BajaNomad

1995 Eurovan via 1 or 5?

ranpar01 - 5-27-2021 at 12:43 PM

Hi All,
I have driven down through El Centro/Mexicali to our place in Los Barriles recently on the new highway 5 and would normally go that way (From Reno). However, this time I'll be driving down my 1995 Eurovan and I'm wondering if it might make more sense to take highway 1 in case I break down. Any thoughts on availability of repairs/parts on 1 vs. 5? I recall there being some long stretches on 5 with no towns in sight so might be a better bet to go on 1?. I have never taken that route. I just took the van to my mechanic and he checked all the normal things, but it's a 1995 van so who knows what could break on the way down. thanks!

ranpar01 - 5-27-2021 at 12:49 PM

Also related to this trip, this will be the first time I am driving down with my Residente Permanente card. Do i stop at the same covered parking spot for INM as before, or is there a different place to go if you have perm residency? Assuming i cross Mexicali West..

Howard - 5-27-2021 at 12:53 PM

You now do not have to stop anywhere if you have a R.P. card. Just keep on truckin.

bajarich - 5-27-2021 at 01:11 PM

I doubt you will find EV parts in any of those small towns. Take spares of the ones most prone to fail with you. There is a great VW shop in LaPaz, Geraldo VW. I think Hwy 5 is the route if you are at all confident in your van.

Mr. Bills - 5-27-2021 at 02:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajarich  
. . . I think Hwy 5 is the route if you are at all confident in your van.


Having driven both routes I agree. The middle of nowhere in a Euro vehicle is the middle of nowhere in a Euro vehicle regardless of whether its Hwy 1 or Hwy 5.

I recently purchased a previously owned Sprinter. I've only taken one quick run to San Felipe with it, but I've already determined that next winter's trip to BCS will be via Hwy 5.

JZ - 5-27-2021 at 02:24 PM

Hwy 5 is the best route.

Maderita - 5-27-2021 at 03:33 PM

ranpar01,
If not confident in the vehicle's reliability, Highway 1 may be the prudent choice, as you suggested. Particularly in the summer months. A breakdown on highway 5 could leave you stranded in 100+ F. heat this time of year. Excessive temperatures strain the cooling system, tires, and other components, increasing the risk of failure.

John Harper - 5-27-2021 at 03:45 PM

Have your van completely serviced. Check suspension, buy yourself a good tire inflator, jack, and plug kit. I have no idea where the engine is in your Eurovan, but if it's in back and liquid cooled, you're going to have some long pipes and hoses up to the radiator. Check any and all rubber radiator hoses, and fix those that you can afford to change. I'd worry about coolant and tire issues primarily. JMHO. Keep those tires inflated, low inflation (except off road) is deadly.

I did drive my '71 van to the tip of Baja in August, 1983, but I built the motor myself and had an external oil cooler in addition to the stock doghouse style cooler. Coolest running VW motor ever! Now, if only it had air conditioning.

John


[Edited on 5-27-2021 by John Harper]

AKgringo - 5-27-2021 at 05:26 PM

One big advantage with driving a vehicle with older technology, is that you probably won't have to find a shop with a diagnostic computer and a mechanic trained with the appropriate software!

SFandH - 5-27-2021 at 05:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
One big advantage with driving a vehicle with older technology, is that you probably won't have to find a shop with a diagnostic computer and a mechanic trained with the appropriate software!



On the other hand, one advantage of driving a new vehicle is that you probably won't have to find a shop......of any kind.

I've had it with old vehicles, which I drove in Baja forever. I now have a 2019 SUV and it's wonderful.

David K - 5-27-2021 at 06:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
One big advantage with driving a vehicle with older technology, is that you probably won't have to find a shop with a diagnostic computer and a mechanic trained with the appropriate software!



On the other hand, one advantage of driving a new vehicle is that you probably won't have to find a shop......of any kind.

I've had it with old vehicles, which I drove in Baja forever. I now have a 2019 SUV and it's wonderful.


What do you have now?

AKgringo - 5-27-2021 at 06:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
One big advantage with driving a vehicle with older technology, is that you probably won't have to find a shop with a diagnostic computer and a mechanic trained with the appropriate software!



On the other hand, one advantage of driving a new vehicle is that you probably won't have to find a shop......of any kind.

I've had it with old vehicles, which I drove in Baja forever. I now have a 2019 SUV and it's wonderful.


What do you have now?


Who are you asking, me. or SFandH? My last two trips were in a 1999 Isuzu Trooper. I really like it on, and off road, and I don't have to worry about getting it dented or scratched!

Cancamo - 5-27-2021 at 07:31 PM

Not sure about anything Euro built, parts-wise, but "newer" vehicles do not equal reliability and practicality in BC. Seen plenty of break-downs with "newer" rigs because of a computer failure, (rodents, sun, and salt), or waiting for a part.....
80's Toyota pick ups, 22R, 4 cyl. motor is vehicle of choice around here, used to be Fords. Tough, dependable, and parts are readily available. Popular with the working crowd as well as anyone else that can get their hands on one. I've got 245K on one and 180K on another, still going very strong, AND I constantly get inquiries to sell them.

If you do not have confidence in the vehicle, I wouldn't bring it, either route.

