BajaNomad

Catavina Pemex

comitan - 9-23-2007 at 11:34 AM

Is the Catavina Pemex still pumping gas? Full time or partially also are they still selling gas out of barrels at BOLA turnoff.

Bajaboy - 9-23-2007 at 01:07 PM

Still selling out of barrels.

Zac

BajaBruno - 9-23-2007 at 01:14 PM

The last time I passed by (a couple of months ago) it didn't look like they had any intention of pumping gas again. That could change, of course, but it was pretty run down.

edinnopolo - 9-23-2007 at 02:27 PM

Plenty ridiculous, considering all the stations going up all over. This location definitely warrants one. But what do I know:?::P:P

You driving a Sherman tank?

Dave - 9-23-2007 at 03:11 PM

You can get gas out of barrels in Catavina as well as BLA turnoff but I can't help but ask why you couldn't (at least)make it to Jesus Maria? I drive a 98 Explorer, fill up in El Rosario and still have a 1/4 tank left at Vizcaino.

comitan - 9-23-2007 at 03:17 PM

Dave this question is not for me, its for someone coming down in a caravan in Dec. they only have a 14 gal. tank in a Toyota MH and their range is 180 miles, and the AAA book says that there is gas at Catavina. They don't want any surprises.

Dave - 9-23-2007 at 03:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
Dave this question is not for me, its for someone coming down in a caravan in Dec. they only have a 14 gal. tank in a Toyota MH and their range is 180 miles, and the AAA book says that there is gas at Catavina. They don't want any surprises.


If they carry a extra 5gl can that should be plenty. I wouldn't trust getting my gas out of barrels unless it was an emergency and/or carried a baja filter.

woody with a view - 9-23-2007 at 03:33 PM

soo... there is gas, just not a Pemex!

toneart - 9-23-2007 at 03:59 PM

I have bought gas out of barrels at the BOLA turnoff several times in recent years. There has never been a problem with quality. Pulling a trailer cuts down on the mileage and didn't want to take a chance. I don't have an adequate bumper or bracket for carrying gas cans outside. Carrying them inside has always caused problems with leaking and/or strong fumes.

Bob and Susan - 9-23-2007 at 05:23 PM

new tanks went in earlier this year but still not open

i think there is a problem since the hotel changed owners

they MAY need to get a license to sell gas or...they don't want to get into that business

TMW - 9-24-2007 at 07:01 AM

At Catavina and the BOLA turn off gas is hand pumped out of the barrels into jerry cans which are then poured into your vehicle. You pay a little more but as they say "when you need it you need it".

gnukid - 9-24-2007 at 12:23 PM

I enjoy buying gas from the guys with barrels just for the added security though you can easily negotiate an alternative e.g. bring extra gas, not sure why but it seems like old time fun and the gas has always been fine and the conversation excellent.

Watch out for speed traps there.

David K - 9-24-2007 at 05:32 PM

Gas is sold at Cataviņa by TWO independents the last couple times through, not the Pemex pump, however.

Remember that when you are getting gas out of a 5 gallon can, you are getting a true 5 gallons! Do top off at El Rosario... honest pumps there!

Support the independent operators... they drive over 150 miles (round trip)to sell gas at Cataviņa for just a dollar a gallon profit...

Also, at the L.A. Bay junction you will find 1 or 2 independent vendors selling out of 5 gallon cans.

Minnow - 9-24-2007 at 05:35 PM

I only had to buy gas from the privateers one time in Catavina. I was happy to pay what they asked. Actually I would have paid double what they asked.

Pappy Jon - 9-30-2007 at 08:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Minnow
I only had to buy gas from the privateers one time in Catavina. I was happy to pay what they asked. Actually I would have paid double what they asked.


x2. On my trip last March the stations were closed at BOLA when I pulled in from the south. I carry 35 gallons when full, but I had done a bunch of exploring. If it wasn't for the lady at Catavina I would have had to make some serious decisions on what to do. Thanks to her I was able to finish my adventure without worry.

Bajagypsy - 9-30-2007 at 09:36 AM

On one of our trips with the kids, I told mr gypsy he need to fill up with gas and he didn't. Got to Catavina, an empty, with four kids and a dog in the truck. Thank god for the barrels of gas at Catavina!!!!

BajaBruno - 9-30-2007 at 10:04 PM

I took gas out of the cans at Catavina only one time. A few hours later I was wallowing in the dirt replacing the fuel filter on my truck. Maybe a coincidence, but now I always bring a couple of my own jerry jugs to account for those unscheduled off-track trips.