Opinion: Class A or Class C for Baja

You should take a drive south of San Quintin (where the 1973 section of 19' wide pavement begins) before you invest. Keepin in mind, semis, and buses use it all the time, of course with regular accidents.

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv

Hi All, It appears we are moving from a sailboat to an RV and looking into going with an older RV (90's). Reading online has spooked me a bit about rig type. Hearing about no shoulder and inches between you and a semi make me cringe. Should we focus on making sure we keep our purchase to as narrow a width as possible? Our goal is to use our hybrid sailing kayak as much as possible (18'). We may roof top her if we decide to not go to too many different locations and focus on staying mainly in La Paz otherwise tow it. Essentially the trip, starting in November, will be 2 months, maybe more, one month in transit with beach camping (Mulege area and surrounding La Paz) and a month or more in La Paz (in which case we will use a dolly/beach wheels to get the kayak to the malecon/beach or slip her at a marina). Also, we are bringing our older, long hair dog. So here are the questions we are looking for opinions/answers to: 1)If you had to do it over again, on a budget (around $10k) what RV would you buy for baja? 2) If you were towing an 18' kayak what RV type would you buy? 3) If we are towing the yak and it's our primary goal to use it often would you just tow it behind an suv and palapa camp for a couple of weeks and go rent an apt in La Paz for 1.5 or more? Thanks a lot, Sailorv

I think you would be extremely lucky to find a serviceable Class A or C RV for $10k. I think Howard is right in his suggestion. An older RV will have a lot of obsolete systems that present a problem for any handy person in finding spare parts.

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv

Wow, that was fast, thank's everyone!!! I'm getting nervous justo reading reading your responses,lol. What about this? Truck with cabover and tow a pop up tent camper and that doubles as the kayak trailer? Or...just a truck with cab over and we put the kayak on top of that (we would install an electric windlass to get it up n down). Could you all see any clearance issues? Here is a side question: How much are the beach bungalows in places like Bahia Los Angeles and Santispac? And what are temps like in those areas for the month of November and also December? My thinking is maybe we truck camper to keep it low stress and if we can afford to rent a bungalow for a week have space and a/c for us and the pooch?

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv

... sailing kayak as much as possible (18'). We may roof top her if we decide to not go to too many different locations and focus on staying mainly in La Paz otherwise tow it. Essentially the trip, starting in November, will be 2 months, maybe more ... 1)If you had to do it over again, on a budget (around $10k) what RV would you buy for baja? 2) If you were towing an 18' kayak what RV type would you buy? 3) If we are towing the yak and it's our primary goal to use it often would you just tow it behind an suv and palapa camp for a couple of weeks and go rent an apt in La Paz for 1.5 or more? ... How much are the beach bungalows in places like Bahia Los Angeles and Santispac? And what are temps like in those areas for the month of November and also December? My thinking is maybe we truck camper to keep it low stress and if we can afford to rent a bungalow for a week have space and a/c for us and the pooch? ...

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv

If we are towing the yak and it's our primary goal to use it often would you just tow it behind an suv and palapa camp for a couple of weeks and go rent an apt in La Paz for 1.5 or more?

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv   If we are towing the yak and it's our primary goal to use it often would you just tow it behind an suv and palapa camp for a couple of weeks and go rent an apt in La Paz for 1.5 or more? Bingo!! Except I would get a 3/4 ton pickup with an 8 foot cabover camper so you have a place to sleep while on the road. Or maybe a van conversion. IMHO, stay away from the big, heavy, complicated RVs. They're for smooth, wide, well-maintained highways. Not Baja. [Edited on 7-15-2017 by SFandH]

Do you have a heavy duty pick up truck?

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

great deals to be had on used motorhomes, everyone wants em with pop-outs these days

