I mentioned this on one subject, but think this deserves its own topic. On one of the groups I'm on, I keep reading that it is known to be common practice for people at a truck stop to use red-dyed "reefer" fuel instead of the clear "tractor" diesel in their motorhomes. When I ask about getting caught, the reply is that only 18-wheelers get tested for dye.From what I know, the one thing governments go after with a heavy fist are people who try to dodge taxes. Is using red-dyed diesel a common practice?So far, I've only had gassers, so my diesel experience is limited to a few rentals.-edited- This is something I would not do for sake of ethical reasons, but this is one of the first times I've heard of dyed fuel.

I think the Internal Revenue Service will disagree about only 18 wheelers being tested.

It is still cheating and dishonest.

I don't think it matters who gets tested. If you get seen doing that.. big fines.

Around here they will dip any tank, not just commercial.Dealerships have been fined heavily just for having used vehicles on the lot that a previous owner has used red diesel in. So some dealers will dip a tank upon trade in and if it comes up red, they will not take the trade. And it takes very little to test positive. My mechanic friend says he has a customer that had run several tanks of normal fuel through the engine after using just a small amount of red but still came up positive and was fined.A dealer will also void the engine warranty if they find red.All in all it just isn't worth it.

When I was using Red Dyed Fuel in our ambulances (with exempt plates), the Ford Dealer said he had to report finding Red Dyed Fuel in our system, he backed off when I pointed out that we were exempt. So they will find you somehow... they want your money. JH

Red-dyed "reefer" diesel? | Good Sam Community

Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
ford truck guy wrote:
I am amazed at just how many people on here would act so crazy as to refuse a dip check when they have nothing to hide??? Not sure why anybody would do that , what's it gonna prove??

You're probably right.

I am amazed at just how many people on here would act so crazy as to refuse to have the police walk into their homes for a search at any time of day or night when they have nothing to hide???
Not sure why anybody would do that , what's it gonna prove??? You have nothing to hide right? :W Or do you??? ;)

Aaaaa it's a very slippery slope we live on indeed. I think Martin-Niemöller said it best:

"First they wanted to check my diesel fuel and I said nothing because I never run red in my truck.

Then they wanted to know how many guns I have and I told them. After all, what harm could that do?"......................

Well Martin didn't really say that, but close enough. :)
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
:B:B:B

That sound you hear is the Mod reaching for the "delete" button!
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Nov 25, 2013
Francesca Knowles wrote:
ford truck guy wrote:
I am amazed at just how many people on here would act so crazy as to refuse a dip check when they have nothing to hide??? Not sure why anybody would do that , what's it gonna prove??

Maybe it's just to prove who's a bigger dipstick? ;)

:B. Come on F K ,,, it's not size that counts... It's how it's used... And if it's red or not!
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
ford truck guy wrote:
I am amazed at just how many people on here would act so crazy as to refuse a dip check when they have nothing to hide??? Not sure why anybody would do that , what's it gonna prove??

Maybe it's just to prove who's a bigger dipstick? ;)
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Nov 25, 2013
I am amazed at just how many people on here would act so crazy as to refuse a dip check when they have nothing to hide??? Not sure why anybody would do that , what's it gonna prove??
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
JaxDad wrote:
I don't know about CA in particular

You are correct, you don't. :B
Raften
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
So do they do more than just look for the red color when they do a dip test? Biodiesel is sometimes a red color if the feed stock comes from a taco place. The way you all describe things it sounds like Germany in the 1930's.
The_Texan
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
Funny, but I guess many have NO IDEA how the tax man works.....All I can say is refuse his "request" one time and you will quickly find out just how much authority they have. I had the good fortune of working with them on more than one occasion and you have to understand that, "they don't need no stinking warrant". It seems they are "exempt" from the 4th amendment....
JaxDad
Explorer III
Nov 25, 2013
hotpepperkid wrote:
gbopp wrote:
dons2346 wrote:
Never heard of a motorhome getting stopped for a fuel check.

Never heard of anyone other that my aunt's third sister- in- laws, husbands brothers son who got caught. I think he is still in prison.

You don't have to be 'stopped'.
You can be sitting at a rest area and a Federal or State Agent/Officer can approach you and request a test of your diesel fuel.
I have seen it done.....

My response in NO you can not test my tank

Good luck with that, hopefully it's not a long walk home........
hotpepperkid
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
gbopp wrote:
dons2346 wrote:
Never heard of a motorhome getting stopped for a fuel check.

Never heard of anyone other that my aunt's third sister- in- laws, husbands brothers son who got caught. I think he is still in prison.

You don't have to be 'stopped'.
You can be sitting at a rest area and a Federal or State Agent/Officer can approach you and request a test of your diesel fuel.
I have seen it done.....

My response in NO you can not test my tank

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