Community Forums

aknavy · 10-04-2021, 12:38 PM

We have a trip planned to Puerto Penasco next year, and are getting some feedback that it might be difficult to cross the border with a converted semi as a tow rig.

Of course, there are plenty of people that absolutely believe that we'll be robbed and killed while there. I'm not really worried about this, but anyone experience being shook down or crime?

I know I need supplemental insurance as well.

Looking for first hand experience taking a big rig, either fiver or class A to this area. What should I expect, and what should I be aware of?

vseasport · 10-04-2021, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aknavy

We have a trip planned to Puerto Penasco next year, and are getting some feedback that it might be difficult to cross the border with a converted semi as a tow rig.

Of course, there are plenty of people that absolutely believe that we'll be robbed and killed while there. I'm not really worried about this, but anyone experience being shook down or crime?

I know I need supplemental insurance as well.

Looking for first hand experience taking a big rig, either fiver or class A to this area. What should I expect, and what should I be aware of?

Unless there are two Puerto Penasco's it is not in Baja but Mainland Mexico in the state of Sonora. There is a HUGE difference between the two.

Baja a visitor can just stop at the Mexican border immigration, get a visa and be on their way.

On the mainland the process is much more complicated to drive a vehicle in. If I understand it correctly a bond (or deposit) must be posted for the vehicle to assure the government it won't be left or sold south of the boarder. The money is returned when the vehicle leaves.

Good to do your due diligence with a semi. It will raise eyebrows.

No, you won't get your head chopped off or robbed if your not looking for trouble. I have lived in Mexico for more than 30 years and still have all my toes and fingers. Most likely your post will bring hysteria and debate from those who live in fear. But then it sounds like you are already aware of that.

aknavy · 10-04-2021, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vseasport

Unless there are two Puerto Penasco's it is not in Baja but Mainland Mexico in the state of Sonora. There is a HUGE difference between the two.

Baja a visitor can just stop at the Mexican border immigration, get a visa and be on their way.

On the mainland the process is much more complicated to drive a vehicle in. If I understand it correctly a bond (or deposit) must be posted for the vehicle to assure the government it won't be left or sold south of the boarder. The money is returned when the vehicle leaves.

Good to do your due diligence with a semi. It will raise eyebrows.

No, you won't get your head chopped off or robbed if your not looking for trouble. I have lived in Mexico for more than 30 years and still have all my toes and fingers. Most likely your post will bring hysteria and debate from those who live in fear. But then it sounds like you are already aware of that.

Yeah, I realized after I posted that it's not really in Baja - close, but not quite. I'm trying to sort out the facts from rumors and really am only looking for people that have been there. I spent 20 years in the military and have been in some shady places out of country - and the average American view point is pretty distorted regarding the danger in other less developed countries.

vseasport · 10-04-2021, 04:06 PM

Maybe this will help. Remember, the Mexican Government keeps moving the goal posts so it is always a moving target. It is a good place to start. Hope it helps: https://www.mexpro.com/mexico/beforeyougo.html

twogypsies · 10-04-2021, 11:05 PM

This group will be going there in January. There is lots of good information given and near the bottom is an email address for the person organizing it. You might want to send him your questions. I'm sure he'd be glad to help even if you're not going with them. It's a great, fun group and many have big rigs; possibly even medium or heavy duty trucks.

Or.... join them! You'd have a blast!! This is a subgroup of the Escapees RV Club.

https://xscapers.com/event/rocky-poi...2-convergence/

aknavy · 10-05-2021, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

This group will be going there in January. There is lots of good information given and near the bottom is an email address for the person organizing it. You might want to send him your questions. I'm sure he'd be glad to help even if you're not going with them. It's a great, fun group and many have big rigs; possibly even medium or heavy duty trucks.

Or.... join them! You'd have a blast!! This is a subgroup of the Escapees RV Club.

https://xscapers.com/event/rocky-poi...2-convergence/

I'm on the waiting list for this group - would be nice to have a Mexican tour guide and police escort take the stress out the the trip and ensure we get across the border with the truck.

DRvt · 10-05-2021, 05:33 PM

We drove our truck camper from Larado/Colombia crossing to the Yucatán two weeks ago no problems.

mbridinger · 10-06-2021, 12:17 PM

I take my class a 6 or so times a year, going at the end of this month as well. I can't answer your specific question about your rig but I feel you won't have an issue. I can recommend campsites and a nice alternative driving through the town of Sonoyta. It starts to get hot in April, sometimes March. Pm me if interested, I try to avoid the public forums as much as possible.

mbridinger · 10-06-2021, 12:28 PM

Just a couple more comments:
I have never had to post a bond as vseasport suggested, at least in the last 8 years.
I just read through the caravan option and they are sold out. The site they stay in is not where I stay.

aknavy · 10-06-2021, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbridinger

Just a couple more comments:
I have never had to post a bond as vseasport suggested, at least in the last 8 years.
I just read through the caravan option and they are sold out. The site they stay in is not where I stay.

Thanks for the feedback!

Fffrank · 10-07-2021, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vseasport

Maybe this will help. Remember, the Mexican Government keeps moving the goal posts so it is always a moving target. It is a good place to start. Hope it helps: https://www.mexpro.com/mexico/beforeyougo.html

FWIW, Puerto Penasco has considered tourism to be "essential" since the very beginning of Covid 19. There have been very few restrictions and most consider it business as usual. You would have a more difficult time at the Baja/California border. They are still not accepting tourists -- medical travel is still considered essential but that may be hard to prove while driving an RV.

As is always the case in mexico, a few $20s will get you almost anywhere.

mbridinger · 10-07-2021, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fffrank

FWIW, Puerto Penasco has considered tourism to be "essential" since the very beginning of Covid 19. There have been very few restrictions and most consider it business as usual. You would have a more difficult time at the Baja/California border. They are still not accepting tourists -- medical travel is still considered essential but that may be hard to prove while driving an RV.

As is always the case in mexico, a few $20s will get you almost anywhere.

I have been to Tijuana 4 times in the past year, no issues in or out.

vseasport · 10-07-2021, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fffrank

FWIW, You would have a more difficult time at the Baja/California border. They are still not accepting tourists --
As is always the case in mexico, a few $20s will get you almost anywhere.

Fake news! I can tell you first hand there is not a problem and no delays for anyone crossing the boarder into Baja.

BigBert · 10-07-2021, 06:01 PM

My father was the Director of Good Sam Club. Also, owner of Mexican Adventure Caravans. I've travel MX for 40 years. You will be very OK! No paper work needed for that destination. Great place! Thanks to an ex Governor of Az and Sonora! Have fun! Short drive from border to P.P.
BTW, his wife, Aurora, just past away at 91! GB her!