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Im starting my route 66 next week from Chicago to LA. Im driving my restored Cadillac convertible.
However these old cars were gas gusslers and I only get about 9 mpg. Even less when the air conditioning is on..!!
The tank is a 25 gallon tank so I usually get 200 miles to the tank on flat roads.
Im concerned that towards the tail end of the trip gas stations are few and far between.
Ive tried to find out active gas stations along route 66 but to no avail.
Has anyone travelled the trip give me some idea on how to map out fuel stops.
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There is a free app called Gas Buddy, this lists the majority of fuel stops, and more importantly gives the price.
I just used it on my trip it was very useful.
Enjoy your trip
June 15th to July 13th 2016
Did the whole thing, Chicago to Santa Monica
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I think you will be fine. Owning an old car (I do also) I'm sure you are well versed when you should fill up, like heading across the desert areas after you leave Needles, CA. Taking a new 5 gallon can for some extra mileage could give you some piece of mind, but you can't fill it and put it in the trunk. It's just to hot in the deserts to do that. Again, I think you will be OK though. Enjoy your journey.
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hello,, i know this was great tool for me when i used to do long haul'
http://www.truckmiles.com.. used it a lot & a FREE program yall dont have to be a trucker to use it...
,,just another option..
kitty
amarillo
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Last year we drive the route in a 65 Mustang (rented) from a full tank the gauge showed empty after only 130 miles (I'm pretty sure there was more in the tank, but wasn't going to take a chance.
Even with a 130 miles range we only had an issue twice, once when two gas stations in a row were out of gas and we just limped into the next, and again when we turned off the route for a side attraction and underestimated the distance.
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Boris said
...once when two gas stations in a row were out of gas and we just limped into the next...
Wow, I have not seen a station out of fuel since traveling in the 1970s. Where did you run into that issue?
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Two new Travel Centers (glorified truck stops) are now in business along I-40 just 9-miles inside the Arizona border with California. The I-40 alignment was also Rt 66 at one time, replacing the hazardous Oatman route miles away. Oatman should not be missed, but both versions are worth driving if you have the time.
If you are heading west, even if you fill up in Kingman and travel only the original mountain section through Oatman, it may be worthwhile to backtrack the few miles to I-40 Arizona Exit 9 and top off before heading back into California. The gas price difference can be $1-$2 a gallon (as of 2018).
For some reason, prices have an incredibly wide spread in California, even at the same intersection. Some of the lower prices are at Arco stations, but there are many independents as well.
To answer the original question: a mere 200 mile (320 km) range will not be a problem anywhere on the road, even in the desert. Barstow California is 200 miles from Kingman (even less from Exit 9) and has plenty of stations. There are a few gas stations between there but prices are much higher.
Like DynoDave, I also have not seen two stations in a row out of fuel recently (unless, of course they were out of BUSINESS--there's a lot of that).
For Boris: Where were you able to rent a 1965 Mustang? This has been a frequent dream of travelers. Incidentally, the driving range on these should be AT LEAST 240-270 highway miles, perhaps much more, depending on the engine and your foot.
