BajaNomad

new here and question on fuel availability

da.vo.6 - 11-8-2022 at 09:57 PM

Hello!

Great forum, so much information. My wife and I are planning to head down from western Canada for 5-6 weeks in the new year, first time to the Baja! Planning to spend more time in Baja Sur than otherwise, we're hoping to explore more remote beaches, camping, etc.

My question is regarding premium (ie 91 octane) fuel - our vehicle requires that and I haven't been able to track down info in terms of how frequently premium gas is available. we plan to carry 15 extra gallons so we'll have pretty good range but any info on confirmed locations for premium fuel would really be appreciated.

I guess it could be that most major stations have premium in the larger towns? If so great, but I haven't been able to see any confirmed info on that.

Thank you for any info!!

Dave.

Maderita - 11-9-2022 at 02:52 AM

Rather than carrying 15 gallons of gas, which is hazardous, why not bring a couple pints of octane booster?
The efficacy of various brands differ, so do a little research before buying.
In the event that you have to run some lower octane gas, the knock sensor should signal the engine control computer to retard the timing. Go easy on the throttle and accelerate slowly. Try to avoid WOT (wide open throttle); ideally < 1/2 throttle.

David K - 11-9-2022 at 06:14 AM

Premium is sold in most cities. If you take the faster route south (Highway 5 from Mexicali to San Felipe and on to the junction with Highway 1 at Laguna Chapala) you can top off at San Felipe which always has premium and that will get you to Guerrero Negro or Vizcaino. The lower half of the northern state of Baja California is where premium may not be sold (San Luis Gonzaga Bay, Villa Jesus María).
The longer/ slower route , Highway 1 from Tijuana to Laguna Chapala, will have premium to El Rosario, where you will top off. Then it is 220 miles to Guerrero Negro, where premium is again generally available. I have seen it sold by the independent gas dealers at Cataviña, too. That is 76 miles from El Rosario.

Highway 5 is fully paved since 2020. This map shows you the locations I mentioned, except Villa Jesus María, which is just above the G in Guerrero where you see a tiny side road going west. The gas station there may not have premium.




mtgoat666 - 11-9-2022 at 07:43 AM

I see premium at most gas stations (I am not really looking for it, as I use regular gasoline).
If you are worried, bring a bottle of octane booster.
I would not carry extra gas, it is smelly and dangerous inside an suv or sedan.

RFClark - 11-9-2022 at 09:27 AM

Hi,

The Pemex station at Gonzaga Bay on HWY5 only has 87 gas. The next station south is at Jesus Y Maria which I think has Premium. The Pemex just north of the 28th also only has 87 as I remember it.

From the 28th south most stations have Premium. Carrying Octane Booster or buying it in route is the best idea. Most of the auto parts stores sell booster.

John Harper - 11-9-2022 at 09:52 AM

15 gallons of gas? It's 2022, not 1972. Take a few bottles of octane booster, and take Maderita's suggestions if you have any "pinging" that bothers you.

Your ECM should be able to moderate the timing somewhat.

John

dravnx - 11-9-2022 at 10:09 AM

What kind of vehicle and what kind of load are you carrying? As others have stated, modern engine control modules will retard the timing when the knock sensor detects pre-ignition. You might detect a slight loss of performance but that is about it.
Gas is everywhere, leave the gas cans at home. At most, a single 5 gal. can to insure you retain your overlander certification.

John Harper - 11-9-2022 at 10:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by dravnx  
At most, a single 5 gal. can to insure you retain your Overlander Certification.


Definitely don't want to risk that!

John

scouter - 11-9-2022 at 04:30 PM

I just got back from a trip to Cabo and back premium fuel is at about 90% of the stations Chevron and Arco 100 % Pemex 90 % I run premium in my Bike and Truck

bajafreaks - 11-9-2022 at 05:11 PM

If you decide to bring gas cans, they need to be empty when you cross the border going south.

da.vo.6 - 11-9-2022 at 05:50 PM

Alright, thank you for all the replies! Very helpful, I appreciate it. We live in an area with some expansive back country so its not unusual to use 30 gallons on a trip so extra fuel is a must but evidently bringing that much extra fuel to Baja is overkill. I had also thought about the octane booster as well, good suggestion. Pretty funny stuff re: overland certification. I'm old enough that I just call it 'camping' lol.

Cheers, thanks again.

pacificobob - 11-9-2022 at 06:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by dravnx  
At most, a single 5 gal. can to insure you retain your Overlander Certification.


Definitely don't want to risk that!

John


As long a the sand recovery traction boards are kept in full view, should be alright.

pacificobob - 11-9-2022 at 06:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajafreaks  
If you decide to bring gas cans, they need to be empty when you cross the border going south.


I got caught with 10 USG of HST tractor oil and had to crack the wallet and pay duty last week.

John Harper - 11-9-2022 at 06:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by dravnx  
At most, a single 5 gal. can to insure you retain your Overlander Certification.


Definitely don't want to risk that!

John


As long a the sand recovery traction boards are kept in full view, should be alright.


Be like Jeezy!

John

pacificobob - 11-10-2022 at 01:22 PM

Yup