freestoneangler Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 We've been looking at some new 1 ton trucks recently as a replacement for our 2006, 2500 CTD. It has the 5.9L w/o the DEF feature/requirement. I've done a bit of reading about DEF and it's pro's and con's. Certainly one con is the increased cost/mile. At $5-7/gallon, the stuff isn't exactly insignificant. What I'm having trouble determining is how much of this is consumed when towing a 5th wheel with a standard truck. Some of the information states HDT's use 2-3 gallons/100 miles...wow! Of course the truck salesman say's "oh, it hardly uses any... a tank should last you a long time". I'm wondering if he means that to be the case if the truck is parked . For those who have standard trucks with this system, what has been your experience? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mptjelgin Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 I don't drive a diesel truck, but my friends that drive Ford Superduty trucks that use DEF tell me that they get "about" 1000 mpg of DEF while towing. With a 5 gallon DEF tank you can go a very long way without having to worry about topping off and the cost is minor. Mark & Teri 2021 Grand Designs Imagine 2500RL, 2019 Ford F-350 Mark & Teri's Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Greg Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 Considering the cost of RVing DEF in not a consideration to me. A 2.5 gallon jug of DEF costs between $9 at WalMart for their brand and $14 at Ford dealers. I add a jug 500 to 1000 miles after the trucks info center tells me I'm under a half tank (the F350 has a 5 gallon tank). If I add it as soon as it tells me I'm down to half a tank it will not take the full 2.5 gallon jug. It's about 3000 or 3500 miles until I add more DEF towing and not towing. Greg Greg & Judy Bahnmiller Class of 2007 2014 F350 2007 HitchHiker Champagne Both sold 2/19, settled in Foley, AL after 12 years on the road http://bahnmilleradventure.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twotoes Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 I have a 2012 Ford F-350 and pull a 5th wheel toy hauler. When not towing my DEF needs to berefilled at my oil change which I do every 7,500 miles. When pulling I get about half that before needing to add DEF. 2015 Itasca Ellipse 42QD 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock Edition 2021 Harley Street Glide Special Fulltimer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandsys Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 In my MB Sprinter van while not towing a 5 gallon DEF tanks would last 5,000 miles. I could not pour 2 of the 2.5 gallon jugs in, though, so there was always some left when the gauge said to add more. My manual said I could restart the engine something like 16 times once the warning came on and I pushed it too close for comfort to that limit one time in West Texas before refilling in Austin. Never towed with a Sprinter so don't know if that makes a difference. Linda Sand Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/ Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted June 25, 2016 Report Share Posted June 25, 2016 On our ford F350, about every 3,000 to 4,000 miles is when I fill it with DEF. On the Freightliner with a 13 liter Detroit, I fill it up about every 4,000 to 5,000 miles but it has a 12 gallon tank. On the new Kenworth with a 15 liter ISX, I ordered it with a 23 gallon tank and expect to fill it up every 4th or 5th tank of fuel which would be around 6,000 to 7,000 miles. By the way, getting your DEF at a truckstop from the pump will cost usually less than $3 a gallon 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N TX Dave Posted June 26, 2016 Report Share Posted June 26, 2016 I usually fill my tank when I stop at Flying J last time I filled up it was $2.79 a gallon. On 5 gallons it lasts 2000-3000 miles towing. Dave Watkins Highland Village, TX 2014 F-350 Dually Open Range 349RLR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helipilot Posted June 26, 2016 Report Share Posted June 26, 2016 What N TX Dave said. GMC 3500 Duramax and towing a DRV 5th wheel. The first couple of times I took it to the dealer and bought a case of their DEF for about $35.00. From then on I just refilled the empty jugs at the truck stop for about $2.50-2.75/gl. I haven't tracked it real closely but I have 22,000 miles on the truck and have used 11 gallons with most of the miles towing the 36' RSSB3 and that is mostly in hilly country. 22k/11= 2,000 miles/gal. Roger and Barbara On the pale blue planet, retired and happy. 2011 DRV MS 36RSSB3 2015 GMC Crew Cab Duramax DRW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57becky Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 The other big advantage with the newer pickups that use DEF is they get better fuel mileage. The DEF is injected into the exhaust stream, ahead of the CAT, and the reaction reduces the NOX in the exhaust. By using the DEF, they can lean out the diesel mixture, and still meet emissions rules. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 I didn't find them better on mpg. My 05 got better than my 12. Didn't have as much power though. