How to manage DEF in your Diesel Revel Sprinter van
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- čas přidán 19. 07. 2024
- Many new diesel owners have questions about the emissions systems and how to properly use DEF. Peter Holcombe shares everything you need to know on this topic, especially for a modern Mercedes Benz Sprinter van like his Winnebago Revel. This video covers what DEF is, where to get it, how often to add it, How to put it into your van and why it's so important.
Peter Holcombe and his family, Kathy and Abby, or AKA Famagogo, Have been traveling North America and Europe full time for the last 9 years in a Winnebago Sprinter-based camper van. To learn more about Famagogo, check out these links.
Famagogo website:
www.famagogo.com
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Peter- / peterholcombe
Winnebago Revel 4x4 Sprinter Van
www.winnebago.com/models/prod...
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This was DEFINITELY helpful
I'm so glad it was. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the quality review. Just got our Revel 2021 out on the road this year and I need to fill up soon.
Glad I could help, thanks for watching! Revel on!!!
Hey Peter great video, would be added bonus if you could show us how you know the tank is full / how to avoid overfilling. I think I did that this morning 😂
Great suggestion! If you get DEF at the pump it has an auto cut-off like the normal fuel pumps. So it gets filled to the top. With jugs its a little more difficult and can require a rinse with fresh water if you over flow it.
Thanks for this information. I am just about to refill mine for the first time.
Cheers from LA
Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Great video!
My Winnebago Fuse is diesel and I have learned I can drive just over 3000 miles (round trip) and it uses 2.5-3 gallons of DEF. The tank hold just over 5 gallons.
About 1/2 way into my trip, the RV slows to around 45mpg…scary. Lasts for the afternoon and then is better the rest of the way…might be the Idaho hills.
The last time I filled up with diesel in our home town, I noticed a sign about DEF being available. I couldn’t see where so I’ll go back and check it out.
Thoroughly enjoyed learning more about DEF!
Thanks for watching! Enjoy your Fuse!
@@Famagogo Thank you for making me look so smart about DEF…and Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Peter, this was extremely helpful to know. I didn't know we could use the pump DEF, I always buy the bottles and throw away the leftover. Thank you
Hey Sadie, yea, give it a try. It's not always possible to find DEF at the pump but I prefer it. Welcome!
Thanks for the video! I refill our Revel at the halfway mark…I do not go below a quarter tank on any of our machines…
Nice work and thanks for watching! Revel On!
But how can you tell what the level is? My 2012 MB Sprinter does have any way to determine how much is in the DEF tank.
Thank u!
You're welcome!
Thanks
Welcome
Nice knowledge video , Mercedes dealer saids I need to add their brand of def, or else warranty will be voided , I saw the brand you use I can get anywhere and much cheaper , it shouldn’t be no problem to use it right ? Thank you !
I've never heard that they could void a warranty over using non-MB brand DEF? I can't give advice on that. But I always get DEF at gas stations or Walmart, or ideally, I fill it at the pump. I've never had an issue. That would be like saying you can only buy diesel from them, too. Many times, you will need DEF far from a MB dealer. Just make sure the DEF jug is sealed when you open it new. I have heard of a small-scale scam where people returned DEF to Walmart filled with water. Then, the next person pours water into their DEF tank. Just use common sense. Hope this helps.
I assume from the video that the service station DEF pump shuts off automatically when the tank is full just like a gasoline or diesel pump. Is this true?
Yes, it has an auto-shutoff just like with fuel. Super easy to get it full.
Thanks for this comment. Was wondering same thing (and why this wasn't mentioned). Also never mentions: Is there a digital screen showing amount added? What about cost? I'm assuming this is more cost effective than purchasing in jugs? Do you pay for this similar to purchasing fuel?
Thanks! I had the same question.
I also have a sprinter too. Does the brand of def matter? Also if I’m filling up def using the bottle how do I know it’s full. Thanks for the top tier content.
I haven't found any difference in DEF brands. You will need to watch it or you can overflow the tank. No problem, but rinse it off with clean water ASAP, or you will get a white powder residue. I just watch it as I fill and try not to spill any to save on cleanup efforts.
Thank you. Today I had the nozzle on as tightly as I could and some was still trickling out. I wipe it off the grill pretty fast? See what happens.
Yes, Not all the nozzles seal that good. If you rinse it off with water you won't even know.
Please talk abaout monitoring DEF level with your onboard computer...accessing the Service screen, etc...
I travel alone in my Revel and the one thing I've been concerned about is going into "limp" mode. For that reason, I top off my DEF every other fill-up. LOL!
I can't use the 2 gal def because I'm not strong enough to lift it up high enough to feed it in due to the the height of my van. I'm 5ft.
I transfer it to an empty one gallon DEF jug and then add it in. I always keep extra with me in case I can't find any DEF.
Do you ever try the DEF at the pump? I get the struggle of holding up the 2.5 gal bricks. They are heavy.
