At this point we are freaking out that our stuff will all be pulled out of the trailer and we will be there for days reloading.

What we have read is have more paper work than you will ever need. So our plan is to have passports, marriage cert, birth certs and drivers licenses.

We have also read that we need a detailed list of what is in the trailer.....this is impossible as it is so full of everything.

Hope this information helps with any advice you may have . Thank you in advance.

[Edited on 8-7-2014 by majicparrot]

[Edited on 8-7-2014 by majicparrot]

woody with a view - 8-6-2014 at 07:56 PM

you're right! it'll take days to reload.

DENNIS - 8-6-2014 at 07:59 PM

That trailer will be a problem as is. Mexico wants people to import large amounts of household items and without an itemized list, they will probably require a visual inspection.
Add to that, you'll probably need the services of an import agent.

I wish I had more time to explain some of what you seem to be unaware of, but I don't.
Someone else will be along to fill you in, I'm sure.

rts551 - 8-6-2014 at 08:09 PM

good luck. You should listen to your friends. Importing anything beyond personal use items is required. Personal use does not include household items.

bajaguy - 8-6-2014 at 08:16 PM

Find an importer in Otay.....maybe somebody on the board can help.

Talk to them before you drive down. You are going to need a list with serial numbers and descriptions.......

Probably going to need a room or two in San Diego for a couple of nights while you work with the importer

dasubergeek - 8-6-2014 at 08:22 PM

They've stopped me just for having the back seat of a sedan filled. You need to call a cross-border mover or an import specialist before you try any of that. At the very least, you need to have an itemized list, INCLUDING SERIAL NUMBERS OF ANY ELECTRONICS OR POWER TOOLS. You'll also need to make sure you have your residency permit in order or else you're going to have a lot of duty fees to pay.

Mulegena - 8-6-2014 at 08:46 PM

You've never driven down before, and now you're heading down in a convoy.
Be extra-careful, Friends.

You'll be driving a narrow 2-lane road and you'll be pulling trailers. While it's not heavily trafficked, the highway is markedly lacking in shoulders and turn-offs, there are speed-bumps that will make your teeth rattle (a friend counted about 1000 between Tecate and Mulege, and many are unmarked, and you'll encounter numerous potholes. Additionally there will be people walking on the highway in urban áreas & dogs, cows, burros-- anywhere. You will encounter slow, broken-down cars going 'way too slow and 18-wheeler trucks hauling a@@.

Consider an importer and enjoy your drive down the longest península in the world.

[Edited on 8-7-2014 by Mulegena]
edited numerous times because my cat insists on sleeping in my lap.

[Edited on 8-7-2014 by Mulegena]

[Edited on 8-7-2014 by Mulegena]

David K - 8-6-2014 at 09:55 PM

Wow, never drove there and now you are moving there... got your FM-3 (part time resident visa) already? There is a one time moving deal for new residents so you don't have to pay duty on all your stuff.

Oh, and starting about 180 miles from the border is the start of 1973 section of the Baja highway... it is only 19 feet wide and usually up on a levee with no pullouts...

DSCF0034 copy.jpg - 26kB

redhilltown - 8-6-2014 at 11:34 PM

While we all have our gripes and groans about Mexico and their laws, it IS their country and for the most part they are far more lenient than if you were doing the same move northward across the border.

BajaBlanca - 8-7-2014 at 03:56 AM

Remember you are NOT allowed to cross into Tijuana with this load under any circumstances.

SFandH - 8-7-2014 at 04:09 AM

Don't do what you're planning on doing. It's not going to work. Ready made disaster.

Just the two of you take the Camry down, stay at hotels, learn what driving the peninsula is all about. Then come back and learn how do import a household worth of stuff into Mexico.

Also, are you planning on doing this in the summer? HOT, HOT, HOT

Don't do it.

majicparrot - 8-7-2014 at 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SFandH
Don't do what you're planning on doing. It's not going to work. Ready made disaster.

