Diesel Newbee

Use this forum for technical questions regarding tow vehicles.

Moderators: Mike Clay, Olbird

Post Reply
User avatar
dpalmer
Council, Moderator
Posts: 2257
Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:47 am
Location: Ohio Wadsworth
Cardinal Owners: 2018 3456
Location: Ohio Wadsworth

Diesel Newbee

Post by dpalmer »

We are getting ready to head for the Klamath rally and it will be our first trip towing with a diesel.
Questions :?:
How often will I need to add DEF while towing :?:
Do you carry additional container of DEF :?:
What kind of mileage should I expect with the 6.7, 3.73 dually :?:

Excited to get on the road :d
Dave & Karen
2018 3456
2021 F350 XLT, 4x4 Dually
Rallies Attended = 22 and 3 F.R.O.G.
Full-time as of 10/1/2016
User avatar
WVcampers
Posts: 1192
Joined: Sun May 04, 2008 4:46 pm
Location: West Virginia Pocatalico
Cardinal Owners: 2018 Cardinal 3250RL Luxury
Location: West Virginia Pocatalico

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by WVcampers »

DEF is available just about anywhere, I have never calculated how much is used while towing. I know that you are good for over 1200 miles with a full tank. I tow 600 miles one way to NY every year and have never added DEF until after I am home. Then I do not completely fill the tank because freezing temps are getting close.
Randy & Carol
Elbie (weiner dog)
2018 Cardinal 3250 RLX Luxury Edition
2019 Ford F350 6.7PSD Lariat 4x4 SRW
User avatar
tecosinc
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2013 9:37 am
Location: Louisiana Scott
Cardinal Owners: 2016-Cardinal 3850RL
Location: Louisiana Scott

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by tecosinc »

I have a 2014 ford drw w/ same Motor and gear ratio as yours. I pull a 3030rs. I make 10 mpg on the average. I put def fluid every thousand miles. I'm sure you can go longer on def, but that's what I do. I don't carry the def fluid. Usually get it at Auto zone. Good luck.
Errol & Tina Jenkins
2016-3850RL Full Body Paint
2020 Ford F350 King Ranch FX4 DRW w/ air lift bags
Nights Out-2015-59
Club Rallies Attended-2
FROG Rallies Attended-2
jtaylor1920

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by jtaylor1920 »

Although my truck doesn't use DEF I have seen it available in the fuel lanes at Pilot and other truck stops. Friends with trucks using DEF also have said its available at Walmart for a reasonable price.
User avatar
dpalmer
Council, Moderator
Posts: 2257
Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:47 am
Location: Ohio Wadsworth
Cardinal Owners: 2018 3456
Location: Ohio Wadsworth

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by dpalmer »

Thanks for the info, that is all helpful :D
Dave & Karen
2018 3456
2021 F350 XLT, 4x4 Dually
Rallies Attended = 22 and 3 F.R.O.G.
Full-time as of 10/1/2016
User avatar
dennis1949
Posts: 481
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2007 5:38 pm
Location: Alabama Decatur
Cardinal Owners: 2016. Blue Ridge 3045RL
Location: Alabama Decatur

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by dennis1949 »

Save your empty DEF jugs. When you fill the truck up fill the jugs up also. This will save you 3 to 4 dollars a gallon on the DEF This way you always have some DEF if you don't stop at a truck stop
Dennis Carpenter
2016. Blue Ridge 3045RL
2012 3/4 GMC Z71 truck
Decatur Al.
User avatar
Mike Clay
Council, Administrator
Posts: 13245
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:53 am
Location: Oregon Gresham
Cardinal Owners: 2016 3850RL Estate
Skype ID: Mike-Clay
Location: Oregon Gresham

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by Mike Clay »

I always take off with 3 gallons that I have filled at the dealer. It will take the 3 gallons after about 2,300 miles of towing. Once I use them I usually go to O'Reillys and pick up a few gallons of Peak Blue.
Mike, Susanna & Rudy
2016 3850RL Estate "Proto Grigio"
2019 Silverado 3500HD Dually D/A 4x4 LTZ
My dreams are too big for my wallet
Rallies attended - 32

Nights camping in 2013:159 2014:269 2015:Full Timers
Dale Crenshaw

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by Dale Crenshaw »

