PUPing in Mexico

[AZsix]

Has anyone ever taken their PUP down to Mexico? Here in AZ Rocky Point is a popular spot in Mexico to go and I know that they have camping right by the beach. My neighbors have taken their toy haulers down there but I was wondering what we could expect if we took ur PUP.

If anyone has had their PUP anywhere else in Mexico I would also like to hear from you.

[flyfisherman]

Previously there have been a few that wandered on down that way. The chief admonishment was to beware of re-filling the propane tank. Seems there were cases of them trying to pass off butane instead of the cleaner burning and more efficent propane.  There are warnings, for example, in my Starcraft owners manual not to use butane in the L/P system.



Fly

[austinado16]

I wouldn't feel safe taking myself or my family into Mexico.

There's plenty of the US and Canada to explore to keep me happy for a lifetime.

[JimQPublic]

Whatever.  I feel far safer in many parts of Mexico than in many parts of the US.  Stay away from borders (cross and keep going), major tourist destinations, and big cities.  Do the same in Mexico.

I've traveled the length of Mexico by motorcycle and camped in Baja about 8 weeks total.    Popups are a great choice for camping in most parts of Mexico.  Narrow roads and low vertical clearances in some of the towns have given many operators of full-size RV's grief.

Security is important to consider but not that different from travel in any economically depressed area.  Camp in campgrounds, travel by day, etc.

[wavery]

We would like to do some beach camping in Baja too. I love it down there.

As long as the camper is where I can see it, I would feel comfortable. Not as comfortable as a hard side though. As stated before, bad things happen in the US too. It just gets more publicity (here) when it happens in Mexico.

The one thing that I thought of is, I wonder if the US Customs or Border Patrol might ask us to open up the trailer. Not that it is a big deal. It was just a thought.

[vjm1639]

just be sure your insurance covers you in Mexico....many don't!  Found that out when insurance shopping!

[wavery]

just be sure your insurance covers you in Mexico....many don't!  Found that out when insurance shopping!

It goes farther than that. One must buy Mexican insurance. Just like vehicles that enter the US must have US insurance.

If you get in an accident in Mexico without Mexican insurance, the Policia can (and often do) take you right to jail until you pay for the accident (without regard to who's fault it is). If there is an injury,they will take you away for sure. If you have Mexican insurance, they won't hold you (at least, they shouldn't)

The Mexican government has found that often times, US insurance companies will not pay on claims filed in Mexico. It doesn't matter whether you have Mexican coverage or not. The insurance companies just ignore the claim or wait for someone to come up and file a suit in a US court. It's easy to say that the Mexican Police are acting irresponsibly but the fact is, it is we that are acting irresponsibly when we drive in a foreign country without having the proper insurance.

It's easy for your insurance company to say, "Ya, you're insured", it's another thing entirely when something happens. Trust me...your insurance company will not send someone down to bail you out of jail and the US Embassy will do absolutely ZERO to help you.

If you happen to have a couple hundred thousand dollars in the bank and have it readily available to pay your way out of jail, you may be able to collect some of that back from your insurance company when you file a claim upon returning home. Other than that, they will just laugh when you say, "It's OK...I'm in good hands with Allstate"

Do yourself a big favor and spend the $ on Mexican insurance or don't go there.

[AZsix]

Do yourself a big favor and spend the $ on Mexican insurance or don't go there.[/QUOTE]

Getting Mexican insurance is a must. I know about that but many may not. Thanks for bringing it up. I have talked to many people that make the trip from the Phoenix area to Rocky Point and they have never had a problem. My concern was the safety issue with a PUP. Obviously it's easier to break into than a hardside. My neighbors that have gone down with their toy haulers have had a great time. They camped right near the beach. I was hoping someone from the SW had made a trip with their PUP south of the border that could give me some first hand knowledge.

[austinado16]

It goes farther than that. One must buy Mexican insurance. Just like vehicles that enter the US must have US insurance.

If you get in an accident in Mexico without Mexican insurance, the Policia can (and often do) take you right to jail until you pay for the accident (without regard to who's fault it is). If there is an injury,they will take you away for sure. If you have Mexican insurance, they won't hold you (at least, they shouldn't)

The Mexican government has found that often times, US insurance companies will not pay on claims filed in Mexico. It doesn't matter whether you have Mexican coverage or not. The insurance companies just ignore the claim or wait for someone to come up and file a suit in a US court. It's easy to say that the Mexican Police are acting irresponsibly but the fact is, it is we that are acting irresponsibly when we drive in a foreign country without having the proper insurance.

It's easy for your insurance company to say, "Ya, you're insured", it's another thing entirely when something happens. Trust me...your insurance company will not send someone down to bail you out of jail and the US Embassy will do absolutely ZERO to help you.

If you happen to have a couple hundred thousand dollars in the bank and have it readily available to pay your way out of jail, you may be able to collect some of that back from your insurance company when you file a claim upon returning home. Other than that, they will just laugh when you say, "It's OK...I'm in good hands with Allstate"

Do yourself a big favor and spend the $ on Mexican insurance or don't go there.

Yep....and you still haven't addressed dealing with the corrupt Federali's when you get "stopped," or the issue of medical care should you or a member of your family need it, and about a dozen other issues.

No thanks.

[JimQPublic]

Yep....and you still haven't addressed dealing with the corrupt Federali's when you get "stopped," or the issue of medical care should you or a member of your family need it, and about a dozen other issues.

No thanks.

I've driven about 10,000 miles in Mexico and never experienced the "corrupt Federali's".  

