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Is all DEF the same?

way2roll
Navigator II
Navigator II
I had been buying BLUE DEF for the past year. "Gold star, premium, blah blah blah..." Recently at the auto parts store the clerk showed me they had FRAM Def. It was literally half the price. So I bout 2 jugs, put them in and have been running it now for over a month. Today at the same auto parts store someone was buying BLUE and I tipped him to my recent find. To my surprise, another clerk said not to buy the FRAM brand that it can cause issues? I was like, wha..? Then why are you selling it? In all my research everything says that DEF is DEF is DEF provided it has the right percentage of urea to water. I mean, it's just atomized into your exhaust to neutralize harmful emissions. So is fancy DEF any better than house brand stuff? What about DEF at the pump - who knows what brand that is.

Jeff - 2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
52 REPLIES 52

Bionic_Man
Explorer
Explorer
$17,500 for a 1 year old GC? I don't know how you would pass on that. In today's market, that deal would be unheard of. I think I should get around $20k for my 2014 with 100,000 miles.

To bring it back to topic, here is a photo of mine towing a Lund that I flipped earlier this year. The EcoDiesel makes a great tow engine for a fishing boat. And is a very good every day driver. And it doesn't use much DEF.
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
2002 Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 29FRB with Honda EV6010

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
Couldn't pass on this GC, paid $17,500 with 2,300 miles in 2020 at one year old.

I wish it used DEF.

I filled my DEF tank to the top in my 15 RAM DRW with PEAK from Costco before heading South. I filled it once at Love's along the way. 350mpg filled tank to top each time hand calc towing 35k combined. No issues with supply.

2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
I always like the quote festivals.
"If I'm wearing long pants, I'm too far north" - 2oldman

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
way2roll wrote:
Thanks for all the responses, that's what I figured.

Moderator, you can close this thread, looks like it went a little sideways.


Seriously???

Stick around and you will see this is exactly what happens when the topic has been answered. Always good info to be shared.
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

way2roll
Navigator II
Navigator II
Thanks for all the responses, that's what I figured.

Moderator, you can close this thread, looks like it went a little sideways.

Jeff - 2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS

Bionic_Man
Explorer
Explorer
FishOnOne wrote:
Bionic Man wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Bionic Man wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Nv Guy wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
I think the bigger story is the shortage of DEF due to Urea and China holding back shipments of this raw material. The next big story will be a shortage of fertilizer.

Shortage is in S Korea and Australia. Spreading "shortage" stories like this only creates panic buying.
No one on several other forums I frequent has reported not being able to find DEF. Even the poorly stocked Wal Mart near me has 3 different brands of DEF available.


I'll just put my blindfolds on and the problem will go away.


I've read a couple places that DEF will soon be in short supply, but I haven't seen it yet. All the gas stations still seem to have it available. That said, when I was in Walmart this week I picked up two jugs just to be safe (plenty there too). That should get me well past the time my new Jeep is built, and the current one is happily with another owner.

I hope that prediction isn't correct (although I don't doubt it). That could really put further limitations on an already strained supply chain.


I've been to a couple of Wal Marts, Tractor Supply Co., and O Reily's parts store and their DEF shelves were empty.

Off topic but what type of Jeep did you order?


2022 Grand Cherokee L Summit with the Hemi. I really wanted to like the Gladiator EcoDiesel (I know that some dislike that engine, but the one in my current GC is nothing short of fabulous) but I wanted something more luxurious. Couldn't get away from the GC once I looked at the new model.


The Grand Cherokee is on my wifes list to look at as we will need to purchase another vehicle. We want something with 4 wheel drive.

A guy as work just retired his Ram 1500 and purchased a Gladiator that looks really nice with the BF Goodrich mud tires. He paid out the door $59k for it. I think he could have purchased a really nice full size truck for that price.


I test drove the Gladiator, and it actually exceeded my expectations. Looks are subjective, but I think that is the ugliest truck on the market in a low level trim with regular tires. But go up to Rubicon or Mojave and big tires and I really like them.