Dave, the computer on my Chevy will allert me when DEF is getting low. It will say something like 250 miles or so before it runs out. This gives me plenty of warning to give it another drink. I usually just add one 2 1/2 gallon jug from WalMart, and go until it tells me to get another.
Dale
mbrolin
Posts: 216
Joined: Sat Jan 25, 2014 7:27 pm
Location: Oregon Corvallis
Cardinal Owners: 2019 Cardinal 3456 RLX
Location: Oregon Corvallis

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by mbrolin »

My 2014 Ram has a def gauge. When it gets down to just above a half on the gauge it will take 2.5 gals. Bought the truck last August and with 6k miles empty and towing I have only added 5 gals. I plan on carrying a 2.5 gal of def along on our trip next week but as was posted def is readily available. I would hope that the price at most retail outlets will come down Def is deionized water and ammonia. I honestly believe that def makers are taking adavantage of the market. Way overpriced compared to bulk. Average cost in Oregon is $13 per 2.5 gallon versus $3 per gallon at a truck stop using the truck pump ( w/ PUC) :-o
Mike & Sandy
2019 Cardinal 3456 Luxury Edition
2018 Ram 3500 4x4 Crew Cab Aisin 6spd Dually
User avatar
dpalmer
Council, Moderator
Posts: 2257
Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:47 am
Location: Ohio Wadsworth
Cardinal Owners: 2018 3456
Location: Ohio Wadsworth

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by dpalmer »

I think I will pick up a 2 1/2 gallon at Walmart and have it with me for piece of mind. If it is due and I am fueling I will get it at the pump. The info of your experiences has really helped this new diesel owner, thanks :d
Dave & Karen
2018 3456
2021 F350 XLT, 4x4 Dually
Rallies Attended = 22 and 3 F.R.O.G.
Full-time as of 10/1/2016
jacknife
Posts: 607
Joined: Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:07 am
Location: California Ramona
Cardinal Owners: 2013Cardinal 3030
TV 2020 Ram 3500 4x4 HO 6.7 Cummins
Location: California Ramona

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by jacknife »

When you buy it at the truck fuel islands you may need a magnet to put on the nozzle . The big trucks have them built into the tank. It is to keep from putting it ito the Dieseltank. You can get them oline if you need one. Msybe tHE FORD TANKS HAvE OnE BUILT IN.
User avatar
dpalmer
Council, Moderator
Posts: 2257
Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:47 am
Location: Ohio Wadsworth
Cardinal Owners: 2018 3456
Location: Ohio Wadsworth

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by dpalmer »

I had to add DEF once but used the jug I bought, The Pilot we stopped at was intimidating with trucks lined up behind me and wasn't sure how to get the DEF The sign said push here for DEF so I just left. I'll have to see about the magnet. thanks for the tip.
Dave & Karen
2018 3456
2021 F350 XLT, 4x4 Dually
Rallies Attended = 22 and 3 F.R.O.G.
Full-time as of 10/1/2016
User avatar
Don Wilson
Region Leader Admin
Posts: 7408
Joined: Sat Mar 25, 2006 3:27 pm
Location: California Riverbank
Cardinal Owners: 2019 3350
Location: New Mexico - California

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by Don Wilson »

I am sure some of the people who own the newer diesels will be along to explain what they do! I have no idea since my older model Dodge does not use DEF.

Don
We don't know a stranger only friends we haven't met yet!

Don
2019 Cardinal 3350RLX Luxury Edition
2014 Dodge 3500 2WD DRW Long Bed

2023 Nights Camped 33
2022 Nights Camped 24
2021 Nights Camped 46


Rallies Attended - 50
Frog - 5
User avatar
dpalmer
Council, Moderator
Posts: 2257
Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:47 am
Location: Ohio Wadsworth
Cardinal Owners: 2018 3456
Location: Ohio Wadsworth

Re: Diesel Newbee

Post by dpalmer »

I am sure I will get all the info I need when we reach Klamath :thumbrt:
Dave & Karen
2018 3456
2021 F350 XLT, 4x4 Dually
Rallies Attended = 22 and 3 F.R.O.G.
Full-time as of 10/1/2016
Post Reply