'06 to '19

[d90boy]

So I'm thinking of selling/trading my 2006 3500 SRW and getting a new truck. My main concern is from what I've heard about DEF going bad over time. This truck won't be driven much, my 06 has sat for a month at a time especially in winter. Is this kind of use just going to lead to problems/hassles with the emissions system?

 

[Ozymandias]

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And some additional information from Cummins about DEF.

https://www.google.com/url?q=https:...mCkEQFggPMAI&usg=AOvVaw2YT8uDwJr46ERqnFnF8cz0

 

[wyosteve]

Mine sits for weeks at a time and no problems so far.

 

[kthaxton]

Just don't fill it all the way each time.

 

[SnoKing]

Just don't fill it all the way each time.

That is what I was going to say, run on the bottom half of the DEF tank, not the top half.

 

[TFucili]

Not to hijack, but perhaps relevant to the OP's question, I have seen the various testers for DEF "quality", which seem to focus solely on the concentration of urea. Fair enough, but other than cloudy appearance, is there a test for DEF that has aged out? Does the concentration change? If one has a dedicated tow rig(especially in a hot climate)that may sit around a lot, does that necessitate a drain, flush, and refill regimen?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Unless towing I let mine get almost to empty then add a fresh 2.5 PEAK from Walmart.

The newer DEF systems are of no concern.

So let us know what you are looking for and then we can argue about what options you should or should not get!

 

[Cummins2014]

Unless towing I let mine get almost to empty then add a fresh 2.5 PEAK from Walmart.

The newer DEF systems are of no concern.

So let us know what you are looking for and then we can argue about what options you should or should not get!

I do the same with mine now, after having two trips to the dealer for the service DEF warning, not sure that has anything to do with it, but I would get to a 1/2 tank, and add the 2.5 gallon jug of Peak, and got the warning.

I now run it to the red line ,and add just 2.5 gallons. So far no more warnings, but have also had the SCR recall done. Don't know if that has any effect on it, along with the flashes.

As far as options, go aftermarket Air bags, to have control over the system

 

[SnoKing]

Unless towing I let mine get almost to empty then add a fresh 2.5 PEAK from Walmart.

The newer DEF systems are of no concern.

So let us know what you are looking for and then we can argue about what options you should or should not get!

Option number 1, 3500 with Aisin!!!!!!! Training wheels optional!

 

[Cummins2014]

Option number 1, 3500 with Aisin!!!!!!! Training wheels optional!

Definitely optional on the training wheels .

 

[Mike Wenrich]

You might have more problems sitting for a month with the batteries if not hooked up to a trickle charger. Many have posted problems with the new(er) batteries from the factory. These newer RAMS never completely shut off. I try to take mine on a good run no longer than every two weeks. No problem with DEF getting old even by filling at half tank. I have around 37K on my 2014 so don't drive it as much as others and don't use it as a grocery getter. I buy my DEF from a supplier here that also supplies government agencies so it is always fresh off the shelf. No problem (yet) with either the batteries or the DEF.

 

[Cummins12V98]

2014 what lack of control do I have with the rear air ride? I have owned both. The OE is hands down better in every way.

 

[DHayden]

We have Kenworths at work with the 6.7L. They sit for weeks at a time, sometimes a month with no issues. I might add that most of them probably go 2 years without adding DEF period (very, very low miles). Our supply guy bought in bulk about 5 years ago and half of it is still sitting on the pallet. At any rate, the DEF in these trucks is at least 5 years old. Would I do that in my truck? No...but it shows theres not much likely hood of harm.

 

[d90boy]

You might have more problems sitting for a month with the batteries if not hooked up to a trickle charger. Many have posted problems with the new(er) batteries from the factory. These newer RAMS never completely shut off.

Yes I have that problem with the one I have and ruined batteries in the process. Thanks for the replies, I guess there may not be much to be concerned about. A friend of mine works at a freightshaker dealership shop and works on a lot of municipal trucks that dont get driven much and/or run even at highway speeds. They seem to always have emissions problems as a result.