Don't do it.

why is not going to work?
People on here have said you can do it and given examples of how to do it. But the ones who say don't, have no real examples. I know it can be done I have had friends and family do it. Unfortunately my Family member is no longer with us. Just like on here I get conflicting story's.

majicparrot - 8-7-2014 at 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Wow, never drove there and now you are moving there... got your FM-3 (part time resident visa) already? There is a one time moving deal for new residents so you don't have to pay duty on all your stuff.

Oh, and starting about 180 miles from the border is the start of 1973 section of the Baja highway... it is only 19 feet wide and usually up on a levee with no pullouts...

I have been going there for many years now just never needed to drive. Had a family member live there for 10 years and have a friend that has lived there for 20.

So on the "new resident" FM-3 do I need a utility bill for this? Our house is not done and I don't have one yet. I have been in contact with the Mexican consulate, they where little to no help.

Thanks for the road warning we knew what we where in for with that. we have driven most of the lower half just never the whole length.

Thanks for your help

chuckie - 8-7-2014 at 05:18 AM

Hey, you apparently knew the answer before you asked the question...go for it..It's your day...

elizabeth - 8-7-2014 at 05:30 AM

You will need to have either a temporary or permanent resident card (there are no fm2's or 3's anymore). Then you need to do a menaje de casa. Do a search here...and visit or call your nearest Mexican Consulate. You need to make application there. They have written guidelines for both your immigration status and the menaje.

SFandH - 8-7-2014 at 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by majicparrot

Quote:

Originally posted by SFandH
Don't do what you're planning on doing. It's not going to work. Ready made disaster.

Don't do it.

why is not going to work?

I've been turned around at the border (TJ) and made to go back to the US because I did not have the proper paperwork for an outboard motor I had in the trunk of my car. You have a trailer full of stuff. I've had two transmissions give out on a Ford and Chevy pickup in baja because they got too hot. The trucks were loaded down. Both times it was a huge problem. I have a separate transmission cooler on my current truck. Your driving a 40 year old Chevy truck pulling a trailer.

The road is so narrow in places in the northern half that I've touched mirrors with an oncoming truck. My mirror just disappeared, gone. Your pulling a long heavy trailer. Is it wider than the tow vehicle?

The northern half has three steep grades you'll need to contend with. One uphill after El Rosario, one downhill before Santa Rosalia, and another uphill after Loreto. Your tow vehicles and brakes will be working hard.

I've lost count of flat tires.

You asked for advice. Mine, based upon 30 years of driving the peninsula, is take a recon trip first, travelling light, and ask yourself if you really need to haul all the stuff down.

[Edited on 8-7-2014 by SFandH]

Norm - 8-7-2014 at 06:36 AM

JUST GO & GET IT DONE .. WE HAVE BEEN GOING FO 30 + YEARS. YOU WILL PAY SOME DUTY . NO BIG DEAL , JUST USE TECATE AT 6 AM !!!!! :light:

windgrrl - 8-7-2014 at 06:44 AM

You will probably have quite adventure. Our first drive to LB with a 24 foot RV sure was. We had three flat tires and the trailer frame cracked somewhere. It is much nicer driving down with no trailer. I can't imagine driving down in the summer...driving in November through March are warm enough for me, but you sound confident.

The most important part after having done your research and have your itinerary plotted out is to get all your paperwork, import stuff and route plan in order is to make sure your vehicles are in very, very good shape. The haul down will take it's toll on your brakes, transmission and tires at a minimum. There's a reason why there are llanteras and mechanic shops at the beginning and end of steep grades and rough roads. Planning rest stops is very important because the drops off the pavement to side roads in many towns will take your breath away, not to mention potential assorted mechanical failures. You need to carefully watch for good pull-outs and gas stations with trailer-friendly access. Many arrive in LB missing mirrors, with siding stripped off trailers, etc. and grand tales of woe.

Keep your LB folks apprised of your progress and know where your resources are for help if you need it. GPS, cell phone and knowing where you will stop each night are key. You'll want to get on the road at the crack of dawn to avoid heat...any advice about not driving at night is good.

