Updated info on taking RV's into Mexico

[telcoman]

This page has just been updated: http://www.mexicorvforums.com/border.php

 

The biggest additon to it is a warning about what Mexican inurance you should use. A Wagon Master on a caravan this season, managed to severly damage the side of his trailer when he passed a semi in a Gas station while on a slope. He forgot to account for the fact the top of his RV was leaning over, plus he was going way too fast.

 

The long & short of the story is that he found out the hard way that many Insurance companies will only pay $38 an hour or $75 an hour for repairs in the US. In this case, he had the $75 limit. RV labor rates are about $125-$130 an hour. If you damage a vehicle it is easy to have the work done in Mexico at $38 an hour, but RV repairs require specialists that simply are hard to find south of the border. So he was out a fair bit.

 

I have done some research and found only 2 companies that have no ceiling on labor rates. They are Qualitus, sold by Lewis & Lewis and HDI seguros. Out of the 2, i would recommend Qualitus.

 

Pemex has once again delayed the introduction of ULSD due to low oil prices. I have now had a few years experience of people ignoring it with late model diesels and there appears to be no problem with using 15-20 tankfuls of LSD, certainly with pre 2011 models. It may take some life off the particle filter, but as long as the vehicles are used on the highway only, preferably under load, I have not come across anyone who has had issues. There is a company in Vancouver, Canada that will clean them and sells a kit to make them easily removable. More details Here. Vehicles requiring DEF should take along twice the usually needed quantity. You cannot buy it in Mexico.

 

You still require vehicle permits for all of Mexico, except Baja & Northern Sonora. They charge a deposit of $200-$400 depending on vehicle year. they have not moved those years forward as time goes on, so the $400 deposit is now charged on older vehicles that used to be newer. This does not apply to RV's

 

The permit process on line is easy. It is all computerized, so you cannot get away with any cheating. Your records of previous entries are available on line as well.

 

The amount that somebody in Mexico can sue you for has gone up. You should now carry at least $500K in liabiltiy.

 

2 US insurers provide collsiion insurance in Mexico, they are Progressive & Blue Sky. You still need liability.

 

Fuel prices in Mexico are now higher than in the US. Toll road rates have also risen slightly.

 

Despite the bad publicity, it is still safe to RV in Mexico. If you are not afraid to RV in Waco, Texas, you should not be concerned about Mexico. Your chance of being a property crime victim is higher and you should avoid the lonely coastal hwy 200 south of Manzanillo which is a hijack risk, and exercise caution in rural Michoacan or Guerero or the NE states. Travel with others in those areas if possible.

[rv-voyager]

Update from The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens about the risk of traveling to certain places in Mexico due to threats to safety and security posed by organized criminal groups in the country. http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html

[telcoman]

Overblown and the danger to US & Canadians is not suported by the stats. Its no worse than Surrey BC where 8 peopel have been shot due to drug gang violence int the last 2 months. Unless you are in the worng place at the worng time, Rvers are not targets. Unles sof courtse they are involved intg he drug trade themselves. I run into this all the tiem, but if somebody is uncomfortable taking an RV down there, I am certainly not going to tell them to. The factof the matter is that most violence in Mexico is targeted. You dont hear about serial killers snatching women or kids, people shooting up schools & Movie theatres, etc.

[oscarvan]

Local knowledge required. It is an ancient annotation on marine charts that (should) make you pay attention. Mexico is as beautiful as it can be rough, very rough. Do your homework, and then some. I fly in there commercially, on the worlds largest airline, as a working crew member (El Commandante, si.) Still, I run into surprises. No, we will take your iPad, SI. I would NOT go there for fun.... period. YMMV.

[Kevin H]

I follow a number of bicycle touring blogs. Many explore Mexico. I have yet to hear of any of them encountering anything other than wonderful people. I understand the possibility of an expensive RV garnering attention from ne'er-do-wells vs a lone bicyclist. Still, I get a feeling that the bad element there is targeting its competition or a perceived threat rather than a random RVer or other form or tourist.

