Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Container

[AKGperson]

I'm new to the world of diesel trucks and have a question for you diesel owners. What is the best container for storing, transporting & dispensing DEF? The service manager recommended that I carry a container of DEF in/on the truck at all times because you don't want to be caught without it when it gets too low.

He also mentioned that it is extremely corrosive and that I should hose the engine off if I spill it and wash my hands immediately. My first thoughts were, 1) I probably won't have a water hose handy, 2) I need to find a spill-proof container, and, 3) I need to find the safest way to transport this fluid without running the risk of having it tip over in the bed of the truck.

How do you guys do it?

Ken

[Jmooney]

From what I have read, DEF has a shelf life, so it's best to run your onboard tank low before refilling. You also don't want to carry around a bunch for a long time ( don't by in bulk ) and they are saying, don't pump at a truck stop.

I have 1 gallon in a milk crate in the bed of my truck for emergencies.

They generally sell it at any gas station that has Diesal fuel.

[TexasRT]

My truck monitors the DEF level as I'm sure yours does. I just top it off when it gets to half empty. At the point it takes a whole jug which I get from the dealer. It will depend on how much towing or hard driving as to how much it will use. Basically the harder the engine has to work the more you will use.


Hope this helps some

[Stingray75]

First, you're not going to go thru the stuff like its water carrying extra just because is a waste of space. There will be plenty of warning that you should be able to buy a jug as needed - it's even sold at Wal-Mart these days. The Blue Def stuff I buy comes in a 2 1/2 gal container with a handy dispensing hose.

Finally, don't let the dealer scare you with the "GM Approved" statement - it's al produced to an ISO spec so drive happy.

[mamasmax]

Truck stops dispense it at the pumps. Cheapest way to fill it. My 2013 GMC alerts me when there is approximately 1000 miles of range left. Go to the auto parts store (or Walmart) and get a 2.5 gallon jug, pour it in and move on. It's really not a big deal, and nothing you need to carry with you.

[Grumpy]

Blue Def comes in a 2 1/2 gallon plastic container with a nozzle to attach to it at Wally World and Home Depot for around $12.00. DEF shelf life is normally 2 years.

This link is to show pic only since it's $32.00

Peak Blue Def DEF002 Diesel Exhaust Fluid 2 5 Gallon Box with Dispenser | eBay

Should have added: You'll get about 5,000 miles on a full DEF tank with the DURAMAX and the warning comes on with about 900 miles left

[Cosmik Debris]

Originally Posted by mamasmax

Truck stops dispense it at the pumps. Cheapest way to fill it. My 2013 GMC alerts me when there is approximately 1000 miles of range left. Go to the auto parts store (or Walmart) and get a 2.5 gallon jug, pour it in and move on. It's really not a big deal, and nothing you need to carry with you.

Exactly. My Ford F350 is that way. I get a message that I've got 500 miles to refill it. No problem. Refill at a truck stop or look for a Fred Meyers and buy 2.5 gallons.

[UPCamper]

I don't store any of it, home or in the truck. It has a limited shelf life. A little bit of DEF gets you a long ways and depending on your truck you should get tons of warning. As others have said, you can get it anywhere you get diesel for the most part.

Secondly I don't know how corrosive it really is. I've heard it is to some metals but haven't ever had a problem. Ive gotten it on my hands many times, both wet and crystalized in an empty container and never had a problem. Just washed my hands later as I would anyway. Urea is in your urine.

I wouldn't worry about, and have never considered any of those points. Get it when you remember to fill it and act normal around it.

UPC

[Camping Couple]

Ok, I'm not a diesel guy but would consider one down the road. So I have to ask, what is DEF and why is it used?

[UPCamper]

Originally Posted by Camping Couple

Ok, I'm not a diesel guy but would consider one down the road. So I have to ask, what is DEF and why is it used?

Diesel exhaust fluid. Basically injected into the exhaust to neutralize it chemically. It breaks down the hazardous chemicals into nitrogen and water.

Add it like you would say a windshield washer fluid. Buy in jug or at pump, and dump into hole near fuel filler. Minimal cost.

