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Thread: DEF Question

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    Seasoned Camper yobigal's Avatar
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    DEF Question

    It seems to be cheaper to buy DEF at the pump versus a jug in our area.

    Has anybody put DEF in any one of the plastic red, yellow, or blue containers and marked it DEF and carry it with you on a trip so you wouldn't have to worry about buying on the way?

    Thanks.
    Allen & Denise
    Ford F350 Lariat CC SRW SB 4x4 Diesel
    2018 Solitude 310GK R

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    Nope, I don't carry it with me. When my dash display shows 500 miles of DEF left I just go through the diesel islands and pump it in. I figure with all of the trucks using it at those pumps it will be fresh.
    2022 Reflection150 226RK
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    Big Traveler Txfivver's Avatar
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    I don't carry it either, new F350's have a 7 something gallon tank and that last 5-6000 miles even towing. I just have it refilled at the dealer every oil change, too easy.
    2019 Solitude 375RES Onan 5500 Splendide W/D Samsung res. fridge
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    Long Hauler bertschb's Avatar
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    When I bought my first diesel truck that used DEF, I bought a couple jugs of DEF to have on hand. I later learned that DEF has a limited shelf life so I stopped storing it and instead only buy a jug when my truck gets low. The system gives you plenty of warning. I know a lot of people buy DEF at truck stops but after looking at the DEF pumps there (usually filthy dirty), I choose to just buy jugs of Blue DEF and check the date codes to make sure it's fresh. IMO, DEF is cheap - even when buying the 2.5g jugs. Plus I don't want any chance of using contaminated DEF. I want to do everything I can to minimize the chance of a fuel system failure.
    Last edited by bertschb; 03-02-2019 at 01:09 PM.
    Brian & Kellie
    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
    2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch

    Previous setups:
    2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
    2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch

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    Big Traveler Txfivver's Avatar
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    Very good plan Brian, I'm the same way. I figure if I use only the Motorcraft stuff and their 5W40 synthetic oil and only Shell diesel I should be good if an issue comes up. To me its really not that hard to maintain these new diesels and man are they worth it when they lean into a load going up a hill lol!
    2019 Solitude 375RES Onan 5500 Splendide W/D Samsung res. fridge
    2020 Ford F450 Platinum dually 6.7L 4:30 gears
    B&W Companion for Ford puck system 20K lbs
    Jeff

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    I tried using the truck stop DEF pump once. The nozzle it almost too large to fit and the flow rate is so high it made quite a back flow mess when the tank got full.

    I do scoff at the markup of the 2.5 gallon boxes compared to the truck stop price, but the Walmart brand is not too bad.

    Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
    2017 Solitude 377MBS
    2018 Ram 2500 with diesel and air assist suspension.

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    Long Hauler howson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bertschb View Post
    When I bought my first diesel truck that used DEF, I bought a couple jugs of DEF to have on hand. I later learned that DEF has a limited shelf life so I stopped storing it and instead only buy a jug when my truck gets low. The system gives you plenty of warning. I know a lot of people buy DEF at truck stops but after looking at the DEF pumps there, I choose to just buy jugs of Blue DEF and check the date codes to make sure it's fresh. IMO, DEF is cheap - even when buying the 2.5g jugs. Plus I don't want any chance of using contaminated DEF. I want to do everything I can to minimize the chance of a fuel system failure.
    First time I read about DEF-related issues was this thread: https://www.mygrandrv.com/fo...d-System-Fault

    I bought the Refractometer suggested by @LVNaturalist. It's kept in the truck. I buy the inexpensive WalMart DEF and test every single jug before it's poured into the DEF tank.

    It's been mentioned many times and that linked thread is a perfect example--it can be tough on the wallet reading this forum!
    2017 Ford F-350 DRW 6.7L Platinum
    2019 315RLTS (purchased 16 Jul 18 from Campers Inn RV in Byron, GA)

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    Quote Originally Posted by Txfivver View Post
    .... Shell diesel ...
    Just be aware that diesel at most Shell station is NOT Shell brand. At least in our area (Colorado) and most of the North West. It will say (in small print) on the pump "diesel is not Shell brand".

    Chris
    Chris & Karen
    Fort Collins, CO
    2017 F-350 SRW 6.7 Lariat Value CC LB 4x4
    2018 Solitude 310GK - Sold 7/2023

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    Big Traveler Txfivver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CoChris View Post
    Just be aware that diesel at most Shell station is NOT Shell brand. At least in our area (Colorado) and most of the North West. It will say (in small print) on the pump "diesel is not Shell brand".

    Chris
    Wow that's kind of crazy. I made friends with the owner of the new Shell station by my home and he told me their fuel is all definitely from Shell. I have never seen that on a pump while traveling. Misleading as hell, surprised they're allowed to do that.
    2019 Solitude 375RES Onan 5500 Splendide W/D Samsung res. fridge
    2020 Ford F450 Platinum dually 6.7L 4:30 gears
    B&W Companion for Ford puck system 20K lbs
    Jeff

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    Long Hauler bertschb's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CoChris View Post
    Just be aware that diesel at most Shell station is NOT Shell brand. At least in our area (Colorado) and most of the North West. It will say (in small print) on the pump "diesel is not Shell brand".

    Chris
    Yep! I've seen this at many Shell stations in Oregon.
    Brian & Kellie
    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
    2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch

    Previous setups:
    2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
    2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch

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