New truck suggestions

[Diamondpilot]

My biggest issue with DEF wasn't the system itself or reliability of it. It's the hassle you have to carry a jug of DEF with you and a funnel and not have them make a mess in the cab. There doesn't seem to be a set amount of def trucks use. They say you either have one that uses a lot or you don't. Apparently the dealerships can't adjust that parameter. If it was like they say and you only had to fill the def tank at oil change intervals it wouldn't have been bad at all but we were having to fill the def tank every third tank of fuel on the ford diesel and every fourth tank or so on the ram. The dealerships told us not to use the at the pump def nozzles because that's what causes most of the def systems to fail from contaminated def and warranty doesn't cover that. I could go on with other things I don't like about def trucks but you get the point. Your new truck is really nice and I hope it serves you well and hope you got a low use age def one. Who knows the def may not bother you at all we all get bothered and annoyed by different things and def is one of the things that gripe me.

I know dozens of guys with DEF trucks and not a single one carries extra. Any truck stop, Walmart, Menards, TSC, Rural King, Auto Zone, Ect has it.

Chris

 

[Fordman1981]

I know dozens of guys with DEF trucks and not a single one carries extra. Any truck stop, Walmart, Menards, TSC, Rural King, Auto Zone, Ect has it. Chris

And what do you do with what's left when you stop at one of these places throw the rest away after filling?

 

[dodge man]

And what do you do with what's left when you stop at one of these places throw the rest away after filling?

Put it on the shelf in the garage, right next to the leftover washer fluid.

 

[Fordman1981]

Put it on the shelf in the garage, right next to the leftover washer fluid.

When your trucks are out for weeks at a time not really feasible.

 

[dodge man]

I guess my point is worrying about what to with a quart of DEF in itself is not a reason to hate DEF.

 

[Fordman1981]

I guess my point is worrying about what to with a quart of DEF in itself is not a reason to hate DEF.

An extra tank to fill an extra expense an extra system to fail? If you run out of def they have a set mileage that you have to fill the tank or it will limit you to 15 mph. Add this aggravation to a fleet of trucks and it's worse. I never said you had to dislike it but I can and I do. No more def diesels for me period. That's why my last personal truck was a gas burner even though it's a 1 ton C&C 4x4 flat dump bed.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

How bout dealing with a block of def at 40 below

 

[Fordman1981]

How bout dealing with a block of def at 40 below

Yeah we're not usually in 40 below weather but I fully understand what you mean. I would think def could freeze and bust the tank. I think they purge the lines but not sure. I really don't think def is the solution and think the diesel manufacturers will come up with a better one.

 

[geekbstrd]

I have a 2004 dodge w Cummins, I agree Wood, the maintenance is expensive. If I was to do it over again I would get a gasser. I know it is cooler to some to have a diesel, and the power is great but the average cost of ownership of the diesel is alot, based on a 5 year time window. The modern gassers are very reliable, decent power. Read up on the troubles the late model diesels are having w the emissions equipment.

 

[Monster5601]

Read up on the troubles the late model diesels are having w the emissions equipment.

I knew there were issues early on with the pickup level systems but of late, the issues have all been worked out since 2013 production and the left-over issues have been addressed. I think reported issues are no longer common. Sure, someone will post an issue on a forum but you have to remember the 10s of thousand of diesels running around with out issue. There is just way too much hang-over views of diesels.

 

[joefromga]

They've been making "clean" diesels since 2006 so they've worked out tje issues.

The problem is the price you pay for the diesel engine over gas doesn't make it up in mileage. They just cost too much.

I have 2 ecoboost vehicles and will definitely buy another. There's nothing out there like it.

 

[aeblank]

When your trucks are out for weeks at a time not really feasible.

The tank holds 5 gallons. Jugs are usually 2.5. They're $8/jug at walmart.
Seems like one would get a "feel" for when the tank would hold 2.5 gallons. Or, when the warning first comes on (no limp mode yet), go get a jug. Walmart is "everywhere". At $8, if they're too much hassle to have around, it isn't crazy to toss the 1/2 jug leftover (or give it to someone).

Understanding that conditions vary, my understanding is that it's sized to be filled when an oil change is done. Seems not much different than having an extra bit of oil in a jug after an oil change (oil, windshield fluid, def all at once).

Don't get me wrong though, I *hate* the requirements. I feel it is the government overstepping with politicians deciding what to do instead of engineers (I'm an engineer). I hated the system a *little* less after watching a youtube video of some english guy explaining the chemistry. Pretty interesting.

