Not sure how wide-spread the sale is, but Caterpillar near me (Milton Caterpillar in MA, NY and I think VT) has 2.5 gallon jugs marked down to $7.75/ea. Cheapest I've seen, they're normally $10/ea. Sale runs to the end of September then they go back to $10/ea. Check the date codes though, the first jug they tried to give me was old but they swapped it to a fresh one (I don't think the part picker knew any better). I just learned that Cat sells DEF through their parts counter and it's a lot cheaper than picking up BlueDEF jugs at the local auto parts stores.

 

You can buy DEF at Wal Mart for approx $7,78 for 2.5 gallon. Many on here use their Super Tech store brand.

I am of the opinion that DEF doesn't go bad and the date on the jug is misleading. I have carried DEF in the tool box of my truck for upwards of 4 years before I used it. The truck tool box in the the sun and heat of the sunny south here in Alabama. I experienced no issues when I used it. I have also had opened containers of DEF on the shelf in my shed for 2 plus years that I have used with no issues.

Others may disagree with me and that is fine. I am merely stating my DEF usage with no issues or "old/out of date" or opened containers.

 

^^^^^^^^^^ I have had the same experience here in the nice cool (Sarcasm) Arizona desert!

 

I'm new to diesels and DEF so I sort of 'self educated' myself on that stuff and there is a lot of conflicting and misleading information. The stuff you kept for a long time or in high heat, did it stay nice and clear for that long? Honestly, the get brought out the jug at Caterpillar, I noticed the date code so he just gave me a newer jug no questions asked.

I'll have to keep an eye on Walmart, I wouldn't have an issue running their house brand stuff. I guess the Cat stuff isn't really that good of a deal then. Don't mind me, carry on.

 

I can’t speak for Larry, but the stuff I have had sitting in my carpport for long duration here is Arizona heat has been just as clear as the stuff that I have bought when on a road trip at some Walmart. I have never had an issue with it getting “old”.

 

Pugga, there is nothing wrong with wanting "fresh" DEF and see nothing wrong with asking for it. I was merely talking about my experiences. Each of the members have different opinions and outlooks so, take things with a grain of salt and do it your way in the end.

One thing I would suggest you make the golden rule for you and your truck....

NEVER, I mean NEVER open both diesel fuel filler and the DEF caps at the same time. I am not sure where the DEF fill is on your truck but the 2011 to 2016, they are next to each other behind the fuel door. Also, If I need DEF and since I do not fill the DEF from a pump at a truck stop, I pull away from the fuel island before I add DEF at a fuel stop.

 

Good tip and one I do plan to follow about not opening both the fuel and DEF caps at the same time. Usually, I'm not too far from home so my DEF fill ups will be at home and not at the pump but who knows, circumstances may change and I may find myself venturing further from home on some extended trips.

Thanks for the input guys, good to know this stuff isn't as finicky as some have made it out to be.

 

I use the Super Tech brand from Wal-Mart. I buy 2 or 3 2.5 gal. Containers at a time. I keep mine in the closet where the basement stairs are. I never look at the date stamp. Just put them in the cart and buy them. I just make sure the seal on the jug is secure.

In case you haven't gotten one, buy a Ford factory DEF nozzle to prevent a mess.

 

DEF is so widely available in the areas I've been in, relatively cheap, and not something that you'll find yourself needing without significant notice (if you pay attention). What is the point of stockpiling it?

 

There was a time when this wasn't the case, and I believe a lot of people are a bit "older" and are of the mindset that it's better to have and not need, than not have, and need.

 

Huh... I bet there was a time people said that about toilet paper and ammo too. Yeah I know DEF ain't ammo but you get the point. At no time did I ever had more than 3 in the closet. I usually need it and use one so usually 2 jugs in the closet.

 

Maybe keep a few hundred gallons of diesel in the back as well?? Just sayin...

 

I always have fuel and propane on hand... Not a few hundred gallons but enough to get my going if I'm ever really in a pinch. I don't do it with the mentality of dooms day preparation but we do get storms that sometimes take a bit for businesses to recover. My generator runs on propane which is the reason I have that on hand at all times. Just being prepared and a lot of times you may not necessarily know what you're preparing for.

 

Is it me or don't you love when your habits bother people enough for them to call you out?


Yeah, my DEF is stacked up...



I do have plans to upgrade my stock 26 gallon tank for S&Bs 56 gallons. Not the hundreds you're talking about but it'll do.

 

DEF on a shelf.