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So, you’ve finally got that awesome RV and the powerful diesel truck to haul it, ready for epic adventures across different states and beyond. But with that, modern diesel comes a new fluid you need to know about: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Ignore it, or worse, mix it up with your fuel, and you could be facing a repair bill that would put a serious dent in your travel budget.
Understanding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Larry Grimm from Downsizing Makes Cents, an RV enthusiast, learned this firsthand. “I had never owned a truck or any diesel vehicle before,” he shared in his video. Modern diesel engines use DEF to meet strict emissions standards mandated back in 2010.
This clear, colorless liquid, made of mostly deionized water and urea, is injected into the exhaust system to break down harmful nitrogen oxide emissions into harmless water and nitrogen.
The Costly Mistake to Avoid
Larry quickly realized the potential for a costly blunder. “I’ve come close to putting DEF into the diesel fill port by mistake. The two ports are only a couple inches apart.” This is a common pitfall, and accidentally adding DEF to your diesel fuel tank can have devastating consequences.
“If you try to start the truck and the def contaminated fuel made it into the injectors, then you have a very expensive problem costing thousands of dollars in parts and labor,” Larry warned. Even if you catch the mistake before starting the engine, you’re still looking at a major hassle of siphoning and flushing the entire fuel system.
Simple Tips to Protect Your Wallet
To help diesel truck owners avoid this headache, Larry shared some straightforward advice. His number one tip is simple but crucial: “When filling the diesel or def at the pump, stop and pay attention.” With fueling often being an automatic process, distractions can lead to mistakes.
He also shared some tips on how to properly read the date codes of DEF boxes since DEF does have a shelf life, especially in hot climates.
According to Larry, you can crack the cryptic DEF date code by yourself. Start by breaking it down into parts. Using an example like PB222T1, the PB is the plant location (Pennsylvania). The 22 is the year, but you have to subtract one, making it 2021. The 271 represents the days left in that year. To find the actual manufacture date, you just subtract that number from 365, which means it was made on the 94th day of 2021.
The Lowdown on Diesel Exhaust Fluid
So, what’s the deal with DEF? Well, it’s essential for keeping your modern diesel truck running cleanly and legally. You can buy it in jugs at most auto parts stores or even Walmart, or you can fill up at DEF pumps found at many truck stops – often a cheaper option.
By understanding what DEF is, how to handle it, and the potentially expensive consequences of mixing it up with your fuel, you can ensure your diesel trucks remain trouble-free and your hard-earned money stays where it belongs.