Here is how I've managed to evade the "corrupt Federali's":
1.  When driving, follow all traffic laws.
2.  Come to a full stop at stop signs.
2a. Don't push yellow lights or jump the gun on greens.
2b. No right on red unless signed.
2c. No left turns across a divided highway.
3. Obey the speed limit.  In towns if you don't see it posted go no more than 25 mph.  Don't go faster than local traffic.  
4. If there are "topes" (speed bumps) in a town it's because the locals feel that traffic goes too fast otherwise.  Drive about 15 mph in the vicinity if you don't see a speed limit sign.
5.  Stop for old women and school children crossing the street.  Slow way, way down for school crossings.
5a. When school children are flagging down cars for a Red Cross fund drive, donate a few coins.  Often there's a law enforcement officer nearby to help ensure the children's safety.
6.  Act like you're a guest.  At all times.  
7.  If you're stopped for a real or imagined traffic offense, be polite and respectful to the officer.  He is underpaid- your respect helps him to feel better about the obvious economic disparity between you and him.  Accept the ticket and find out where to pay the fine.  He will probably confiscate your license plate and/or drivers' license to be sure you pay.  This will be an adventure.  Don't offer to pay the officer on the spot.  That is called a bribe and is against the law.  If it's a hot day the officer might appreciate the offer of a cold soda from your ice chest.  This isn't a bribe; it's courtesy.  (I've never been stopped except at mandatory checkpoints but this is what I would do)
8. Drive safely.  Blind corners can be speed traps.  Or just dangerous.  Either way slow down.


PS-
You can use these same guidelines in dealing with corrupt traffic cops in the US too.  Especially in unfamiliar areas.

[austinado16]

Thanks for the driving lesson.  You're a real value.

In your next topic you can discuss how to camp safely in Detroit and Compton.

[wavery]

I've driven about 10,000 miles in Mexico and never experienced the "corrupt Federali's".  

Here is how I've managed to evade the "corrupt Federali's":
1.  When driving, follow all traffic laws.
2.  Come to a full stop at stop signs.
2a. Don't push yellow lights or jump the gun on greens.
2b. No right on red unless signed.
2c. No left turns across a divided highway.
3. Obey the speed limit.  In towns if you don't see it posted go no more than 25 mph.  Don't go faster than local traffic.  
4. If there are "topes" (speed bumps) in a town it's because the locals feel that traffic goes too fast otherwise.  Drive about 15 mph in the vicinity if you don't see a speed limit sign.
5.  Stop for old women and school children crossing the street.  Slow way, way down for school crossings.
5a. When school children are flagging down cars for a Red Cross fund drive, donate a few coins.  Often there's a law enforcement officer nearby to help ensure the children's safety.
6.  Act like you're a guest.  At all times.  
7.  If you're stopped for a real or imagined traffic offense, be polite and respectful to the officer.  He is underpaid- your respect helps him to feel better about the obvious economic disparity between you and him.  Accept the ticket and find out where to pay the fine.  He will probably confiscate your license plate and/or drivers' license to be sure you pay.  This will be an adventure.  Don't offer to pay the officer on the spot.  That is called a bribe and is against the law.  If it's a hot day the officer might appreciate the offer of a cold soda from your ice chest.  This isn't a bribe; it's courtesy.  (I've never been stopped except at mandatory checkpoints but this is what I would do)
8. Drive safely.  Blind corners can be speed traps.  Or just dangerous.  Either way slow down.


PS-
You can use these same guidelines in dealing with corrupt traffic cops in the US too.  Especially in unfamiliar areas.

Ditto. I've never had a problem driving in Mexico. I have driven down to Rosarito Beach and La Paz on many occasion. I respect their laws and have never had an issue.

I do know one person that spent 6 weeks in jail in Tijuana. He had an accident with a taxi (no injuries). He was very arrogant about having US insurance and showing how superior he and his insurance were (in English....to the Mexican Police). His wife practically slept at the US Embassy, begging for help. She went to the news papers and TV in San Diego. They've herd the story so many times that they weren't interested. In the end, they refinanced their home and paid nearly $100K to get him out. He went to court about 6 months later. He got all of his $ back (less $10K in attorney fees). The taxi driver was pronounced at fault. The taxi rear-ended my Friend's car.

BTW.....his US insurance company was zero help (he didn't have Mexican insurance). They offered to pay for the damages to the taxi but it had to go to court 1st.

[AustinBoston]

He was very arrogant...superior...(in English....to the Mexican Police)

Typical ugly American syndrome.

BTW, the Canvas RV party will work to make it easier for you to visit Mexico and Canada with your folding towable RV.

Austin

[AZsix]

Yep....and you still haven't addressed dealing with the corrupt Federali's when you get "stopped," or the issue of medical care should you or a member of your family need it, and about a dozen other issues.

No thanks.

Something else to think about is that most health insurance coverage that people have whether on their own or through an employer is not good once you leave the US. You may want to check with your provider to find out what their policy is. There is health coverage you can buy that will cover you out of the country.

[wavery]

Something else to think about is that most health insurance coverage that people have whether on their own or through an employer is not good once you leave the US. You may want to check with your provider to find out what their policy is. There is health coverage you can buy that will cover you out of the country.

Same problem.....US companies are happy to sell you insurance but there is no guaranty that the Mexican Hospital will except it......BTW...Mexican medical care is very reasonable.

I was injured in an off-road vehicle accident (many years ago). I ended up in a hospital in San Jose Mexico. They did lots of x-rays and tests, put a pin in a  broken arm, I fully expected to pay thousands of dollars. When it was time to check-out, I had to ask them for my bill. After much discussion with the hospital administrator, I talked him UP to $500. He felt really bad charging me that much. I was taken down to the accounting office where they accepted my personal check. They wanted no part of billing my insurance company. When I got back home, I turned the bill into my insurance and they paid it, no questions asked.

I would imagine that things have changed somewhat but I would bet that the attitude would be the same.