Driving to Nicaragua

[PC-UT-XJ]

I figured maybe a few of you have driven through Mexico. I've read a couple articles in 4WD&SU about wheeling in Baja, and it sounds like as long as you have the right insurance and nothing illegal, it shouldn't be too bad. But then again I've also heard the legends about people never coming back from Mexico and having their vehicles taken.

I'd think having a flashy XJ wouldn't be such a good idea, but I have a sleeper rig of sorts. It's Patriot Blue, though if anyone down there knew about XJ parts, my rig would be a big target: Custom D44 Rear w/ ARB Air Locker, 4.56, ARB/Warn Super 30 Kit w/ Air Locker, JB Slip Yoke, Tom Wood's Driveshaft, RE 4.5" Superflex modifed for 6", 33" Baja Claws, Black Rock Crawler Rims, Bushwackers, ARB Bull Bar, Factory Tubular custom rear bumper/swing out tire carrier.

Would I be flirting with disaster taking my XJ through there? I'm only 19 but would have at least one friend with me. Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks

 

[PC-UT-XJ]

P.S. I'm pretty fluent in spanish.

 

[creeperjeep]

pack some heat and mabey some N2o

 

[Clean Racing]

Its really not that bad once you get past mexico. If your fluent in spanish and don't carry any illegal items you should be ok, bring lots of cash accessable funds. The customs clowns always jerk you around, looking for bribes. You should really enjoy the ride.

Scott.

 

[seanR]

A very good friend of mine and his wife were kidnapped in Mex. whitle driving to Guata. But they were out past dark while in a rural area.
I know other people who have done it and had no problems.
JUST DON"T BE OUT AFTER DARK!

 

[Jump This]

Research....research ....and research again.
(like you are doing here)
XJs are plentiful in Mexico...so if you break down parts are probably available.
I would suggest finding another Jeep to travel with.
Be able to repair as much as you can without outside assistance...that means bringing tools and spares...kinda' like when you are out for some hard core wheelin'...
I love Mexico and have friends as far south as Belize.
Good luck..
Rick R

 

[karstic]

Do a google search on the Pan-American highway. A Swedish couple did the Pan American from Alaska to Argentina. They've got some good info on some of the customs issues they had to deal with.I've thought of the same trip a couple of times also, especially after being to Panama and Costa Rica this past summer. After Mexico, I think XJ's thin out pretty quick, we saw mainly TLC's, and Mitsu's.

 

[Gil BullyKatz]

My parents are retirees and own a house overlooking the Pan-American highway in Guatemala...

I did a lot of driving back and forth to central america (business and pleasure) visited honduras and nicaragua in the '80s courtesy of Uncle Sam.

Mexico will be the worst part...

Bring cash, hide small amounts in different places...
You WILL get hit for bribes...
Try to hook up with a convoy going border to border...
Stick to the main highways...
Do not argue legalities with local authorities at "checkpoints"... just bite it and pay up.
Carry spares
If ya do it... hit me backchannel and you can stop and rest at my dad's place.

 

[Drunk tank]

you should also bring a few pornos with BLONDS... penthouse, club and hustler are best. Then if you get pulled over at any miltary checkpoints and they wanna seach your rig... leave one on the seat. theyll look at it, trust me. let em have it and youll be amazed how fast you get through there! guys come out oof the machinegun nest and all... turns into a freaking football huddle!

good places to hide cash: inside your air vents! tape it to the inside as far back as you can reach.
under your 4x4 bezzle... pops right off and you can hide lots of stuff down there.
Behind your rear speakers and kida pushed up twords the middle of the sound bar.

Those would be some of my favs if I were gonna do that.

Also, install some security stuff. Wheel locks! kill switchs, simple and effective. Have something inside the cab that hidden and kills the starter. also, the main fuse block under the hood; cut the power supply wire somewhere where you loose sight of it, and install a relay there then hide a switch in some crazy place under the hood..... simple stuff liek that could save your ass! you may not have a stereo in the morning... but at least youll have transportation!