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Don’t Be A Fool --<br />
Stop For Fuel!<br />
We were well into a four-day<br />
drive through Death Valley.<br />
Our trip had taken us across the<br />
Slate Range of the Inyo Mountains into<br />
Panamint Valley. From there, we traveled<br />
through Gohler wash, and up and over<br />
Mengle Pass into Death Valley.<br />
By this time our fuel tanks were about<br />
half empty. Up ahead was Furnace Creek,<br />
Calif., which I knew had only one gas<br />
station. We pulled in, only to realize that<br />
the station was out of gas.<br />
Our next option was in the community<br />
of Stovepipe Wells. This town was in the<br />
right direction, north, but a little out of the<br />
way. We set off.<br />
Upon arriving, we discovered that<br />
the one gas station was closed due to high<br />
winds. Management feared the canopy<br />
overhead would blow down. With no<br />
recourse, we changed our route and drove<br />
to Beatty, Nev. to fuel up. Needless to say,<br />
these detours put a crimp in our plans. The<br />
extra fuel we carried in cans was<br />
a comfort that we would not run<br />
out before finding a viable station.<br />
The extra fuel cans by themselves<br />
were not sufficient for the rest of<br />
the trip.<br />
Get your fuel when you can<br />
This incident was a stark reminder<br />
that four-wheeling doesn’t always go<br />
according to plan. In this case, we had<br />
difficulty getting fuel. Engine fuel, whether<br />
gasoline or diesel, is absolutely critical<br />
for four-wheeling. All drivers know that,<br />
Beatty Nev. – Have group fuel up before dispersing<br />
which is why many carry extra fuel in<br />
portable gas cans. By its nature, our sport<br />
puts us in remote areas, with long distances<br />
between small towns, which also have<br />
limited services.<br />
Which brings me to Rule #6: Gas<br />
First!<br />
Rule #6 means gas is your first<br />
priority when it is available. Fuel up before<br />
checking out the convenience store to<br />
restock the drink supply. Fuel up before<br />
you check out that dinner for a meal. Fuel<br />
up before checking into the motel. Fuel up<br />
before the group disbands for the evening.<br />
Fueling up in remote areas is<br />
problematic. Gas stations are few and far<br />
between. They often offer only one grade<br />
of gas (87 octane) and diesel fuel. As<br />
discussed above, a station could be out of<br />
gas or closed.<br />
A mechanical breakdown won’t<br />
necessarily derail a 4WD trip. But a vehicle<br />
out of fuel is in real trouble. Don’t assume<br />
that the gas station you’re counting on will<br />
come through for you.<br />
Remote<br />
54 S&S OFF ROAD MAGAZINE - APRIL <strong>2021</strong> - www.ssorm.com<br />
All vehicles in the group should fuel<br />
up together<br />
If you’re the Trail Leader, make a<br />
point to lead the group into the gas station.<br />
Ensure everyone tops off their tanks even<br />
if they need just a few gallons. Those few<br />
gallons could come in handy later.<br />
This process is challenging when<br />
a group splits up. After a long day of<br />
driving, some drivers may want to visit a<br />
restaurant or hit the campsite. Some will<br />
put off fueling up until the next morning.<br />
It is so easy to forget, once you put it off.<br />
Encourage everyone to gas first when a
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