We Took Our Vintage RV to MEXICO!… But We Made a HUGE Mistake Crossing The Border 😳 (Baja)

We never thought we'd make it but we're FINALLY Headed to Baja, Mexico in our vintage camper van! After walking through all we've done to prepare for this trip, we finally made our way to cross the border. But then we made a huge mistake and accidentally entered the country illegally! 😬
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== About Us ==
We're Eric & Allison and we're on a journey to find the most interesting places and unique foods this planet has to offer! We've traded in our steady paychecks and permanent home for a life of travel and adventure. Come along and see the world with us!

[@user-by1nd2tr1m]

When we lived in Mexico several of my friends who had US plates on their vehicles were randomly stopped (just because they had US plates) and were asked to produce the FMM form. So I think you made a good call to get it.

[@schamber1000]

This same thing happened to another couple of youtubers! I think it was Kara and Nate but can't remember. I was worried when you drove through and didn't get it!

[@CarolynBrooks-p1c]

Yup Kara and Nate

[@gparsons320]

I remembered that too! Since it appears to be important, you'd think they'd make sure to give it to people as they cross the border...

[@jimlaurito7938]

Yes last year

[@jj-if6it]

@@gparsons320 yeah lol

[@smalahode]

Question for Eric, where du you buy your t-shirts? BTW if you ever return to Norway we have two vintage VW campers waiting for you to check out.

[@Banagal]

Have fun, be safe, and listen to your inner self. If it feels wrong somehow, get out of where you are.

[@nonny6990]

Alison is so funny. I don't think Eric truly appreciates this - let her improvise! 😂

[@respectedpath]

You can also buy get the form online and they will just stamp it along with your passport when you cross the border so you don't have to go to the 2nd office.

[@FDTandYT]

Doh!

[@1982MCI]

Or make a 5 hour round trip back to the 2nd office to get it when you forget, lol 😂 But seriously tho, what is the purpose of that form in the first place?

[@jj-if6it]

Probably should have researched this first lol

[@respectedpath]

@@1982MCI Its a tax. When you fly into the country its included in your airfare. Not everyone at a land border needs it so they put the onus on you to get it. Its frustrating because theres different explanations online and of course people bragging about never getting it and not getting into trouble. basically, if you're going farther than the "free zone" (zona libre) or in Mexico more than a few days you need this form.

[@Theendlessadventure]

Next time we'll definitely print it out. We just thought the office would be clearly marked or we'd be directed to the office to get it...now we know 😅

[@bluebutterflytravels191]

The reason there are not any folks at the campsite is because this is the off season. It's way too hot in SF after May!

[@1982MCI]

But isn’t that the reason for the water and a swimsuit tho of am I missing something, lol 😂. Maybe I’ve just been in the snow belt much too long, lol

[@lawrenceseguin1865]

You did well to make the 5-hour round-trip back to the border to get the proper paperwork. You really do not want to be caught in a foreign country illegally, even if chances are high you won't be checked. All it takes is one authority doing his or her job to find yourselves in an extremely sticky situation, and the embassy will be able to do very little for you. That said, great video and enjoy your stay!

[@Penny-mk7fv]

They could just claim asylum if they’re caught, no problemo 😀

[@maybeebuzzy2265]

You two are brave adventurers. I've never entertained the thought of traveling to Mexico coz I'm a scaredy-cat. I admire your spirit!

[@markj10]

Love how you two travel in the off season! Makes it so much more adventurous!!

[@bathshebawalker4188]

There is another van life couple that had their van confiscated in Mexico. It's been a few months and they still have not gotten it back. Their YT is Tenaj and Tino travels

[@TrackerRoo]

Yeap it's important to always get the proper documentation and to keep all of that stuff in a safe place where you'll remember where it is and can easily get to. They don't mess around when it comes to not having documents but it's like that at every border crossing where there are customs agents. Watched an Australian customs agent tell a guy he was being put on a plane back to the US because they felt he didn't have enough cash to survive his week long trip in Australia. He couldn't prove he had funds in a bank account or anything so back on the plane he went.

