Freezing Urea

[LILHauler]

Hello, we are looking at purchasing a 2013/14, 2500 or 3500. We live in the Prairies and see the temp drop to -30f in the winter. We have heard the horror stories of what the other Bowtie and Blue Oval guys have seen when they introduced Urea. We already know about not filling over 80% when it starts to freeze. What has the Cummins seen with their introduction to Urea and the extreme cold weather?



The truck is to be used in remote sites and most of the time not near a power source when on the work site. Starting the truck up and have it go into Limp Mode because the Urea Tank is frozen is just not an option. Has the 2013/14 been used on drilling sites and would you use a Cummins with Urea in these extreme freezing conditions. Can the Urea tank take the constant freezing and will the computer get you moving with a load when you need to haul out?



Can the Fourth Gen Cummins be idled for a given amount of time without filling up the Particulate filter?

We aready have a 2007. 5, 6. 7 and have had great service from it. Moving to the next Generation has us wondering what's in the works!



Thanks for your replies.

 

[Jim W]

I would suggest that you track down someone that owns a C&C model truck such as a 4500 or 5500. These have been using UREA since 2010 and I have not read any issues with them using UREA. Also if I remember correctly the Ram marketing team stated that the truck can be started and used with the UREA being frozen. The tank heaters will thaw out the frozen UREA by the time the truck needs to use it. Also there is another thread on this subject just search the 4th gen forum.

Jim W.

 

[Bob4x4]

They are equipped witha tank heater so as long as you have good batteries you should be fine

 

[E7mack96]

From what I have learned, the EPA allows 20 minutes for the urea to thaw for M/Y up to 2013 and has cut that time to 12 minutes for 2014 Model years and up. The tank heaters should be able to do this as it is required as a part of the certification. I would be more concerned with the idle times. None of them like idle time. If you need to idle, make sure the model you get has the medium duty setup with the removable DPF. And plan on cleaning it professionally more often. we have some with as much as 80% idle time and they need DPFs baked quite often. As long as you anticipate this and be proactive on the DPF cleanings, there will be no issues.

 

[Ozymandias]

I have DEF in my Mercedes-Benz Actros Truck since 2006 and had never a problem with the system even in the coldest Winters.

Works flawlessly.

Fill the Tank is the only thing you have to think about.

 

[LILHauler]

Thanks for your replies. Some great factual stuff about Urea and it's frozen state. Thanks E7mack96, we area taking that info with use as we shop for our next truck.
We hope to hear more from some of the guys out in the cold on the work sites.

 

[Powder Extreme]

I haven't been in the cold yet with the Cummins, but my Duramax and my Audi have both been in 30 below zero temperatures overnight and then driven in those conditions, not one problem with the Urea being frozen. I had an extra jug in the back of the pickup that was as solid as a brick in the morning, so you know it was solid in the tank as well.

Urea has been used for several years, its a tried and trued system. I'm sure you won't have any problems with it in the Cummins.