Day 15 - Sunday October 29, 2023 Crossing into Mexico

We left the KOA early at 7:00 a.m. Our departure was seamless.  The night before we left we sprayed under the large living room slide with WD 40 dry lube in hopes it would help it from getting hung up again like it did in Twin Falls.  Thankfully, that worked, but there is definitely some reinforcement we’ll do via adding additional rollers to the slide once we’re back home. I also purchased our Mexican auto insurance for the RV and for the truck online through Lewis & Lewis again.  I like to have it purchased and copies printed out well before we cross into MX.   

We left much earlier than normal with the hope that we might get all the way to our final destination in San Carlos without having to overnight at a truck stop.  It is doable but totally depends on how long it takes at the border and at the Banjercito where we have to stop to get our tourist visas.  Our hosts this year told us that the day before, on Saturday other guests of theirs were stuck waiting in line at the Banjercito for 2.5 hours.  We really hoped that didn’t happen to us.  We had that experience last year when we pulled in right behind a tour bus.  All the folks on the bus got into line before us and it was hours waiting in line. 

Per usual, Heffay took up his regular spot in between us in the cab.  I’m amazed he still fits in that small space!  At times it doesn’t look all that comfortable, but he’s happy.  And HeyZeus too makes his way up to hang out and help with navigation at times.  They’re such great travellers!

Heffay STILL fits in between us in the cab!  

Our navigator is sleeping on the job!

Before crossing the border we made a quick fuel stop to fill up.  Fuel is cheaper in the US than in Mexico.  Mexico’s fuel prices are very similar (albeit slightly cheaper) to the prices we pay in British Columbia.  

We arrived at the Nogales truck crossing border at 8:30.  It seems odd as you drive through and around many buildings and booths that look like you should stop at.  In fact, the checkpoint where they check your passport and ask about your intentions is another 15 minutes down the road.  

We arrived at the checkpoint by 8:45 and were through by 8:55.  This year the Marine who greeted us at the checkpoint spoke pretty good English.  He asked Dan to get out of the RV, open the truck we were towing behind us and then asked to open the RV to come inside.  Of course Heffay was right at the door with me holding him.  He had his border crossing face on, aka on high alert lol!  Dan was quick to tell the guards to keep their hands down at their sides and not to raise them up as Heffay reacts to that as a threat.  The Marine’s face went a bit white and even though Dan assured him Heffay would be fine, he stopped in his tracks.  Next thing he said was “you’re a veteran?” which Dan confirmed and then he waved us on, no need to board us after all!  I guess a big rottweiler puts a bit of fear into them…not worth it to take the risk.

You know your’e in Mexico when…
Always interesting vendors along the road

We reached the Bancerjito by 9:00 a.m.  There was no line so we walked right in.  By 9:15 we were back in the RV on our way to San Carlos.  Yahoo!

This year, because we’re staying in the “free zone” in the state of Sonora we don’t need to get a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for the truck.   That saves some time (and money). The RV has a 10 year TIP already on it, valid for another 7 years.  It isn’t needed for where we’re staying this year either.  We may decide to cancel it on the way out of MX this year.  Then, if/when we need one again if we decide to drive further south, we can just apply for a new 10 year TIP.  I have a feeling though that San Carlos is going to be our go-to winter destination again. 

The Sonora “Free Zone” is also referred to as the “hassle free zone”.  It extends to kilometer 98, southeast of Empalme, where the Free Zone ends (see map).

Knowing where the zone ends is critical: Crossing out of the Free Zone without a vehicle permit is illegal and can lead to the confiscation of your vehicle. And, if your immigration paperwork is not in order, you could be escorted out of the country or taken to an immigration detention center until your condition of stay is sorted out. The fines involved for getting your vehicle out of impound are often more than the vehicle is worth.

The roads from Nogales to San Carlos are pretty good.  They’re mostly concrete roads and although at times they look smooth they can be what I’d describe as wavy.  They’re not always flat and sometimes you feel as though you’re on a wave up and down and side to side.  That said, they are like driving on a red carpet when it compares to the roads once you get into the state of Sinaloa.  No thanks!

Beautiful day, clear and smooth albeit “wavy” roads!

The road coming into San Carlos
Iconic Tetakawi on the horizon

At 2 p.m. after four tolls and 7 hours we arrived at our final destination in San Carlos and what a BEAUTIFUL spot!  More to come on this property and our time in San Carlos in future posts.

Our spot, one of three RV pads rented on this private property

Summary day 15 The FINAL leg of our trip

Tucson/Lazydays KOA, AZ to San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

Departure Time - 7:00 a.m.

Arrival Time - 2:00 p.m.

MX Tolls -  4

Toll Cost: $843 pesos ($65 Cdn)

    1 - $200 pesos ($15 Cdn)

    2 - $85 pesos ($7 Cdn)

    3 - $260 pesos ($20 Cdn)

    4 - $298 pesos ($23 Cdn)

Total distance driven - 385 miles

Cost of Tourist Visas (FMM) - $1374 pesos ($105 Cdn) for both

Cost of 6 mos of Mexican RV and Truck Insurance - $1035 US ($1417 Cdn) & $270 US ($375 Cdn) 

Fuel - $300 US ($416 Cdn) 64 gallons @ $4.679/g (or approx $1.66/litre Cdn)

Accommodation - $450 US/month (approx $640 Cdn incl. bank fees)