[@earnestburditt9867]

On the topic of overheating, I believe you had a LS engine upgrade to you motor home. LS engines seem to run hotter in temperatures above 90 degrees. GM realized this but never published it. Their fix was to install two electric fans to the radiator, and remove the fan clutch. One of the fans come on when the AC is on and the other comes on around200 degrees. It works, I had a installed one on my truck. My engine stays around 210 degrees or lower. I pull a travel trailer. This has helped me a lot. Before my engine would overheat. If you even install one large fan it would help in conjunction with the existing fan clutch.

[@sarah-phillips]

While I impatiently wait for my husband to watch this video, I'm just so stoked you guys were able to make the trip! I hope you consumed tons of good food and enjoyed the beaches and all the things. You guys deserve a relaxing vacation after this crazy road trip!

[@EatDrinkBeMerry]

@@sarah-phillips but you clicked on it to comment so your husband will think you watched it already lol

[@johneldridge8918]

Stay out of Mexico problems solved

[@nancyleab]

You could also lose your camper in Mexico. it Happened to another van lifer couple. Mexico is strict on paper work... Be carefuly

[@EatDrinkBeMerry]

@@nancyleab Add to that, their life. Police play by their own rules in Mexico. Let’s not even get into the criminals there.

[@fredyow5395]

You can do that online too! Palapa is the grass thatch roof...

[@StevenBlockley]

Hi Guys from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 We absolutely love your adventures, mostly watch a show over breakfast at the weekends. What camera 🎥 and Drone are you using? Great video and Ariel shots. 🙌🏻 looking forward to your next adventure 🤩🥳

[@wherearewe-yt]

The Duolingo level Spanish, the seamless Safetywing plug, and money-raining transition...pefecto. 👌😂

[@JTMcAwesomeFace]

My sister got arrested in southern mexico once lol Something about CDMX using a digital system to track passports that they know nothing about in the south, so yeah... highly recommend getting all your forms :D

[@alohatvn]

Have a great time ⏲️ in Mexico 🇲🇽 and stay safe 🙏 👍 ❤.

[@craigcampbell1843]

The Paul McBeth Foundation installed a disc golf course at Rancho El Camino. I’d love to see you guys play it!

[@barryvincentredmond3973]

Be cautious and mindful in Baja.A lot of crime and trust your instints at all times.Travel safely but have fun and enjoy the scenery.

[@FloridaandBeyond]

She does give a Breaking Bad vibe, lol. Good luck in Mexico! It is amazing down there. Water is a must! Travel insurance is very important! We were just in Mexico in March. The whole immigration thing is a pain because everyone says something different. When flying down and back, all we needed was our passport stamped. The military checkpoints were a little scary, but the taxi driver dealt with them. Mexico is wonderful. We enjoyed the Quintana Roo area! Stay safe and have fun! 🙂

[@TheoSeltz]

I'm watching your New York fall colors road trip and if I saw Eric I would give him a sandwich and a water bottle. Conformist individuality isn't individuality.

[@eleanorcramer7986]

Fiasco sounds like the name of a border town.

[@kathykeene2092]

I live in So Cal and I have always wanted to drive to Baja. I am so close to the border! But we have heard horror stories and so we are too scared. Now I am trying to convince my husband to go with a caravan. I’ll be watching you two closely. Thanks for your videos!

[@jj-if6it]

Better to be safe than sorry

[@EatDrinkBeMerry]

@@jj-if6it tell us about the horror stories you’re aware of. Pretty please.

[@sheilaathay2034]

Why would anyone ignore the horror stories? My Mexican friends even told me Stay Away right now. It's bad

[@Tury2801]

Regarding the water, you can get water in Mexico. We don't drink tap water; instead, we get purified water from various water dispensers and stores that sell purified water.

