bajarickster - 11-3-2007 at 09:27 AM
Hola Nomads, I'm driving a Jeep Wrangler from Tecate to la Paz, the end of Nov. Because of it's extra weight, (winch, brush guards roof rack etc) I
only get about 10 mpg. With a 16 gal tank, my range is only 150 miles
I bought four 5 gal plastic containers that are approved for gas and diesel. I plan to strap them on roof rack. Will I have any problems at border
crossing or at stops, with external gas? With the extra gas, I should have a range of about 300 miles. Will I be OK? I heard that the Pemex
reopened in Catavina. Is that correct? Are there any stretches longer than 250-300 miles without Pemex?
Also plan a little fiesta at my new place in La Paz, after 1st of yr. I'll put out a notice later. How many nomads in La Paz??
Thanks Bajarickster
BMG - 11-3-2007 at 09:47 AM
Bajarickster,
We drove our Blazer down last month pulling the cargo trailer. Also got about 10 mpg with a small tank. I strapped a 5 gal can to the trailer tongue
as a back-up. The only stretch we found with no Pemex station was between El Rosario and Guerrero Negro. I was worried about that stretch but never
needed the back-up as it turned out as there were a few places in that stretch that had gas for sale out of barrels. Seems to me it was M$160 for 5
gal. As noted many times on this forum, don't pass up a station unless you know there is another one not too far down the road.
With an extra 20 gal, you shouldn't have any problem. In fact, it's probably overkill. I wouldn't fill them until El Rosario. After GN you should be
fine even with the limited range.
Always up for a fiesta. Just say when and where.
Diver - 11-3-2007 at 09:53 AM
We typically cross at Tecate with a boat tank and another 5 gal strapped to the back. We have never even been asked about it.
4 cans are overkill - I wouldn't fill more than 1 before you cross as gas will be cheaper further south.
David K - 11-3-2007 at 11:40 AM
Taking extra cans of gas into Mexico is illegal and you will be turned back if caught! I have been checked as I had a 5 gal can in my truck... at
Tecate, they also sniffed by blue can's contents to make sure it was only water!
4baja's friends were turned back at Tijuana and had to spend hours selling their excess gas to people in front of a San Ysidro gas station...
Fill them in Mexico once you are more than 20 km. south for the best price... El Rosario's Pemex has honest pumps, 225 miles south...
No, the Pemex at Cataviņa is not open (again),. but that is only 76 miles from El Rosario, anyway... 1-2 independents sell there and again at the L.A.
Bay jcn., 60 more miles south for about a dollar a gallon profit over the Pemex price.
Guerrero Negro is less than 300 miles from El Rosario (closer to 200), so you should cruise there, no problem... Gas at L.A. Bay from 2 stations, as
well... 41 miles east of Hwy. 1... 176 miles from El Rosario.
200 miles is about the longest stretch without Pemex in Baja...
[Edited on 11-3-2007 by David K]
vandenberg - 11-3-2007 at 11:55 AM
Longest stretch without a Pemex is from El Rosario to Jesus Maria, 25 miles north of Guerrero Negro, a total distance of under 200 miles. And some
independent vendors along that stretch, so no problem.
reefrocket - 11-4-2007 at 10:09 AM
DK should have highlighted this part Fill them in Mexico once you are more than 20 km. south for the best price...
it's cheaper than here!!! Leave them empty till you get across - no problems.