2011 Berkshire With New Diesel Emmisisons

[jhpete1]

I just purchased a new 2011 Berkshire with the new diesel emmissions standards including the new diesel exhaust fluid tank (DEF). Can someone tell me if the 4 LED lights on the bottom of the fuel indicator gauge are actually indicating the quantity in the DEF tank? Also, does anyone have experience with how long a tank of DEF lasts in Berkshire? Thanks.

[tmmar]

jhpete1

to the forum and congrats on your new Berkshire. Sorry I can't help with the led question but if you have any other questions, be sure to ask.

ps- which model Berkshire did you get? Was it much more expensive than an older model without the DEF engine?

[jhpete1]

We got the 390BH. Absolutely love it!. The dealer was able to hold the old price on this unit, so I didn't have to pay extra for the DEF system. MSRP was $16K more though! I did get right at 10 mpg on the drive home (1200 miles). Thought that that was pretty darn good, especially since much of the drive was in heavy head and cross winds.

[JEM]

Just purchase 2011 Birkshire 390BH. Believe thte green light indicated remaining liquid in DEF Tank. Local "gas station" with diesel fuel didn't have the DEF available. Local NAPA Auto Parts Store didn't have any but said I was second person to ask about it, they checked with NAPA and found that NAPA has it in iventory and they will stock it.

Have heard that a tank last about 3000 miles, I'll probably carry a few gallons on board and not let it get below 1/2 to 1/4 low.

[jhpete1]

Thanks - I did come to realize that the gauge was for DEF. As I understand it, once the tank goes to about 1/8th, it will start flashing yellow on the gauge - at this point, you'd better replenish the DEF fluid; because, if it allowed to go to flashing red, it will retard the engine.

FYI - My gauge just went down to the solid green 1/4 mark. I have about 3,200 miles now on my rig. I carry a couple extra gallons of DEF on board as well. I've just checked our local Pilot truckstop and they actually do have a pump that dispenses the DEF, while the local Loves and Flying J truckstop did not.

[amarzano]

I have the DEF on my 390bh has well.

On mine - the 4 green leds gradually go out has the DEF is used up.

Then the final Green will turn YELLOW and then RED. Don't know what happens after that.. since I filled up the tank.. :-)

I buy one extra and keep it in the coach - for when I forget or can't find another jug.
I would mention it's a bit of a PIA to refill the DEF. My DEF tank looks like an old jerry jug and has the fill way up high on top. It's a bit tough to fill with the bay doors up. I wish they would have gone with a wider and lower tank vs. the narrow and tall tank.

[amarzano]

FYI - Kragen's and Pep Boys both carry DEF. It's about $12 for the 2 1/2 gal jug.

Note that No one at the 4 stores I talked to knew anything about what I was looking for or what DEF was.

I found it on the Kragen website and had the P/N which finally got me what I needed at the store.

Also comes in a 1 gal size. I fill up and keep a 2 1/2 gal jug in the storage area. This equals 1 LED on the fuel gauge.

Hope this helps..