I think I need help

The thing is; I am pulling my Mini Lite with an Xterra. I am within the weight range, especially since I have a large transmission cooler installed, but I only get about a hundred miles to a tank, or even less with much elevation gain.

I drove CA-36 last week from Red Bluff to Eureka.

There is no fuel between Red Bluff and Hydesville, except for one station near Platina. It was $1 per gallon for gasoline higher than Red Bluff.

The mountains will cut your fuel mileage to about 1/2 of what you normally get. Being from Arkansas I didn't find CA-36 ususually challenging, just a bit longer grades both up and down. Some steep grades. But then again I though driving up CA-78 from the Salton Sea to Julian while pulling the trailer was a nice drive even though it was foggy and raining.

I would not recommend CA-36 for someone uncomfortable towing on mountain two lane roads with no guard rail.

There are many areas where the road is under repair, but on a good clear day, there were no traffic delays.

CA-299 is the preferred route across the mountains for local folks on the coast. There is reasonably priced fuel at Weaverville - so the longest run between fuel stops is about 100 miles. CA-299 doesn't reach as high as CA-36, so the grades steepness and length is a bit less. So you will likely get about 60-65% of your normal fuel mileage. Again - take it slow, and don't floor it going up grades.

Another route across the mountains is US-199 from Crescent City to Grants Pass, OR. That is 80 miles between Gas Buddy reported stations

FYI folks - Gas Buddy is not worth a darn when a person gets into the mountains, and places far from the main cities.

cpaulsen wrote:
Stay off of 36.

X 2 ! unless you are driving a sports car or riding a motorcycle,
take 299 into Redding

Stay off of 36.

GasBuddy app is your friend

Plenty of gas in that area.

What exactly are the two towns that you're having trouble finding fuel inbetween? What is your route?

Fill up the last stop where you think you'll have an issue and I'm sure you'll make it to the next station. There are so many small town and even they have fuel.

On route 36? Fortuna to Cottonwood is just 138 miles. I don't see much gas. What is your range? If you are real worried consider a 5gal can at WalMart.

This is the U.S., not the moon. There are plenty of gas stations most anywhere you can possibly go unless you are dirt roading it.

We have traveled all over CA many times,...I5, 101, Hwy 1 the entire distance and many others and never had a problem getting gas or diesel.

Have good trip.

What is your planned route? Gas is generally available along the major roads.