UPC

[Camping Couple]

Originally Posted by UPCamper

Diesel exhaust fluid. Basically injected into the exhaust to neutralize it chemically. It breaks down the hazardous chemicals into nitrogen and water.

Add it like you would say a windshield washer fluid. Buy in jug or at pump, and dump into hole near fuel filler. Minimal cost.

UPC

Thanks UP!!

[TexasRT]

Next we will have to be changing our muffler bearings.

[nwminnesota]

I buy the cheapest stuff that i can find. As long as it has the iso rating your good. I payed 7.99 for 2.5 gallons. Filled it up 4000 miles ago still says it is ok. I would buy it as you need it. I have a 5 gallon tank but only refill it at 2.5 gallons at a time when my dic says i have 20% left. I believe the health hazard is a 1 and so is water. Yes wash the stuff off if you spill it but it is not like it'll burn your hand off or anything. DEF (urea) is not that big of a deal. Readily available almost everywhere. The extra thing you should carry with you in the winter time is a spare fuel filter and a bottle of diesel 911 just in case.

[Jmooney]

Here is a fancy pic of a typical modern exhaust system using DEF ( which I just learned a lot about from another JOF member)

[skijlw]

I find it is cheapest and easy to fill the DEF tank at major truck stops. I paid 2.59 a gallon a few months ago. The pumps at the truck stops have auto shut off like a fuel nozzle. If you do get a little spillage on fill up at the truck stops wash it down with a little water. If you run the nozzle slow you can fill it up without spillage. No cardboard boxes or large plastic containers to get rid of.

[Quahog]

I carry a 2.5 gal Blue DEF box with me on trips. You can pick them up at Sams for around $11. If DEF is available at the pump, I'd rather use it there but usually, I am nowhere near a pump when I need to add some. BTW, the 500 miles warning gives you plenty of time to find a place/pump that carries it.

[Clayton4971]

I have found that I really don't need to carry DEF with me except on long trips hauling a big load . I topped off before I left Michigan a couple years ago pulling a 40 ft pinnacle and made it to south Texas before the light came on and said 500 miles to empty. Last year I drove down to Tombstone AZ to pick up my Polaris RZR to bring home 4,000 miles round trip and still haven't had to add any yet ! IMO long hauls pulling a heavy load yes most trips its not worth carrying around. Last few years DEF is too easy to find to worry about .

[skijlw]

I kept track of DEF usage when I first got the truck. I was getting about 1000 miles a gallon. A mechanic at my local dealer said the trucks use more DEF when idling than running hard.

[Scoutr2]

Originally Posted by UPCamper

Secondly I don't know how corrosive it really is. I've heard it is to some metals but haven't ever had a problem. Ive gotten it on my hands many times, both wet and crystalized in an empty container and never had a problem. Just washed my hands later as I would anyway. Urea is in your urine.

I teach the Tier 4 Final stuff for my employer. Believe me when I say it is EXTREMELY corrosive to all metals - even stainless steel. I have seen brand new machines come into dealers with corrosion on bolts and brackets next to the DEF tank. (Probably a spill at the end-of-line test that didn't get completely cleaned up.) The urea solution is clear, non-toxic and safe to handle, however.

And 2-1/2 gallons will last you longer than it will probably stay good for, unless you put 50,000 miles a year on your truck. It has a 2 year shelf life - from the date of manufacture. If it is stored in a hot place (back of your truck in the summer), the shelf life will be shortened.

[Scoutr2]

Originally Posted by UPCamper

Diesel exhaust fluid. Basically injected into the exhaust to neutralize it chemically. It breaks down the hazardous chemicals into nitrogen and water.

Add it like you would say a windshield washer fluid. Buy in jug or at pump, and dump into hole near fuel filler. Minimal cost.

UPC

It removes the nitrous oxide (NOx) in the exhaust. the only thing coming from your tail pipe is carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. (Not nitrogen)

Here's a link to the Wikipedia article: Diesel exhaust fluid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia