2015 Dutch Star DEF tank location.

[ChasA]

We went tire kicking today and really liked the 4311 Dutch Star. I'm one of those guys who opens every door to see what's behind it. Imagine my surprise when I opened a bay door behind the right (passenger) side tag and find the DEF tank. WHAT??? I thought all manufacturers had finally gotten the word that the DEF pumps in truck stops are on the driver side.
It is a really nice coach and if I had to, I'll have to use the jugs. Oh, the suffering we must endure.

[fixit1957]

Only the rear radiator coaches have it moved to the left hand side. There is no room with the radiator on the left said of the larger coach chassis. Randy

[Algoma]

This is not a Newmar issue, it is Freightliner that put the DEF tank there. In 2015 they moved the tank to the driver side on the rear radiator but could not do it on the side radiator chassis, as has been said. This was an issue I considered when deciding between a Dutch Star and a Ventana, but based on how little DEF we use I will probably use the 2.5 gallon containers rather than risk getting a bad batch at a truck stop. Don't make this a deciding factor.

[PDR John]

I just wish it had a filler door like the fuel tank does. Why does it have to be recessed?

Move it out where it's not a pain to fill.

Jeez, even my Grand Cherokee figured that out.

[tednruthy]

I hear the stuff is terribly corrosive. You probably don't want it near any paint job.

Originally Posted by PDR John

I just wish it had a filler door like the fuel tank does. Why does it have to be recessed?

Move it out where it's not a pain to fill.

Jeez, even my Grand Cherokee figured that out.

[GaryKD]

Hi ChasA,
One can purchase a Newell coach. Newell moved the DEF tank to the driver's side a couple of years ago. The filler is next to the diesel tank filler. The coach even has a camera just above the DEF filler spot. The driver can easily tell when to stop. For about $1.7 million you can have what you want.

[Bill-MACV21]

Originally Posted by tednruthy

I hear the stuff is terribly corrosive. You probably don't want it near any paint job.

Wow. This statement is inaccurate. Per a quick google search:

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is not toxic, harmful or dangerous. In fact, of all the fluids used in a truck, such as diesel, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and windscreen wash, DEF is the least hazardous. However, DEF is corrosive for some metals such as carbon steel, aluminum, copper and zinc, and DEF should not be stored in containers made of these materials. Your DEF supplier can advise you further. ISO22241 provides a list of materials that are recommended and not recommended, but makes it clear that neither list is exhaustive.

[ChasA]

Thanks guys. Yeah, location of the DEF will not be a deciding factor. But the money may be.😁
After all, if I can afford the coach, what's another buck for a couple of gallons of DEF?

[VP Chianese]

Originally Posted by ChasA

We went tire kicking today and really liked the 4311 Dutch Star. I'm one of those guys who opens every door to see what's behind it. Imagine my surprise when I opened a bay door behind the right (passenger) side tag and find the DEF tank. WHAT??? I thought all manufacturers had finally gotten the word that the DEF pumps in truck stops are on the driver side.
It is a really nice coach and if I had to, I'll have to use the jugs. Oh, the suffering we must endure.

I don't have that problem but I think Flying J has it on both sides at their truck bays.

[Mr_D]

I hear the stuff is terribly corrosive. You probably don't want it near any paint job.

Originally Posted by Bill-MACV21

Wow. This statement is inaccurate. Per a quick google search:

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is not toxic, harmful or dangerous. In fact, of all the fluids used in a truck, such as diesel, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and windscreen wash, DEF is the least hazardous. However, DEF is corrosive for some metals such as carbon steel, aluminum, copper and zinc, and DEF should not be stored in containers made of these materials. Your DEF supplier can advise you further. ISO22241 provides a list of materials that are recommended and not recommended, but makes it clear that neither list is exhaustive.

Well, your Google search says otherwise

[HavingABlast]

Originally Posted by Algoma

This is not a Newmar issue, it is Freightliner that put the DEF tank there. In 2015 they moved the tank to the driver side on the rear radiator but could not do it on the side radiator chassis, as has been said. This was an issue I considered when deciding between a Dutch Star and a Ventana, but based on how little DEF we use I will probably use the 2.5 gallon containers rather than risk getting a bad batch at a truck stop. Don't make this a deciding factor.

I don't recall reading of someone getting a "bad batch of DEF at a truck stop." Is this a frequently reported issue?


2015 Newmar Ventana 3636 (on order)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

[PDR John]

Originally Posted by HavingABlast

I don't recall reading of someone getting a "bad batch of DEF at a truck stop." Is this a frequently reported issue?


2015 Newmar Ventana 3636 (on order)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

We were staying next to a couple, while down in TX, that had to have the entire DEF system changed on their new F350. Got bad batch of DEF from a Flying J in GA. Said it smelled like alcohol.

You're the first other person I've heard talk about bad DEF from a truck stop.

[HavingABlast]

Thanks PDR John. I am going to be new to DP's. So my knowledge is limited to what I read. I've read that filling up at higher traffic stations is preferred to low volume stations that may or may not have fresh diesel. I would think the same is true for DEF.

I was just repeating what the other poster said about the bad DEF.

- Jerry


2015 Newmar Ventana 3636 (on order)
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

[britcon]

When we toured the Freightliner plant in Gaffney, I asked why they located the DEF tank at the rear. They replied the tank needed to be reasonably close to the engine / exhaust to prevent possible freezing of the DEF lines in cold weather