You are right, you aren't saving much $ vs a 1500, especially when you option them out. But that isn't what it is all about. I wouldn't consider a full size as it would take up too much room in the garage, and limit my parking choices on my weekly trips to the airport and the parking garage there.

I really like the GC. The L has an improved ride, and they really went all-out with the new interior. It is a very nice package.
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
2002 Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 29FRB with Honda EV6010

wanderingbob
Explorer II
Explorer II
For 59K you could have bought all 4 of my first homes or 30 of my first pickups !

FishOnOne
Nomad
Nomad
Bionic Man wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Bionic Man wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Nv Guy wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
I think the bigger story is the shortage of DEF due to Urea and China holding back shipments of this raw material. The next big story will be a shortage of fertilizer.

Shortage is in S Korea and Australia. Spreading "shortage" stories like this only creates panic buying.
No one on several other forums I frequent has reported not being able to find DEF. Even the poorly stocked Wal Mart near me has 3 different brands of DEF available.


I'll just put my blindfolds on and the problem will go away.


I've read a couple places that DEF will soon be in short supply, but I haven't seen it yet. All the gas stations still seem to have it available. That said, when I was in Walmart this week I picked up two jugs just to be safe (plenty there too). That should get me well past the time my new Jeep is built, and the current one is happily with another owner.

I hope that prediction isn't correct (although I don't doubt it). That could really put further limitations on an already strained supply chain.


I've been to a couple of Wal Marts, Tractor Supply Co., and O Reily's parts store and their DEF shelves were empty.

Off topic but what type of Jeep did you order?


2022 Grand Cherokee L Summit with the Hemi. I really wanted to like the Gladiator EcoDiesel (I know that some dislike that engine, but the one in my current GC is nothing short of fabulous) but I wanted something more luxurious. Couldn't get away from the GC once I looked at the new model.


The Grand Cherokee is on my wifes list to look at as we will need to purchase another vehicle. We want something with 4 wheel drive.

A guy as work just retired his Ram 1500 and purchased a Gladiator that looks really nice with the BF Goodrich mud tires. He paid out the door $59k for it. I think he could have purchased a really nice full size truck for that price.
'12 Ford Super Duty FX4 ELD CC 6.7 PSD 400HP 800ft/lbs "270k Miles"
'16 Sprinter 319MKS "Wide Body"

Bionic_Man
Explorer
Explorer
FishOnOne wrote:
Bionic Man wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Nv Guy wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
I think the bigger story is the shortage of DEF due to Urea and China holding back shipments of this raw material. The next big story will be a shortage of fertilizer.

Shortage is in S Korea and Australia. Spreading "shortage" stories like this only creates panic buying.
No one on several other forums I frequent has reported not being able to find DEF. Even the poorly stocked Wal Mart near me has 3 different brands of DEF available.


I'll just put my blindfolds on and the problem will go away.


I've read a couple places that DEF will soon be in short supply, but I haven't seen it yet. All the gas stations still seem to have it available. That said, when I was in Walmart this week I picked up two jugs just to be safe (plenty there too). That should get me well past the time my new Jeep is built, and the current one is happily with another owner.

I hope that prediction isn't correct (although I don't doubt it). That could really put further limitations on an already strained supply chain.


I've been to a couple of Wal Marts, Tractor Supply Co., and O Reily's parts store and their DEF shelves were empty.

Off topic but what type of Jeep did you order?


2022 Grand Cherokee L Summit with the Hemi. I really wanted to like the Gladiator EcoDiesel (I know that some dislike that engine, but the one in my current GC is nothing short of fabulous) but I wanted something more luxurious. Couldn't get away from the GC once I looked at the new model.
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
2002 Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 29FRB with Honda EV6010

FishOnOne
Nomad
Nomad
Bionic Man wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Nv Guy wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
I think the bigger story is the shortage of DEF due to Urea and China holding back shipments of this raw material. The next big story will be a shortage of fertilizer.

Shortage is in S Korea and Australia. Spreading "shortage" stories like this only creates panic buying.
No one on several other forums I frequent has reported not being able to find DEF. Even the poorly stocked Wal Mart near me has 3 different brands of DEF available.


