The Wide Open West - an Example

Growing up in WY I learned to drive on TOP half of fuel tank

Looks like US 93 in Nevada between Wells and Ely.

Years ago, I saw a sign saying McDonald's 100 miles ahead.

Thanks Traver8. I used to work for a lot of mines all over the US doing consulting work. There are state highways in Nevada that are still dirt. Some mine sites are well in excess of 50 miles off the pavement. Top half of the tank is right.

That give you pause to ponder.

Well, you got me beat:


Click For Full-Size Image.

We had a 1960 VW bus (bought new) that had no fuel gauge, just a two pickup system so you ran out and pulled the knob out for another gallon or so, around 100 miles.
My Dad quickly learned to write down the mileage so he knew how much gas was left- in the ‘60s services were even more sparse!

Long “No services” stretches like that are why I started carrying a 20 liter Jerry can of Diesel on the back of the camper. Headwinds and terrain can also change your fuel consumption enough to put you in pucker territory unexpectedly. Having that extra to put in the tank has saved my bacon several times.

I even used my fuel can on a recent east-coast trip, where there are no shortage of fuel stations. I had about 150 mile range left, but could tell from GasBuddy that there was a Kroger store in 175 miles where I could use my saved fuel points and get $.40 a gallon discount for up to 35 gallons. We stopped for lunch at a rest area and I dumped it in.

It pays to plan ahead and have options :C

:):)

Especially important when you only have about 175 miles range.

I had to make a quick exit for this one:

In the West there used to a lot of small gas stations and motels in remote areas out by themselves. People did not travel as far in a day with the older cars and more primitive roads. Many of those old buildings are still standing but long closed.

It is counter intuitive but there are lots of places like Nevada,eastern OR, NE CA, Utah, etc where the facilities are actually further apart today than they used to be.

I cannot imagine having a vehicle with a range of 175 miles. A Ford diesel has a stock 35 gallon tank. Running empty the range is well over 700 miles. Pulling a TT I can still go about 450 miles.