[telcoman]

There are scumbags no matter where you go. My experiences in Mexico over the last 10 years of spending about 6 months a year down there have been nothing but positive. Not that bad stuff can't happen, but i did not work all those years to spend retirement wrapped up in a nerf ball.

[Pappy Yokum]

There are scumbags no matter where you go. My experiences in Mexico over the last 10 years of spending about 6 months a year down there have been nothing but positive. Not that bad stuff can't happen, but i did not work all those years to spend retirement wrapped up in a nerf ball.

 

 

See you are a rep for Caravanas de Mexico.

Maybe that influences your opinion?

 

Our guys could be called ...."Caravanas de Mexico con Bomberos" - -

Used to go to Baja since about 1970. Big time fishing "expeditions" - before the road to Cabo was paved.

 

VW "Baja Bugs" with giant coolers on top to bring back the "catch".

Lots of F/Fs were MX "regulars". Some had property in MX. -via hijidos (sp?) etc..

At least one had relatives in MX. (An Uncle was the Mayor of Ensenada).

Besides "fun" stuff - some volunteered their time to help at Rancho Sordo del Mudo.

 

Lots of happy campers over a lot of years.

However, several *unhappy* campers - including being jailed.

 

When things go bad - they can really go bad!

Worst was - one guy (a F/F) hit a Mexican on a bike on a dark street.

Tried to render assistance - and get help. (Nobody wants to be involved)

Long story - but MX insurance (immediately) dumped him.

Lots of good connections on both sides of the border including the US Embasy - no help,

 

Eventually - bail was accepted. Proviso - he departs country (no trial) - never to return. (No argument there!)

Bail (hand delivered by a Batt Chief) - was split between the victim's widow and the judge.

 

Since then - things have gotten worse.

Guys that had property either have liquidated same or are in the process of doing so.

Very few venture South of the border anymore.

Last of the die-hards would fly down for the week-long Tony Reyas fishing trips - no driving.

 

Most of the Mexicans -then and now- are the nicest people in the world.

Unfortunately - The times...... they aren't just "a-changing" - ......they *HAVE* changed!

 

Lots of Nerfs now - - me too.

 

BTW - the (no) ULSD.

One fo the guys had a place down by Todos Santos. His neighbor drove his (then) new 2008 GM diesel, which reqd ULSD.

Knew better - but thought he could somehow get by. Bad plan. Went into limp mode. Flat bedded to La Paz. No help.

Flat bedded back to a dealer in San Diego. Repaired at *his* expense - as he instantly became his own warranty station.

Yep that was in 2008 - most of the MX "regulars" switched to gassers after 2006..

Would guess self styled "alternate solutions" to /for ULSD could still result in a void warranty.

 

As always, YMMMV. (Your *Mexico* Mileage May Vary)..

 

.

[Dave O]

Hi All

 

We are full timers, do not own a S&B. We have no desire or intention to go to Mexico.

 

There are too many stories (true or embellished) about being involved in a No Fault accident and the RV being IMPOUNDED while the accident is investigated and appropriate bribes paid.

 

This is my HOME and we have no intention of "testing the waters".

 

Dave O

[rv-voyager]

Mexico Among The World's Most Corrupt Nations In 2014, New Report Says

http://www.forbes.com/sites/doliaestevez/2014/12/11/mexico-among-the-worlds-most-corrupt-nations-in-2014-new-report-says/

[telcoman]

 

 

See you are a rep for Caravanas de Mexico.

Maybe that influences your opinion?

 

Our guys could be called ...."Caravanas de Mexico con Bomberos" - -

Used to go to Baja since about 1970. Big time fishing "expeditions" - before the road to Cabo was paved.

 

VW "Baja Bugs" with giant coolers on top to bring back the "catch".

Lots of F/Fs were MX "regulars". Some had property in MX. -via hijidos (sp?) etc..

At least one had relatives in MX. (An Uncle was the Mayor of Ensenada).

Besides "fun" stuff - some volunteered their time to help at Rancho Sordo del Mudo.

 

Lots of happy campers over a lot of years.

However, several *unhappy* campers - including being jailed.

