Boxed DEF versus DEF at the pump

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Truckermania, Aug 17, 2014.

  1. Truckermania

    Truckermania Road Train Member

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    I am just finishing up my time with my road instructor and I noticed at truck stops there is DEF in boxes for $14.99 for 2.5 gallons and DEF at the pump for $2.79 per gallon. DEF at the pump is a much better bargain. Are there any advantages to buying boxed DEF instead? Thanks!
     
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  3. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    Not that I know of.
    Maybe buy a Box to keep for Emergencies.
    Otherwise get it at the pump.

    At the beginning it was hard to find at the Pumps.
    Shouldn't be a problem anymore.
     
  4. Moving Forward

    Moving Forward Heavy Load Member

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    Exactly right, as the boxed option used to be the only option at many stops before the new pumps were installed. It's nice to be back in a truck that doesn't use DEF, but I know that time will come to an end at some point.
     
  5. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    it's all the same stuff. why they carry so much though, is beyond me.
     
  6. Truckermania

    Truckermania Road Train Member

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    It must sell or they would not stock it. So long as you add DEF at every fill up I don't see why you would ever need to buy Boxed DEF.
     
  7. FwL

    FwL Medium Load Member

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    Some trucks have the DEF tank on the right side. It's a lot easier to buy the boxes than it is to try and fill at the pump.
     
  8. Pahrump

    Pahrump Medium Load Member

    Here is a fact,, DEF is 65% water
     
  9. dca

    dca Road Train Member

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    Perhaps they carry it for those that don't. know how to get it at the pump.. or can't get it at the pump.. i still find truck stops that don't have def in the fuel isle but its rare for me to fuel up at these locations ... in the winter.. def pumps do freeze up
     
  10. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    I would fire you if you did that.
    Some of the early DEF Trucks had the Tank on the wrong (right) side.
    Most trucks now should have the Tank on left side.



    Was going to mention that.
    For a while it seemed a lot of them weren't working/frozen or whatever.
    I ended up getting it a lot lower then I really wanted.

    The Cascadia doesn't have a real gauge, has 4 indicator lights/squares.
    . I only add DEF when it gets down to 3 or less, which is usually every other Fillup or so.
     
    dca Thanks this.
  11. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    One advantage for getting boxed DEF is you get to spill it all over yourself...

    ... and 45% urine :D :D :D ... so now you can smell all pretty when you climb back in your truck.

    I ran into a veteran at my company that asked me how to put DEF in at the pump. He'd been buying boxes of the stuff all this time. For newbies, when you fill up at the pump it will ask you a series of questions, which include "DEF?", say "Yes" at this point. After you finish putting diesel in your tanks you put the diesel pumps back into their slots and then pull out the DEF pump and push the button that says "DEF" and that activates the DEF pump.

    The only time I ever bought DEF in a box was in Illinois last winter. The temperature was about 5ºF and signs were posted that DEF wasn't working at the pump. We were low so I went in to buy it in the box and the cashier explained the DEF was getting ice crystals in the tank and wasn't flowing. It's a messy and frustrating business using those boxes.
     
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