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Old 09-25-2020, 08:03 AM   #1
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DEF, is there really any difference in quality?

Just wondering if there is any difference in the quality of DEF fluids between brands.

BlueDEF is typically around $13 for 2.5 gallon box at my local Lowes/Home Depot. Slightly more at local service stations. Tractor Supply offers an unfamiliar brand for $10 for 2.5 gallons. I'm sure there are others. And I have read some fill it at truck stops.

Are there different quality and performance benefits? Has anyone found one to be better/inferior to others?

I'm mainly asking because I just got an email from AutoZone introducing BlueDEF Platinum for $20 and curious in anyone thinks that would be worth.

Honestly, I'd be fine with TS $10 box if its the same as the others.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:08 AM   #2
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WalMart has it for $7.95 per 2.5 gal jug
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:35 AM   #3
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As long as it meets ISO22241 or is API certified and is not expired, I dont see any difference. Some brands get the API certification, but its voluntary.

I moved away from the jugs and buy bulk at around $3 a gal from truck stops. Generally pretty easy to find the bulk DEF at these spots. Just pull around to the truck pumps to get DEF.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:37 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vansteenburg View Post
As long as it meets ISO22241 or is API certified and is not expired, I dont see any difference. Some brands get the API certification, but its voluntary.

I moved away from the jugs and buy bulk at around $3 a gal from truck stops. Generally pretty easy to find the bulk DEF at these spots. Just pull around to the truck pumps to get DEF.
Echo what he said ^

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Old 09-25-2020, 08:41 AM   #5
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Don't pay extra for fancy packaging, I have yet to find a brand that's better than the other.

When buying at certain big box stores, make sure the seal isn't broken.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:47 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by Vansteenburg View Post
As long as it meets ISO22241 or is API certified and is not expired, I dont see any difference. Some brands get the API certification, but its voluntary.

I moved away from the jugs and buy bulk at around $3 a gal from truck stops. Generally pretty easy to find the bulk DEF at these spots. Just pull around to the truck pumps to get DEF.
Curious, how do you prevent from overfilling the DEF at truck stops?
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:55 AM   #7
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I use the Blue DEF box because I don’t go to truck stops. I can go 800 miles on a 2.5 gal box and I add one box every other day of traveling. I just got 2 boxes for $24 at Tractor Supply on sale. I am sure I could save money, but my convenience is more important to me.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:56 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TrailWayz View Post
Curious, how do you prevent from overfilling the DEF at truck stops?
The nozzle is snug fitting and trips just like your fuel pump.
You may have to wiggle it to go in, but they will fit. I've found it's pretty much full when it kicks.

Some are more sensitive than others, so sometimes you fill slower if it kicks early. Since I fill after the 3rd light goes out I know its 3-4 gallons of DEF.
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Old 09-25-2020, 09:54 AM   #9
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Walmart price ends up at $3.20/gal It's easier for me to pay that than go screw around at a truck stop. JMHO.
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Old 09-25-2020, 11:20 AM   #10
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Quote:
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Echo what he said ^

Ditto.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:15 PM   #11
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Screw around at a truck stop? I pull in, fuel up, and add DEF when needed. Couldn't be simpler and I don't have to worry about the box nozzle fitting snugly so I don't drip DEF all over the compartment, and it's cheaper.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:26 PM   #12
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I get my DEF where I get my fuel, at truck stops. Easy and no mess.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:28 PM   #13
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Blue Def, VS Walmart Brand

It is Urea. Period. How much quality does one need for Urea?
It is sprayed into the exhaust, ahead of the Catalyst (SCR). Doesn't go into the engine.
Sole purpose is to reduce COx.
So, quality is a non-issue. Buy the cheap stuff.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:29 PM   #14
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Check the seal/date ... Walmart same as any other.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:30 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vansteenburg View Post
The nozzle is snug fitting and trips just like your fuel pump.
You may have to wiggle it to go in, but they will fit. I've found it's pretty much full when it kicks.

Some are more sensitive than others, so sometimes you fill slower if it kicks early. Since I fill after the 3rd light goes out I know its 3-4 gallons of DEF.
Footnote to that: While you can squeeze and squeeze and squeeze more DEF into your tank, it is not recommended.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:33 PM   #16
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Not to thread hijack, but here’s a question: What would one consider the “shelf life” of the DEF that’s already in the tank?

Let’s say you have DEF in the tank (like most of us do) and then you store the rig for 5-6 months during the winter. Is that DEF going to be “bad” when you’re ready to hit the road again? It’s a complete pain in the noodle to empty these DEF tanks (without removing them) and I’ve never stored our rig for the winter, but COVID might be changing that this year.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:40 PM   #17
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What about DEF milage?

Quote:
Originally Posted by milkman55 View Post
I use the Blue DEF box because I don’t go to truck stops. I can go 800 miles on a 2.5 gal box and I add one box every other day of traveling. I just got 2 boxes for $24 at Tractor Supply on sale. I am sure I could save money, but my convenience is more important to me.

I'm curious.. My new (to me) 2018 Sierra supposedly has about a 5 gal DEF tank. We bought the truck in March of this year, I have put about 4k miles on it, and my indicator still says "DEF fluid level ok". Do some diesels use that much more DEF fluid than others? I too have wondered about the quality of different brands as I'm guessing I will need some soon.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:50 PM   #18
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Quote:
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I get my DEF where I get my fuel, at truck stops. Easy and no mess.
Hey TRN, will the truckstop pump nozzles fit a GMC 2500? Or do they have smaller nozzles at a pump alongside them? I always thought those nozzles are too large for standard pickups. I've only had my pu a month, filled DEF from BlueDEF 2.5 gal box.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:53 PM   #19
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cheapest is just fine, two Duramax, 400,000 total miles, never had a DEF quality issue.
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Old 09-25-2020, 01:56 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BLT4SPD View Post
Not to thread hijack, but here’s a question: What would one consider the “shelf life” of the DEF that’s already in the tank?

Let’s say you have DEF in the tank (like most of us do) and then you store the rig for 5-6 months during the winter. Is that DEF going to be “bad” when you’re ready to hit the road again? It’s a complete pain in the noodle to empty these DEF tanks (without removing them) and I’ve never stored our rig for the winter, but COVID might be changing that this year.
I have no scientific evidence, but I've stored mine 3 winters (one with a mid winter trip) and never had any issue leaving DEF in the tank. Unlike the diesel tanks, I dont leave the DEF full since it can freeze but I've never had a problem yet (knock on wood)
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