Due to a transmission cooler leak, we will be entering Mexico through Nogales instead of our usual Sonoyta.It's been 25+ years since we have crossed there, so would appreciate help with a couple of questions.Last time we stayed in Nogales it was at a dump of an RV park/mobile home park. Never again! Is there a place to stay/stop near the border that is reasonable secure? Walmart? If so, where is it.Where do we cross? Just follow the highway to the border? I've heard truck entrance, but where is that?We don't need TIP, but do need a version of the visa FMM. Where do we get that?Crossing at Sonoyta I hide my tomato plants. Do I need to do that crossing at Nogales?Thanks for your input. IF the cooler comes tomorrow, we will cross Friday!

In Amado there are two RV parks side by side. De Anza is the first one coming south and it is a good one now, it has a different owner than it had a few years ago. The one beside it is kind of a dump. Take the Mariposa exit, that is the truck exit, Cheap diesel right after the turn at a super K. When you get to the border stay in the Truck lane. About 21 KM in there is where you get the FMM.

theres a state rv park in patagoina az about 20 miles from noeg. nice place.

We also stay a bit north of Nogales in De Anza RV Park near Amado about 20 miles north of Nogales. We haven't done it for a few years but the last time we did I think the border did not open until 8am but that may have changed. We got up early but then had to wait. There is a truck lane and we took that so maybe the car lanes open earlier. Someone else will know. I think maybe 3 miles north of Nogales there is an exit from the Interstate for hwy 189 which is also Mariposa Rd and is the truck route and probably marked. I will try to post a map below. You will see this bypasses Nogales to the west. There is a shopping center type place if you turn left from the exit instead of turning right to the border - not sure if there is a Walmart - can't remember - maybe a Walmart a bit down that road heading back east. Some people say they meet up there but we never did. A couple miles down the road once you cross the border is some sort of customs check and then also a toll booth. One time we came into customs and they wanted us to go right and got angry with us because we did not know - the next time they wanted us to stay left and again got angry because we did not know. I suggest hanging back a bit until you can tell what they want you to do - we had to unhook our toad to back out of the lane. I do not recall what the toll is but I think they did take dollars. This is not the paperwork stop. There used to be a Cajero Automatico bank on the left side right where the customs checkers stop you - we walked to get cash there once. Then you drive another 10 miles or so to what everyone refers to as KM21 but I do not know why - does not seem to be a KM marker. There is where the paperwork is done and the banercito is. Early risers beat the rush and the lines. There is some sort of inspection there but we have never had to stop so don't know what they might want to see.

About 10 miles south of Tucson on Hwy19 (road to Nogales) there is a Casino (free boondocking) on the East (left) side of the road. You will see the sign for the Casino a few miles before the turnoff. Easy off, safe and lots of room. Stay the night and about an hour travel time to the Nogales crossing. Here is their site, http://casinocamper.com/casinolocations/54-arizona/134-desert-diamond-casino-i-19 .Also good food!rocmoc n AZ

Stay at Walmart. The Mariposa truck crossing is well marked You turn right from #19. I think it is exit4. Do NOT follow the road to the border! When you get to the USA exit gates stay to the right with the trucks. After that it is a straight shot to the toll road. Do NOT stop at the customs station on your right right after you enter Mexico. Stay on the road. I take it you have a 10 year permit. You will drive through the first toll booth and come to an inspection station. Keep to the right. You will have to make a hard right to get in the right lane at that station. Some one will walk over and do a quick inspection. Stay on that toll road and you will come to what is called KM21. On the right is a big parking lot. This is where you get your tourist permit. If you need more help just ask! Stash your plants but you should be OK. Often they walk inside and in 2 seconds they are gone! If you need some sort of mechanical help and come to Kino my shop is available. I am leaving North on Sunday.Moisheh

Nogales help, please | Good Sam Community

islandvagabonds
Explorer
Nov 05, 2016
Just crossed there yesterday. Walmart or home depot work.
Do not cross at the main Nogales crossing make wur you take the mariposa crossing. If you a re a big rig or large 5r as you approach the US side of the crossing DO NOT take the car lane. If not sure stop or stay to the right about one or two gates. If they are marked closed walk up to the gates and request permission to pas though due to your limited turning ability. I did that and was given a wave through.

Safe travels

Bob
Talleyho69
Moderator
Nov 05, 2016
Thanks so much. Our trans cooler will arrive on Tuesday from South Dakota, which means that worst case scenario it will be installed on Wednesday morning and we'll cross on Thursday.

Everyone's input has made our crossing easy, and makes us glad we respond to others.

Thanks everyone!!!!!
robatthelake
Explorer
Nov 06, 2016
Another vote for the Home Depot!
Tequila
Explorer
Nov 06, 2016
that works but ask the manager, i was refused once, but only once. It also has wifi. Also if you use the desert diamond casino, go and get their card, you get a free buffet.
Talleyho69
Moderator
Nov 06, 2016
Easy on and off? Close to the border??
Tequila
Explorer
Nov 07, 2016
yeah 30 min north right on hwy 99. Pima mine road exit
Talleyho69
Moderator
Nov 07, 2016
Cool, thanks.
rocmoc
Explorer
Nov 07, 2016
Talleyho69 wrote:
Easy on and off? Close to the border??

All the info is in my earlier post with a site you can go to for detailed info.

rocmoc n AZ
Talleyho69
Moderator
Nov 10, 2016
Thanks to all for your help.

Walmart was extremely quiet except for the birds singing in the tree we were next to.

Border crossing was so easy we may give up entering at Lukeville and switch to Nogales. The inspection consisted of me opening the door, and the guy smiling and waving us on.

Think we'll stick to exiting through Lukeville because it's fast, but entering today was a breeze!

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