BajaNomad

fuel along the way

zach4 - 2-16-2014 at 05:31 PM

Hi,

So if we drive from Tecate to GN in one day:

Is there a gas station right next to the border on the US side?


What are the places between Tecate and GN to fuel?
Is always paying in cash? in US dollars or in pesos?
How much should I give as a tip for the person who fuels the car?

thanks..

Pacifico - 2-16-2014 at 05:37 PM

Yes, there is a gas station on the US side....

Lots of places to fuel down to El Rosario, definitely top up there. Gas available roadside in Catavina and at the Bahia de Los Angeles turnoff. Then Jesus Maria...no problem getting to GN.

Better to pay in pesos and I usually tip them 10 pesos.

Good luck!

Pompano - 2-16-2014 at 05:40 PM

Hola zach4,

You asked:

"Is there a gas station right next to the border on the US side?"

Yes.

You'll see a small mall on your left just as you are approaching the Mexican border at Tecate. Gas is there on the right side of the mall. Also propane, some groceries, etc.

Lots of gas all down the Baja Highway. Pay in pesos, tip 10p if windows are washed.

[Edited on 2-17-2014 by Pompano]

chuckie - 2-16-2014 at 05:43 PM

BUT gas at that "small mall" is way more expensive than at the Pemex on the way out of Tecate...and they Have Haagen daas Dark chocolate ice cream bars...

David K - 2-16-2014 at 05:58 PM

The approx. halfway point to Guerrero Negro is El Rosario's Baja Cactus Pemex station with 100% honest pumps... so top off there... just about 225 miles from the border.

I suggest paying the slightly higher Pemex in Tecate, Mexico over the Tecate USA gas because you will be getting 100% gasoline and not the ethanol diluted stuff sold in California, which reduces gas mileage and is not good for the engine.

DaliDali - 2-16-2014 at 06:04 PM

Fuel up at the large Tecate Pemex (with a big mini-market) on the right side of the highway, just south of town central. Easy in and easy out.

Most any vehicle can make it to El Rosario from there with a full tank. About 225 miles.
A fill up in El Rosario will easily get you to the next Pemex in Jesus Maria. About 200 miles.

That small mini-market gas station on the US side of the border is a SHEET hole...literally.
DO NOT GO IN THE MEN'S BATHROOM. Just stay away period.

Bajahowodd - 2-16-2014 at 06:06 PM

First of all, if you are headed to Guerrero Negro, You will be traveling through Ensenada. There are gas stations on almost every corner.

The old days when the ability to obtain fuel was difficult have long been over.

Frankly, the only stretch of highway 1 that still presents a problem is between El Rosario and Guerrero Negro. But, if you can handle a slightly over 200 mile stretch with your tank, you will be good. We always fill at the Pemex by Los Pinos, just South of San Quintin. We then see if we get to Villa Jesus Maria, just North of Gurrero Negro, to see if we can make the next 40 miles or so.

You will be absolutely amazed at how many Pemex stations there are in Baja today.

[Edited on 2-17-2014 by Bajahowodd]

David K - 2-16-2014 at 07:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd


... You will be absolutely amazed at how many Pemex stations there are in Baja today.


and just as amazed as to how FEW there are after El Rosario!

It as the last Pemex station for 200 miles on Hwy. 1... it is honest... owned by a Baja Nomad member, and nobody works harder for the people of his town or the visitors from the north than Antonio Muñoz... 'BajaCactus' himself!

Please support Baja Cactus in El Rosario!

zach4 - 2-17-2014 at 12:15 AM

Okay, thanks.

Maybe a stupid questions - but these stations in El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria - are they just on the road and easily observed when you approach them?

it's our first time on this road and I don't want to miss them...

thanks

MulegeAL - 2-17-2014 at 07:27 AM

Z,
They are totally visible, you can't miss em.

C U in a few weeks!

A

Alan - 2-17-2014 at 07:59 AM

The Auto Club used to have a map that showed which towns had gas stations along the entire peninsula and indicated whether they had gas and diesel or just gas. My map is pretty old but still fairly accurate. About the only town that has gotten fuel since it was printed I believe is BoLA

apple - 2-17-2014 at 08:23 AM

Hey, this book has a lot of great info for the drive down, especially when it comes to advice on the roads.
http://www.amzn.com/0974947180/

That said, you can't miss a Pemex and ALWAYS pay in pesos.
"Lleno, por favor"

David K - 2-17-2014 at 09:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MulegeAL
Z,
They are totally visible, you can't miss em.

C U in a few weeks!

A


Both are on your left, when southbound and both are at the entrance (north side) of each town. Here is El Rosario's Pemex station (looking north):

Fuel or TP

bajaguy - 2-17-2014 at 09:42 AM

I would be more concerned about the availibility of toilet paper.....bring your own!! :lol:

baconjr - 2-17-2014 at 10:21 AM

Take pesos. Yesterday in Ensenada I saw cambio from 12.60-13.10 exchange rate at different stations.