[@Tury2801]

it's funny to watch my city Mexicali in your videos, I go through that border a lot, actually, I play golf at Desert Trail RV Park, which has a nice Golf Course. I hope you guys have a great time in our Baja California state, yees the full state name is "Baja California". If you drive all the way down to Cabo, that's in the "Baja California Sur" State

[@kevinfleming9919]

Guessing that the two different types of coolant are one for each vehicle and they use different types, because you shouldn't mix different types or colored coolants, especially mixing OAT and IAT coolants together, or you can end up with a big repair bill! I like those collapsible safety cones! I need to get a few for my personal vehicle and about 15 for my work truck/trailer, they will save a LOT of room over the rubber ones I have!

[@brendachance9273]

My first trip to Mexico in a Eurovan Camper in 2001 was almost identical to your experience. We made a wrong turn right away, ended up on narrow side streets, got the van papers and then missed the step about the FMM. Had to make a return trip back to the border. It was not a good first day but the rest of the trip was fabulous! When we told everyone about our harrowing first day they said “welcome to Mexico” grinning the whole time 😄 Enjoy!

[@Theendlessadventure]

Oh no!! Ya, we're learning that this is a very common first day in Mexico. It's stressful and annoying, but boy does it make the beach and a cold beer that much more enjoyable 😆

[@bigd6663]

Your best video ever😊

[@paulpuckerinGM]

Loco gringos. 😂😂😂

[@marieneu264]

9:57 something similar to this happened to Kara and Nate of Eamon and Bec, I can’t remember which one

[@mischiefroadtripadventures]

Yay! Another vlog!!❤ We will never ever take our rig to Mexico so we live vicariously through your adventures! 😊 And Eric, I truly feel your pain - I slammed my hand in the freezer door three days ago trying to tuck in a package that was sticking out. Ouch. Then yesterday I slipped walking barefoot to our outside trash can and ripped the bottom of my foot. Ok, enough of that - I just find myself always getting damaged. 😮 Hope you have a safe trip! And no more injuries to either of you OR Clementine/Ruby 😥 😜

[@Theendlessadventure]

Oh no! Hopefully your appendages are healing nicely. 🤕 Poor Eric's always bleeding from some cut he has no memory of or almost knocking himself out on a low overhang...I always have bandaids and ibuprofen on hand, just in case 😅

[@DeeLuscious]

Happy Canada day!!!

[@gnomealone-gu6kr]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@anneadkins4403]

Get copies and if you get pulled over, the police don't take the orginals.

[@LC-r2b]

I thought you went into mexico on a previous viedo.. every other KZbinr has done it so maybe I'm just getting confused with 10,000 other videos.

[@catjanco]

Funny because there is an online form you could of filled out before entering!

[@TheOtherChef]

Oh no, sorry yall had to drive back but at least you were able to park the RV and take Ruby!

[@hukshot]

disk golf? your stock just went up. make it to Big Island and let's throw and have a beer.

[@davejiannuzzi4160]

Good luck on your vacation, be safe and be well!

[@Wereagreatbunch]

Last January when we flew to Cancun we didn’t have to fill out that form on the plane anymore. I slept a lot on the plane & usually drowsy but hubby said it wasn’t necessary anymore. I thought it was so weird cause they usually want to know how long you’re staying for.

[@tanya334]

Just hide most of your cash just in case you get pulled over by the cops 😂 You will need to pay traffic fine immediately if you know what i mean and whatever you pull out of pocket, they want 😂😂 Can not get over how it has grown since the 70's !

[@skyluv420]

ok can you guys please tell me if it is ok to carry gas, how you carry gas and do you have to worry about high heat or sun? I keep hearing ,no. or I'll have to build a special box just for the gas. but I see ppl carrying gas all the time

[@aceedmond8053]

I would not travel to Mexico right now.... I'm from California and spent a lot of time in Baja over the years/ decades and love it but would never travel there right now... I know of surfers/travelers that never made it home....robbed, raped, murdered... be careful.

