I almost went to jail in Mexico - or worse! 

The same thing happened to my friend. He was in a rental car, but got in the wrong lane coming back into the US. He said the signs were awful as to which lane he was supposed to be in. They made him get out of the car, yelled at him and after 30 minutes, made him a few hundred dollars lighter, allowed him to leave. It was a total shakedown. What a corrupt system.

Welcome to Baja! Lol… we flood that peninsula monthly for desert races and those kind of stories are endless each event. We’ve had guys pulled over by cops..everything in their vehicle worth value stolen out..then punched in the face for filming the cop on camera…then two days later you see that same guy working official security at the main event. Wild Wild West 🇺🇸〰️🦅

Bobby, you’re a smart guy, do you REALLY think going back to Mexico would be wise under the circumstances? You know your name and Stephanie’s name are both on a list of people who skated on paying fines. Is there anything down there that is worth the risk you would be taking? I think not. Don’t be foolish.

I’ve come and gone to Baja many times by auto, private aircraft and sailboats. Generally a good experience, but I have had a couple of shake down stops always in the auto. Rule #1, always try pay the bribe up front rather then give up your passport or drivers license. Once they take those, it will cost you. Interesting, I’ve found the best way to check in or out is by boat. Most marinas have an expeditor that will take your paper work and go to all the different offices and get it done while you sip margaritas. I think this could be a good business model for Mexico as many many of us are willing to pay for convenience but hate paying bribes. Sorry this happened, but don’t let this stop you from going back.

So sorry that you had to go through that. They have your passports, they know your faces and names and addresses, and God knows what else by now. You just don't know how many other people or other entry locations will have it, and what they might have in mind, should you return. Going back and taking that risk is just not worth it, bro.' If I were you I wouldn't even consider going back to Mexico for at least for a few years, if ever. There's a whole world of other beautiful, much safer places to see.

i’m verry sorry you had to experience such a horrible experience. my self and my family been going down to baja for years my wife and kids had a horrible experience at the same border crossing ten years ago we never went back to mexico the federralies are so curuped don’t ever go back you are very lucky .and we loved that place and we live sand diego glad you guys were safe love your channel

After living in Mexico and making several trips driving across the border in the 80’s. I’d only go back to Mexico on the airlines at a large tourist destination with all inclusive accommodation! I’m too old for roughing it adventuring that’s why I love watching Sailing Doodles and Glamping Doodles! Your photography and drone shots are amazing! Exploring restaurants and living life large! I spent 35 years at FL350 in an aluminum tube before being disabled and barely walking, unable to travel on retirement. There’s some beautiful places up north Canada Alaska to sail around during the right season!

Watch Narcos Mexico...everybody is on the take all the way up to El Presidente.

Don't ever go back! It's not worth taking the chance.

Don't go back , you got lucky 💫

Your previous video showing your adventure into Baja Mexico looked so beautiful; especially the saguaro cactus, which I love! Then last week when you showed the drive back, the wreck, and hassle with border officials I changed my mind. Love your videos; keep them coming. Ironic that they seem so intolerant of weapons when the cartels run free of the law with ample self protection.

Don’t do it for awhile (years). Take some well spoken locals who may know the “system” a little better with ya. Good luck. Great vids!

Unfortunately I wouldn’t go back. You’re probably on a list now. You got lucky for sure!

Do not go back! You could be arrested! Not worth going! So many other places for you to go!

Hoping for the best for you when you return to Mexico. I can't imagine you'd have any issues after the minor situation ya'll had but you never know. Again, love your videos! I may have to join you sometime!

Bob if they go in your bathroom again for a minute and leave you better run in there an check everywhere to make sure no plants!!!!!!!

Especially don't drive back with anything of value. TexMex friends of mine with family there don't drive anything worth taking, as banditos/police have robbed everyone for years and it is only worse now. Flying to a resort is safer, but given your experiences there, I would find somewhere else to go. It is a shame as I enjoyed scuba diving in Cozumel many years ago, but things are different there now too, although less than the main land.