DavidE - 2-17-2014 at 11:22 AM

But in a crisis, there are vendors selling Magna out of cans in pickup trucks near settlements between El Rosario and Villa Jesus Maria.

Villa Jesus Maria is the last point going south to get USA refined Magna and ULSD Diesel. South of there is all made in Mexico Magna and diesel.

The dispensers at Villa Jesus Maria are "Far Less Accurate" than the ones in El Rosario but being none from there south are accurate at least you can get better Magna. Made in Mexico Magna has a ways to go before it equals USA non ethanol gasoline (like Chevron and other TOP TIER gasoline). Some engines can care less what is burned others are @#$%^&! and demand USA top tier regular or Mexican Premium.

Alan - 2-17-2014 at 12:09 PM

I'll stick with Mexican gas. Can't buy non-ethanol fuel in California.

Barry A. - 2-17-2014 at 12:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
I'll stick with Mexican gas. Can't buy non-ethanol fuel in California.


Hmmmmm, interesting. At Safeway yesterday, I looked very carefully at the self-serve gas pump while fueling my car, and I saw NO placards saying that there was any ethanol in the fuel being dispensed. Don't fuel pumps dispensing "ethanol" in the States have to state that fact??

Barry

DavidE - 2-17-2014 at 04:36 PM

TOP TIER FUEL DOES NOT CONTAIN ETHANOL. Oh pretty please post an image of a Chevron or Shell dispenser that has the mandatory CONTAINS ETHANOL on it.

Bajahowodd - 2-17-2014 at 06:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd


... You will be absolutely amazed at how many Pemex stations there are in Baja today.


and just as amazed as to how FEW there are after El Rosario!

It as the last Pemex station for 200 miles on Hwy. 1... it is honest... owned by a Baja Nomad member, and nobody works harder for the people of his town or the visitors from the north than Antonio Muñoz... 'BajaCactus' himself!

Please support Baja Cactus in El Rosario!


I was seriously wondering exactly how much Antonio pays you for each positive post.

Although we have stayed at Baja Cactus a number of times in the past, we decided several years ago to change our pattern. We stay at Jardines, and fuel at Los Pinos.

Why?

The straw that broke the camel's back was several years ago. We were headed to to border after a long trip down to Cabo. We pulled into Antonio's Pemex, only to find that they had just begun a shift change. Seeing that it was going to take some time, I decided to take a leak at their sumptuous restrooms. Of course the place was less than pristine. While I was relieving myself, one of the employees came in with a mop and started to mop the floor.
Despite of the fact that there was no soap and no paper towels, after he mopped the floor, he held out his hand and asked me for a tip. Buena suerte.

When I returned to my car at the pump, it was at least 15 minutes since we arrived. An employee approached me, but not to pump gas. He was holding a jar of fuel additive that he wanted to sell me. I had to wait even longer for someone to come over and fuel my vehicle.

So, after that over 20 minute encounter, we decided, never again.

Nunca. Nada.

Hope you get spiffed well by Antonio.

I have gone on record in prior posts about how the hotel is grossly overrated. I will spared you those details.

David K - 2-17-2014 at 06:23 PM

Yup, I can think of one time I got less than perfect service at many Mexican businesses... I don't let it ruin my trip or persuade me to tarnish their business over it.

Antonio has remodeled restrooms, honest pumps, and is trying to have an emergency rescue service for anyone who might need it.

Los Pinos (the Rodriguez Tomato Growing Millionaires) don't have this kind of assistance I am aware of... nor have gone WAY over the top to help people in need (like Itzela's heart operation, Nomads breaking down, or other such 'human' activities).

So yes, I am enthusiastic to recommend Baja Cactus to everyone who travels through or to El Rosario. I have also promoted Jardines, where my wife and I had our 1 year anniversary dinner, with photos. I have also shown the gardens there in photos in my trip report of the past. Jardines doesn't offer an emergency ambulance service either... However Antonio's will come to Jardines if you fall from their stairs or have some other accident.

See the Desert Hawks thread: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=71485



Desert Hawks... Non Profit rescue group in El Rosario:

Emergencies: (616) 103-0262
Local Police Station: (616) 165-8858
BajaCactus: (616) 165-8850 / From the US: (1-619) 694-1082
Cruz Roja San Quintín: (616) 165-3637

Contact info:
Antonio Muñoz
info*at*deserthawksrescue.com
Desert Hawks is on Facebook Page

[Edited on 8-2-2014 by BajaNomad]

rts551 - 2-17-2014 at 06:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Yup, I can think of one time I got less than perfect service at many Mexican businesses... I don't let it ruin my trip or persuade me to tarnish their business over it.

