My computer and slow dial up just displayed the link to your hacienda so I clicked on it. Here are some suggestions:
Both San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato are top destination attractions for RV'ers in Mexico. Be sure to take some time out to visit both. Your hacienda is located in between the two so jump on a (frequent) route bus and let someone else worry about the parking.
Thanks Folks, some great info. Not sure if we will do the online stuff, as we will be caravaning with others and doubt they will, but who knows.
Qtla9111 - those were some good links, thanks. Had the Bday girl who knows Spanish, navigate that site. If we did it right, looked to be ~450 pesos total, so roughly $40-45US to get there. Sounds ok. I definitely want to take the toll roads for a first trip in.
Mexbungalows - good to know there are spots to park at around the Pemex stations, I have a feeling I might need one. I don't think I can do ~530 miles inside Mexico in one day, not knowing roads etc, plus I don't think my ol' bod is up for that either. We are definitely gonna go into Guanajuato, we will look into San Miguel also.
Another question for y'all; I got insurance quotes from two companies and they are similar. One thing, one says they will list the van as being towed on the MH's insurance and that it is needed, the other company says that that is unnecessary. Any input?
Also, what papers do I really need for proof of onwership? Do I really need to take the original Tiles in with me? Or will things like the registration paperwork do?
Rather be Ridin' then Rollin'
Winnebago '03 UA 40E(wheelchair accessible)
'05 Chrysler T&C (Braun Entervan)
Roadmaster Blackhawk2
Remco Lube pump
If your registration lists a lien holder then you will need a letter from that lien holder (on company letterhead) authorizing you to take the vehicle across the border.
If you don't have a lienholder or one isn't listed on the registration, then the registration is all you need along with your personal ID/passport and insurance.
As to doing 530 miles in Mexico, plan on a couple of days (if not more). You are supposed to be enjoying your self, not setting mileage records. Plus you will probably get lost a couple of times. I usually only plan on 5-6 hours on the road per day. You also have to remember, top speed on a lot of the highways is only 55mph.
On the insurance, it's been my experience that you need the toad listed on the RV policy to have it covered while towing it. But that may not be true for all companies. I'd check the wording of both policies to see if they cover both situations, being towed and not being towed. One of them has to mention the towed configuration.
Have you read my stickys on border paperwork and Mexican insurance at the top of this forum?
Turtle & Toad, On the Road
37' Georgetown XL w/3 slides, 1 1/2 bath, & 275 watts of solar power
06 Taco TRD (for "Off the Road") www.turtleandtoad.com I am here
Only States/Provinces that I have spent at least a week in are shown
Yes, I have read thru both the sticky's, they cleared up most, but not all my confusion, but that just may be me.
I think I will go with the company that lists both vehicles on the MH insurance, better safe than sorry.
I have read where people take multiple copies, as well as the original, of their Titles along with them. Seems like overkill to me, but I am obviously clueless as to what is really needed. This is where part of my confusion comes in. Both of my titles/registrations are free of a lienholder, so at least that part is simple.
Yeah, I figured a couple days is needed to get there. you're right, it's not a drag race, it's a vacation.
The copies are to speed up the border processing. At some crossings, they have a window for each function, ie one for FMT, one for Banjercito business, one for TIP's, etc. Each of these windows want copies of your paperwork but don't make their own. You have to get out of line, go stand in the line for "COPIES" and get (and pay for) your copies, then get back in the line you came from.
If you don't realize that every window is going to ask for copies you can end up standing at the "Copy" window 3 or 4 times.
So, if you have copies ready, you just show them the original and hand them a copy. This will save you time and money. You will probably end up in some kind of copy line anyway, because some windows want copies of your FM-T, which you either just got or just got stamped, and won't have copies of yet.
A couple of the newer crossings have eliminated the "Copy" window and just scan your originals. But, at last check, those are few and far between. The one at McAllen TX is the only one set up like that that I'm aware of.
At Mcallen, they even have the windows numbered so you know where to start and where to go next. You can drive down in your toad and go through the lines the day before and then just drive through the next day. You don't even need your RV there when you get your TIP. They just instruct you on where to put the holograph and send you on your way.
Of course they still want to take the hologarph off themselves.
Turtle-Toad wrote: The copies are to speed up the border processing. At some crossings, they have a window for each function, ie one for FMT, one for Banjercito business, one for TIP's, etc. Each of these windows want copies of your paperwork but don't make their own. You have to get out of line, go stand in the line for "COPIES" and get (and pay for) your copies, then get back in the line you came from.
If you don't realize that every window is going to ask for copies you can end up standing at the "Copy" window 3 or 4 times.
So, if you have copies ready, you just show them the original and hand them a copy. This will save you time and money. You will probably end up in some kind of copy line anyway, because some windows want copies of your FM-T, which you either just got or just got stamped, and won't have copies of yet.
A couple of the newer crossings have eliminated the "Copy" window and just scan your originals. But, at last check, those are few and far between. The one at McAllen TX is the only one set up like that that I'm aware of.
At Mcallen, they even have the windows numbered so you know where to start and where to go next. You can drive down in your toad and go through the lines the day before and then just drive through the next day. You don't even need your RV there when you get your TIP. They just instruct you on where to put the holograph and send you on your way.
Of course they still want to take the hologarph off themselves.
Excellent tip. Three or four copies of everything.
If overnighting in Laredo, the Texas State Park, Lake Casa Blanca works well. They have several pull thrus. Dump Station there. Reservations are not site specific, but if you call a couple hours out, I'll bet that they will try to accommodate you. ( I once begged to stay overnight when the park was full and they put in a Group Area that had electric and water.)
Jon and Susan in S/W Ohio
2002 Damon Daybreak 2750, Workhorse with 8.1 L,
1999 Jeep Cherokee Toad
If you're asking where the dump stations in Mexico are; the only ones I know of are in the RV parks (and some beaches in Baja have them). I'm not aware of any Pemex that have them, but then I've never boondocked at a Pemex either.
Another two options that will be helpful in Laredo is the new Visitor's Center North of Laredo on the I-35 (about 12 miles). You can stay overnight there, they have beautiful palapas (looking for photo now will post later) bathrooms, a small park with water and goldfish. Downside is the train runs by there.
From the same spot, you can turn right to Carrizo Springs (Hwy 83/277). There is an rv park there we have stayed at twice. I can't remember the name but will check. It is one mile from the I-35 South. From there, you can continue on to catch the Texas Toll 255 that takes you directly to the Columbia Bridge. Bypass both Laredos.
Offline