 

When things go bad - they can really go bad!

Worst was - one guy (a F/F) hit a Mexican on a bike on a dark street.

Tried to render assistance - and get help. (Nobody wants to be involved)

Long story - but MX insurance (immediately) dumped him.

Lots of good connections on both sides of the border including the US Embasy - no help,

 

Eventually - bail was accepted. Proviso - he departs country (no trial) - never to return. (No argument there!)

Bail (hand delivered by a Batt Chief) - was split between the victim's widow and the judge.

 

Since then - things have gotten worse.

Guys that had property either have liquidated same or are in the process of doing so.

Very few venture South of the border anymore.

Last of the die-hards would fly down for the week-long Tony Reyas fishing trips - no driving.

 

Most of the Mexicans -then and now- are the nicest people in the world.

Unfortunately - The times...... they aren't just "a-changing" - ......they *HAVE* changed!

 

Lots of Nerfs now - - me too.

 

BTW - the (no) ULSD.

One fo the guys had a place down by Todos Santos. His neighbor drove his (then) new 2008 GM diesel, which reqd ULSD.

Knew better - but thought he could somehow get by. Bad plan. Went into limp mode. Flat bedded to La Paz. No help.

Flat bedded back to a dealer in San Diego. Repaired at *his* expense - as he instantly became his own warranty station.

Yep that was in 2008 - most of the MX "regulars" switched to gassers after 2006..

Would guess self styled "alternate solutions" to /for ULSD could still result in a void warranty.

 

As always, YMMMV. (Your *Mexico* Mileage May Vary)..

 

.

Personally I put little stock in tales like that. They tend to get embellished with the telling. First of all I have had late model diesels runnign 5000 miles with no issues and none have reported any when they get home. I have seen plenty of them down there and i alwasy ask, Nobody has had issues that I have encountered. Pierre Blais who runs Amigos Rodantes Caravans takes down 2 a season with a vehicle that requires ULSD and has never had a problem. We are talking 10K miles ayear. Serge Lorieux of Caravanes Soliel who runs over 75 rigs a year down there also says no customers have experienced problems. I would, however probably not take one down under warranty as that would give them an out for anything. In your Baja case you mention I don't believe it, Fuel in Baja is bought down from the US and is ULSD, as is fuel in most of the other border regions. Some in southern Baja is LSD,if he used the truck for short running around for a year or 2, He may have had an issue since you have to drive it highway speeds for the particle fitler to regen. Same thing can happen on trucks used only for short run arounds in North America. One reason I stick to my 2007.

 

I have also seen several insurance claims and never seen an insurance company "dump" a customer. The problem is labor cap for getting a vehicle fixed in the US and you can avoid that by using Lewis & Lewis plus a couple of others.

 

Regardless, this topic was to inform people who do want to RV in Mexico about the latest procedures, not turn it into a argument on whether or not it is safe. I have spent 6 months a year RVing all over Mexico for the last 10 years and never had a single problem with safety. What I have had is people willing to give me the shirt off their back when i have been lost or broken down, and you will hear the same story from others. IMO it is safe for RV's, & believe or not there are 1000's that do RV down there in winter. You can even have trouble getting into the more popular RV parks. The one I stay at most of the time has to be reserved over a year in advance. I know of several incidents in the US & Canada where RVers have been murdered. Mind you there are more of them out there. If you want to be safe, stay on your couch and watch the world on TV, but it is not for me.

 

BTW I do lead RV caravans each Fall. I make no money doing that, but I get my RV parks covered. I enjoy introducing new people to Mexico, which is why I do it. In Spring I go exploring the country on my own. Not everyoens cup of tea, fine, but dont poison the thread if you've never ventured across. Stay at home and enjoy the US, and let us who want to expand our horizons do our thing.

[wa_desert_rat]

I have lived and worked in Mexico. Our son was born in Mexico. I speak Spanish fluently. I would probably go into Baja and down to San Carlos but I'd be a little nervous about it and careful where I stopped (no boondocking).

