BajaNomad

Ultra low sulfur diesel availability

Robbb - 11-8-2022 at 08:53 AM

Hi All. I'm planning my first Baja trip in about 20 years.

Last time I was in a 1979 VW van that broke down repeatedly - but in style. This time I'll be driving a 2018 RAM 2500 diesel.

Maybe I'm bad at the internet, but I can't seem to find definitive first-hand reports on the availability of ULSD for modern diesel engines in both BCN and BCS. There are plenty of anecdotal reports on the general availability of local UBA, but many are dated or vague.

Does anyone have recent first-hand experience finding and fueling with ULSD/UBA from Ensenada to La Paz? Did your diesel vehicle make it home intact? 😬

I'll update this thread with my own findings as well. Thanks!

David K - 11-8-2022 at 09:41 AM

Baja Norte has been ULSD or in Spanish UBA (Ultra Bajo Azufre) for several years now.
I think plenty of Nomads have been driving theirs in Baja Sur without issue but let's see what others have to say, as I don't drive a diesel vehicle.

RFClark - 11-8-2022 at 10:17 AM

Robbb,

We just drove down in a gas rig. The correct signage is there for low Sulfur diesel all along the highway to Los Cabos. The reviews are mixed regarding milage. I don’t remember anyone reporting mechanical problems. Water in fuel can be a problem in humid climates and if your truck requires an additive, I would bring my own along with spare fuel filters. You see a fair number of used filters along the road!

bajafreaks - 11-8-2022 at 04:00 PM

Drove last year down and back in my 2016 ram 2500 diesel no problem finding fuel and the truck ran fine. Bring a box of DEF with you also. You'll be fine I was worried too.

David K - 11-8-2022 at 04:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajafreaks  
Drove last year down and back in my 2016 ram 2500 diesel no problem finding fuel and the truck ran fine. Bring a box of DEF with you also. You'll be fine I was worried too.


So for my curious mind... is the 'Ultra Bajo Azufre' at stations in Baja Sur, or just 'Bajo Azufre' and your truck had no issues running that?

bajafreaks - 11-8-2022 at 04:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by bajafreaks  
Drove last year down and back in my 2016 ram 2500 diesel no problem finding fuel and the truck ran fine. Bring a box of DEF with you also. You'll be fine I was worried too.


So for my curious mind... is the 'Ultra Bajo Azufre' at stations in Baja Sur, or just 'Bajo Azufre' and your truck had no issues running that?


They claim to be Ultra, but you never know, my truck ran fine regardless.
Filled up at every chance I could from San Felipe to Los Barriles.

[Edited on 11-9-2022 by bajafreaks]

bajatrailrider - 11-8-2022 at 05:22 PM

Both of my Diesel trucks get better MPGs and more power with Mex diesel.

Robbb - 11-8-2022 at 06:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajafreaks  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by bajafreaks  
Drove last year down and back in my 2016 ram 2500 diesel no problem finding fuel and the truck ran fine. Bring a box of DEF with you also. You'll be fine I was worried too.


So for my curious mind... is the 'Ultra Bajo Azufre' at stations in Baja Sur, or just 'Bajo Azufre' and your truck had no issues running that?


They claim to be Ultra, but you never know, my truck ran fine regardless.
Filled up at every chance I could from San Felipe to Los Barriles.

[Edited on 11-9-2022 by bajafreaks]


Thanks for sharing your experience!

TSThornton - 11-9-2022 at 07:29 AM

My report is the same as the others. I'm in Todos now and have driven down 4 times in the last 2 years in my Ram 1500 diesel. I've not been selective on where I fuel and have had no problems. But bring a refill of DEF.

mtgoat666 - 11-9-2022 at 07:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
Both of my Diesel trucks get better MPGs and more power with Mex diesel.


I see Pemex usually selling fuel labeled with cetane 45. California sells diesel with higher cetane. Your Mexican diesel is probably more like a #2 and in usa you are buying more of a #1.

Ateo - 11-9-2022 at 09:26 AM

My comment is a little off topic BUT Diesel #2 is on it's way out here in California....being replaced by the majors for "Renewable Diesel".