Don Pisto - 5-27-2021 at 07:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Cancamo  
Not sure about anything Euro built, parts-wise, but "newer" vehicles do not equal reliability and practicality in BC. Seen plenty of break-downs with "newer" rigs because of a computer failure, (rodents, sun, and salt), or waiting for a part.....
80's Toyota pick ups, 22R, 4 cyl. motor is vehicle of choice around here, used to be Fords. Tough, dependable, and parts are readily available. Popular with the working crowd as well as anyone else that can get their hands on one. I've got 245K on one and 180K on another, still going very strong, AND I constantly get inquiries to sell them.

If you do not have confidence in the vehicle, I wouldn't bring it, either route.


I'll take my chances with a new car thank you......wish I had one!

[Edited on 5-28-2021 by Don Pisto]

PaulW - 5-27-2021 at 08:53 PM

Most Mexican mechanics are probably familiar with VWs. Don't worry they can get parts in a day or two from the US. Find these mechanics in the towns along the way and Hwy 1 has the most towns.

JZ - 5-27-2021 at 09:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
Most Mexican mechanics are probably familiar with VWs. Don't worry they can get parts in a day or two from the US. Find these mechanics in the towns along the way and Hwy 1 has the most towns.


You all are forgetting some facts.

Mexicali to Chapala (where the 5 and 1 meet) is 5hrs 54mins. TJ to Chapala is 8hrs 2 mins. 2 hours less driving. And much easier driving.

Hwy 5 avoids the most dangerous section of driving Hwy 1, The stretch after you past El Rosario and go through the mountains. There are no sizeable towns in that three-hour part.

Hwy 5 has San Felipe and Gonazaga Bay, then a short drive until it connects back up with Hwy 1 at Chapala.

If someone doesn't think their truck can make it 5-6 hrs without breaking down they have have zero business going to Baja.



[Edited on 5-28-2021 by JZ]

mtgoat666 - 5-27-2021 at 10:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  

If someone doesn't think their truck can make it 5-6hrs without breaking down they have have zero business going to Baja.


Shorty,
I see many Mexicans in baja driving beat up old cars, are you saying they have zero business being there?

JZ - 5-27-2021 at 11:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Shorty,
I see many Mexicans in baja driving beat up old cars, are you saying they have zero business being there?


Context matters.

The context of this thread is someone getting ready to drive from the US to Los Barriles. Almost the entire length of Baja.

I use to have an old beater Tahoe. The kids would drive it around town. I wouldn't let them try to drive it from here to Cabo.

Btw, we don't believe you actually go to Baja.



[Edited on 5-28-2021 by JZ]

motoged - 5-28-2021 at 10:13 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  


.... we don't believe you actually go to Baja.

[Edited on 5-28-2021 by JZ]


"We" ?????

Who do you think "we" are?

Seems like you are the troll now with Goat....

willardguy - 5-28-2021 at 12:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Shorty,
I see many Mexicans in baja driving beat up old cars, are you saying they have zero business being there?


Context matters.



Btw, we don't believe you actually go to Baja.



[Edited on 5-28-2021 by JZ]


why would you say that? going on 14,000 posts and never felt the need to post a photo of his wife and dog?
why don't you fire up the ol' IP tracer and get to the bottom of this? you posted this:

"did an IP trace
The results reveal: Goat is very, very bored."

how about revealing the results? im still waiting for mine!



and don't send me any of your PM chit.......we're all about sharing here;)

[Edited on 5-28-2021 by willardguy]

[Edited on 5-28-2021 by willardguy]

JC43 - 5-29-2021 at 05:25 PM

Don`t ya worry!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Euro vans do not break down until they are hit by an US truck. BUT: if you are checking the dipstick ........... ...... ......................... :lol::lol::lol::lol:

ranpar01 - 6-4-2021 at 10:11 AM

Thanks all for the input. I definitely would prefer to drive one of my other two vehicles down, but the wife wants the camper van in Mexico...so that's what's happening :-)

I'll do a trip report after, assuming I don't die in the desert. I'm bringing along a few spare parts, jumper battery with air compressor, coolant, oil, plenty of water, etc. Just got it serviced and the mechanic said it's in good shape, so I feel better about the trip now.

Don't forget...

Howard - 6-4-2021 at 11:37 AM

Duct tape, electrical tape and of course, a Swiss Army knife.

bajarich - 6-4-2021 at 10:24 PM

Good luck. My wife wants me to drive my '86 Vanagon to the northwest which seems to be ground zero for Vanagon theft, especially Portland. I'll be driving from Salt Lake City in July. It's in great shape too but ya never know.

Carry extra water. I hope your A/C works.

ranpar01 - 6-28-2021 at 04:37 PM

I'll do a trip report as well, but wanted to post here that my little eurovan ended up running like a champ. I was ready for a lot of self rescue and ended up needing none of it, so very thankful for that. Took the route down 5: Reno to El Centro day 1, Mexicalli to GN day 2, except this time we stopped and spent an extra day in Loreto just to hang out and enjoy. Then went from Loreto to Los Barriles, so 4 days instead of 3.

Between San Felipe and GN a lot of prayers were said and I'm not even religious. there is just nothing out there lol. safe travels everyone.