anw7405 wrote:
Just from real world experience I would stay away from DEF. Here is why.
Truck #1 2014 Ram cummins kept stranding my parents in limp mode. Had to delete entire exhaust system
Truck #2 2014 Ram cummins same thing. Had to delete.
Truck #3 2015 durmax same thing. Had to delete.
Truck #4 2014 powerstroke. Complete disaster had to sell the truck.
Truck #5 2006 cummins no issues.
Truck #6 2009 cummins no issues.
Truck #7 2005 cummins no issues.
Truck #8 2009 cummins no issues.
This has my curiosity. My 2014 Ram-Cummins has 133,000 miles and I've only had one DEF related issue in 3 years of ownership. That issue was simply a check engine light for 'Insufficient Catalyst' and excessive DEF usage. The situation was caused by using cheap DEF that wasn't high purity. I drained the tank, refilled with PEAK Blue DEF and I've never had another problem since. RAM did replace my catalyst system around 110,000 miles on the recall, but even then it was working perfectly fine.
Maybe I'm an outlier here, but really don't see an issue DEF systems. The pre-DEF trucks were definitely more problematic with DPF's clogging and poor fuel economy. Personally I like the DEF systems; I have the power of diesel without all the stink.
If you're kids are bigger you might be able to find a Mega Cab with a bench seat.