First post here, but am considering ordering an F-450 to replace my '21 Ram 3500 srw lb.

Looking forward to a better turning radius and payload for my new 44' fifth wheel.

Question: I've had numerous DEF system issues on my Ram. When they occur, I get a countdown to a limp mode of 5mph. I generally get a warning of roughly 150 miles or so.

I'm sure Ford has a similar response when a DEF (SCR) system failure is detected, but how does this work on the Ford diesel?

Apologies if this has been answered... Many times. I did search for a bit, but didn't find what I was looking for.

Next will be looking into wheel/tire combos and other ways to waste more $$$

Thanks in advance !!!

 

The CEL and limp mode warnings will work pretty much the same.

Moved you here as this is THEEE place for a new 450.....

 

Hopefully you won't have any DEF related issues for many many miles. I haven't experienced any DEF faults myself, I have read posts from others who have. It might depend on the specific issue, but some have said an alert pops up and eventually it can limit speed to 50 mph.

These are previous gens but I would expect the new gen to act in a similar way.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-warning.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...def-fault.html

 

The Ford starts bugging the crap out of you WAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY sooner than the RAM did.
At least on the low DEF warnings, they start at 500 miles to empty, and towing that will be with the gauge still reading above 1/2.
Darn thing drives me crazy in mine, on my previous RAM, it was nowhere near as intrusive, and I would run it clear down to nearly empty before refilling the DEF, no way I can stand to do that on my current F250.
But, you really don't see many DEF issues reported, the systems are much better than they used to be.

 

The new one will use far more DEF than the older ones that slowly drained the tank and allowed the DEF to form crystals. On older ones like mine, I don't let it sit with less than a half tank. That will go a long way to keeping the DEF clean. As always though YMMV.

 

I filled up the DEF tank yesterday, 2023 6.7L, and I used a pump at the local 7-11, not typical bottles from WM. It took 3-4 miles before the DEF level read 99% full and I show an unloaded range of 5000 miles right now. That changes pretty dramatically when I tow. But as it sits right now, it's burning DEF around 2X the rate that my 2017 did - which I'm fine with. The SCR/EGR/DEF emissions system is much better on the 2023's and 2024's and it literally regens in 5 mins, instead of the 20-25 minutes the older models took. I'm very happy with the overall performance and functionality @Bfs673, and I think you will be too.

 

Thank you! If it's truly 50MPH, this is a FAR Cry from 5 MPH. @ MPH, you can pull it into or out of a garage... certainly not getting you to a dealer.

 

My Ram used to be that way as well... however with recent programming, things have gotten worse. Heaven forbid I get down to 1/4 tank of DEF... same speed limiter warning.

Had a '14 I wish I still had, but that had some unexpected body work (totaled by someone not paying attention).

 

Thank you for the replies... I appreciate the input.
I'm excited about this potential upgrade and it sounds as though Ford has fewer DEF related issues than Ram... at least based on my searches (Ram issues all over the forums... Ford doesn't appear to have nearly as many posts).

I'll start a new thread on trim levels, options, etc. to see what folks like, regret, wish they had, wish they hadn't, etc.

 

The thing the Ford has that RAM got rid of quick after having issues, is the CP4 high pressure fuel pump, they can really screw you over when they crap out on you in the middle of nowhere.

 

It does drink the def when towing heavy.

Much so that I have the def guage on display vs the boost guage.

I just fill up at truck stops when I get the count down.

If you havent you should get the TSD Logics/open roads fuel card for those discounts Need to know more, there is a thread in the towing secion on it.

 

So far my 2019 has been great but man a 5 min regen does really sound nice.....

 

Agreed completely and saw that the other day. It doesn't appear Ford is having as many issues (no idea why), however the newer CP4's that for has apparently have some pinned upgrades to help with the reliability issues.
I ordered my '21 Ram and was ecstatic to discover they abandoned that fuel pump!

 

I'm pleased that Ford has a 7.5 gallon DEF tank, compared to my current 5.5 gallons.
I also like my 50 gallon fuel tank (was an option for '21), but glad to see the F-450 comes with 48 standard!

 

Well now, I think you will find quite a few CP4 failures, even in the 20+ pumps with the pinned followers, like mine that stranded me out on the road, 800 miles from home.
So, buy the Ford, but you may want to buy the extended diesel care warranty to cover you beyond 100K miles.
I got the warranty, and it saved me from having to fork out $8600 to repair my failed pump on my '22.