I'll just put my blindfolds on and the problem will go away.


I've read a couple places that DEF will soon be in short supply, but I haven't seen it yet. All the gas stations still seem to have it available. That said, when I was in Walmart this week I picked up two jugs just to be safe (plenty there too). That should get me well past the time my new Jeep is built, and the current one is happily with another owner.

I hope that prediction isn't correct (although I don't doubt it). That could really put further limitations on an already strained supply chain.


I've been to a couple of Wal Marts, Tractor Supply Co., and O Reily's parts store and their DEF shelves were empty.

Off topic but what type of Jeep did you order?
'12 Ford Super Duty FX4 ELD CC 6.7 PSD 400HP 800ft/lbs "270k Miles"
'16 Sprinter 319MKS "Wide Body"

Bionic_Man
Explorer
Explorer
FishOnOne wrote:
Nv Guy wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
I think the bigger story is the shortage of DEF due to Urea and China holding back shipments of this raw material. The next big story will be a shortage of fertilizer.

Shortage is in S Korea and Australia. Spreading "shortage" stories like this only creates panic buying.
No one on several other forums I frequent has reported not being able to find DEF. Even the poorly stocked Wal Mart near me has 3 different brands of DEF available.


I'll just put my blindfolds on and the problem will go away.


I've read a couple places that DEF will soon be in short supply, but I haven't seen it yet. All the gas stations still seem to have it available. That said, when I was in Walmart this week I picked up two jugs just to be safe (plenty there too). That should get me well past the time my new Jeep is built, and the current one is happily with another owner.

I hope that prediction isn't correct (although I don't doubt it). That could really put further limitations on an already strained supply chain.
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
2002 Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 29FRB with Honda EV6010

FishOnOne
Nomad
Nomad
goducks10 wrote:
Doesn't the US get a lot or most of it's urea from Canada?


Link
'12 Ford Super Duty FX4 ELD CC 6.7 PSD 400HP 800ft/lbs "270k Miles"
'16 Sprinter 319MKS "Wide Body"

BenK
Explorer
Explorer
In an emergency...




Wonder if consuming 140 proof increases the octane/cetane value...
-Ben Picture of my rig
1996 GMC SLT Suburban 3/4 ton K3500/7.4L/4:1/+150Kmiles orig owner...
1980 Chevy Silverado C10/long bed/"BUILT" 5.7L/3:73/1 ton helper springs/+329Kmiles, bought it from dad...
1998 Mazda B2500 (1/2 ton) pickup, 2nd owner...
Praise Dyno Brake equiped and all have "nose bleed" braking!
Previous trucks/offroaders: 40's Jeep restored in mid 60's / 69 DuneBuggy (approx +1K lb: VW pan/200hpCorvair: eng, cam, dual carb'w velocity stacks'n 18" runners, 4spd transaxle) made myself from ground up / 1970 Toyota FJ40 / 1973 K5 Blazer (2dr Tahoe, 1 ton axles front/rear, +255K miles when sold it)...
Sold the boat (looking for another): Trophy with twin 150's...
51 cylinders in household, what's yours?...

goducks10
Explorer
Explorer
Doesn't the US get a lot or most of it's urea from Canada?

Walaby
Explorer II
Explorer II
Lantley wrote:
wanderingbob wrote:
When my wife heard about the DEF shortage she ordered 4 jugs from Walmart . Got it the next day , free delivery . I sure wish some one would tell her that there is a shortage of Snicker bars and Krispy Kreme donuts !

Panic buying and hoarding will create the alledged shortage.
It becomes a self fullfilling prophecy

Exactly! I actually believe in some instances these sort of "shortages" are artificially created in order to increase consumption and raise prices. All you have to float is an internet statement that looks real enough to ignite a flurry of reactions like this thread and increase your bottom line.

Mike
Im Mike Willoughby, and I approve this message.
2017 Ram 3500 CTD (aka FRAM)
2019 GrandDesign Reflection 367BHS