@@Famagogo I wasn't sure how to. I saw them at Buc-ees once. I'll give it a shot next time. I will still take some DEF with me since my travels are on a lot of back roads. :)
Was considering a Revel until I saw this video. Diesel is more expensive than gasoline, Mercedes maintenance, including oil changes, is far more expensive than going to a Ford dealership, and now this added on top?!😮
I agree with you, pkerber. Diesel is more expensive but I sure do get a lot better gas mileage. Oil changes are easy... at least for my husband. LOL! You're correct about the dealership too. If I had engine troubles it would be much more difficult to find a Mercedes dealer to fix it while on the road. I just recently put mine up for sale after I got back from my last trip in October. :(@@Patrick_Ross
@@k9luv3 - what was your average mpg? Are you hanging up the RV life for good?
Sorry but I hate the whole DEF system. It adds a ton of extra operating cost and can be prone to problems. My prior Sprinters before MB started using DEF didn’t really smoke that much at all. Also didn’t smell like your typical diesel truck running. I think MB’s diesels ran pretty clean even prior to adding the DEF system? I think somebody’s making a bunch of money selling DEF. I did not know they sold it at the pump but after you mentioned it that makes total sense. Will look for it. Thanks👍
Yes, It is one more thing... But, if it helps us have cleaner air I don't mind the hassle and expense. Thanks for watching.
If you think Def is causing a lot of problems, WHY would you care if it is available at the pump? Why not just stop using it if it causes problems? I'm just using my first sprinter and I'm not yet experienced with Def, I'm not being a wise Crack to your comments 😢, I seriously don't know about all this . Also, mine is a 2011 a former. FEDEX with 413,000 miles v6 3.0
ALSO, I HAVE TALKED to some local farmers who say they don't use it at all in their trucks and heavy equipment. What are th re thoughts on this?
I believe the newer Sprinters will not run without DEF? And/or you’ll void your warranty and even face legal problems if you modify or remove the system. The Sprinter’s computers are constantly monitoring the entire DEF system, the potential for problems and increased maintenance cost etc. There are horror stories from Sprinter owners concerning the DEF system malfunctioning. Even running below 30% level in the DEF tank can cause code issues that necessitate a trip to the dealer to get the system checked out. My point is diesel vehicles ran fine for a 100+ years without DEF. 2.5 gallons of DEF cost $20 bucks so add that to the cost of fueling up. MB’s diesels ran very clean before DEF was mandated by environmental agencies, getting way better mileage then typical trucks and vans. I’m sure adding this emission control equipment raises the cost of buying a Sprinter. This has more to do with pushing a green agenda with the ultimate goal of getting rid of all fossil fuel vehicles. In the meantime the people making DEF, the insiders that are investing in these companies are making a ton of money and consumers are stuck footing the bill for a mandated emissions system of dubious benefit. BTW my 2008 Sprinter 6cyl did just fine without DEF. Never saw any black smoke or strong diesel exhaust odors and still got 18mpg overall. Just not a fan of the whole DEF thing and the vast majority of diesel truck/van/car owners would probably agree with me
Four cylinders 2.1 about 1300 miles x gallon.
What if the DF system has been in your vehicle over two years lack of activity how do you get it out and refresh the system? 7:45
I drive thousands of miles a month. I haven't ever had that issue. But, I'm sure there is a way to drain the DEF and replenish with new. You many need to clean the tank as DEF will oxidize and form a powder. This could clog your system it it's in chunks. I'd talk with your local mechanic.
How often does the def refil needs to be done ?
It really depends on many factors, your driving habits, quality of deisiel your using and even your elevation. My estimation for me is about 4-5K miles per fill up. I then to fill up.
Someone mentioned tossing any leftovers? Does it go bad?
It will oxidize once exposed to air. So keep, it sealed and don’t wait too long. Or share the extra with a friend.
My experience: a. Use the real German AdBlue (although they are pricey), b. change the AdBlue (DEF) every 2 years. I mean drain and refill. And remember: DO NOT let North American Mercedes dealerships to service your diesel (BlueTEC) vehicles!!! and your BlueTEC will last.
Thanks. I drive so much I refill it about every month so it never sits long enough to need to drain it. In my 10 years and 4 Sprinters later I haven’t had a emissions problem. Thanks so much for watching.
If not a Mercedes authorized dealership, then where?
DIY if you are mechanically inclined. Or you need to find an independent MB diesel shop who really knows the inside and out of a BlueTec diesel. Went to Germany several years ago. Most their taxis are BlueTec diesel.
How much do they charge at the pump?
@kenty6973
Much cheaper at the pump too..
Yes! It certainly is.
Mercedes dealership is 45 minutes away, I don’t want to drive to buy their brand of def. Can I use peak blue def instead?
I use whatever brand I can find. But, my first choice is to fill from the pump at a truck stop or other bulk DEF station.