Quote: Originally posted by Alm

[/rquote] Need to get your ducks in row. Being physically present there usually helps. Yes, like in "going there", traveling. You don't cartop a heavy 18ft kayak on class A, and it will be a pain with class C as well. "possible", not "enjoyable". "THE trip"? You don't need an RV for once in your lifetime trip. Alright, assuming there is/was some real interest behind this... Still don't understand why don't you actually go to Baja. With a kayak on top of a pickup. Maybe you won't even like it here. Alright, "assuming"... 1) Truck camper or 20ft trailer. Either one can be had for ~10K new or in a good condition. 2) I wouldn't tow a kayak on a small trailer. I would make a rack on a pickup and throw it over. 3) I would not tow a kayak. If you already have a serviceable SUV, put a kayak on top. People carry 19ft kayaks on cars and SUV. With an extension bar (I recall Thule calls it Loader Bar) they put it on and take it down without even asking DW to help. If that "hybrid" is more like a dinghy and weighs +80lb, Ok, then DW will help you. If you still insist on towing - then buy a small trailer. Castlecraft and others have some. Will cost 10 times less than a used RV. Beach bungalow in Bay de LA costs $50/day. Palapa - few times less. There will be NO a/c in either one. People DON'T run a/c in Baja in November and December. Quote: Why? What's wrong with these for sale? Have any experience in buying a used RV? Or used trucks? Now imagine two in one. Double the pain. Besides, like people noted, Class A and C are not for driving around - they are for traveling few thousand miles and then sitting stationary for a few weeks. [Edited on 7-15-2017 by Alm]

Quote: Originally posted by acadist

I considered a class b or small class c but it was very difficult to find one in good enough shape in the price range you described. I gave up and put a shell and bed liner in and an extra mattress and now I have my 'po man's camper that I can crash in when I want to pull over for a rest. I had a roof rack installed for my yak, and or basket.

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv

Alm, "need to get your ducks in a row" - ha! Um yeah we know, that is why we are posting in this forum here....asking for opinions from experienced rv'rs in Baja willing to kindly share their knowledge. "Yes in like going there". A) Yes I have been to Baja norte, driving, it was about ten years ago...things have changed no doubt, again just asking for advice here. B) We have two months to spare. Are you suggesting we hop in are car and go drive the route and blow the first week or two of said two months just to "go there"? Why not simply take into account what experienced, opened minded people in here suggest instead? "Alright, assuming there is/was some real interest behind this." What the heck does this comment suppose to mean? Of course there is real intereat here. That is an awfully condescending response, if you ask me. You can use an electric winch for "car topping" the yak and a manual option if need be via block and tackle - sailors usually know how to methodically and safely stow and raise/lower large heavy objects. Will it be a pain versus a trailer - sure, but we are looking for small footprint and to mitigate risk of theft or dealing with towing drama whole only launching periodically. "Are you sure you had a sailboat, and have a kayak now?" Wtf? Why would you talk to someone this way? Have you not met people in Baja who were experienced, capable and intelligent cruisers but had to switch to an RV because of old age or disability?! Wow, thanks for your responses, makes me feel really welcome here buddy! Quote: Originally posted by Alm   Need to get your ducks in row. Being physically present there usually helps. Yes, like in "going there", traveling. You don't cartop a heavy 18ft kayak on class A, and it will be a pain with class C as well. "possible", not "enjoyable". "THE trip"? You don't need an RV for once in your lifetime trip. Alright, assuming there is/was some real interest behind this... Still don't understand why don't you actually go to Baja. With a kayak on top of a pickup. Maybe you won't even like it here. Alright, "assuming"... 1) Truck camper or 20ft trailer. Either one can be had for ~10K new or in a good condition. 2) I wouldn't tow a kayak on a small trailer. I would make a rack on a pickup and throw it over. 3) I would not tow a kayak. If you already have a serviceable SUV, put a kayak on top. People carry 19ft kayaks on cars and SUV. With an extension bar (I recall Thule calls it Loader Bar) they put it on and take it down without even asking DW to help. If that "hybrid" is more like a dinghy and weighs +80lb, Ok, then DW will help you. If you still insist on towing - then buy a small trailer. Castlecraft and others have some. Will cost 10 times less than a used RV. Beach bungalow in Bay de LA costs $50/day. Palapa - few times less. There will be NO a/c in either one. People DON'T run a/c in Baja in November and December. Quote: Why? What's wrong with these for sale? Have any experience in buying a used RV? Or used trucks? Now imagine two in one. Double the pain. Besides, like people noted, Class A and C are not for driving around - they are for traveling few thousand miles and then sitting stationary for a few weeks. [Edited on 7-15-2017 by Alm][/ [Edited on 7-17-2017 by Sailorv][/ Welcome Sailor; BN is a good place, just too many people with too much time on their hands

Quote: Originally posted by Lee

I've written a long post about RVing in Baja but after reading this post, deleted mine and agreeing with {cabover or a van}. I suggest skipping the RV for now.

I should've done the same - agree without providing any info.

