San Carlos, Baja road conditions

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

Headed to San Carlos next Monday for a week of camping and shredding- Anyone have any road beta for us into SC?

We're in a sprinter, so average clearance. Many trips to Baja, first time to SC- We're bringing the entire toy box, that's for certain!

Thanks,

Chris

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

There was a sprinter van just there, some nice folks from BC. They didn't report any trouble.

Fun week down there with the SoloSports crew and team Liquid Force, will try to post some pics.

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

Thanks Phil- that's all I needed to know- looking forward to the picts!

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Never been there before. Any chance you could pull a trailer in there?

forrest · Mon Oct 14, 13 10:05 am

I've seen 5th wheel trailers there. Most people put the axles under the leaf springs for extra ground clearance. There are probably about 4 or 5 places where you might want to take it easy with a spotter. Then again, you might also need to excavate your own clearance if things get hairy. Take shovels!

senorparker · Since 06 Aug 2009 20 Posts

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

I just got back from there. We were in a E-350 van with off road suspension and tires. We were pulling a utility trailer and the hitch broke at the welds causing the bolts on the opposite side to break too. Some friends of mine were in a rental minivan and made it and out with a flat tire and they lost the rear bumper cover.
Some people made it in with a Sprinter after us without a trailer and they did just fine. You need to watch your apporach and departure angles at a few points and don't drive like you are in the 1000.

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

From bc kite

Hi All Canadians friend .... I love to cheer something, not to scare you just to be careful with the same deal with the police ( trying to get money from you ) .... I just drove from SF to Los Barriles i got pull over 3 times one in Rosarito the other 2 in the entrance in La Paz ,,,But careful when you make it in la paz get a copy of your license and car papers give them copy don't give them nothing original.
Other if they try to scare you don't be, let them talk and get tired if they continue and they say to come to the police station go don't refuse half way they let you go ! they don't want problems .
Other don't carry much cash with you small bill only separate from your packet ,no drugs, i just want to cheer this with you im sorry if i explain this in my way English in not my native ...I just want you to have a nice safe trip to Baja ...

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

My guess is that our friend above drove down in a rig that looked like this.

The key to not getting fucked with in Baja is keeping a low profile. No boards, bikes, etc. on the outside of your vehicle, keep it on the inside. Don't flaunt your wealth with an expensive rig, or lots of toys hanging off of it.

I am always amazed when I see gringos driving through Baja with boards on top, and you can see clearly that they had enough room that they could have put them inside their car/truck. Boards on the roof = pulled over.

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

I have been down on multiple trips in various vehicles. VW van, Jeep Cherokee w/trailer and an RV about the size of the one pictured above. Never had any issues...even a flat....knock on wood.

Just go slow, really slow, and wait a few days after a rain.

If you follow Petes advice you are far less likely to get into trouble.

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

Just got back from SC- the sprinter (with low running boards) made it fine- we took fours getting in from the highway (the unknown kept us in check) and three hours getting out.

Fantastic place- solo sports has a great set up, but camping was super fun. Time vs money, it's pretty cheap to drive there if you have the time. I'll be going back for sure.

Thanks for all the advice, appreciate the beta.

gorgeperformance · Since 30 Nov 2010 67 Posts

Great points for keeping under the radar. Also entering Mexico the speed is posted at 15 kph (8mph) I thought the Police wanted around me but no. Travelers checks work. No beer on the beach only in the Bars. Big dog bowl set outside your van is a good deterrent.