Final Fans

As you drive along at 65 mph, bass boat in tow, the Lyons Avenue exit on California’s Interstate 5 looks like any other freeway interchange. It’s home to the usual cookie-cutter cluster of service stations, fast-food restaurants, and convenience stores. You stop, refuel, grab a cup of coffee and maybe a pack or two of Nabs or Devil Dogs. Just like you would any place else.
But Lyons Avenue is different, for just off the freeway you’ll find The King of the Grapevine. This monarch doesn’t stroll around in a royal purple robe.You’ll find him in more common fare, which suits him just fine. This “king” is George Mayer, owner of Mayer’s Freeway Shell.
Mayer’s kingdom is just down the road from The Grapevine, an infamous stretch of highway that leads to a pair of popular fishing destinations: Castaic and Pyramid lakes. The Grapevine is a torture test supreme for vehicles—36 miles of steep, twisting, mountain grades. Vehicle and towing component manufacturers have learned the hard way that it’s a route of no mercy; the notorious gauntlet quickly reveals any flaws in a product’s design or execution.
For the past 30 years, tow vehicles stressed to the breaking point by The Grapevine have landed in one of Mayer’s service bays, and this hands-on experience has made him a leading expert on towing. During a recent towing test, I stopped at Mayer’s station to refuel.While the dual tanks on my diesel tow vehicle drank their fill, Mayer and I talked. His observations are worth noting by anyone who uses a truck or sport utility to tow or haul heavy loads.

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