As for residency requirements, there are several contacts in the LB and La Paz area that will do it for you for a fee (check BPE). I think this could save some time and headaches. Things may take more time as
Some businesses take a break in the summer.

My advice...drive down without the trailer and see how much stuff can be purchased in the local area and
Cabo. My experience is that there is almost nothing that we need to bring from home and that half the fun is looking. Often you can find groceries, really nice furnishings, decor and home needs at a good price while enjoying a day trip to another town. And you save on the wear and tear of hauling your own plus fuel costs. And the headache of worrying about the trailer.

A GPS can be helpful for elevation management and estimating arrival times and it really helps if you speak Spanish.

Let us know how it goes and good luck,
W

DENNIS - 8-7-2014 at 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by majicparrot

why is not going to work?

What you plan to do isn't how Mexico wants it done.
That said...the border is an unpredictable zone. You just never know what you may have to do to satisfy the customs people, but you should know the stated requirements.
Many travelers, on this board and elsewhere, take chances with these requirements, and some get away with it, and live to brag on endlessly about how things went their way and they drove right through without incident.
However, few of these gamblers were towing a 24 foot trailer.

Since you seem reluctant to accept the appraisals of your inadequate planning, it's up to you make your own decision...."Do I chance it, or not?"

Good luck with your decision. You're gonna need it.

windgrrl - 8-7-2014 at 07:21 AM

...and know that LB is a resort town, a nice little bubble. The rest of most of Baja is strange, beautiful, wild and free. You'll get the idea as soon as you are on Mex 1!

Have a safe trip,
W

gnukid - 8-7-2014 at 07:24 AM

Why not expect to itemize every item and unload it and reload it? So what? Expect the worst and nothing will be surprising, besides what's your hurry anyway?

Keep your parents out of it, tell them to sit in a hotel nearby in San diego at the pool, and when you get done, whether its in a few hours or days, you'll call and tell them to leave the hotel and catch up to in San Quintin.

mojo_norte - 8-7-2014 at 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Why not expect to itemize every item and unload it and reload it? So what? Expect the worst and nothing will be surprising, besides what's your hurry anyway?

Keep your parents out of it, tell them to sit in a hotel nearby in San diego at the pool, and when you get done, whether its in a few hours or days, you'll call and tell them to leave the hotel and catch up to in San Quintin.

Yes, I would send the Blazer and ATV and Camry down 1st on a tourist visa - on a reconnaissance - try and sort out your residency permit ( a number of agencies can help you with this - Seven Seas , Pay Dennis) and then drive the Camry back up and collect the Truck/ Trailer. Try and do the one time import of goods as mentioned by DK or if you are going to 'Go For It' at least have a detailed list of goods and with realistic values and expect to pay some duty. The conventional wisdom here is expect the unexpected , don't be in a hurry and stay as legal as possible.

desertcpl - 8-7-2014 at 07:49 AM

when do you plan on doing this,, i sure would think twice about
doing this in the summer months, i would think you would be asking for problems
your trailers really need to be in tip top shape

i know from experience,, broken springs,

and yes cross at Tecate

bajaguy - 8-7-2014 at 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by majicparrot
why is not going to work?
People on here have said you can do it and given examples of how to do it. But the ones who say don't, have no real examples. I know it can be done I have had friends and family do it. Unfortunately my Family member is no longer with us. Just like on here I get conflicting story's.

You are getting conflicting stories because:

A. Everyone has a different experience (even those who have no real examples)

B. You are dealing with Mexico, and can't base your expectations on reality

C. No matter who you talk to or deal with in the Mexican government, you will get conflicting stories, even from the same person several hours apart

Better to get a shipping company or importer who has a "working agreement" with Mexican Customs.....it will make your life easier........or not.

gnukid - 8-7-2014 at 08:05 AM

You can get the residents temporal or permanente started by going to the Mexican consulate in your home town in the USA. If you have income or savings you can qualify for a residents permanente with a $26 dollar fee and be on the way to Barriles and then go to the INM in La Paz to complete or have "pay dennis" do it for you. Then you can one time import the casa de menaje.

