RAM 1500 Diesel Forum banner

Walmart DEF. cheap and seems to be OK

43K views 32 replies 26 participants last post by  howie12  
#1 ·
Hi Guys,


I was at my local WalMart last week, and a big blue bottle of Supertech DEF caught my eye. So... when I looked down... it was only $8.49 !!! That's the best price I've seen for a 2.5 gal bottle. Yes, it's still a little more than at the pump... but I figure I would try it out. (when the weather is cold, it beats standing at the big rig pumps)

Oh... and the jug came with a long, flexible spout, with a good burp valve. I was able to dump it into the tank in about 15 seconds.

I'm hear to say... I dumped it in a week ago, and haven't had any issues. (about 500 mi so far)



Just thought I would let you know
 
#3 ·
Dr.
Too funny. I just got back from Walmart to buy Def. I saw the Super tech stuff and wondered if it would be ok. I chickened out and bought the Peak stuff I've been using for $11.97 for 2.5 gallons. Pretty dumb.......I'm sure its the same stuff. Thanks for letting us know your experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sasquatchilly
#4 ·
This is very timely information :) Half of the 5,500 miles have been towing on our Eco and my DEF gauge is at the last white line before it starts dropping into the red area. I realize that the gauge moves slowly and that there are still quite a few miles before it gets into "immediate attention" areas, but coming back from Branson last weekend, I was considering topping it off at a couple of the Love's we stopped at. However, I wasn't dressed for the 33 degree temps and the long lines at the pumps detered me, so I may just give the WalMart stuff a try after reading your post :) Thanks for the heads up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sasquatchilly
#6 ·
I was looking at the Peak stuff at Walmart. Couldn't find an expiration date or born on date anywhere.

For as seldom as I need it I'm just going to pay an extra $5-10 and buy from dealership. If something does go wrong with the emmisions equip they won't be able to blame it on bad def I put in.
 
#9 ·
xxx2

The DEF injector is downstream of the DPF, I would remove your Truck ASAP The SCR is designed to have gallons of deionized water spray into it. it actually has a hole in the bottom of it to drain out excessive amounts of H2O created by the reaction of the nitrous oxide and urea,it creates harmless nitrogen and water. Before they really hack butcher something up.
 
#10 ·
Lol maybe I'm cheap. I've always used the 2.19 a gallon bulk at the pump. Never had a problem at 24,500 now. Last tank last 7,200 so it's not often. I wait till it chimes once & the EVIC says 500 miles to no restart then I fill up the as soon as it's convenient.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sasquatchilly
#11 ·
The only problem I have with retail Pump DEF, You just don't know. All the devices and plumbing (Meters, pumps, handling ,lines ) needed to dispense the DEF increases the possibility of contamination, their is No filtration on any DEF system that I know of. All the exhaust hard parts are along for the ride, they should last the life of the truck with proper care and service.
 
#13 ·
Can see a point about buying that DEF at WalMart. Cost, with tax, is about $3.40 a gallon. Still more than bulk but not all that bad. Bummer is you have to both buy, transport and fill the stuff, then throw away the container. My bummer is remembering to stop at the Pilot on the local Interstate and get it when needed.

No clue about what the DEF quality is coming out of those ground tanks. One thought is the truckers would be in big trouble if there were problems. I hear of nothing related to ulk DEF contamination.
 
#16 ·
Nope, DEF is there for NOx conversion to less harmful substances. DPF is there to trap soot and is cleaned with burning extra diesel fuel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sasquatchilly
#19 ·
I will be needing to add some DEF soon so thought I would check out the Walmart in Canada price. NOT CHEAP. Just under $22 CAN for the 2.5 US gallon (9.46L) jug in the box. I also checked Canadian Tire and theirs was just under $20 Can for the same thing. Usually I have paid between $14 - $15 for that size of a jug.

I had seen DEF at a Co-op bulk station/truck stop a couple of months ago so drove the 2 blocks from Walmart and checked it out. The price was the best I have seen anywhere. $11.99 CAN & tax for the same size container. The brand was Ultra Pure DEF. ISO# 22241. I stocked up on 2 jugs as I need it for my RAM plus MB GL350.

So, for anyone in Western Canada who have a Co-op truck stop or bulk station, that is the place to buy your DEF.
 
#24 ·
I think as long as you inspect the jug before filling, you're going to be fine. Unless the dealer is putting it in for you, buying it there doesn't change much. Who's to say they wouldn't sell you expired DEF? I'm sure they have a pretty decent turnover of the stuff, but it's possible, and if you filled just assuming the dealer stuff must be good, it's still your fault. I have used the Air1 brand since I got my truck, always from Walmart or CT. Never had an issue, well actually a P20EE, but that would have happened anyway. Clear jug with a disposable nozzle, inspect the jug and you are good to go. Also if you look hard enough on the box there is a production date somewhere, if you are that worried about it.
 
#25 ·
DEF is DEF unless it's begun to crystalize due to storage in high heat and/or evaporation. I don't have a truckstop near me, so pump dispensed DEF is unavailable. I've used Peak & Mopar brand DEF so far. Who knows what was in the tank from the dealer as they never filled it prior to delivery.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 97hmcs and Kressman
#26 ·
I checked out the Super Tech at Wal-Mart, but didn't buy it. I could not find the ISO certification, although it listed the correct concentrations. Just didn't feel comfortable saving $6 or $7 vs. the Peak brand. Maybe I'm just being paranoid?
 
#29 ·
Due to the sensitive nature of DEF relative to age and degredation, I can't help but wonder if there is a recommended volume interval for adding it. In other words, is it better to wait for the tank to empty (meaning that the age of the DEF will be extended) as opposed to adding it in smaller increments, say adding 2.5 gallons when it gets to the half tank level on the gauge (which means there may be a mixture of old and new DEF in the tank). Thoughts on this ??:confused:
 
  • Like
Reactions: redsunBC
#30 · (Edited)
DEF in my area has gone up in the last year. The last that I purchased was on AMAZON, $33.00 for 6 gallons of CAM2 DEF. That was the delivered price for Prime members so at $5,50 a gallon it wasn't too bad. The last Peak that I purchased from my local Auto Zone was starting to crystallize and it was 19.99 for 2.5 gallon. At least the AMAZON was fresh and a better price. Another thing about the DEF. I had my truck serviced last week and asked the dealer if they had any ECO Diesel problems coming in for service work. He said only the ones whose DEF clogged the DEF injector. I asked how that happened and he said the people did not drive them enough!