JerBear
Kingston,Nova Scotia,Canada
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Joined: 02/21/2002
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We normally cross at Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras but with the cop hassle in Monclova we are looking to try a different route. Which is the best crossing and route to get to Ciudad Victoria. Thought we would try that way to get to the Michoacan coast (Playa Azul) and then head south from there.Looking at the Pharr Int Bridge as that seems like a good crossing. Any help on this would be muchly appreciated amigos!!!!
JerBear
2007 CITATION Supreme 10'8" Truck Camper,Torklift Fastguns, Torklift Tiedowns,Torklift Superhitch,Reese Front Hitch, Honda EU2000i Generator, 100 Watt Solar Panel /MPPT Controller, 2500 Watt Inverter.
2006 GMC 3500HD DRW Ex. Cab Truck, Duramax/Allison
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geewiz
Canada & Mexico
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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We crossed once at Pharr and found it to be a very busy area (lots of traffic congestion) on the Mexican side.
The last several times we go a few miles east and cross at the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios which is straight south of Harlengen/San Benito. It is well marked as an exit off the Hwy 83.
The Banjercito there opens at 9 am, closed Sunday. This year we stopped at the Fun 'n' Sun RV park in San Benito which is just 10 miles from that border crossing. We went over the day before and did our permits. Then it is straight over the next morning. A few miles into Mexico, at the first overpass intersection, go straight, following the signs for Valle Hermoso and on to join up to Hwy 180. From there clear sailing to C. Victoria.
Glen & Susan
http://palapalife.blogspot.com/
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The Texan
Summer: Cascade, Idaho - Winter: A Warm Climate
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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JerBear wrote:We normally cross at Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras but with the cop hassle in Monclova we are looking to try a different route. Which is the best crossing and route to get to Ciudad Victoria. Thought we would try that way to get to the Michoacan coast (Playa Azul) and then head south from there.Looking at the Pharr Int Bridge as that seems like a good crossing. Any help on this would be muchly appreciated amigos!!!!
JerBear Something doesn't make sense here....You are trying to stay clear of a small town that takes 5 minutes to drive through and has 1 or 2 rogue cops, who have been reported to the authorities. Yet you are driving into and through the one State in Mexico, Michoacan, which is known for their unrest, kidnappings and killings  I don't quite follow this line of reasoning 
Bob & Betsy - USN Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 & FT Class of 2002
'05 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, 400 Cummins -With-'05 GMC Sierra SLT, CC, Z-71, the pusher & our '07 Arctic Cat 500A & '08 Suzuki KQ 400A, riding in the pusher.
Where the wheels are stopped
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wolfe10
Texas
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Joined: 10/08/2000
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We cross at Los Indios then heading from the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas to Ciudad Victoria in the motorhome as well.
Brett Wolfe
1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
Cat 3116, Allison 3060
Caterpillar RV Engine Owner's Club: www.catrvclub.org
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JerBear
Kingston,Nova Scotia,Canada
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The Texan wrote:JerBear wrote:We normally cross at Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras but with the cop hassle in Monclova we are looking to try a different route. Which is the best crossing and route to get to Ciudad Victoria. Thought we would try that way to get to the Michoacan coast (Playa Azul) and then head south from there.Looking at the Pharr Int Bridge as that seems like a good crossing. Any help on this would be muchly appreciated amigos!!!!
JerBear Something doesn't make sense here....You are trying to stay clear of a small town that takes 5 minutes to drive through and has 1 or 2 rogue cops, who have been reported to the authorities. Yet you are driving into and through the one State in Mexico, Michoacan, which is known for their unrest, kidnappings and killings I don't quite follow this line of reasoning
You bring up a valid point. It was our understanding that most of the unrest was on the coast of Michoacan. I guess our thinking was that by crossing around Brownsville and heading south from there we would bypass Mex 200. Maybe we should rethink this route......
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geewiz
Canada & Mexico
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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Two more things:
The roads from Los Indios to San Miguel de Allende are dandy, quite improved over previous years and there is only one toll (at the San Louis Potosi bypass). The construction from C. Victoria to the junction with Hwy 57 is being upgraded to be all 4 lane and will likely be a toll road in the future.