There is no way that one border crossing knows what another border crossing does in Mexico. The guy would have found something wrong which has a jail penalty attached and then would have extorted your family for money to get you a jail cell with a concrete floor instead of the dirt one you are now in. This happens all the time at border towns across the Mexican border. Fly or sail in and out. Don’t drive, never, ever. Mexico is full of good people, but it has become a horrible place to visit for just the reasons you mention. You were lucky!!!

If no one else has suggested that email the US Embassy in Mexico, or one of the consulates in Mexico, and ask if you have a record. You may or may not get a response, of course but it’s worth a shot.

Always carry tools! Glad you did. I saw the video and your apparent lack of stress indicated you had a really bad situation under control. Sorry for the damage and hassle at the border. I would hate to know the cost for repair.

The video is a good one since it shows the dangers of the Mexican border. Lots of issues and problems in that area.

Native Texan here, grew up going down to Mexico, 20/30 years or so. No mas sir! Belize and Costa Rica since 2010 for me and family.

Good Job Bobby!!!!! Glad you are safe and home.

Hope it was worth it,,,geez...maybe go up usa west coast instead...to canada etc

Bobby, can you please let me know where you bought your Shure Microphone from? Thank You so much.

Hopefully your insurance covered the cost to repaint that side of the RV that had the clearcoat peeling.

I think you were talking about Ensenada. Rosarita Beach is the first city after Tijuana but there’s no marina there. Both are really fun beach towns spent a lot of time coming there from California.

Bobby, neither of you can go back, your names are in the Mexican database, they still have your passports and vehicle info. Even if you get big government involved on the U.S. side to clear your names MAYBE. However, I would call it a day "experience" and never go back. Even on a sailboat, plane, train, tricycle. It sucks, but is not worth it. Please tell your girlfriend, "NEVER GO BACK"..... Cheers Bobby.

Glad it all worked out And some interesting stories to tell

That hassel would be the last straw for me. Never to return.

the moral of the story, don't go to Mexico

My only advice is to stay out of Mexico. You will never know if might run into someone that connects your name to the incident. DON'T TAKE THE RISK, it is not worth it. Get that word to Steph also.

Mexicali East crossing is absolutely horribly marked. There is a separate commercial truck crossing farther to the east but I am not sure whether RV's are supposed to cross there or not. First time I crossed there I got into the wrong lane and had to wait forever to cross because of the terrible signage.

👍✅ and another story for the memoirs

Bobby, I just had my awning rip off my RV driving down the interstate due to wind gusts, not a fun experience!! Puerto Penasco has some nice RV parks on the beach and is a 4 hour drive from Phoenix. Great spot not too far into Mexico.

I love Mexico and spend a lot of time there, so stuff like this really makes me sad because it gives people such a bad impression of Mexico. I believe that it really reduces the number of Americans who visit and spend money there, and the government really needs to figure out a way to stop this, but unfortunately it's a top-down problem there.

I wish you the best in your travels. I've traveled the world in the US Army and know what countries to avoid. Mexico has corruption everywhere including the government, especially law enforcement. American travelers are soft targets. I strongly advise you and everyone else to avoid Mexico. It isn't worth it. You just don't know where the corruption lies. If you go to Mexico, you are rolling the dice. Too many other lovely, wonderful places in the world to visit. Travel elsewhere. Again, best wishes.

The other side of the gulf in Sonora has great, 4 lane roads. Puerto Penasco is the northern access to the gulf. After that there are other nice spots west of Hremosillo and San Carlos is on the gulf. Very safe in my experience. Ex-pat communities i many loactions all the way south.

Maybe you'll get a surprise and find them in your mailbox one day!

Come to the state fair while in Dallas

Sounds like ole boy wanted him a motor home.

