BajaNomad

how not to get screwed by the propane guy?

willardguy - 2-2-2014 at 02:38 PM

so we've got a fighting chance at the pemex, now the propane truck shows up (finally) you hand the guy a thousand peso's, how do really know how much you got?? btw, monday will be day 4 waiting for gas, each phone call I get "we'll be there in an hour":lol: must be ex-cable guys!

Pompano - 2-2-2014 at 03:10 PM

Believe me, Willard, I feel your pain and wish I could help you more....but here's some input, anway.

Waiting..and/or Looking For...the propane truck has been a major activity down here since Day One. People would lurk on the highway to waylay them on their routes. Use the local vhf radios to find out their whereabouts, etc. It was always a real treasure hunt...and a HOOT!

Nowadays, our propane truck usually gets there within 2 days of phoning them at the main office. Our guys now have cell phones so we can call them direct. Also there is a gauge on the back of the delivery truck showing the price per liter and which registers the amount pumped into your tank and goes on your receipt. Also you can check the gauge on your own tank....IF you have one. It helps to make gifts like cold Cokes or iced tea, served by your Co-pilot in a bikini.

Mostly though, it's still a crapshoot! Hang in there.

Sweetwater - 2-2-2014 at 03:34 PM

Quote:

Also you can check the gauge on your own tank....IF you have one. It helps to make gifts like cold Cokes or iced tea, served by your Co-pilot in a bikini.


Very believable, but useless without pics......of the co-pilot......:light:

DENNIS - 2-2-2014 at 03:55 PM

I agree. Know your gauge, and tank size, and refill by tenths or quarters or whatever.
I mean, if you have a 500 liter tank and the gauge says 50%.......you know it'll take 40% more to the safe level......that would be 200 liters.
So...you know the price of a liter and order accordingly.
Do the math with the driver so everybody's on the same page.

When your tank is full and the hose wound up, tip the driver and his helper like a drunken sailor and your future problems will diminish.

Geo_Skip - 2-2-2014 at 04:07 PM

Pompano has the trick. A female companion with VERY prominent mammalian characteristics has helped me in several situations with the Mexican Military at checkpoints and at every incident where we needed assistance or information. The Mexican officials do appreciate an attractive woman who pretends to speak limited Spanish, while being fluent!

jimgrms - 2-3-2014 at 09:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano[/i






Believe me, Willard, I feel your pain and wish I could help you more....but here's some input, anway.

Waiting..and/or Looking For...the propane truck has been a major activity down here since Day One. People would lurk on the highway to waylay them on their routes. Use the local vhf radios to find out their whereabouts, etc. It was always a real treasure hunt...and a HOOT!

Nowadays, our propane truck usually gets there within 2 days of phoning them at the main office. Our guys now have cell phones so we can call them direct. Also there is a gauge on the back of the delivery truck showing the price per liter and which registers the amount pumped into your tank and goes on your receipt. Also you can check the gauge on your own tank....IF you have one. It helps to make gifts like cold Cokes or iced tea, served by your Co-pilot in a bikini.

Mostly though, it's still a crapshoot! Hang in there.

[/quote


So wheres the photo of co pilot in a bikini???

rhintransit - 2-3-2014 at 10:01 AM

after five years of hauling tanks from my off the grid beach palapa to the propane plant, then two years of waiting on the propane truck to fill a stationary tank in town, I'm now happily settled in in Nopolo/Loreto Bay where I have propane to the house! talk about decadent! five to seven dollars a month, payable at the gas office in town, completely power my gas stove and gas clothes dryer (yes, decadent again!)

bajajudy - 2-3-2014 at 10:27 AM

They always give us a receipt, printed out with the amount on it

BajaBlanca - 2-3-2014 at 10:36 AM

Rhintransit I am so envious. You are very LUCKY!

DavidE - 2-7-2014 at 11:37 AM

How about taking a pot or cylinder to the plant and them charging to fill the container to liquid level specs. One hundred percent jammed full. You pay for it, but you get 80% until the vapor bleeder starts spewing liquid.

I took a calibrated hanging scale in kilos to the planta de gas outside San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, showed the men there the tare weight, then the total weight and it differed almost 30% from what I was charged IN KILOGRAMS.

I was invited to never return.