Forum Discussion

Targa's avatar
Targa
Explorer
Mar 02, 2015

Thinking about Def

I know that this has been proven to be a much more reliable way to manage the emissions systems than on my 09' pre def Cummins for example but what happens in a couple of years when/if the manufacturers can come up with a reliable way to manage the emissions without the need of an additional fuel system? I think the value of the DEF equipped trucks will tank to the point of it being hard to get rid of them. This is in my head every time I try to give a diesel another go. I do think this will happen, the engineers are entirely to smart not to be working on ways to simplify the emission systems to make them more reliable and user friendly, knowing that they would have a huge grip on the diesel market.

48 Replies

  • You all might be right and I certainly might be over thinking it but it still sticks in my head as a concern when the time comes to sell the truck and there is a much more efficient emissions management system available. Now if the DEF system is around for the long haul, its a non issue.
  • Was considering diesel around 1999/2000...read up and decided no way
    with the SMOG rulings and that freight train coming down the tracks

    Each time something new comes along for diesel...reconsider and another
    ditto...no way

    Direct injection is now very common for gasoline and GDICI is just
    around the corner...that has torque curves very similar to diesel.

    So agree with the OP...no diesel for me
  • Good points...Those are some of the reasons why I keep waiting year after year to replace mine. Until then my 2001 will have to do.
  • "engineers are entirely to smart not to be working on ways to simplify the emission"

    Not true, they have been making emissions more complicated for the last 50 years.
  • I think you are over thinking it. No way of ever knowing what, if anything, will replace it in the near or distant future. And what ever comes along next may be even less desirable, making the DEF trucks more desirable.

    DEF is not a problem. In my case, I add it about twice a year. Otherwise I never think about it.
  • dreeder wrote:
    I think the value of the DEF equipped trucks will tank to the point of it being hard to get rid of them.


    If it would cost me $25 more per year to operate, then I would want the truck for free. Just kidding, it's a non-issue.
  • Personally I worry about that stuff about as much as I did when the ulsd fuels came out in '07. I just put it in my '04 and keep on driving. It has not harmed anything yet on my '04 as I am still driving it.
  • dreeder wrote:
    .... but what happens in a couple of years when/if the manufacturers can come up with a reliable way to manage the emissions without the need of an additional fuel system?


    None of us can predict the future, so it's impossible to provide and answer to this question, even when looking through my crystal ball.