We used to go down to Mex several times a year sailing with the Hobie Cat fleets at Ensenada, San Felipe, and Rocky Point. We did this for 20 years with no issues but we noticed a change in the vibe around 2000. Checkpoint shakedowns looking for bribes, a friend got deathly ill with food poisoning, a different attitude from the Federales. A pastor we knew was kidnapped and held for ransom by a cartel gang. Automatic weapon fire in broad daylight and a shooting/murder at the front entrance to a major hotel. We were robbed by a temporary maid who turned our room over looking for cash while we were at dinner. A 90' aluminum catamaran was stolen by a cartel boss and the American owner almost didn't get it back. All of these things combined left a bad taste in our mouth and we simply chose different winter vacation destinations. Never say never and we have friends who still go down to La Paz every year but the world is an amazing place. No reason to go where crime against tourists is escalating out of control. If things do go bad down there they can go very very bad.

Move Forward

Happens all the time you did the right thing by not going back with your rv. Total shakedown. Been crossing that boarder in Mexicali since 1990 and it’s different t every time .

U.S.A. State Department inquiry... for free???

Fly next time. 😢

Hi Bobby, i have been going to Baja Sur and Southern Mexico for many many years. For Baja always use Tijuana. Most Mexican speak english and are used to thousands of cars per day. Mexicali is not the main stream and has a tendency to be less anglo friendly. Especially when you are driving a Class A motor home, pulling a motorcycle with side car. Money flashing in neon lights. My take on the situation is as long as you go through TJ you will be fine. Most of the corrupt agents or federals arent going to put it in the system, because they are corrupt. Leave the motorhome in the States and rent a Casida down there. To crazy and to much attention with that Whale.😂❤

So many beautiful places in this country and Canada why put yourself at risk by going to Mexico?

Hello from Barbados.. see you at Fort Lauderdale boat show 2023

Sounds fun...when you going back?

Wow! Mexicali back in my day was the way to cross into Mexico. I’d avoid Tijuana. I had a pretty bad experience crossing back to the US in the 1980’s and never did that again! My opinion, if they put you in the their system and you bailed I’d not go back for awhile. Also, be careful admitting to any wrongdoing, even if it’s minor. Especially on RU-vid. You might want to check in on fellow RU-vid’ers tangerine travels, they live in and post all their experiences, good and bad living in Mexico. I’ll ask my Mexican cousins what they think for you. What sucks is having the Mexican Official still holding on to your passports.

Sadly not so safe anymore. My friend is a dual citizen and it’s not even safe for her to travel always a shakedown by cartels and police 👮‍♀️

I’m from Los Angeles, California, born and raised, I haven’t been to Mexico since I was 10 years old. Too dangerous and too unpredictable. While I would love to visit again, there is too much uncertainty for me thinking. When the completely ride themselves of the cartels and corrupt police officers, I’ll “think” about it. I learned a different language in high school, so I’ll visit Europe before I will ever go back to Mexico!

Harrowing story.. glad the border dudes on the US side were knowledgeable enough to steer you into NOT going back into the Mexican border crossing scam. And just because you never 'Broke a law' in Mexico doesn't mean you would be clear of any trouble if you ever go back... you didn't break a law the first time through and look what it got you.. Enjoy your new boat Bobby. Cheers.

Don't go back.

Thanks for sharing.

CBP will fine you thousands of dollars if you are returning in the wrong lane aka fast lane (sentri lane). So this side also have their own shakedown. Thousands of dollars, upwards of 5K per the news.

It’s no biggie…a lot of commenters on here rarely leave their couch. Old boy didn’t get his ransom but you’re really not anything he’s losing sleep on nor a vendetta. They win some/they lose some…it’s the game. Just FaceTime Geraldine she would’ve talked that cop to death.

I'd say the CBP guy knows better than any of the internet strangers on here, although it is kind of ominous that you can't get any lawyers to respond to you.

It is what it is.... dont ever go back without check things out on a state level....

The boarder issue is one reason why we stopped traveling to Mexico, the country is a POS now.

fly down there next time!

Come to Austin!