 

Discounting the U.S. State Dept. warnings is not wise. Between the numerous consulates spread around the country and the Embassy itself those warnings are formed by the reports of SecState officials who have dealt with the issues on a personal basis. Many of the problems do not make the news but almost all American citizens who have a problem eventually come to the attention of a consular official or an Embassy staffer.

 

Don't get me wrong, I love Mexico. And I wouldn't hesitate flying in to Pto. Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto or any of the big resort areas. But driving an RV a thousand miles exposes you to more than just the bureaucracy, the taxi drivers, and the hotel clerks.

 

And I agree that many places in the USA are more dangerous than places in Mexico. The difference is that as a native of the USA you probably have a reasonably good idea of where the dangerous places are in the USA and how to avoid them; plus you speak the language and have relatives, friends, co-workers or even a lawyer just a phone call away.

 

Telcoman probably has all that in MX. You probably don't. I no longer do and I would be very cautious.

 

But I'll still probably to down there...

 

WDR

[Pappy Yokum]

I have lived and worked in Mexico. Our son was born in Mexico. I speak Spanish fluently. I would probably go into Baja and down to San Carlos but I'd be a little nervous about it and careful where I stopped (no boondocking).

 

Discounting the U.S. State Dept. warnings is not wise. Between the numerous consulates spread around the country and the Embassy itself those warnings are formed by the reports of SecState officials who have dealt with the issues on a personal basis. Many of the problems do not make the news but almost all American citizens who have a problem eventually come to the attention of a consular official or an Embassy staffer.

 

Don't get me wrong, I love Mexico. And I wouldn't hesitate flying in to Pto. Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto or any of the big resort areas. But driving an RV a thousand miles exposes you to more than just the bureaucracy, the taxi drivers, and the hotel clerks.

 

And I agree that many places in the USA are more dangerous than places in Mexico. The difference is that as a native of the USA you probably have a reasonably good idea of where the dangerous places are in the USA and how to avoid them; plus you speak the language and have relatives, friends, co-workers or even a lawyer just a phone call away.

 

Telcoman probably has all that in MX. You probably don't. I no longer do and I would be very cautious.

 

But I'll still probably to down there...

 

WDR

 

 

The - "I agree...." paragraph.

 

Dangerous places aside - USA vs Mexico.

 

You left out the Mexican legal system - Guilty until proven innocent.

 

That was the "glitch" with the F/F that hit the Mexican on the bike.

Traveling companions briefly (also) in jail - although they were not present at the accident.

Car impounded - never returned.

Mexican Insurance claimed he had been drinking (not true) - unceremonously (immediately) cancelled his policy..

 

Here's how it works for the Mexicans.

Another guy was having work done in Baja - and needed to bring cash to pay the worker.

 

A group went down - - 2 sleeping on the beach, 2 in a slide in camper.

The guys in the camper woke up with a gun at their heads, and were "relieved" of the cash..

Guys sleeping on the beach slept through the entire "event".

 

Reported to the local police.

PD caught the perps - the F/Fs went to ID them. Thieves looked like they had been through a meat grinder!

Of course, the money was never recovered.

 

The diesel "tales" that telcoman chooses to poo-poo - are his perogative.

Easy to document - at the time of that "event" no GMC or Chevy dealer (La Paz) had any test equipment for

the "new" diesels - can't sell vehicles you can't get fuel for. Maybe they do now.

 

Likewise the (L.A. County F/F) who did the jail time.

Should add, he was a new F/F and on probation at the time.

The FD did their own "due dilligence" to determine the validity of his side of the event.

How sure? The FD even put up the bail from the - "Chaplin's Fund".

 

Don't *die* in Mexico, either!

Lost a good friend from LAPD (Frank Clausen) in Baja about 1979 - motorcycle trip.

His fault - but Mexico returning his remains to the USA (sans his badge) was less than stellar.

 

BTW -

Now -vs- "then" -

Another F/F converted a Class C many (many!) years ago from gas to Perkins diesel power.

Drove it down to Central America - by himself. No problems.

 

The F/F with the Uncle who was the mayor of Ensenada ("back when") was also born in MX.