[@jj-if6it]

yes 😔 it's crazy IMO

[@CarolPearse-q3w]

Just watched this, yee haw, wtg, looks like fun, lotta work, but better to be safe than sorry, safe travels, from Nova Scotia Canada, it’s Canada Day here 🍁🇨🇦

[@vickyrun8796]

I have never been to Mexico and I live in California. Just couldn't find someone to go with me. But happy I can go with you guys, virtually. That RV park looks beautiful. Enjoy!

[@Ecofriendly-tq1vn]

I visited mexico one time it was nogales,tourist town and said to myself never again.No problems or anything ya know little kids beggin, cardboard shacks on the hills plus all the crime.everybody seemed nice. I hope while you are visiting maybe go to cabo and see the red rocker sammy hagar -I think he has a bar there

[@katfran492]

What I learned first in Spanish and what I still remember: tengo sed de agua por favor, tengo sed de Cerveza por favor, & tengo sed de margarita por favor 😂

[@JustinBrehm]

That is how my luck is also LOL if I'm told I am not going to need something I'm going to need it, and vice versa. Best to have all scenarios covered

[@Murphys_Adventure]

You all should have downloaded the google map for the Baja area you plan to go. Works wonders for me while I was in Baja while I was offline.

[@LynnManwarren-g9h]

I was wondering what Brand and model phones you use. Do you both have the same one. Do you ever film with them

[@MicheleMakinson]

I don’t think we ever got an immigration form to visit Mexico. You aren’t staying are you?

[@itsjustmel1217]

Lol...I was always silently wishing you guys would wake up early and start out early on your adventures haha.

[@alansmithee8831]

Hello Allison and Eric. Interesting watch as always. Back in 1990s, I went to Cuidad Juárez on foot from El Paso. Nobody stopped me at Mexican immigration, I just walked right in.

[@davidchilton4301]

Losing your FMM is no joke when you're going through an airport; never tried it with a land crossing. You did the right thing.

[@soxrox2574]

Glad you got the paperwork sorted 👍 Very nice view at the RV Park plus a friendly dog 🐕 Let's see what you two get up to in Mexico 🇲🇽

[@mikeramirez1695]

Be careful of low hanging bridges and overpasses.

[@aidenalamo6262]

Be safe and have a great time in Mexico!

[@OfficerLarryNMSE]

Safe Journeys in Mexico...

[@ooigfgnnkhjjnc]

Dont get chopped up and stuffed into barrels in mexico !

[@MiriG3011]

Pense que iban a llegar a probar la comida china o algo en mexicali jaja el kikis en san felipe esta mejor para acampar

[@andystreet1479]

its Taco time enjoy

[@maemae1770]

🪇🇲🇽 🚐 Yay! So happy to see you in Mexico! Don’t worry about minor setbacks…you are still on track and have achieved your goal. Now go have fun! I love that you chose to ignore the “nervous Nellie’s” (like you haven’t done your research) and also love that you choose to vlog your missteps and are willing to laugh at yourselves! (Of course, none of the critical commenters have ever made a mistake). Enjoy your final Clementine hurrah! ❤🇨🇦

[@Theendlessadventure]

☝️👌 thanks for having a little faith in us 🙌

[@ingridspeijer4837]

Your parkingspot looks like a dream to me…🤩

[@rachellewidmann3621]

Eric said that they needed to stop to get the immigration papers right away and that it was right near the border crossing and not to miss it or theyd be in trouble. Then... Proceeded to go "where is it? Ok ..lets just keep driving 2.5 hours away and head to our destination." Just to decide to turn around and head back ooof 😅 ...😵‍💫

[@jj-if6it]

yes, wtf

[@Vancaskeys]

Great video guys! We've loved it each time we've gone. Stay Safe, and Happy Travels!