Go to mexconnect forum > live work > for more residents permanente info or ask.

You do not need a utility bill though it helps since you need to know your address, a bill can help or the esrituros fido / title papers.

Good advice about waiting for it to cool down, also there is more of this type of traffic Oct 15-May15th so it can go more smoothly. Most gringos don't understand if you stand in the boiling sun for 15 minutes, let alone loading heavy items you put yourself at great risk, especially if you are not used to it.

Even if you get past the border, if you do not have a proper importation of goods, at any point you are still at risk of being asked about it by aduana if they are at a military inspection, though very unlikely.

beachbum1A - 8-7-2014 at 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by majicparrot

This is going to be an epic trip we are bringing 3 cars 2 trailers. We will be crossing at San Diego

[Edited on 8-7-2014 by majicparrot]

EP-IC defination;

: telling a story about a hero or about exciting events or adventures

: very great or large and usually difficult or impressive

IT WILL BE THAT - GUARANTEED.

Pescador - 8-7-2014 at 08:12 AM

If you are doing a one time importation called a Menaje de Traje you need to get all the information from a broker and have a complete list of what you are carrying, itemized with serial numbers and the like. There is a limit on value at somewhere around $4,000 I believe, but I am not exactly sure on that. You will have to cross at Otay Mesa or at Tecate, they will not allow you to do that at San Ysidro.

In the old days we used to "wing it" and you schmoozed your way through with some fancy talking and a few bucks, but those days are long gone. Do not try it, as you will have lots of problems with that approach. Tecate is no better or worse than the other crossings and all of the new border people are educated and have been trained in doing their job effectively. The election of Pena-Nieto has increased the collection of all possible taxes and they are treating tourists and locals alike in that regard. So do yourself a big favor and find out exactly what you need to do to legally import your things on the trailer.

I helped a person go through this just this year and it is much different than when I moved down here some years ago.

The suggestions about vehicle preparation is learned from many years of experience by members of this forum but you certainly have the freedom to either follow that or completely disregard that. In either case I don't think I will be handing out my phone number until your trip is completed.

David K - 8-7-2014 at 09:06 AM

Great replies from elizabeth and Pescadero, others too! I wasn't sure what the new visa was called, so thanks for clearing up the FM-3 name for me.

I have not done this, but I have been a member of this forum the longest and have read enough posts to know that you can't just move a home into Mexico like you can crossing a state line in the U.S.

I am glad you have enough replies now to let you know of what would happen at the San Ysidro/Tijuana crossing. You do need to use Otay for cargo (or other ports to the east).

Best of luck to you!

PLEASE.........a post trip report!

fixtrauma - 8-7-2014 at 09:37 AM

I read this entire thread to my wife as we relived many driving experiences. The hair stood up on the back of our necks for multiple reasons as we read your initial post. Yes......we made some trips that fit into this category and survived but the chances for significant trouble was peering around every corner. We have augmented our travel in many ways because of our experiences and the advice from this forum. We believe that the advice of caution offered by those before me should weight heavily.

sd - 8-7-2014 at 10:21 AM

My sister crossed Tecate southbound last week in a Camry. Border crossing was having many cars open their trunks and hoods. Never had them ask me to open the hood.

When I cross with a quad they always check my registration on the quad.

Always very professional. I have seen a large enclosed trailer being off loaded for inspection going south bound.

bajalearner - 8-7-2014 at 10:22 AM

4 years ago, I brought 2 trailer loads of household goods and furniture thru Otay on a rented long Uhaul open trailer and my van. I was moving to a rental house in Tijuana. The customs girl made a list of items in about 10 minutes and asked for my residency visa. I did not have one which she said I could not bring my load into MX. She disappeared for 20 mins and returned to tell me I need to pay $65 dllrs and I could proceed. I paid and went on my way. I did the same thing a few hours later with the second load with a different guy who did not ask for a visa and accessed another $60. They only listed the larger items for the most part.

