2012 F-350 - First Impressions

[Dmace]

2012 Rams use DEF.

Correction, 2012 RAM CHASSIS-CAB'S use DEF not the pickup trucks.
http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/2012/ram_2500_3500/index.html
http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/2012/ram_chassis_cab/cost_ownership/diesel_exhaust/
Also, the RAM Cummins does NOT limit power (limp mode) when the tank is low and is the only diesel certified for extended idling by CARB where the Ford and GM trucks are federally mandated to shut off after 5 minutes off idling.

 

[bullbreaker]

One thing I have not like my 3 SuperDutys is the placement of the heated seat button. I did not have them on my 99 but my 04 and 06 and the button is on the side of the seat, down where the power seat movement buttons. There is a indicator light on it to tell you if its on but you can not see it. Stupid. Why not just put it on the dash near the heater controls or the indicator light there atleast.
That has been my only complaint with the trucks so I guess its small.
Chris

There was one year I forgot where they mounted that heater seat button but it was not on the side of the pass/drivers seat but controled by the driver.I know cause we use to have fun with it down here in Fla when we'd get someone that didn't know about it and see how long it took them to complain their arse was on fire.The truck was not mine thats why I don't know the year I just use to drive them for a wealthy outfitter hunting buddy of mine.

Boone

 

[slowzuki]

Do they get better mileage than the cummins super egr motors?

Correction, 2012 RAM CHASSIS-CAB'S use DEF not the pickup trucks.
2012 Ram 2500 & 3500 |Cummins Diesel powered with Mega Cab| Ram Trucks
2012 Ram Chassis Cab Diesel Exhaust Fluid | Clean Deisel | Ram Trucks
Also, the RAM Cummins does NOT limit power (limp mode) when the tank is low and is the only diesel certified for extended idling by CARB where the Ford and GM trucks are federally mandated to shut off after 5 minutes off idling.

 

[Dmace]

Do they get better mileage than the cummins super egr motors?

No, DEF is simply a cheaper way for manufacturers to meet emissions regulations. The special catalyst in the RAM pickups is a more expensive option vs a DEF setup but requires no maintenance.
http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/2012/ram_2500_3500/cost_operation/long_lasting_durable/

 

[PoorMansCat]

The addition of DEF is not a big deal. Regeneration of the DPF is a non-event with the 6.7 and so far it's getting about 4 mpg better than my 6.4. QUOTE]

Exactly.... the regen cycle and how it accomplishes it (DEF or no DEF) really doesnt matter, as long as it works and doesnt bother the driver when it happens.
We use about 10 gallons of DEF between 5K oil changes, but we have some idle time.
There have been some cases of the DEF system having issues determining whether the system is operating correctly. There is a service letter for a DEF pump seal leak that shorts it out. The C&C trucks were plagued with a false reading that would give a message of 800 miles to empty and start counting down, whether the tank was full or not!!.. Needless to say, you had 799 miles to get to the dealer!!.. That was a simple software fix.

 

[wolfpack2]

One thing I have not like my 3 SuperDutys is the placement of the heated seat button. I did not have them on my 99 but my 04 and 06 and the button is on the side of the seat, down where the power seat movement buttons. There is a indicator light on it to tell you if its on but you can not see it. Stupid. Why not just put it on the dash near the heater controls or the indicator light there atleast.

That has been my only complaint with the trucks so I guess its small.

Chris

My 2011 has the heated and cooled seat controls in the dash in the climate control section.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My 2011 has the heated and cooled seat controls in the dash in the climate control section.

Glad they finally got it right. I once got a thing from Ford about my buying experience and the products. It was my only complaint but I heard from someone years later that it was one of the big ones on the SuperDuty line. Only took them 5 years to fix something so simple.:confused2:

Chris

 

[wolfpack2]

Well it worked. I tapped the + button and the gears are now displayed, thanks.

I used my dump trailer to move the Bobcat today. A short tow only 10 miles. Truckdrove like the teailer wasen't even there. Of course at only 7600 pounds it wasn't much of a load either.

I did have one problem, I got a 'diesel exhausr fluid system error' onthe screen. It said the truck would go to limp mode (max 50 mph) starting in 50 miles. I got the message again a couple miles later. Both messages came up while towing. After I had shut the motor down and restarted it the error message and the system error icon on the screen were gone and did not come back.

DEF Can freeze if the truck sits in temps below 12 deg F. It is possible that it just needed to heat up (there is an internal heater for the DEF).

There is a video that provides good information on the DEF system on You Tube. It covers many of error messages and what needs to be done to correct.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF5Oggb7gUk"]2011 Ford Super Duty Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tutorial - YouTube[/ame]

 

[sparc]

Thanks, I'll look it over but I may have seen it already. It was not cold enough here for the DEF to freeze, it was 46 that day and the truck had been running for over an hour.

 

[sparc]

Took the truck in to the dealer Friday and they looked it over. Found nothing, no error codes stored in the computer and nothing wrong that they could find. So not to worry they say.

Anyway made a 203 miles trip today. Mostly highway (150 miles) and the rest backroads with about 10 miles of stop an go city driving so a nice mix. I fueled up and zeroed out one of the trip registers atthe start. When i got home I was showing 21.3 mpg. I drove 65-70mph on the highway (speed limit 65 mph). There was little traffic so I was able to cruise right along and maintain speed. With the high speed ezpass lanes didn't have to even slow down for tolls.

Truck ran great but I find the ride hard. I hit a short stretch of washboard road at 45 and I thought I was riding a bucking bronco. The rear axle was jumping off the road surface and that's not good for the tires among other things. I guess I need to drag about 500 pounds around in the bed to get a better ride.