[@super10nano1]

I am so excited for this! I love your international adventures!

[@einzgeisha]

Those puppies are happy you came back! In February 2024, we went down to Rosarito and Ensenada (the opposite site of Baja CA from San Felipe) and I told my husband we needed that form. We were there for almost 2 weeks and I was so relieved nothing happened.

[@Theendlessadventure]

Ya, it sounds like almost nobody actually gets in trouble for not having it, but with our not-so-great luck, we didn't want to risk it. 😅 Glad it wasn't an issue for you guys!

[@johneldridge8918]

If you got room for all these tools invest in a generator

[@MicheleMakinson]

Wow, I guess you need a permit now.

[@cathylewis2181]

I went to San Felipe in 19 74 and it was fabulous. The tide goes out for Miles and you can find sand dollars on the beach and dead stingrays! I'm super proud of you guys for proving the naysayers wrong - the ones who advised you not to go to Mexico. Some people live with too much fear. I'm very much looking forward to see what the new chapter in your lives is going to be all about!

[@jamesh1641]

You are not thinking clearly if you even think it’s like 1974 still there.

[@cathylewis2181]

@@jamesh1641 I never said it was. But I've been in Mexico in the last couple years. Also, it's nice to use a more polite tone generally speaking.

[@jamesh1641]

@@cathylewis2181I read what you wrote. 1974. You never mentioned you’ve been back. Mexico isn’t safe. Pass that nonsense along to someone else.

[@uziasosrno]

@@jamesh1641Mexico is safe the problem with the cartels is between them trafficking drugs to the USA they don’t go killings people only because they want to if you don’t are a member for any cartel you’re good the news in the USA make all bigger

[@EatDrinkBeMerry]

@@jamesh1641 You want to know the secret to life? It’s not dying. - George Carlin RIP

[@StartLivingNow1963]

Another Awesome Adventure Thank you Allison and Eric Safe Travels 🙂❤👍Watching from NB Canada Happy Canada Day July 01/2024🙂🙂👍

[@usmcmsgt5487]

8:25 this just gave me "Sicario" vibes, The movie.

[@oftedahlh]

glad u got the document's guys need to be safe in Mexico

[@Travelbug50]

Next time, try Puerto Penasco, MX. You passed it when traveling from Phoenix to California. It's a like a small Cabo. It's only 3 hours from Phoenix.

[@sharonholding5982]

Enjoyed your San Felipe video. Pray for continued safe travels. Looking forward to next video. ❤

[@jj-if6it]

Very cool camping spot

[@SimplyCali619]

When traveling via land you don't really need the FMN lol. Less than 7 days, definitely don't need it. The only time I ever needed to fill one up is when I would walk across. Never when I drive across

[@stargazer5073]

You are the sweetest people, please be safe!

[@chrismccray361]

Steve Wallis is in the US and you two are in Mexico during summer 2024 . Good times.

[@bulldog5621]

You could have entered Mexico using the East Port of Calexico, just east about 7 miles on the I-8, using Highway 7. cross the border and a straight shot to San Felipe. !!!

[@AngelaBrinker]

Don't dis libraries! So much more than books, and books are great. (Granted, you probably aren't going to check books out if you're always on the move like you all, but they have so much to offer.) Glad you got your paperwork sorted, it's important to do things the right way. Enjoy your time in Mexico and stay safe!

[@lisadeharthansen7076]

We had friends that took the bus (2009-ish?) not realizing they needed to get off the bus with their stuff to go to immigration. They got all the way to La Paz and had to go back to the border to get the visiting visa form. While they were bummed about it, I pointed out that they had been able to bring on the bus with them about $20k worth of boat parts and supplies. While they went to the border, the supplies and boat parts stayed on their boat in the marina. Subsequently, they sailed their sailboat to the South Pacific. The boat was sold in New Caledonia, and they came home on a plane with a baby on the way. When we drive north and need to check out, it is not easy. We have to park along the 15D ….walk across 4 very busy lanes of traffic, because they took out the lane that used to let cars make a left hand turn into MX Immigration. The other option is to drive miles north of the immigration center, make a U-Turn by a gas station, drive to immigration, get the papers worked out, get back on HWY 15-D going south until you find a place to make a U-turn to go back going north on HWY 15-D, which adds about an hour to the drive to Nogales, AZ.