Antonio has remodeled restrooms, honest pumps, and is trying to have an emergency rescue service for anyone who might need it.

Los Pinos (the Rodriguez Tomato Growing Millionaires) don't have this kind of assistance I am aware of... nor have gone WAY over the top to help people in need (like Itzela's heart operation, Nomads breaking down, or other such 'human' activities).

So yes, I am enthusiastic to recommend Baja Cactus to everyone who travels through or to El Rosario. I have also promoted Jardines, where my wife and I had our 1 year anniversary dinner, with photos. I have also shown the gardens there in photos in my trip report of the past. Jardines doesn't offer an emergency ambulance service either... However Antonio's will come to Jardines if you fall from their stairs or have some other accident.

See the Desert Hawks thread: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=71485



Desert Hawks... Non Profit rescue group in El Rosario:

Emergencies: (616) 103-0262
Local Police Station: (616) 165-8858
BajaCactus: (616) 165-8850 / From the US: (1-619) 694-1082
Cruz Roja San Quintín: (616) 165-3637

Contact info:
Antonio Muñoz
info*at*deserthawksrescue.com
Desert Hawks is on Facebook Page


give it a rest David. The los Pinos owners and employees (as well as others) do a lot for their community. Maybe you should visit the museum they put in sometime. I will bet that Antonio would fill you in on the multitude of people who are very generous and help others in the San Quintin Valley. Just ask him since you are so close




[Edited on 8-2-2014 by BajaNomad]

David K - 2-17-2014 at 06:37 PM

Ralph, you and HowOdd may enjoy countering anything positive I post about Mexicans I know, but I will not stop providing good news no matter how bad you two want to make things to be.

Bajahowodd - 2-18-2014 at 06:03 PM

I am absolutely not interested in "countering anything positive I post about Mexicans I know".

I am simply letting folks know my own personal experiences where I stop for food, fuel and overnight lodging.

I have no interest in doing business with the guy who lives in Tijuana and let's his employees run their own game of begging because he doesn't pay them enough.

And, as rts551 noted, the Los Pinos folks have literally generated tons of jobs that has lifted the economy of the Valle de San Quintin, and as a side note, created awful traffic for those of us traveling through,

Alan - 2-19-2014 at 07:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
TOP TIER FUEL DOES NOT CONTAIN ETHANOL. Oh pretty please post an image of a Chevron or Shell dispenser that has the mandatory CONTAINS ETHANOL on it.
As a boat owner this discussion really interested me. I have gotten so used to seeing those little placards about "can contain up to 10% ethanol" they soon stopped catching my attention and I just assumed that ALL California fuel contained ethanol and was required by the CARB. When I was in FL last year there were stations everywhere advertising non-ethanol fuel for boaters and I was wishing it was available here in CA.

Your post got me curious so I filled at a Chevron yesterday. You were right... no label indicating addition of ethanol! So when I got home I did a Google search and learned the following:
1. Ethanol was required by the CARB but that requirement exceeded it's sunset clause without being re-newed so its technically not required.

2. California does not require labeling of fuels containing ethanol.

3. In one forum someone got a response direct from Shell Oil who responded that ALL their fuel contains ethanol.

Based on this I stand by my statement that you can't buy non-ethanol fuel in CA unless it is specifically offered by a station and then you can expect to pay significantyly more per gallon.

For those who want to challenge my assessment they say a reasonably priced test kit is available that will quickly resolve any questions you have but short of that I will just assume that ALL gas in CA contains ethanol.

If someone finds a station that sells non-ethanol fuel as a standard practice please share that info. I know you will have a lot of interested boaters. One of the big problems for boaters is that the fuel ages quickly and the ethnaol and gasoline can seperate within just a few weeks. Since boaters typically aren't burning through fuel at the rate one does in a car this seperation becomes a real problem which many try to adress with additives such as Sta-bil or Ring Free.

chavycha - 2-19-2014 at 09:13 AM

Find a small general aviation airport that sells 91 octane- that will not have any ethanol.

Calif. gas with ETH !!

captkw - 2-19-2014 at 10:39 AM

all gas sold in gas stations and marina's have 10 percent ETH or more...if you want to learn more on the subject check "Phase separation" in your browser.. Baja gas is Much better (today/now) than the calif gas..."Chavycha" towing your boat into a airport is not like going to a 711 !! most have gates and the fuel is blue and red...if I remember correctly and not cheap...Again there is NO non ETH gas avable in calif........stabil wont help and "ring free is for decarboning the rings on a piston and has nothing to do with this subject !!....K&T

DavidE - 2-19-2014 at 10:49 AM

I guess a friend Terry McCallan who works at the Chevron Richmond refinery is nuts. He works at the gasoline finishing plant where MDA (metal deactivator), and the urea additives are injected into the fuel. Take a sample YOURself, One quart, in a clear jar. Drip ten droplets of water into the sample. Note how they sit on the bottom of the glass container. Seal the lid. Shake for a half minute. Let rest 5-minutes. Do you see the droplets now? If no, the fuel contains at least 5% ethanol or methanol. If the droplets are still there, the fuel contains no ethanol or methanol.