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeBeFulltimers Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 If I wanted a new truck I would not let DEF keep me from it! The cost of DEF is hardly noticeable on my 2012 F-350. I normally use the Wal Mart brand and it works just fine. Fulltiming since September 1, 2010 2012 Ford F-350 PSD SRW Lariat Crew Cab 2012 Montana 3585SA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whj469 Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 The cost of DEF is very little as noted above and places like Flying J Truck Stops have it cheaper and by pump so that you will know what you are putting into the tank. I have been told that it helps with the noise, black smoke and to reduce emissions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 DEF fluid isn't an issue. Cost is small. The systems for the DEF can be troublesome. I kept my 2012 until 50kish miles. It was in the shop more than I cared for. Real bad problem is, if there is a problem with system, it will go in reduced power mode. Says speed reduced to 55 in xxx miles. 55 equals 15mph towing. Warranty paid all the bills but it cost me big time in work lost. Most my work is emergency shutdowns. I have to be there quick. If truck is in shop I can't go. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 My 2011 GMC 3500 has been largely trouble free. Zero DEF issues. As with anything in life, YMMV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarvan Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 My 2011 GMC 3500 has been largely trouble free. Zero DEF issues. As with anything in life, YMMV. HAH! My 2012 threw a code for the system and if it hadn't been under warrantee it would have been a $750 repair. Previously a 2017 Forest River, Berkshire 38A, "The Dragonship". https://dragonship.blog/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B&G Mulford Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 "My 2011 GMC 3500 has been largely trouble free." My thoughts exactly! Just turned 50,000 miles. DEF cost is very little overall. 06 Carri-Lite 386KIQ 11 GMC 3500 D/A "One day I will leave this world and dream myself to reality" -Crazy Horse, 1874 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangeMaggotBob Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 My DEF gauge was down to 1/2 at exactly 5000 miles- just like the manual said. Refill costs $12.00 and some change at WalMart. Going by that, about $25.00 every 10000 miles. 2015 Forest River Rockwood Signature Series Ultra Lite 8289WS w/ Diamond Pkg. 2014 RAM CTD 6.7 Tradesman 4WD Crew Cab Long Bed 😀 Honda eu2200i generators Daisy May, the Golden Doodle Wonderdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freestoneangler Posted June 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 My DEF gauge was down to 1/2 at exactly 5000 miles- just like the manual said. Refill costs $12.00 and some change at WalMart. Going by that, about $25.00 every 10000 miles. Thanks for all the replies. Barring these systems having a high incidence of maintenance, it looks like this is an insignificant factor purely from a cost/mile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 Thanks for all the replies. Barring these systems having a high incidence of maintenance, it looks like this is an insignificant factor purely from a cost/mile. Your 2006 CTD is the last of -what many consider- the last year of the BEST pre DPF, pre DEF engines. *If* you feel you must trade it - suggest you try selling "private party". (incl the for sale forum here) You should have buyers ringing your phone off the hook - regardless of how many miles on the clock! . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selah Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 The target for DEF usage is 2% or two galons of DEF for every 100 GALLONS of fuel. Slightly more for heavy duty use or extended idle time. It should not exceed 3% except on some of the bigger 600 HP engines. I haven't baught DEF in the box for some time but bulk DEF at truck stops runs about $2.75/gal. I think the last time I got def was in Alabama somewhere. DEF should be at the very very bottom of the list when considering engines. Actually it shouldn't be on the list at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckman Posted July 1, 2016 Report Share Posted July 1, 2016 Thanks for all the replies. Barring these systems having a high incidence of maintenance, it looks like this is an insignificant factor purely from a cost/mile. You haven't been towing very much? DEF usage will be more when towing versus running empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VallAndMo Posted July 1, 2016 Report Share Posted July 1, 2016 Howdy, We've been looking at some new 1 ton trucks recently as a replacement for our 2006, 2500 CTD. Regarding DEF in general and in a 2016 1-ton RAM truck specifically, you might find interesting to read Emily Fagan's great, encyclopedic post on the subject here: http://roadslesstraveled.us/how-to-put-def-diesel-exhaust-fluid-in-a-truck-cheapest-brand/ Cheers, -- Vall. Getting ready to join the RV full-time lifestyle in 2017! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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