Best crossing going north?

[Jim]

A friend will be crossing the border with me in two weeks and we're looking for information on the easiest place to cross...searching forums hasn't helped much.

Two 35' class A's, towing toads. We are in San Felipe, will head north on MX5, and will be heading east after crossing.

I've heard the following about different crossings:

1) Calexico - east; they are now Xraying RVs...adds time.
2) Calexico - west; long lines, narrow lanes, RV lane sometimes closed and takes time to reopen.
3) Lukeville - I cannot tell if this crossing is OK for RVs or if it's just for cars & peds.
4) San Luis - This seems like a good crossing point, but it would be great if I could get some info about it from a RV'er that has used it in a long vehicle setup. Is there room? Best lane to be in?

Any crossing info would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Jim]

We did end up crossing at Calexico East and yes, if you're in the far right lane it's way too tight. I made it to the border OK, but my friend got too close to something and ripped off the back of her RV. The lower cover of her diesel behind the rad. Someone in line jumped out, recovered it, and brought it to her so she could stow it inside her rig...otherwise she'd not have known.

Me, I got up to the US area and the openings are sooo narrow, I scrunched my drivers side a bit because the cement and iron post was so low, I didn't see it being bothered by something higher that whacked my drivers side mirror!

Not a fun time. We did not go to San Luis because it would have taken two 180 degree turns off MX-5 to get to the border and I'm still learning how to drive a 60 foot rig. Also, when we got to where the first turn was, I couldn't find where everyone else was doing it and everywhere I looked didn't look like I could make it. Soooo....

We did not head to Lukeville because of one 180 degree turn, AND the fact that the road is very remote with what appears, from the maps, no towns for miles and miles. My traveling partner was worried about getting help on the road if one or both of us had a breakdown.

So, we used Calexico East crossing. And next time, I'll be in the center lane until the last moment (RVs end up in the right lane eventually). Meanwhile, we both have damage from the crossing. Hers is much worse than mine. All I have to do is replace a marker light that was scraped off, and to remove the yellow paint from the stupid post I scraped. If there's body damage, it's hard to spot.

[robatthelake]

From San Filipe Lukeville is way too far away! Last time We crossed at Los Algodones ,but would suggest Calexico or going west to Tecate!

[Talleyho69]

Unless you are Canadian, and need proof of your dates exiting Mexico, you don't have to turn in your visa at the border. The Mexican government doesn't want it back, because it expires. Your vehicle permit is another story.

[bigdog2]

We also use Sonoyta/ Lukeville. Park on the street before crossing to get passports stamped. Gate is very tight for motorhome. Bumped the mirror once, usually fast & easy. Road from San Luis is good, easy drive.

[Talleyho69]

We agree. Lukeville is where we always exit-fast and easy, and if you need to camp soon, there is Organ Pipe National Monument, and places in Why and Ajo. We love Shadow Ridge in Ajo.

[Jim]

Canadian Rainbirds wrote:
We use Lukeville (Sonoyta) regularly, 32' DP towing Jeep Wrangler. Usually very quiet and quick, no tight unless they try to send you to the far right.

Very difficult to find space to park big rigs on the Mexican side to turn in any paperwork, (FMT etc) and get a passport Exit stamp if you need one. You have to park on the street.


HOWEVER I have no info on road conditions on MX 2 West of Sonoyta. To the East, the highway in good.

I am assuming that you have only been in Baja and do not have a TIP for the rigs and toweds. If you have to cancel TIP, you will have to go much further West on the 2 almost to Caborca.

Thanks! Very helpful.

We both have only been in Baja and don't have TIPS so we're good there.

[Canadian_Rainbi]

We use Lukeville (Sonoyta) regularly, 32' DP towing Jeep Wrangler. Usually very quiet and quick, no tight unless they try to send you to the far right.

Very difficult to find space to park big rigs on the Mexican side to turn in any paperwork, (FMT etc) and get a passport Exit stamp if you need one. You have to park on the street.


HOWEVER I have no info on road conditions on MX 2 West of Sonoyta. To the East, the highway in good.

I am assuming that you have only been in Baja and do not have a TIP for the rigs and toweds. If you have to cancel TIP, you will have to go much further West on the 2 almost to Caborca.