I think the opinions and experiences given on this forum are valuable but I read them and form my on plan based on my abilities and limitations. Then I accept the problems and dead ends that I sometimes encounter and I smile when things go smoothly. I am resourceful and accept changes.

micah202 - 8-7-2014 at 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
If you are doing a one time importation called a Menaje de Traje...

It does rhyme, (and made me giggle) but I believe that's "Menaje de Casa".

...perhaps ole'Pescad's got something else on the mind!

........darn!....now I'm all distracted too

DENNIS - 8-7-2014 at 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
If you are doing a one time importation called a Menaje de Traje...

It does rhyme, (and made me giggle) but I believe that's "Menaje de Casa".

Maybe he's thinking of un traje de baño.

elizabeth - 8-7-2014 at 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lencho

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
If you are doing a one time importation called a Menaje de Traje...

It does rhyme, (and made me giggle) but I believe that's "Menaje de Casa".

Maybe not if it's all clothing!

boe4fun - 8-7-2014 at 03:17 PM

Here's someone we use for our Rotarian Clinic in La Paz - she's very reasonable on pricing (at least for the La Balandra Rotary Club):

Monica E. Page
Monica Page Logistics Corp.
7577 Airway Road Ste. # 103
San Diego, Ca. 92154
Tel (619) 777-8909
Fax (619) 671-7014
Cell (619) 666-4529
Email: mpage@monicapagelogistics.com
http://www.monicapagelogistics.com/

weebray - 8-7-2014 at 03:41 PM

Gone are the days when you could slip someone 50 bucks to "look the other way". As has been pointed out, things have changed in the last few years. A menaje de casa will help smooth the ruffles, it will not absolve you of some fees which you will have to pay to the importer. I have a friend that just crossed the border a couple of weeks ago with a menaje. If you would like to pm me I will give you his name an number for the latest situation. They rolled the dice for a green light and got one. They still got pulled over. That same thing has happened to us.

majicparrot - 8-7-2014 at 03:43 PM

To clarify -
We consider ourselves reasonably intelligent adults, and are doing everything we can to prepare for this wild ride.
We have been to Baja multiple times over the years.
We are having a house built there.
We're not leaving until Nov, to avoid the heat.
One of us is a mechanic, so the vehicles are in near-perfect condition and have been pretty well prepped for Baja life.
The mechanic is also familiar with driving large vehicles and towing trailers.
We've driven around the southern end of the peninsula many times over the years, so we are familiar with the roads, drivers, livestock, etc. They're definitely entertaining.

We simply had not driven across the US-MX border, so we don't know what to expect for that segment of the trip.

It sounds like our best bet is to expect the unexpected, pack extra tires, bring tools for the inevitable roadside repairs, make a detailed list of the contents of the trailer, have every imaginable piece of official paperwork handy, and get both our temporary resident visas & a menaje de casa before we arrive at the crossing (most probably from the local consulate).

Am I missing anything?

We deeply appreciate all of the constructive comments, and welcome any more information, thoughts, or ideas that will help us get to our new casa mexicana. It is because of the abundance of helpful, positive, adventurous folks like you that we are making this move.

For those that doubt our ability to accomplish this... we will undoubtedly post up a comical and entertaining trip report once the dust settles.

chippy - 8-7-2014 at 04:48 PM

You´ll be fine. I would cross in Tecate. Don´t let some of the "arm chair quarter backs" put you off your plan. Its been done by many and probably (me) with longer rigs. Nov. is perfect. Keep a sense of humour with the officials.

vandenberg - 8-7-2014 at 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by majicparrot
To clarify -
We consider ourselves reasonably intelligent adults, and are doing everything we can to prepare for this wild ride.
We have been to Baja multiple times over the years.
We are having a house built there.
We're not leaving until Nov, to avoid the heat.
One of us is a mechanic, so the vehicles are in near-perfect condition and have been pretty well prepped for Baja life.
The mechanic is also familiar with driving large vehicles and towing trailers.
We've driven around the southern end of the peninsula many times over the years, so we are familiar with the roads, drivers, livestock, etc. They're definitely entertaining.

