Operational problems with new diesel pickups

Travel glampers wrote:
We're considering the purchase of a 2021 diesel, DRW, long bed pickup. Towing a 14,000 lb. fiver into the Rockies....The head mechanic at a local dealership actually bought a used 2009 Duramax, to avoid DEF problems. I have been told the DEF problems have been solved, but carbon build up remains. I wondering what operational problems people have experienced late model diesels, from the three different brands.

2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7 Cummins with 160,000 miles. In 6 years of ownership I've had 1 CEL that was for insufficient catalyst. This was directly related to cheap farm store DEF that I purchased. Since then I've used only Peak Blue DEF and have had ZERO issues related to DEF.

Currently have a CEL for Exhaust Gas Temperature sensor #5 and will replace that sensor soon. I've heard various stories of DEF problems, but in my case I'd say the system works just fine. What about the current EGT sensor you may ask? Have you ever had to replace an O2 sensor in your gas vehicle? The EGT is no different, they are sensors in a hot system, of course it will fail at some point.

I have lots of torque, I get 21MPG unloaded, my tailpipe is clean, and the exhaust doesn't smell like burning oil. I'm pretty happy with the system