2017 GMC/Chevy DEF tank!

Thermoguy wrote:
This is an odd thread. The DEF Tank on GM hasn't moved since 2011. Are you just now noticing it? I can't recall a single instance where I have read someone has had a problem with the location when off road or a farmer in a field. Not sure why some think that now the 2017 would have any issues. I have been plenty of places with my truck and have never come close to hitting the DEF tank.

These posts are obviously written by people that haven't driven a GM since the model update in 2015. If you had, you would upgrade. I have driven the Ford, have a friend that has one - nice truck, but not as nice as the GM. I have a friend with a Dodge. Can't deny that the Cummings engine is great, but not the transmission and certainly not the quality of anything else on the road.

Seems like a case of envy trying to come up with excuses why your truck is better. Like most people that drive a certain kind of truck, you have to justify why you like your brand...

It didn't move, it just got "Yuugge" compared to the previous years.

otrfun wrote:

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
. . . you have to admit this is not one of GM's proudest designs! Kinda like the gas tanks on the 1970's C/K trucks.

x2. One of my first jobs was delivering auto parts in a 1972 C10. I used to wonder what all that sloshing noise was inside the cab. About 2 months into the job I was looking for something I dropped behind the seat. Took a peek and couldn't help but notice that gas tank. Even as a naive teenager, back before auto safety was a big deal, my first thought was WTF?!

The tanks on 1973 and newer at least were mounted on the right side of the truck and on the outside of the frame. If you got hit they would rupture spilling gas. Even the head engineer for the truck division refused to allow his family to drive in one. But he didn't have a problem letting his customers drive them! This came out in a lawsuit filed by the family of a teenage boy that lost his life in one of the trucks. When questioned under oath he admitted that he would not let his family members drive one of those trucks and broke down on the stand. It was very powerful and along with internal memos cost GM a boat load of money.

As far as these tanks having been around for a while now. There were plenty of post about it when they first came out. Just now it looks like they are even lower then the previous years.

Don

When I was kicking the tires on my Dad's new '16 Chevy Duramax a couple of months ago, I pointed out that hideous DEF tank to him and that was the first time he even noticed it...LOL. The step bars kind of hide it which helps. Also looking under the truck the DEF tank appears to be about flush with the transfer case skid plate good or bad.

Also I could tell my Dad was going to struggle pouring the large DEF containers into the port under the hood so I set him up with a transfer pump and stressed that he flushes it with water after pumping the DEF.

It's a very strange design, but I enjoy reading how people try to defend and justify it.

If you are concerned about ground clearance and just absolutely need to drive a Chevy, the 6.0 gas V8 is an excellent choice.

Me Again wrote:

Thermoguy wrote:




I've never had to fill mine up while on the road. I only fill it when I get an oil change. I agree it's not in a great place, but I like that it is hard to spill DEF on my paint.

You must not tow much! I add 2.5 box in the 1600 mile trip between Washington and Arizona.

That sounds like you are going through too much IMO. My truck was filled when I bought it. I used 4 gallons in 9000kms. I added about 3 gallons at that point. Still haven't had to add any and I have put on 3500kms since then.

IdaD wrote:

dodge guy wrote:

GeoBoy wrote:
The ground clearance is 8+", the rear differential or front suspension lower arm would hit an obstruction before the DEF tank.

I guess you have never been off-roading?

It is painfully obvious, isn't it?

If I wanted to go off roading I wouldn't do it with my dually, I would have a Jeep, dirt bike or ATV.

Thermoguy wrote:




I've never had to fill mine up while on the road. I only fill it when I get an oil change. I agree it's not in a great place, but I like that it is hard to spill DEF on my paint.

You must not tow much! I add 2.5 box in the 1600 mile trip between Washington and Arizona.

patriotgrunt wrote:

B.O. Plenty wrote:
$65,000.00 one ton dually. I have no plans to take it off road. That's why they make Jeeps. Hasn't been a problem in any way in the two years I've owned the truck. I like the fact that the DEF is under the hood. When is the last time you heard of someone pouring DEF into the fuel tank on a GM product? It's not like you have to add DEF every week..

B.O.

Honest question...Can you fill up the DEF tank at truck stops without having to move the truck after filling up with diesel? I know the DEF pumps can be hard to pull out and I've never tested how long the hose is.

I've never had to fill mine up while on the road. I only fill it when I get an oil change. I agree it's not in a great place, but I like that it is hard to spill DEF on my paint.

I fill my DEF tank at WM with Peak Blue DEF. They recycle the box for me by leaving it in the shopping cart.

patriotgrunt wrote:

Thermoguy wrote:
This is an odd thread. The DEF Tank on GM hasn't moved since 2011. Are you just now noticing it? I can't recall a single instance where I have read someone has had a problem with the location when off road or a farmer in a field. Not sure why some think that now the 2017 would have any issues. I have been plenty of places with my truck and have never come close to hitting the DEF tank.

These posts are obviously written by people that haven't driven a GM since the model update in 2015. If you had, you would upgrade. I have driven the Ford, have a friend that has one - nice truck, but not as nice as the GM. I have a friend with a Dodge. Can't deny that the Cummings engine is great, but not the transmission and certainly not the quality of anything else on the road.

Seems like a case of envy trying to come up with excuses why your truck is better. Like most people that drive a certain kind of truck, you have to justify why you like your brand...

Nice first post! You'll make a lot of friends quickly here. :B

LOL:)

Dodge / Ram - both the same, right? I know they changed the name, but it's the same company. I looked at one in 2015 and thought about it. My wife didn't like it and if she's happy I'm happy.

I'm certainly not trying to make enemy's, I like these forums and I like to see everyone's opinion. Obviously I have my own... But in reality most of these trucks are very similar. You pay lots of money to get one, add the accessories to make it yours, then enjoy driving it and pulling your trailer all over the place.