We simply had not driven across the US-MX border, so we don't know what to expect for that segment of the trip.

It sounds like our best bet is to expect the unexpected, pack extra tires, bring tools for the inevitable roadside repairs, make a detailed list of the contents of the trailer, have every imaginable piece of official paperwork handy, and get both our temporary resident visas & a menaje de casa before we arrive at the crossing (most probably from the local consulate).

Am I missing anything?

We deeply appreciate all of the constructive comments, and welcome any more information, thoughts, or ideas that will help us get to our new casa mexicana. It is because of the abundance of helpful, positive, adventurous folks like you that we are making this move.

For those that doubt our ability to accomplish this... we will undoubtedly post up a comical and entertaining trip report once the dust settles.

You're talking a lot more sense here than in your original post.

Good luck and God's speed!! :saint:

majicparrot - 8-7-2014 at 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg

Quote:

You're talking a lot more sense here than in your original post.

Good luck and God's speed!! :saint:

that's cuz I'm wifey (the 'parrot' part of this loco duo), and I'm a little bit more... experienced, shall we say... at this interwebs stuff.

[Edited on 8-8-2014 by majicparrot]

Loretana - 8-7-2014 at 06:15 PM

Originally posted by majicparrot

"For those that doubt our ability to accomplish this... we will undoubtedly post up a comical and entertaining trip report once the dust settles."

You go girl!! We crossed an enormous load under similar circumstances to equip our Loreto home in July 2010. We had two Dodge Ram diesel pickups pulling 2 - 18 foot Interstate trailers loaded with doors, windows, appliances, granite countertops, toilets, tubs, light fixtures, furniture and much, much more.

One thing I did have were carefully made out lists of each and everything I had on board, numbered boxes and contents and bills of lading that I produced from experience I had working for a large paper company in Oregon. The Aduana officers in Mexico LOVE paperwork in hand, make sure you have lots of it.

I also heartily recommend (as several other Nomads suggested) that you cross at Tecate. I paid 1700.00 US for well over 50K in building supplies in taxes.

No whining here, the US based customs broker estimated our load costs for their services at $12,000.00. And that was just to clear our goods thru Aduana into Mexico and put the load we would deliver to them in Otay Mesa on the Mexican side of the border. Step up, be bold and do it yourself. I hope your Spanish is decent, because that made the difference for us. You need to know how to make a deal in Mexico, and follow it to completion.

The best of luck to you!!

P.S. check your U2U...top right corner :saint:

[Edited on 8-8-2014 by Loretana]

Cliffy - 8-8-2014 at 12:03 AM

If you go through Tecate you can use the left lane rather than the right lane that the trucks use. They take forever. We pulled our Travel trailer and after a few minutes in the truck lane with no one in the left lane we moved over and were clear in 10 mins. They will need their Customs Duty on your stuff but it's a cost of doing business and building. When you get down to Mulege about 1 mile from the town on the down hill ride there is a curve to the right, DO NOT LET YOUR TRAILERS DRIFT OVER TO THE RIGHT AS YOU MAKE THE RIGHT TURN- STAY AS FAR TO THE CENTER OF THE ROAD AS YOU CAN. THERE IS A BIG HOLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE THAT IS NOT VISIBLE FROM YOUR CAB BUT IT WILL EAT YOUR TRAILER AXLE. DON'T ASK ME HOW I KNOW!
Good luck and have a safe trip by driving slow Pay attention to the speed signs even if all are passing you.

Bajamatic - 8-8-2014 at 07:55 AM

Quote:

I had a heart attack just looking at this photo.

mojo_norte - 8-8-2014 at 08:05 AM

watch out for the cyclists on the zero shoulder blind corners

elgatoloco - 8-8-2014 at 09:07 AM

Caravan - remember that there is only one road and no need to stay half a car length behind the other vehicles in your caravan. If you get separated you will get caught up, eventually. Allow plenty of room for vehicles to pass. Consider some two way radios so you can communicate (taco time-potty break-your back right hub is on fire-etc). Safe travels, good luck and have fun.
:dudette:

desertcpl - 8-8-2014 at 09:20 AM

absolutely bring some 2 way hand held radios

weebray - 8-8-2014 at 10:18 AM

Buy them here.

http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5R-136-174-400-480-Dual-Band...

majicparrot - 8-8-2014 at 08:19 PM

2 way radios are a brilliant idea! We'll definitely get those.