There appears to be a cognitive disconnect - most advice falls on deaf ears. The few that do get through, fall somewhere close to the rest. Could be another "dmer".

Suggestion to go travel, for as much time as you need, with a truck and kayak, before deciding on a used RV - explaining all the why's (was it 3 times, 4?) - No, wouldn't blow a week or two on just going there, how could you people suggest this?

I won't even comment on preconceived notions (of the OP) on RV living, towing, winching, beach camping. Doesn't seem to help.

[Edited on 7-19-2017 by Alm]

Rock on!!! Thanks for the shout out. Ha, we'll put!
Good things most are cool people....like you!

Welcome Sailor; BN is a good place, just too many people with too much time on their hands [/rquote]

Hi El Jefe,
Thanks for your detailed reply! I agree most worry too much - I know I fall in that category. If I were doing this alone or with most other men I would not consider a 10k rig. No way. However, my partner has decades of experience fixing, restoring and reengineering vehicles and boats. He has been described as Macgyver. Therefore, it is not a concern. We will have spares and tools/materials to jury rig if necessary. Having owned many boats we know how to be self reliant and to make safe, smart decision's and know when to step back and all/ask for help.

Making due with lots of ice runs for a cooler if/when the refer quits or no ice and making due with with dry goods is not an issue. For example - today we are at anchor in 100f, ran low on fuel for the Honda 2000 so just went with awesome packaged Indian food for lunch instead - no biggie.
I personally am looking fwd to being in an affordable country to be able to support as many restaurantsas possible too

Love your analogy - we are totally on the same wave length. We hope to share our water toys with others on the beach h and do potluck's n such. Just tonight we did so on the water and had a fabulous time. The whole.cruising a sailboat and rv has the great side effects if ability to meet some really cool people, share ad experience together some great memories and open your mind to other walks of life or other possibilities or ways of looking at or living life differently from yours. Oh and your rec on the motorbike....that one is going to make my hubby very pleased.

Hope to meet you down there

Cheers!

Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe

With lot of experience driving Cabo to San Diego with all kinds of RV setups and lately in the car, I'll offer my two cents. Buying a $10K RV for Baja will be just fine, probably. Some people worry too much. Sure, things might break. The frig might stop working. The AC could crap out. Cabinetry might rattle loose. So what? Deal. You're in Baja. It's fun! The sun is shining! The rig will most likely have relatively low miles for its age, but even so you might have a mechanical problem. But hey, Mexicans know how to fix it, guaranteed. It is kind of scary when the road narrows in one of the few old sections that hasn't been upgraded. Big trucks passing in the other direction get close. Whew! That was exciting! What an adventure! So ya don't put in too many hours behind the wheel. You stay fresh and you can take a nap in your own bed when you need to. And then there you are. You are the guy pulled right out to the edge of the beach with the cool old RV, dug in for the season. Tan feet. Bliss. The best RV is the one you find that has the right feel and fits your mojo. They most all make it down and back just fine. And think about a little motor bike to put on that trailer next to the yak. It'll get you and the Mrs. to town for supplies now and then when you need em. You have the extreme luxury of time. The best tool in the toolbox. Have a great time indeed!

Quote: Originally posted by Cliffy

Any RV you get (trailer, C or A) that is "older" and "cheaper" WILL have some issues. If you buy it they're yours! When I say ANY I mean ANY, OK. Been there done that on Cs, As and TTs. If you don't know what to look for before you buy-educate yourself. Many websites on RVing to learn from. Biggest issues- water leaks from rain, appliances that don't work. If you have a refridge in it and it is an RV unit, make damn sure it works (takes a full day to tell) They are expensive to replace. I've gone through Cs and As and now pull a TT BUT down there (been there, done that for 40 years) I'm now in the rent a room club instead of pulling. The cab-over camper on a 3/4 ton may be the right decision here. Put the yak on top. Get used to Baja before you jump in with a big purchase. Clean up camp, lock it up and go yaking! Lots less to worry about. Again, look for water leaks in what ever you buy. Look inside top cabinets to see stains on the ceiling. If it leaks-take a walk.

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv

... 10k rig. No way. However, my partner has decades of experience fixing, restoring and reengineering vehicles and boats. He...

Quote: Originally posted by Sailorv

Cliffy, would/could you feel comfortable leaving your pooch in the truck camper with the genny running for A/C if it's the afternoon?