When I was attending college I worked at the Shell Oil Co, Martinez refinery (MTZ) in LOP. At the gasoline blending unit. When tetra-ethyl lead additive was still in vogue (incredibly poisonous).

AVIATION FUEL

Can only be dispensed into an aircraft using a MANIFEST and the transaction is recorded and documented. I listened in on a story told by an old Baja Bush Pilot who stated it was a nightmare to get fuel in Loreto for an aircraft that had landed at the Serinidad airport because of a fuel leak. Don Johnson was in on the conversation. If you try to purchase aircraft fuel you will hear the same information.

DavidE

captkw - 2-19-2014 at 11:05 AM

Martinez,, A fine place to live..LOL..from what Ive sreached on the net about finding non Eth gas at stations in calif is that its not being sold...do you know of a station around Monterey bay were I might find some a non Eth gas station ???? Btw did you get the meds ??? K&T

SlyOnce - 2-19-2014 at 11:45 AM

5 pesos is plenty of a tip for filling the gas and washing the front window. If services go beyond that I might go up. Sometimes I throw in a few extra loose "monedas" 1 or 2 peso coins rolling around in the tray.

There is no need to grossly overtip in Baja.

Alan - 2-19-2014 at 11:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
....stabil wont help and "ring free is for decarboning the rings on a piston and has nothing to do with this subject !!....K&T
Which is why I stated many "try" to address those issues in that manner.

Alan

captkw - 2-19-2014 at 11:58 AM

" Roger" "good copy on All"

Top Tier CA gasoline ETHANOL label image for Dahveed

David K - 2-22-2014 at 09:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
TOP TIER FUEL DOES NOT CONTAIN ETHANOL.

Oh pretty please post an image of a Chevron or Shell dispenser that has the mandatory CONTAINS ETHANOL on it.


As a boat owner this discussion really interested me. I have gotten so used to seeing those little placards about "can contain up to 10% ethanol" they soon stopped catching my attention and I just assumed that ALL California fuel contained ethanol and was required by the CARB. When I was in FL last year there were stations everywhere advertising non-ethanol fuel for boaters and I was wishing it was available here in CA.

Your post got me curious so I filled at a Chevron yesterday. You were right... no label indicating addition of ethanol! So when I got home I did a Google search and learned the following:
1. Ethanol was required by the CARB but that requirement exceeded it's sunset clause without being re-newed so its technically not required.

2. California does not require labeling of fuels containing ethanol.

3. In one forum someone got a response direct from Shell Oil who responded that ALL their fuel contains ethanol.

Based on this I stand by my statement that you can't buy non-ethanol fuel in CA unless it is specifically offered by a station and then you can expect to pay significantyly more per gallon.

For those who want to challenge my assessment they say a reasonably priced test kit is available that will quickly resolve any questions you have but short of that I will just assume that ALL gas in CA contains ethanol.

If someone finds a station that sells non-ethanol fuel as a standard practice please share that info. I know you will have a lot of interested boaters. One of the big problems for boaters is that the fuel ages quickly and the ethnaol and gasoline can seperate within just a few weeks. Since boaters typically aren't burning through fuel at the rate one does in a car this seperation becomes a real problem which many try to adress with additives such as Sta-bil or Ring Free.


The pump:



The label:



Sorry Dahveed, things have changed in the USA. This was taken this past week at a Shell station in San Marcos, CA. I really wish I could find ethanol free gasoline so I would burn LESS fuel, get better mileage, and pollute less because ethanol is bad for engines... It should be left in corn for animals and people to eat!

Ateo - 2-22-2014 at 09:17 AM

Ethanol = better air quality. It oxygenates the fuel and allows the fuel to burn more completely, therefore cleaner emissions.

David K - 2-22-2014 at 09:57 AM

Jon, you are the gasoline guy, but it lowers the fuel energy by diluting gasoline with alcohol and I know my gas mileage suffers. So, how does burning more fuel improve air quality? I use 10-15% more fuel in California than in ethanol-free Baja to drive the same distance.

Alan - 2-22-2014 at 11:18 AM

I suspect it has much more to do with providing a market for American corn than improving the environment.

BajaDanD - 2-22-2014 at 11:29 AM

you are not gonna be on a freeway where you need to watch for gas stations off the off ramps you are gonna be on a two lane road where everything is right there. don't worry you cant miss them. Just make sure you top off in El Rosario.

Marc - 2-22-2014 at 04:58 PM

I used to carry extra 30 gal gas. Now 10 gal just in case.