Thank you guys so much for the advice. As we get closer to the departure date, I'll start watching for road reports on BPE and here for sure.

bledito - 8-9-2014 at 09:48 AM

Have the smaller car run interferance ahead of the bigger trucks and trailers they can call back to you on the radios warning of large oncoming trucks and what not. that way you can anticipate and get over a bit more.

redhilltown - 8-9-2014 at 11:14 PM

For whatever reason, the two way radios can make you appear to be a drug smuggler to some at the military checkpoints. Just tuck them away a bit when approaching. And yes, they are a GREAT idea!!!!

Mulegena - 8-10-2014 at 01:11 AM

Oh, and while we're on the topic of military checkpoints...

First they're military, not Federales, who are highway patrolmen.

They generally don't speak English. They're going to ask you, in Spanish, "Where did you come from?" You answer with something like the town you last spent the night in-- it's name, one word, that's all you need. Then they'll say, "Where are you going?" You answer again with one word, the name of a town down the road or your destination. Then they'll say, "Permission to inspect your car?" or often when you're traveling southbound they'll wave you on with one word, "Adelante" which means move on.

If they do ask to inspect your car, comply.
Get out of the car. Keep your valuables in your purse or knapsack and take it with you when you leave the car for inspection. Keep an eye on the soldier(s) inspecting at all times. Things have been known to go missing.

If they ask to inspect the inside of your RV, stay with them inside the vehicle. btw, they're not allowed to open the refrigerator and take the food-- you have the right to say "NO" if they try that.

Indicate with hand gestures that you're with other cars behind. When you've gone through the checkpoint, you can pull over and wait for your family behind, no worries.

Also, don't drive at night, but if you do find yourselves out there, dim your headlights as you approach the checkpoint and turn on the inside overhead light. They can't see at night, and to do this indicates you're friendly, not a bad guy ready for a shoot-out. Remember they're 18-year old kids away from home for the first time in their lives. (this bit of advice was given to me by a former checkpoint guy)

[Edited on 8-10-2014 by Mulegena]

David K - 8-10-2014 at 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
Oh, and while we're on the topic of military checkpoints...

First they're military, not Federales, who are highway patrolmen.

They generally don't speak English. They're going to ask you, in Spanish, "Where did you come from?" You answer with something like the town you last spent the night in-- it's name, one word, that's all you need. Then they'll say, "Where are you going?" You answer again with one word, the name of a town down the road or your destination. Then they'll say, "Permission to inspect your car?" or often when you're traveling southbound they'll wave you on with one word, "Adelante" which means move on.

If they do ask to inspect your car, comply.
Get out of the car. Keep your valuables in your purse or knapsack and take it with you when you leave the car for inspection. Keep an eye on the soldier(s) inspecting at all times. Things have been known to go missing.

If they ask to inspect the inside of your RV, stay with them inside the vehicle. btw, they're not allowed to open the refrigerator and take the food-- you have the right to say "NO" if they try that.

Indicate with hand gestures that you're with other cars behind. When you've gone through the checkpoint, you can pull over and wait for your family behind, no worries.

Also, don't drive at night, but if you do find yourselves out there, dim your headlights as you approach the checkpoint and turn on the inside overhead light. They can't see at night, and to do this indicates you're friendly, not a bad guy ready for a shoot-out. Remember they're 18-year old kids away from home for the first time in their lives. (this bit of advice was given to me by a former checkpoint guy)

[Edited on 8-10-2014 by Mulegena]

This is so well written, it should be saved as an info post at the top of Nomad (maybe in a link to important bits of info?)!