I hate DEF !!!

[spoon059]

I just don't understand the frustration with it

2.5 years and 27K miles into it, neither am I. Better fuel mileage, cleaner exhaust, no soot... exceptionally minimal cost to me.

I guess neither of us get it...

 

[CGordon]

That echos my experience.

I had a 2011 3500 and traded a couple of years ago for a DEF equipped 2015 3500 which now has about 35,000 miles on it. My fuel mileage has improved significantly over the older truck and I use so little DEF that I hardly ever think about it. I am pretty careful when filling the DEF tank and haven't spilled a drop so far!

 

[Whitewolf]

Back in the day when I added DEF I made sure the cap and the jug were secure. Not easy since the cap and jug were pretty flimsy. Didn't matter what the brand was. Sometimes it took a couple of tries to get it right.

 

[photowrite]

I had the same leak issue. The next time I needed to refill, I purchased a small plastic fuel can, transferred the DEF from the box to the can and filled my tank from the can. It was easier to handle and no leaks.

I've also had some leak/mess hassles, DEF should be as easy to fill as fuel, but is not for plenty of people. In addition to possible container concerns, I think the nozzles and/or tank and filler designs have something to do with this, but have not been able to figure out exactly how and why yet.

 

[photowrite]

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/2013-general-discussion/934273-ammonia-sensor.html#/topics/934273

That thread doesn't appear to talk about the lack of a sensor allowing the use of deionized water (which will potentially cause more/higher temp freeze concerns...but that's not necessarily a deal breaker).

Care to elaborate on how long you've been using water, and under what conditions?

James

 

[mgr1001]

I found that removing the plastic container from the cardboard box makes the DEF filling process much easier and less messy. It still leaks a bit, but I don't get surprised by it coming from someplace on the box that I didn't expect.


I'm also finding that towing my 5er seriously increases the DEF consumption. When I'm on the road doing serious towing miles, I sometimes have to refill the DEF twice in one day, while I can go months without refilling when not towing.

 

[6V92TA]

I found that removing the plastic container from the cardboard box makes the DEF filling process much easier and less messy. It still leaks a bit, but I don't get surprised by it coming from someplace on the box that I didn't expect.


I'm also finding that towing my 5er seriously increases the DEF consumption. When I'm on the road doing serious towing miles, I sometimes have to refill the DEF twice in one day, while I can go months without refilling when not towing.

Cummins will tell you that DEF consumption is generally 2 to 3% of fuel usage under load..

 

[6V92TA]

I found that removing the plastic container from the cardboard box makes the DEF filling process much easier and less messy. It still leaks a bit, but I don't get surprised by it coming from someplace on the box that I didn't expect.


I'm also finding that towing my 5er seriously increases the DEF consumption. When I'm on the road doing serious towing miles, I sometimes have to refill the DEF twice in one day, while I can go months without refilling when not towing.

Cummins will tell you that DEF consumption is generally 2 to 3% of fuel usage under load..

 

[spoon059]

When I'm on the road doing serious towing miles, I sometimes have to refill the DEF twice in one day, while I can go months without refilling when not towing.

Good gracious! What are you towing and what is an average mileage you tow a day???

I filled up my DEF about 5,000 miles ago. Last 900 miles was towing a 9500 lbs trailer. I'm still showing slightly over 3/4 tank of DEF. I expect to be at about half by the end of the trip and have a 2.5 gallon jug in the bed awaiting me.

I can't imagine filling up TWICE A DAY with DEF...

 

[spoon059]

When I'm on the road doing serious towing miles, I sometimes have to refill the DEF twice in one day, while I can go months without refilling when not towing.

Good gracious! What are you towing and what is an average mileage you tow a day???

I filled up my DEF about 5,000 miles ago. Last 900 miles was towing a 9500 lbs trailer. I'm still showing slightly over 3/4 tank of DEF. I expect to be at about half by the end of the trip and have a 2.5 gallon jug in the bed awaiting me.

I can't imagine filling up TWICE A DAY with DEF...

 

[Paul Markowski]

I just use the Mopar brand DEF....comes in a gallon bottle......once the DEF indicator needle gets to the middle (1/2 full), I pour two gallons into the tank.....never had any issues of spillage.

 

[Newsa]

Good gracious! What are you towing and what is an average mileage you tow a day???

I filled up my DEF about 5,000 miles ago. Last 900 miles was towing a 9500 lbs trailer. I'm still showing slightly over 3/4 tank of DEF. I expect to be at about half by the end of the trip and have a 2.5 gallon jug in the bed awaiting me.

I can't imagine filling up TWICE A DAY with DEF...

I filled once a week on my last long trip unloaded. But only 1 gallon bottles

 

[Newsa]

Good gracious! What are you towing and what is an average mileage you tow a day???

I filled up my DEF about 5,000 miles ago. Last 900 miles was towing a 9500 lbs trailer. I'm still showing slightly over 3/4 tank of DEF. I expect to be at about half by the end of the trip and have a 2.5 gallon jug in the bed awaiting me.

I can't imagine filling up TWICE A DAY with DEF...

I filled once a week on my last long trip unloaded. But only 1 gallon bottles

 

[SnoKing]

I found that removing the plastic container from the cardboard box makes the DEF filling process much easier and less messy. It still leaks a bit, but I don't get surprised by it coming from someplace on the box that I didn't expect.


I'm also finding that towing my 5er seriously increases the DEF consumption. When I'm on the road doing serious towing miles, I sometimes have to refill the DEF twice in one day, while I can go months without refilling when not towing.

Good God do you drive 1500-1600 in a single day. We tow 1650 twice a year. Start full and add a 2.5 gal box mid trip and it is ready for another at the end of the trip.

 

[spoon059]

Good God do you drive 1500-1600 in a single day. We tow 1650 twice a year. Start full and add a 2.5 gal box mid trip and it is ready for another at the end of the trip.

I'm wondering if he has a hole in his tank, or if he is spilling DEF down the side of his truck. Unless he was empty in the morning from the previous day and filled it up in the morning and then drove 7-900 miles in a day (one LOOOOONG day) and then refilled at night, I don't see how its possible!

 

[Regcabguy]

What's with the double posts?

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

What's with the double posts?

It’s been happening a lot on this site.

 

[EDankievitch]

My DEF useage is roughly a gal to 1000-1200 when not towing. It'll drop down to a gal to 400- 500 miles when towing.

 

[photowrite]

Better DEF jug nozzle

Had success yesterday using a better/Motocraft DEF jug nozzle...didn't spill a drop.

Wrote a short blog post about it with a couple short explanation videos.


http://roadtraveler.net/diesel-exhaust-fluid-def-filling-made-easier/

 

[tractorhauler]

Just my 2 cents, I use Tractor Supply Traveller, that's the TSC's store label. 2 1/2 gallon jug, $7.00 compared to Blue Def 2 1/2 galllon for $12.00. The hose screws on nice and no leaks. Wal Mart's Super Tech i think the name is, is the same price and pretty much the same jug. Someone mentioned not squeezing the jug? I just hold it up and let gravity do it's thing. You squeeze it, it will squirt just like a baby.