New to Diesel Guy concerned about DEF usage in a new 2022 2500 RAM

[StrayCat]

Hi Guys, just got my first diesel 3 weeks ago. And I think my truck is using alot of DEF

I've done ~1400 km (~870 miles) so far in my new truck
So far ive used about 6.5 - 7 litres of DEF (1.7 to 1.8 Gallons)

for fuel economy / consumption - Im averaging about 13 Litres per 100km (21-22 MPG)

No towing, mostly highway driving

is this considered normal DEF usage or excessive DEF usage ?

do I need to visit the dealer ?

I have read that it should be 2-3% of fuel used. I believe I'm in excess of that (I'm closer to 3.6% of fuel used , if my math is correct)
I have also read that it should be about 2 Gal /800 miles (which seems more than 2 or 3%), Im at 2 Gal / 836 miles

 

[The1adman]

These trucks use a lot more DEF than previous, 18 and earlier. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[StrayCat]

Im a worrier by nature.

Ill see how it goes between now and my first service I guess

 

[CharlieL]

I’ve been keeping track of DEF using RoadTrip app since about 5,000 miles on my truck. As of last DEF fillup total tracked miles was 19,521 and average DEF usage was 498 miles per gallon. At 24,500 miles on my truck, that includes 10,000 towing a fifth wheel and the rest is about 60/40 city/highway. I don’t think your usage is extreme.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

I would get about 2k km to 2.5 gal of DEF on my 19 so your about where they run. Also depends on your driving habits and use of the truck the DEF usage will vary

Your math is off for the MPG though 13L/100 is 18mpg

 

[Brutal_HO]

My average is 372MPG.

 

[MtnRider]

Unless you are throwing a code a dealer visit will be a complete waste of time, they will not do a thing.


.

 

[jebruns]

Sounds about right. I believe the 22's without the DPF sensors are programmed to use more DEF to make up for the lack of the sensor. Or at least that's what I've read. My 22 2500 seems to go through DEF a little faster than my 18 2500 did. Hopefully when they finally get those sensors in stock and installed, that will bring the DEF usage down a bit.

 

[techman]

Great info here:

DEF INFO

From the PDF:

DEF Usage
Q. How much DEF will a truck consume? A. DEF consumption is expected to be approximately 2% of fuel consumption, depending on vehicle operation, duty cycle, geography, load ratings, etc.
Q. What is the number of miles a truck can expect to travel on one gallon of DEF? A. DEF consumption is directly related to fuel consumption. A truck averaging 6 MPG can expect to go approximately 300 miles on one gallon of DEF.
Q. How can an operator determine how much DEF they will need/use? A. DEF consumption will be approximately 2% of the diesel fuel consumed. Another way to consider it is that DEF will be consumed on a 50 to 1 ratio with diesel. (For every 50 gallons of diesel fuel burned, you will use 1 gallon of DEF). If you know the average fuel consumption of a vehicle, you can easily calculate the amount of DEF that will be used.

 

[firemansdiesel]

Sounds about right. I believe the 22's without the DPF filters are programmed to use more DEF to make up for the lack of the sensor. Or at least that's what I've read. My 22 2500 seems to go through DEF a little faster than my 18 2500 did. Hopefully when they finally get those sensors in stock and installed, that will bring the DEF usage down a bit.

I noticed the same from my ‘18 to ‘22. My ‘22 more DEF thirsty.

 

[StrayCat]

I’ve been keeping track of DEF using RoadTrip app since about 5,000 miles on my truck. As of last DEF fillup total tracked miles was 19,521 and average DEF usage was 498 miles per gallon. At 24,500 miles on my truck, that includes 10,000 towing a fifth wheel and the rest is about 60/40 city/highway. I don’t think your usage is extreme.

Thanks, my latest check suggests I’m getting the same. At least 800km/gallon of DEF (500miles).

My fuel economy was very good today 10 litres per 100km highway (22.4 MPG)

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Thanks, my latest check suggests I’m getting the same. At least 800km/gallon of DEF (500miles).

My fuel economy was very good today 10 litres per 100km highway (22.4 MPG)

You must be using the display… there is a slim chance you are getting 22mpg

 

[StrayCat]

Based on km travelled and fuel added before and after the drive. Started and end with a full tank. I didn’t have the display “reset” so it’s just showing the average since I got the truck which is higher. I should be more accurate though , 10.4 l/100km. As I travelled 541 km and pumped 52 litres of fuel to refill it.

It was 100% highway though, and I kept the speed between 100km/hr and 110km/ hr to see just how good I could get it.

If I push her past that sweet spot she drinks a bit more for sure.

Next time I’ll use the display after a reset and see what it says.

Previous trip I was less careful and was getting about 12.5 litres per 100km (18mpg) on the same highway

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Based on km travelled and fuel added before and after the drive. Started and end with a full tank. I didn’t have the display “reset” so it’s just showing the average since I got the truck which is higher. I should be more accurate though , 10.4 l/100km. As I travelled 541 km and pumped 52 litres of fuel to refill it.

It was 100% highway though, and I kept the speed between 100km/hr and 110km/ hr to see just how good I could get it.

If I push her past that sweet spot she drinks a bit more for sure.

Next time I’ll use the display after a reset and see what it says.

Previous trip I was less careful and was getting about 12.5 litres per 100km (18mpg) on the same highway

If thats hand calculated thats actually pretty good. Before my delete highest i could get was 20 now i can get about 24-25MPG

 

[StrayCat]

If thats hand calculated thats actually pretty good. Before my delete highest i could get was 20 now i can get about 24-25MPG

Well as I said, I was nursing it a bit just to see how good I could get it. “Normal “ driving was not as good.

 

[Ickabod]

Wow, you guys make my Hemi look better and better each day

 

[StrayCat]

Lol, my last Hemi 5.7 8 speed wasn’t better on MPG. Nor my TITAN.

So far re MPG I’m happy, just the DEF thing has me spooked a bit

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Wow, you guys make my Hemi look better and better each day

How so? Your hemi is not getting better millage thats for sure…

 

[Basser53]

Last time I was at the dealer for a recall they did and update that was suppose to fix def usage.. seems to have helped.. not sure of the numbers yet..

 

[Ronstar]

This DEF thing is going to be a whole new bucket of worms for me. Current truck is 2001 Cummins, 2023 here in about 3 weeks. Hopefully learning curve is flat?