top of page
Welcome to Off the GRID Expeditions registration page. This page contains all the essential information about your upcoming trip. We understand that you are eagerly preparing for this Baja Adventure! Proper preparation is crucial to ensuring that everyone enjoys a great time.
Please read all the details and let us know if you have any questions! Get ready to have a fantastic time
The numbered items below are things you need to do ASAP.
Connor Gilmer
949-838-5350
Connor@offthegridexpeditions.com
1. Driver and Co-Driver Trip Prep Registration
Driver / Co-Driver Registration "Everyone must complete the registration form.
Registration Link
2. Communication
We will communicate updates and changes through the WhatsApp app. We'll set up the group by the name of the trip. Once we receive your registration back, we'll add you to the text stream. Please visit your App store on your smartphone and download it or click here https://www.whatsapp.com/download
Expedition Name
Uncharted Baja - Nov 8th to 12th 2024
hhttps://chat.whatsapp.com/B9y7qOfl1YwEMCGcDyUs4Z
3. Baja Insurance
Insurance is required 100% for these trips. Your USA insurance doesn't cover your UTV in Mexico. Please have your policy secured and paid for prior to entry in Mexico. Date entering and date leaving.
Mexican Auto Insurance - Baja Bound Insurance. 888-552-2252
(Rentals come with Mexican Insurance)
www.bajabound.com
4. HOTEL - Marriott Courtyard - El Cajon
This is a great hotel to stay at the night before. We (Off the GRID Expeditions) Staff stay there most of the time before every event. Marriott in El Cajon CA. Please make sure to book your room...
This hotel has a large parking lot adjacent to the hotel. If booking another hotel, please call ahead or think about parking for your truck/trailer. This hotel is about 1 hour from the border meeting location.
We depart the hotel at 6:00 am ish, do a quick Starbucks stop, and meet at the Tecate border.
Transportation is available for those in rentals.
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon
141 N Magnolia Ave
El Cajon, CA 92020
If you have questions in any way, please call Connor at 949-838-5350-838-5350
The Hotel Web Link is now live. Please book through this link!
Not Live yet
4. TRIP - Parking for tow vehicle & Trailer - Tecate CA (detail)
This is done when parking
Parking Lot Address
24699 Humphries Road, Tecate CA 91980 2nd Left on dirt road
The parking costs $10.00 a day. Please pay at the gate shack.
Rentals will be transported to the parking lot for you.
Once you make the left go through the yellow gate find a parking spot that does not block anyone please.
Reminder: Please be at the meeting point by 7:30 am. Arrive early to unload your UTV, secure your gear, and transfer your bags to the chase truck. We can transport your luggage over the border on the chase truck, but please carry any spare parts on your UTV due to new taxes. After crossing the border, we will move your spare parts to the chase truck. There will be a driver's meeting from 7:30 to 8:30, and load your GPS with the exact trail map, followed by an immediate departure for the border.
Have your registration out and ready for inspection at the border. Know where your VIN is located on your UTV
Google Map Link
Getting Prepared for Baja
Being prepared before we start this adventure is key. So let gets you ready to go!
UTV - Vehicle Preparations
Our goal at Off the GRID Expeditions is to have a good time. With that said, being prepared and having the right tools/equipment can make everyone’s day much more enjoyable!
Rentals do not apply to this FYI
Vehicles
UTV prep is a must prior to any run. If one vehicle has a problem, we all have a problem.
All services done on vehicle. (oil change, air cleaner, brakes, nuts and bolts. No maintenance services will be performed on trail)
All tires aired to proper pressure. 15 to 18 psi recommended (one) (1) Spare in required on UTV)
All equipment and parts securely tied down in UTV. (one (1) rear axle is required on the UTV securely)
Full Fuel Tank. (Spare gas can be carried but must be safe and secure)
Tools, Jack and Tow strap secured.
Helmet with wired speakers for Intercom system.
Radio - Mounted VHF radio, with weatherman programmed frequency 151.625
Intercom - We highly recommend a wired intercom so you can clearly hear the radio and can easily transmit on the radio while driving.
GPS - Lowrance GPS Unit only- No exceptions (We provide the GPS file before each expedition)
Off Road lights - Some good light so you are comfortable driving at night. LED lights are recommended.
Non-Factory jack (factory jack is not sufficient on soft uneven ground)
Tools / Tow strap (Bring only the basics we’ll have the rest)
Registration / Mexican Insurance
Personal Preparations
Luggage Bags
Most over pack on every trip so please keep in mind less is better, more importantly please no hard suit cases only soft style duffle bags about 60L works the best. Your bags will be riding on the chase truck so get a good one.
Dress, Medications, ID, and Money
Check the weather!! Most all of us have smart phones so check to see the weather in the areas we will be heading through. (Tecate, Ensenada, San Quintin, Etc) dress for the unexpected. Most days are warm enough to wear shorts and a tee shirt. Be prepared for what the day may throw at us. Rain gear and a warm Jacket are a must for certain times of the year. There have been times when we encountered snow. It's Baja, and you never know what to expect. Keep a day pack on your UTV with at least one change of clothes, Toiletries, and anything you need when you get to the hotel. Chase trucks usually arrive before us; just in case they are delayed, have stuff with you.
Medications - Carry them securely on your UTV. Make sure you have enough for the whole trip.
Drivers License / Passport for Driver and Co-Driver carried on your person.
Cash - We recommend $1500.00. Fuel, Lunch, Possable parts we can sometimes purchase in Baja, Nicknacks you want to buy along the way. Mexico accepts Dollars or Peso. Change is given in Pesos most of the time. Most everywhere takes credit cards as well FYI. Keep it securely on your person, NOT in a bag on your UTV.
Credit Cards - Most gas stations don't accept Credit Cards. Be Prepared with Cash to make stops speedy.
Food, Drinks, Snacks:
Lunch - Remember we do stop for lunches but timing in uncertain due to breakdowns and other unforeseen circumstances. So snack up!!!
Food - Please have all snacks secured on your UTV. Breakfast / Dinner included. There's usually a stop for lunch, but it really depends on time and travel issues that could occur. Recommended is to bring a few sandwiches just in case.
Water/Gatorade/Sodas. Bring what you like to drink—usually a stop in the morning for Drinks and Ice for the day.
The Chase truck can carry additional snacks, water, and drinks if needed. You can stock your coolers at the hotel each night. We usually stop for Ice/fuel each morning. Ice is available at some of the hotels, too.
Gratuities "Your crew works hard to make your trip memorable. Gratuities are not included in the trip price, but if you would like to show your appreciation, please tip the tour leader of the group. This will allow us to ensure that your gesture is fairly distributed among the crew."
bottom of page