I would scratch Mexico off my list. Not worth the risk.

Don't go back, Bobby.

I grew up up in Phoenix, Rocky Point was our beach, five hour drive. The road at that time resembled what you described, primitive but we loved it. The development arrived. It all went to dangerous shit. Stopped going twenty years ago. I have far worse stories. Lucky to be alive, Lawless land. Will never enter Mexico again. Gringos are birds to be plucked, when in Mexico! Don’t go Oh! I forgot to mention the intestinal parasites you are Likely to bring home with you. That’s if you make it back to the states.

Looks like Dakota has a nice place there.

DON'T GO BACK!!!

Anyone who let a keeper like Stephanie get away deserves some time in a Mexican jail !

Do not go back in the same RV, or license #. Based on friends family troubles.

Just stay out.

Theives... Just like selected areas of even the USA. (truck police in TN)

Mexico is not the place to be right now

1:47 what does that mean? Ex pats or whatever? I've heard it a couple times, tried googling it and didn't get anything.

Bobby, what happened to you with the Mexican authorities is known as La Mordida (the Bite). It is ingrained in their system. You broke no laws. It's simply a way for authorities there to get $, especially from foreign travelers. I've seen it happen and had it happen to me. The U. S. guys were advising you correctly and you did the right thing. Consider the passports lost and move on.

Bobby love your videos, but I would not revile anything specific that could be consider a threat or slander just saying.

would you contact the Mexican Authorities and offer to pay the penalty at least you would lessen the chance if you return of being arrested for fleeing and avoiding paying the fine, if you keep all paperwork you will have evidence you paid restitution and were not avoiding your infringement, you can also in your correspondence state you were advised by US customs not to return with the RV, the other issue : I would not return in your boat as the last thing you want is having it impounded or confiscated

Seems better to fly to Cabo & rent a place

You need a new cap.

Of all the places to get in trouble! Don t let them catch u

Agree with others.......DO NOT CROSS THAT BORDER. your Name will PING!!!!! You Irie Bobby?????🚬

If either one of you aren’t going to feel comfortable in Mexico or driving back across the border it’s going to be something to sweat so hasta la vista Mexico.

There are to many countries in the world. Forget Baja and Mexico!

They see your fancy RV and they see it as money opportunity.

Personally, I wouldn't go back to MX. Seems too iffy, sketchy and unpredictable. And if you DO go back, drive a beater.

Mexico is unpredictable. You take your chances going in not knowing if you’ll come back out! That’s life! A few visits of mine without incident was enough to never want to go back again! Nobody cares over there. Smiles and pleasantries do not provide security.

Which govt is corrupt?

Note to self. Never ever ever visit Mexico.

Why go to Mexico? You are not protected there?? Lots of places in the US to visit!!

Don’t go back

Contact American Embassy in Mexico City. Maybe they could intervene. But, I would not hold my breath. Traveler beware!

Don’t go back!

😴....FOCHED DUDE, GET TO THE POINT, GHEEZ, FREAKING PACK A LUNCH, AND TIME OFF FROM WORK...GET TO THE POINT SOME DAY...MY GAWD👪

get a smaller RV

You should've just went with all the illegals that are coming over. You've been fine and you've got a free phone and some money

Don’t cross in Mexicali. That’s it. I live here in Baja been here for 27 years. Everyone is corrupt, they wanted to shake you down. They have your passport in that crossing period. Just screw Mexicali.

Wow, what a sad tale of corruption. Your odds of being in a national system as a wonted person are small, but I wouldn't take the chance and go back into Mexico unless I had clearance form a well-connected Mexican lawyer.

⚠️ - We want Geraldine back !!! ⚠️

Send the Mexican consulate the $1500 bill for your passports that were stolen by their border police.

Lol. Go back? Let’s see. You got stuck in traffic for a day. You banged up the RV coming back. You almost got scammed crossing. You lost your traveling companion. Nope. I wouldn’t go back. Try something new.