SargeW
Site Team
I need to relate a recent incident regarding filling the DEF tank from a retail jug of DEF fluid. While in Red Bay Alabama at the Tiffin service center in November I had the DW pick up two bottles of DEF from Walmart in Russellville. I usually do it myself, but I was staying with the rig while service was being performed. I told her I usually buy the Supertech brand. I failed to tell her to check the seals on the bottles when she picked them up.
She brought 2 2 1/2 gallon bottles back and left them in the Jeep. The next day I got them out to add them to the tank. I immediately noted that both bottles had white residue around the tops by the pour spouts. I opened one, and the seal was there, but one side of it had been peeled back. The second bottle was in the same condition. I poured a small amount of fluid into a clean Dixie cup and gave it the sniff test. Almost zero smell.
I have heard of people buying DEF and replacing the contents with tap water and returning the containers for a refund. I just never thought I would see it as the stuff really isn't that expensive. Like $6 or $7 for a 2 1/2 gallon jug. But considering the damage and cost of draining and refilling the DEF tank, it just was not worth taking the chance.
She took it back and took it to the refund counter. She told the clerk the reason she was returning it. The clerk checked the jugs, and refunded her without question. Diane went to the automotive section and picked up 2 bottles of Peak brand DEF. They were probably $10 or so a bottle. She checked the seals this time and both were tight.
I checked them when I opened them, and the sniff test showed a definite strong ammonia smell. I added them both and had no issues. I have used the Supertech brand many times in the past, especially when I had the Phaeton with the DEF tank on the passenger side. I usually always fill now at a truck stop with the pump, but it just escaped me that time around.
One other notable issue. My Bus is said to have a 13 gallon DEF tank. When I decided to add DEF, the gauge showed the level to be below the 1/4 mark. I added the 2 bottles of DEF, which was 5 gallons total. The gauge then showed full. So it looks like the DEF gauge is not that accurate either. I am just not sure if the electronic system will start to alarm based on gauge readings. I forgot to ask when I was at CRB.
She brought 2 2 1/2 gallon bottles back and left them in the Jeep. The next day I got them out to add them to the tank. I immediately noted that both bottles had white residue around the tops by the pour spouts. I opened one, and the seal was there, but one side of it had been peeled back. The second bottle was in the same condition. I poured a small amount of fluid into a clean Dixie cup and gave it the sniff test. Almost zero smell.
I have heard of people buying DEF and replacing the contents with tap water and returning the containers for a refund. I just never thought I would see it as the stuff really isn't that expensive. Like $6 or $7 for a 2 1/2 gallon jug. But considering the damage and cost of draining and refilling the DEF tank, it just was not worth taking the chance.
She took it back and took it to the refund counter. She told the clerk the reason she was returning it. The clerk checked the jugs, and refunded her without question. Diane went to the automotive section and picked up 2 bottles of Peak brand DEF. They were probably $10 or so a bottle. She checked the seals this time and both were tight.
I checked them when I opened them, and the sniff test showed a definite strong ammonia smell. I added them both and had no issues. I have used the Supertech brand many times in the past, especially when I had the Phaeton with the DEF tank on the passenger side. I usually always fill now at a truck stop with the pump, but it just escaped me that time around.
One other notable issue. My Bus is said to have a 13 gallon DEF tank. When I decided to add DEF, the gauge showed the level to be below the 1/4 mark. I added the 2 bottles of DEF, which was 5 gallons total. The gauge then showed full. So it looks like the DEF gauge is not that accurate either. I am just not sure if the electronic system will start to alarm based on gauge readings. I forgot to ask when I was at CRB.
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