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Thread: DEF Life

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Geneva, IL
    Posts
    364

    Default DEF Life

    We've been involved for the last ten months with fighting cancer. Since January, my truck probably has had less than 1,000 miles put on it; it's too tall for Maureen to get into for all the medical appointments and our other local travel.

    It had an almost full DEF tank when this all started. So that stuff has been sitting through typical ambient summer temperatures in northern Illinois while being driven only occasionally.

    I know there is a shelf life to think about when purchasing DEF. What about its life when it is in the vehicle?
    Rich Phillips
    Member #27
    2019 K-2500 Crew Cab Z71
    Cedar Creek Silverback 33RL Fifth Wheel
    In The Past: '82 6.2 Jimmy Blazer, '93 6.5 GMC K-2500, '01 DMAX K-2500, '09 DMAX K-2500

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    13,573

    Default

    All vehicles that have a DEF system also have a DEF quality testing diagnostic that runs very frequently. Much more active in later models. The shelf/storage life of DEF depends much on storage conditions, so that can vary. Under ideal conditions that can be almost indefinitely, according to the suppliers. If the fluid gets close to failing a quality test, your 2019 model will tell you. It will warn you first, then later begin a mileage countdown to "reduced power" unless the condition is corrected. At worst, you'll have to drain and refill the tank (not difficult), but in most cases, you will be able to use it up, or dilute it with fresh fluid. You are much more likely to have an issue with the heater/pump unit before any of that becomes real, so the fluid gets used up or replaced, in any case.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Geneva, IL
    Posts
    364

    Default

    Thanks Dmax, that's exactly what I needed to know, and was hoping would be the case. Once she gets past her final treatments, we may be able to use the truck more, and burn off the old stuff.
    Rich Phillips
    Member #27
    2019 K-2500 Crew Cab Z71
    Cedar Creek Silverback 33RL Fifth Wheel
    In The Past: '82 6.2 Jimmy Blazer, '93 6.5 GMC K-2500, '01 DMAX K-2500, '09 DMAX K-2500

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    13,573

    Default

    We wish you the best with that. We're going through some similar health issues here.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Geneva, IL
    Posts
    364

    Default

    Thanks a lot. You hang in there.
    Rich Phillips
    Member #27
    2019 K-2500 Crew Cab Z71
    Cedar Creek Silverback 33RL Fifth Wheel
    In The Past: '82 6.2 Jimmy Blazer, '93 6.5 GMC K-2500, '01 DMAX K-2500, '09 DMAX K-2500

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Klamath falls/keno Oregon
    Posts
    466

    Default

    Richp how about milk crate for her to step up on?? Once she drives it she will want it..I have my fingers crossed for you I hate cancer with a passion.
    06 1ton 4X4 duramax/6speed ext.cab WT
    Hummer wheels :^)
    dual lift pump
    Banks air intake

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Geneva, IL
    Posts
    364

    Default

    Hi Bob,

    Oh, she loves the truck too. And it has running boards, so we tried a 50 mm ammo can on its side. That worked perfectly to get the little extra lift she needs on the few times we've taken the truck out together. Light, stows nicely, and even has a handle.

    But most of our trips since January have been to a cancer treatment center and other suburban doctor's offices, where parking a crew cab truck is a chore, and less than optimal in other ways. Frankly, it's just faster and easier for her to get in and out of her Forester. When she's so weak as to need a walker, hauling herself up into the cab, and easing down out of it, just doesn't work well.

    As a result, I've only put something on the order of a 1,000 miles on it in the last nine months. And I've been putting off some surgery of my own until she is back closer to normal. So it may be next spring or summer before I get back into my normal use pattern of 12-15,000 miles a year.
    Rich Phillips
    Member #27
    2019 K-2500 Crew Cab Z71
    Cedar Creek Silverback 33RL Fifth Wheel
    In The Past: '82 6.2 Jimmy Blazer, '93 6.5 GMC K-2500, '01 DMAX K-2500, '09 DMAX K-2500

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    13,573

    Default

    For future reference, maybe look into a folding plastic step-stool. I keep one in the truck for my wife. She likes traveling in the truck, and occasional driving, but she's 4'-11", and not getting younger. No running boards or nerf bars. They can be found in almost any RV store. A lot taller than a .50 ammo can at about 9", and a lot more sturdy. More info on that, if you need it. We need to keep our better half happy.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Geneva, IL
    Posts
    364

    Default

    Hi Dmax,

    I'll take a look. The neuropathy in her feet from chemo has meant that everything involving her feet is a chore.

    She had serious orthopedic problems last fall that impaired her one leg, and hasn't driven a vehicle since January because of the cancer. So my job title this past year has been "Chauffeur and Gofer".
    Rich Phillips
    Member #27
    2019 K-2500 Crew Cab Z71
    Cedar Creek Silverback 33RL Fifth Wheel
    In The Past: '82 6.2 Jimmy Blazer, '93 6.5 GMC K-2500, '01 DMAX K-2500, '09 DMAX K-2500

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