 

Telecoman should take one of his groups down and volunteer some time at Rancho Sordo Mudo!

(A lot of church groups do)

 

 

Nerf.

 

 

.

[justRich]

Thanks for the update on insurance.

It sure brought out the xenophobes.

[telcoman]

The subject always does. Wait til i post my latest info on RVing in Syria, LOL.

[Pappy Yokum]

The subject always does. Wait til i post my latest info on RVing in Syria, LOL.

 

 

Hmmmm - would you settle for this SKP's report.......

 

http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?showtopic=104237

 

"See Kurdistan from the passenger seat of an F-150"

 

.

[rv-voyager]

The subject always does. Wait til i post my latest info on RVing in Syria, LOL.

I may have seen the video. ISIS parading Paulina around in a orange jump suit just prior to lobbing off the head. LOL

[Pappy Yokum]

This page has just been updated: http://www.mexicorvforums.com/border.php

 

 

 

telcoman:

 

Is it a forum "no-no" to simply list the web site (business) *HOME* page with directions to the "updates"?

 

 

http://www.mexicorvbuddies.com/index.php

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

.

[justRich]

 

telcoman:

 

Is it a forum "no-no" to simply list the web site (business) *HOME* page with directions to the "updates"?

 

 

http://www.mexicorvbuddies.com/index.php

 

..

You've steered this topic off.

Some of us have (highly?) organized bookmark systems.

The link is informational and useful for bookmarking for future reference.

This link goes in my bookmark system under:

M

>Mexico

>>Insurance

 

At any rate, I prefer to have information reference links like that because linking to a thread such as this is usually too "off topic" for good referencing.

And this topic probably won't be updated when the information changes.

[ileed]

FYI ..... Only

 

Just saw news report, that said 100 US citizens murdered this past year in MX, US Fed considering closing 3 consulates due to threats, and corrupt MX Gov't.

 

This comment is NOT posted to cause any controversy, but only to be informational.

[justRich]

FYI ..... Only

 

Just saw news report, that said 100 US citizens murdered this past year in MX, US Fed considering closing 3 consulates due to threats, and corrupt MX Gov't.

 

This comment is NOT posted to cause any controversy, but only to be informational.

Yeah. . .sounds bad. https://www.yahoo.com/travel/is-mexico-safe-for-american-tourists-right-now-118874480792.html

Until you realize that's for an entire country.

There were 43 shootings in one US city alone over Memorial Day Weekend. That's outrageous!

Wall Street Journal: New Nationwide Crime Wave

 

Fear is where you seek it.

[theeyres]

The OP is talking about updated insurance info. Within one response the thread degenerated into the same ol', same ol' crap about the dangers of going to Mexico. Too bad nobody responded to the OP's concern. The page the OP referred to is from 2010. I couldn't find the update.

[telcoman]

I updated that page a month ago, it was just started in 2010, I have added info to it and continually update it with new information as i find it out.

 

On the murder issue, you can bet a good percentage of those 100 were actively involved in the the drug trade,. Same with Canadians murdered down there, you look at their history and they are drug dealers at home more often than not. According to study done by the CBC, more Canadians are murdered per overnight stay in Australia than in Mexico. If you are an American you have a far better chance of being murdered in your own country. Of course you not so likely to murdered by your neigbour whne he finds you in bed with his wife while in Mexico.

[sushidog]

Of course you not so likely to murdered by your neigbour whne he finds you in bed with his wife while in Mexico.

Somehow I don't think that enticement will go over well with the ladies if used as a recruitment tool on their travel brochures.

 

Many wouldn't call that murder, but justifiable homicide. Many years ago my father hired an ex-con (he was their PO) who came home and found his wife in bed with another and killed them both with an axe. They may not have many guns in Mexico (just the bad guys and the policia - I know, a redundant statement), but I hear they sure have a lot of machetes (and they know how to use them too.)

 

Chip

[telcoman]

LOL, justifiable homicide. Having been in this very situation myself a couple of decades ago, I find it hard not to agree. I restrained myself which is why I am not in jail.