Aaah, here it is (i'm apparently not smart enough to embed it):
Diesel and Urea - YouTube

 

[Fordman1981]

The tank holds 5 gallons. Jugs are usually 2.5. They're $8/jug at walmart. Seems like one would get a "feel" for when the tank would hold 2.5 gallons. Or, when the warning first comes on (no limp mode yet), go get a jug. Walmart is "everywhere". At $8, if they're too much hassle to have around, it isn't crazy to toss the 1/2 jug leftover (or give it to someone). Understanding that conditions vary, my understanding is that it's sized to be filled when an oil change is done. Seems not much different than having an extra bit of oil in a jug after an oil change (oil, windshield fluid, def all at once). Don't get me wrong though, I *hate* the requirements. I feel it is the government overstepping with politicians deciding what to do instead of engineers (I'm an engineer). I hated the system a *little* less after watching a youtube video of some english guy explaining the chemistry. Pretty interesting. Aaah, here it is (i'm apparently not smart enough to embed it): Diesel and Urea - YouTube

You apparently didn't read most of my post none of our trucks make it to oil change not even close. The ford typically needs a full tank of def every 3 tanks of gas and the Rams need a full tank of def every 3 to 4 tanks. If we just put 2.5 gallons in at a time we'd be stopping all the time for def.

Like I said before you can like def if you want but I don't and I will not buy any more trucks with def and wish I hadn't bought the ones I have.

 

[aeblank]

You apparently didn't read most of my post none of our trucks make it to oil change not even close.

I thought I did. Guess you caught me. My bad.
Are you pulling heavy, or what? The usage seems super high. I'm new to it, and I'm in a duramax, but from everything I've read that seems nuts.

I think most truck stops have the stuff at the pump, so I'll be doing that when I can..

Like I said before you can like def if you want

I certainly do not. Tier IV interim is why I bought my tractor a couple years earlier than I was planning on.

 

[Fordman1981]

I thought I did. Guess you caught me. My bad. Are you pulling heavy, or what? The usage seems super high. I'm new to it, and I'm in a duramax, but from everything I've read that seems nuts. I think most truck stops have the stuff at the pump, so I'll be doing that when I can.. I certainly do not. Tier IV interim is why I bought my tractor a couple years earlier than I was planning on.

Yes all my work trucks have work body's and have trailers behind them more often than not. The harder you work them the more def they use is what I've been told. Oh and I was told by ram and ford if you use the at the pump def and you get contaminated def they will not warranty the def system. They say the highest cause of def system failure is at the pump def.

 

[ultrarunner]

I guess they would say the same with contaminated Diesel Fuel?

My fleet friends exclusively buy fuel from one source... maybe different locations but the same brand.

There have been a few issues over the years and the company made good...

I guess exclusivity has it's benefits.

 

[aeblank]

Oh and I was told by ram and ford if you use the at the pump def and you get contaminated def they will not warranty the def system. They say the highest cause of def system failure is at the pump def.

I can't specifically dispute that, but I don't see how that is possible. Sure, if you get "bad" DEF, they're going to not warranty it. Same as if you get bad fuel or put in "bad" oil.

How is it possible that all pump DEF is deemed bad? Do truckers use it? Seems to me if it was "bad" and was causing issues, it'd be gone very quickly. Just like if one Subway was using rotten tomatoes. They'd be sued or in the news or whatever. Who says the stuff I get in the jug isn't expired or stored in the sun and is "bad". One seems no more/less likely than the other to me.

I'm new to it, so maybe I'm completely wrong.

 

[Fordman1981]

I can't specifically dispute that, but I don't see how that is possible. Sure, if you get "bad" DEF, they're going to not warranty it. Same as if you get bad fuel or put in "bad" oil. How is it possible that all pump DEF is deemed bad? Do truckers use it? Seems to me if it was "bad" and was causing issues, it'd be gone very quickly. Just like if one Subway was using rotten tomatoes. They'd be sued or in the news or whatever. Who says the stuff I get in the jug isn't expired or stored in the sun and is "bad". One seems no more/less likely than the other to me. I'm new to it, so maybe I'm completely wrong.

All I know is one dealer has warrantied many bad fuel problems several for other contractors I know but they said contaminated def was a no go and they were told that from corporate. Everyone has to make their own decisions you may never have an issue with pump def and I hope you don't.

 

[powerstroke444e]

If your running a decent amount def and fuel I would have your local fuel delivery company set you up with def and fuel tanks. I have been using def from truck stop for last 5 years with no issues. I do like the clean exhaust but miss sound of a straight piped 5.9 Cummins

 

[Fordman1981]

If your running a decent amount def and fuel I would have your local fuel delivery company set you up with def and fuel tanks. I have been using def from truck stop for last 5 years with no issues. I do like the clean exhaust but miss sound of a straight piped 5.9 Cummins

That would be nice but we're at the shop at the most once a week so wouldn't work for us.