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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3508
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
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How to deal with ''Caravans"
I have been fortunate in not being behind or in the middle of a caravan moving through Baja. I've usually been going the opposite direction.
Generally, I've seen these RVers spread out, then playing catch-up and going way too fast.
I've wondered, what's the best way to deal with a caravan if they're on the road and you are all going in the same direction? (I've seen some very
long caravans!)
Go around -- passing one by one? Settle in and wait until they all pull over?
My first and only accident in Baja was a caravan going North, while I was heading South, and a 5th wheeler coming down a mountain, too fast, hugging
the middle lane, clipped me (in an RV) taking out my driver side mirror. He didn't stop and I pulled over in St. Ignacio shaken.
So, any experience out there? I know caravans serve a purpose. I still think they are dangerous.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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Bajamatic
Senior Nomad
Posts: 571
Registered: 8-31-2006
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someone claimed to have been able to use a CB to talk to the caravaners and work their way around.
yuletide
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vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
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Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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That would be me. It used to be that the caravans were on Ch. 13. When I got into the middle of them, I raised someone on the radio and they let the
leader know that there was someone trying to get through. The leader would radio back that a "Red Dodge with a white camper" had just passed and no
one else was in sight. They'd keep giving the all clear, and when the Dodge passed me, I'd haul butt. I passed on hills and on blind curves and had a
great old time. Every one was on the radio, so I could talk to each one by their caravan number from the sticker on the RV.
It felt very secure. When the leader reported an oncoming vehicle, I'd just tuck in and wait for my next chance at my "E ticket" ride.
Without the radio, I think I'd have stopped for a long lunch and a siesta.
[Edited on 10-10-2006 by vgabndo]
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
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Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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if I come up behind a long one I just pull over and study the situation take a brake and figure out where the next Pemex is and start just in time to
meet them there you can wiz by while they are gassing up. know the road and don't be in a hurry. there are few things more dangerous than trying to
pass some of those people that cant even keep it in there lane on a wide strait interstate highway.
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
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Mood: Wondering what is next???
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I will be in a Motorhome so they will tell to stay inline 
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wondering what is next???
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
if I come up behind a long one I just pull over and study the situation take a brake and figure out where the next Pemex is and start just in time to
meet them there you can wiz by while they are gassing up. know the road and don't be in a hurry. there are few things more dangerous than trying to
pass some of those people that cant even keep it in there lane on a wide strait interstate highway. |
Bruce ... you are right, but it is worse then you think. Almost every day I have to go out and help someone park in My MH park. They are a major
distraction when they are trying to park, so after a while I go out and give direction and sometimes that dose not work so I ask them to let me park
it for them. Most are very relived and then I can show them basic pointers.
The biggest problem on the road is they do not know how to center their RV in a lane. I am surprised that most of them don't end up in the ditch.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
Member Is Offline
Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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I was asked years ago to wagon master for a Major travel club and I ran screaming into the desert. those guys earn every cent they git. it is
absolutely amazing what they put up with.
I really think they should have an obstacle coarse to run them through to see if they are capable of driving there rig before they give them a spacial
license to drive them. I had a class 1 license for 35 years and it isn't easy to get one . but they are aloud to drive rigs 60 feet and larger with a
car license.
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
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Mood: Wondering what is next???
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Again I agree, there should be a special license. The RV lobby has a lot to do with that. It will take some big event with major amount deaths to get
it changed. At some point someone will think of suing the wagon Master and company for allowing incompetent MH drivers. A competence's license (or
certified school license) is not to much to ask.
It cracks me up when an RV dealer will teach a new first time RV owner to dump the tanks, but won't ask if they have ever driven something this large.
My neighbors bought a new MH and Larry pulled out of the dealer, went a short distance and freaked out. His wife Had to drive the RV home. One of the
ones I had to guide in. She really did great, but would not want to meet her on the Highway.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Baja&Back
Senior Nomad
Posts: 549
Registered: 9-10-2004
Location: Vancouver, Canada / todo de Baja
Member Is Offline
Mood: Rarin' to go South!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Al G
Again I agree, there should be a special license. The RV lobby has a lot to do with that. It will take some big event with major amount deaths to get
it changed. At some point someone will think of suing the wagon Master and company for allowing incompetent MH drivers. A competence's license (or
certified school license) is not to much to ask.
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I agree with Al. A driver of a 40'+ coach should have a Class 2 with Air licence like any trucker or bus driver must. But, California should be the
national leader in requiring proper training and licensing, rather than allowing 45 footers to drive off an RV lot just because the new owner has a
big checkbook. Write your legislators!!
If you come up behind a Baja and Back caravan, try CB channel 22, or toot & wave friendly-like. We will use our radios to try & get you thru
our line, with apologies.
If any of you guys ever have a problem with any of our staff or guests, please U2U or email me - barry "AT" bajaandback "DOT" com. 
[Edited on 10-11-2006 by Baja&Back]
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
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Mood: Wondering what is next???