[@davestevens4263]

Best of luck to my mini breaking bad peeps! Love you guys , nothing but great karma yall .

[@debstockdale3270]

You are going to have a fantastic time in Mexico. Like previous comments: only drive during the day because of potholes and animals on the roads. Stick to the main highways with the military checkpoints. Don’t buy drugs or go to drug areas. My experience in Mexico has Always been positive and the 99.9% of the people want you there and love to show you there beautiful country.

[@michielmeijer5653]

Happy to see Clem had no issues!🎉 Looking forward to seeing Baja with you guys. Seems like it will be hot in Mexico. maybe you could upgrade ruby’s alternator and have it power a portable AC?

[@phyllissmith1105]

We stayed overnight in a Casino in Washington state and someone (maybe the casino) was shooting off fireworks from the time we got there around noon til 10 o'clock at night. I thought it was gunfire too. It was so random. Just every now and then a big boom went off. I thought maybe someone was hunting with a shotgun because we were near a wooded area. But, no. It was fireworks. Finally, around dark, they really let go and were shooting fireworks continuously for the next hour. (That's when I finally figured out what it was because I could finally SEE them. LOL Thanks for your video!

[@bobbydarker1959]

I catch up on older adventures on a daily basis and have yet to come to the end, literally endless adventures ❤ Baja looks fantastic, enjoy yourselves.

[@Theendlessadventure]

Haha, ya, sometimes we forget how many videos we've made. We used to post 3 a week when we were traveling internationally...I don't know how we did it!

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Glad you got the papers all sorted out. Much beter to be safe than sorry 🙏 Enjoy your stay ,keep safe Looking forward to to your adventures 🥰 Aww a Doggie Friend.

[@bigfamilyexpedition]

You had a little set back but definitely worth the trip back for peace of mind. Hope y'all have an amazing time! Enjoy the beach! ❤🏖️

[@brettwurst998]

We live in AZ. Go to Mexico all the time. You don’t need a form when crossing the border by land. Same for Canada. You do need the insurance though.

[@powercouplecritics]

What meds do you guys take. You guys are always so chill!! Im on the road and always dealing with things. I don't handle it as well as Manny. :(

[@eliana8228]

😂😂😂 Alisson is so funny

[@jj-if6it]

Why is it surprising that Mexican drivers are polite? Lol. As an Aussie, I appreciate the kilometres!

[@BobSummers-iy9zg]

Not a Fan off Mexico be safe

[@KELLYPARRISH]

I’m going to miss adventures with Clementine. I hope yall still take her out periodically.

[@b-genspinster7895]

That white refer truck was probably the last Salamanca ice cream truck. I guess that’s the one Fring didn’t get to before he was blown up.

[@UKinUK777]

Yoohoooo

[@dndrusso]

Hope you have a great time in Baja. Can’t lie, I’m looking forward to your travel adventures w/o Clementine. She has served her purpose and it’s now time to bid her farewell.

[@lindamoulton1560]

I 100% can understand how freaked out you were with the fireworks. I was in Spain two years after the Madrid Train Bombing for a study abroad program and woke up at like midnight hearing what everyone in my cohort thought were explosions. Yeah they were fireworks too (for a wedding down the street). We actually got a really cool view of them from our hotel (but my roommates and I did end up going into the hotel minibar for chips and candy to watch said fireworks and well...our teacher wasn't too happy about that- we paid for everything at check out but it turns out she was more disappointed we didn't go to the vending machine in the lobby to get cheaper snacks lol).