We take it for granted in the United States where we can obtain fuel for our vehicles. Even in the less-densely populated areas of our country, far from major cities, there are fuel stations within a number of miles. But what do you do in Africa, in 1959, where such resources are often unavailable?
Many outposts we came across had gasoline for sale, but only in small amounts. And most villages didn’t have their own gas supplies, and those that did weren’t eager to sell what little fuel they had.
One way we could ensure access to a constant gasoline supply: with our advance scout and mechanic’s trucks. These Chevrolet trucks came with a thirty-gallon tank and two fifty-gallon auxiliary tanks. Just for the sake of explanation, let’s say the vehicles averaged ten miles per gallon: that gave us a range of 1,500 miles.
We replenished our gasoline at every opportunity. But at times, the nearest gas station was hundreds of miles away. Before leaving the United States, we made special arrangements with international oil companies Mobil, Shell, and BP.
As needed, the oil companies sent tanker trucks to specified locations to refill the Caravan vehicles. Twice, the Caravan refilled from 55-gallon drums loaded on the back of flatbed trucks.
Can you imagine traveling through foreign lands, never quite knowing what was around the next bend? Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to have travel adventure at our doorstep. Isn’t that fuel for thought?
Dale “Pee Wee” Schwamborn has silver in his blood. Each week, Pee Wee shares one of his many stories, including his experiences on the iconic Airstream Caravans, his time spent working in the Airstream factory, and the many Airstreamers he’s befriended, far and wide.
