Really great advice everyone! Thank you. Planning ahead seems to be the key, I do plan ahead but only in terms of "do I get gas before I park for the night, or when I'm leaving in the morning" but planning a stop 150-200 miles out seems like good advice. The timing thing is also a great point. Trying to get gas just north of las vegas at 11:30 in the morning on a Tuesday is probably not a great plan.
I need to fire up gas buddy again and see what has changed in the past few years. I've used it in the past for location and pricing, but haven't seen if they've added any other new notes.
Thanks!