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I realize that your income is at stake here. I also wish I could stop my fingers from typing this. Your play on words will not work. We both know the
problem has nothing to do with the people in the 40 to 45 foot group. The problem is in the 28' to 38' group. Half of these people are incompetent to
drive a car, and just barely get by. They crash every day here in the bay area. I see everyday 28'er that drive with right side tires over the white
line constantly.
You will argue, but anything over 12,000# should be a spacial license..
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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bajadogs
Super Nomad
Posts: 1066
Registered: 8-28-2006
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Baja&Back
Last November '05 we ended up behind a 15 or so RV caravan heading south of El Rosario. I'm in a Dodge Ram P/U 1500 360 with a light load. I could
tell that the "RV pilots" were communicating with each other and giving me the left-signal, letting me know it was clear. It didn't take more than a
few minutes to see your leader's friendly wave in my side mirrors. I hope he noticed my wave of appreciation.
If that was you - THANK YOU!! Maybe we'll see you again next month.
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bancoduo
Banned
Posts: 1003
Registered: 10-3-2005
Location: el carcel publico mazatlan sin.
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Al G
I realize that your income is at stake here. I also wish I could stop my fingers from typing this. Your play on words will not work. We both know the
problem has nothing to do with the people in the 40 to 45 foot group. The problem is in the 28' to 38' group. Half of these people are incompetent to
drive a car, and just barely get by. They crash every day here in the bay area. I see everyday 28'er that drive with right side tires over the white
line constantly.
You will argue, but anything over 12,000# should be a spacial license.. |
What is the difference between the
28' to 38' group and the 40' to 45' group? What about the 39' group? 
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chino
Nomad
Posts: 182
Registered: 11-27-2005
Location: Nor Cal
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Lee
So, any experience out there? I know caravans serve a purpose. I still think they are dangerous.
Sounds like we are stuck with them, it is a frustrating situation, maybe if folks were not so scared they could spread out a bit or run in smaller
groups, the problems dont stop either when they reach their destination.
I will continue to drive during evening hours and at nite, they seem to be mothered up during these times, Good luck
[Edited on 10-11-2006 by chino]
[Edited on 10-11-2006 by chino] |
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wondering what is next???
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bancoduo
| Quote: | Originally posted by Al G
I realize that your income is at stake here. I also wish I could stop my fingers from typing this. Your play on words will not work. We both know the
problem has nothing to do with the people in the 40 to 45 foot group. The problem is in the 28' to 38' group. Half of these people are incompetent to
drive a car, and just barely get by. They crash every day here in the bay area. I see everyday 28'er that drive with right side tires over the white
line constantly.
You will argue, but anything over 12,000# should be a spacial license.. |
What is the difference between the
28' to 38' group and the 40' to 45' group? What about the 39' group? |
First 28'-38' are relatively cheap. Used ones can be had under 10K. People buy on the spur of minute. Most would never admit they had never driven
one.
The 40' to 45' group, at a half mil up to 3 million dollars each tend to plan and at least take a safety course. This (safety course)is what Caravan
company's should require. California has rules about this group. If I end up damaged by a caravan member, I will insist My insurance company go after
the Company. Believe me I will do like wise if I am injured.
39'?...There are not many of these if any, unless things have changed lately. Most RV's do not come in odd footage.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3508
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline
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Get a CB radio and establish communications with the caravan
Channel 13 or 23 might work on a CB radio. It helps to have a scanner feature if no one comes up on these channels. The last RV (tailgunner)
might have their channel posted on the back of the RV.
Just be careful as passing these RVs will involve both you and them getting off the center of the road, and close (too close) to the edge of the road.
If there's no shoulder, but a drop off, I'm not sure I'd personally be passing.
You can assume that these folks are new to Baja (or not) and are as nervous as you are about passing.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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I think there should be a law to limit the number of large
RV's in a caravan. These caravans reek havoc in baja...I have experienced more than one gas shortage after a caravan goes through and sucks up the
last of the gas. For safety sake there should be a limit to say 5 rigs travelling together at a time with a space of a half hour or something like
that in between to give folks a chance to pass safely. They are a real pain and a deadly threat to other baja drivers. I understand their desire for
safety in numbers, but can't they travel in smaller groups?
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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Shari and bancoduo are on the right track on this issue.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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You can bet not many mexicanos have a CB radio as this is a safety issue for all, not just tourists..
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wondering what is next???
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Cypress
Shari and bancoduo are on the right track on this issue.
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Don't understand, what did bancoduo say that you concluded he was on the right track???
He, like you only speak in one liners.
I have never replied to him before, but this is the first time his question seemed relevant.
I took the opportunity to give a little encouragement.
Still I see nothing that is "on the right track"
Hopefully you can explain, but again, sorry I cannot see it.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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I handle them like Vagabundo does----
------find their freq. on the CB and let them talk me around if they sound competant. When I as leader of my little group get around the caravan,
then I can talk all my amigos around it using the same technique-----------works slick for me.
We use this same technique for passing lone semi's in mountainous terraign----i.e. the leader gets around the truck and then talks all his buddies
around the truck using the CB.
For God's sake, make sure you are talking to the RIGHT caravan------I had that happen one time----wrong caravan----very embarrassing, and potentially
VERY dangerous.
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