A week ago In San Miguel, we spoke to a couple who arrived in a class A RV and reported being stopped 3 times driving through Monclova, all for no reason, all eventually resolved without payment. Just annoying.
I have no investment in any particular route, I only know what works for us.
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werwin48
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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Joined: 11/23/2004
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Since years we take border crossing at Columbia International Bridge in Laredo. No hassle no problems also good for Big Rigs. Since this year the toll road from I35 to the boarder, is accessible only with a Texas Xtag. The Boarder Crossing at Laredo City is also without problems but more busy. Then you take MEX85D, Monterrey, MEX57D until Queretaro direction MEX45D Salamanca. There is since 2 years the new Autopista open from MEX45D to Morelia (MEX43D). We don't take the Morelia Periferico we follow the way directly trough the City, there is no Problem then we go via MEX43D u. MEX37D directly to MEX200… Most of this way is a toll road (Autopista) but the costs are much cheaper as the hassle on the Libere Roads with a lot of topes.
This year we will go in the first week in December from Houston, TX to nearly Acapulco.
If you like to go to via CD Victoria, then also a good Boarder Crossing is in McAllen – Reynosa, new Building and lots of Parking Space. Stay away at the Autopista MEX40D to Monterrey this is an very high price toll road if you travel by a 5th wheeler or RV with a Tow Car.
Ingrid + Werner
Class A RMB700 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Diesel chassis 416CDI
Munich/Germany
2002 Ford F250 Diesel Lariat
2005 Wildcat 24RLS
Friendswood, TX 77546
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qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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Joined: 09/17/2003
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geewiz wrote:Two more things:
The roads from Los Indios to San Miguel de Allende are dandy, quite improved over previous years and there is only one toll (at the San Louis Potosi bypass). The construction from C. Victoria to the junction with Hwy 57 is being upgraded to be all 4 lane and will likely be a toll road in the future.
A week ago In San Miguel, we spoke to a couple who arrived in a class A RV and reported being stopped 3 times driving through Monclova, all for no reason, all eventually resolved without payment. Just annoying.
I have no investment in any particular route, I only know what works for us.
We took the 57 in July to SMA. It was great. Travel plazas along the way that are good for overnighting, gassing up, restaurants and even showers.
If you are going to Saltillo from the Northeast, you can use the new toll road also.
1998 Nissan Pathfinder
2004 Shadow Cruiser 18ft.
Living and Boondocking Mexico
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DanHouck
Ajijic, Mexico
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Joined: 07/03/2003
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We live in Mexico, Lake Chapala, and keep our RV in La Feria, between McAllen & Harlingen. We usually cross at McAllen. Last time, we crossed at Nuevo Progresso, hoping that the bypass of Reynosa from the 2 to the 97 south would be complete. It was not, but should be this time. However, if not, we will return to using the Reynosa entry as the facilities there are quite good and if you know the bypass route, you miss much of the town.
To do this, after you come out of the document place, go LEFT and stay on that road, ignore the green and whites. It is a two lane that winds a bit. You come to a junction where the left side goes up a small hill, you'll notice most of the traffic taking this road. Then just stay on it until you cross the 2, there is only on traffic light, I believe. Follow signs to C. Victoria, it will put you right on the road headed south, Mex97.
Dan & Ann D.
1998 Country Coach Allure 36'
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JerBear
Kingston,Nova Scotia,Canada
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DanHouck wrote:We live in Mexico, Lake Chapala, and keep our RV in La Feria, between McAllen & Harlingen. We usually cross at McAllen. Last time, we crossed at Nuevo Progresso, hoping that the bypass of Reynosa from the 2 to the 97 south would be complete. It was not, but should be this time. However, if not, we will return to using the Reynosa entry as the facilities there are quite good and if you know the bypass route, you miss much of the town.
To do this, after you come out of the document place, go LEFT and stay on that road, ignore the green and whites. It is a two lane that winds a bit. You come to a junction where the left side goes up a small hill, you'll notice most of the traffic taking this road. Then just stay on it until you cross the 2, there is only on traffic light, I believe. Follow signs to C. Victoria, it will put you right on the road headed south, Mex97.
What route do you take to get to Lake Chapala Dan????
Jerry
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