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| Mexico Camping Experts Bill and Dot Bell |
Dot and Bill Bell are Mexican RV experts and have taught and led seminars about camping in Mexico throughout Canada and the US. Their website, is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.
Questions this issue:
Devil's Backbone
Mazatlan camping/ routing
Mexican Beer
Dear Bill and Dot,
Have you crossed the "Devil’s Backbone" between Durango and Mazatlan? (Highway 40 from Durango to Mazatlan). I have not driven that road and I was curious if it's passable with a 38-foot fifth wheel. Some of my Mexican friends say it's no problem but better to pass at night so you can see the headlight around the hairpin turns. I understand that some turns require both lanes by the trucks that travel the road. --Norman Mahurin
Hi Norman,
This is the only major highway in Mexico that we have yet to travel, however we have talked to many who have and, yes, they traveled with similar if not bigger rigs. They said it
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| The Devil's Backbone is a popular route to Mazatlan but it is not for the faint of heart. Dot Bell Map |
was beautiful but not easy and very tough on the brakes.
Traveling at night? We never recommend it as there are too many animals on the road and we have seen first hand the damage that these animals have inflicted on RVs traveling at night. It's best to start out early from Durango when truck and car traffic is at a minimum and you're alert. Pullouts are few and far between on this highway, but when you find them pull off for a few minutes to cool down your brakes and take it nice and slow around the hairpin turns.
If you've driven in Mexico on these types of roads you know it's impatient drivers in the oncoming lanes trying to pass slow trucks that you have to watch out for. They don't call it the "Devils Backbone" because it's easy. -- Bill and Dot
Hi,
My wife and I are planning to head down to the Mazatlan area in August. I have traveled the east coast of Mexico quite a bit but this will be our first trip to the Pacific side and we're very excited. We'll be taking our Lance 820 slide-in truck camper.
From your experiences in that area, do you have a favorite RV park or campground? We've been looking into the Mar Rosa since it's right on the beach. We'll be spending 8-10 days in that area.
Also, have you ever traveled Highway 40 from Monterey to Mazatlan? I know it's not the traditional route but I have heard that the stretch from Durango to Mazatlan is very steep. Any thoughts? --Tom Pennington
Hi Tom,
Be prepared for Hot and Humid weather in August. I wouldn't worry about an RV park until you get there. In August they will be mostly empty and you will be able to pick the exact one you want.
Mar Rosa is probably the best in the area although more expensive. We took the last caravan there and they loved it. You will get an Oceanside spot for sure.
Highway 40 is very, very steep. Please read the above question and answer. We suggest you take a detour if you can. You will find cooler and much more interesting towns and cities if you head to Guadalajara and then down Highway 15. But this is a suggestion because roads like #40 that are narrow with hairpin curve after hairpin curve take a long time to travel. Also I would rather go "up" rather than "down" in an RV. You don't have to wear out your brakes (and nerves).
We are willing to work with you to get the best round trip route for you. So don’t hesitate to write again. --Dot and Bill
Hi Guys,
I love Mexican beer. Tell me about your favorites and the best way to buy it. -- Jack in Tucson
Hi Jack,
Well now you've hit on one of our favorite subjects. Mexican beer. It can be bought at grocery stores everywhere. The least expensive places are "Depositos" or a franchised outlet. The first time you buy bottled beer it costs quite a bit because you are purchasing the bottles and the beer. Keep your receipts. The next time it is significantly less; approximately half, or about $10 USD for a case of 20, when you return your empties.
The absolute cheapest way to buy beer is in large bottles called Ballenas or "Whales." These give you approximately three times the amount that you would find in a normal bottle. The disadvantage is that the bottles get warm quickly in the Mexican heat. The good news is that they are bottled in brown glass.
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| Mexico has many great beer in many different sizes the "whale" is over three times the size as the regular bottle |
Brown glass is considerably better than clear and marginally better than green glass to store and preserve the freshness of the suds.
If you have ever opened a bottle and smelled that unmistakable skunky smell. . .well that's the problem. Beer deteriorates with light. Cans are fine but more expensive.
As for brands, we think folks are VERY influenced by advertising. Last year in La Peñita Trailer Park we had a blind beer tasting. Each participant stated in advance what brand they thought they preferred before the tasting began. We selected eight Mexican beers and poured them into identical glasses. We blindfolded each participant and they rated each beer and tried to guess the corresponding brand.
The results? Generally speaking, the participants could not identify their favorite beer. In fact, they had a problem identifying ANY of the beers. (four out of eight was the best result). They often rated their favorite beer as the worst. The overall conclusion was that we are all too influenced by advertising. We suggest you try a number of different labels because there are many that are very delicious.
Our favorite? Well we currently like Dos XX Amber sometimes called Obsura. But that will change next week to a new and different flavor. Salud! --Dot and Bill
PS. Remember never drink and drive. . . even in Mexico
For more information about RVing and exploring Mexico, go to The Bell's Website or to ask your question about RVing in Mexico write editor@ontheroadin.com .
For a big selection of books about RVing in Mexico visit RVbookstore.com.com
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