Community Forums

MRUSA14 · 02-10-2023, 06:05 PM

I haven't seen much about DEF heads lately. Does that mean the problem is under control? Is there a new DEF head that is reliable? If so, are people changing to it proactively to avoid breaking down under bad conditions, or are they waiting for the axe to fall and changing only after a failure?

Ambetter · 02-10-2023, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

I haven't seen much about DEF heads lately. Does that mean the problem is under control? Is there a new DEF head that is reliable? If so, are people changing to it proactively to avoid breaking down under bad conditions, or are they waiting for the axe to fall and changing only after a failure?

Make the bypass module and hope for the best, so far so good with the generation seven.

777 Driver · 02-10-2023, 06:14 PM

Marc, it's been almost a year since my DEF head failed on my '18 Anthem while enroute home from Florida. I called Spartan about 4PM on the day the failure was displayed (CEL and SPN codes). 16 hours later, a replacement arrived at a Cummins service center that was 45 miles farther along my route toward home. I delivered the coach to Cummins about 10AM and the replacement was complete about 3PM. The replacement was a Gen 7 DEF head with no expense to me for the warranty covered failure.

I'm not suggesting that everyone has experienced such little inconvenience, merely reporting what my experience was.

Take care,
Stu

P.S. I still carry my DEF head simulator...just in case.

RVFunlovers · 02-10-2023, 06:50 PM

My DEF head failed last summer. But it was because the valve from the engine radiator to the DEF tank had failed open. That caused my DEF head to eventually fail from overheating.

My DEF head is made by Errecinque. I have not heard of any failures with them other than mine.

Spartan got me in quickly and replaced the valve and DEF head the day I brought the coach to them.

My understanding is the Shaw DEF head is not entegchanable with the Errecinque without changing the DEF tank as well. The same DEF head emulator works to bypass an Errecinque DEF Head just like it does a Shaw.

Solo_RV_Guy · 02-10-2023, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

I haven't seen much about DEF heads lately. Does that mean the problem is under control? Is there a new DEF head that is reliable? If so, are people changing to it proactively to avoid breaking down under bad conditions, or are they waiting for the axe to fall and changing only after a failure?

It appears to be much, much less of an issue than 2 or 3 years ago. I kind of look for posts about DEF sensor failures and over the last 9-12 months I don't recall reading of a new failure here at iRV2. Some worried inquiries, but not much in the way of fresh reports.

Peg McManis · 02-11-2023, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solo_RV_Guy

It appears to be much, much less of an issue than 2 or 3 years ago. I kind of look for posts about DEF sensor failures and over the last 9-12 months I don't recall reading of a new failure here at iRV2. Some worried inquiries, but not much in the way of fresh reports.

I just got stranded for 3 days because the sensor went out on my 2019 Entegra reatta. Sparten paid for sensor and 3 hours work. I paid out of pocket 1100.00. They should have a recall on those and get some that works.

WDW · 02-11-2023, 02:10 AM

Peg - wasn’t it all warranty? Where did the $1,100 charge come from? If you don’t mind sharing.

brobox · 02-11-2023, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peg McManis

I just got stranded for 3 days because the sensor went out on my 2019 Entegra reatta. Sparten paid for sensor and 3 hours work. I paid out of pocket 1100.00. They should have a recall on those and get some that works.

Spartan has the business practice they do not issue recalls on anything until request by the NHTSA. A campaign was started to the NHTSA for a recall, but that fell of deaf ears. https://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/def...sa-518276.html

Marc, from talking to those that have the Generation 7 and on by the new company, there has not been the problem. As mentioned by Ambetter, build the Emulator and travel on. After assembling a couple of the units, I am convinced that the components in the Emulator are better than generation 1 through 6 DEF sensors. I would not be afraid to finish a trip on an Emulator and replace the DEF head after getting home.

thegats1 · 02-11-2023, 06:58 AM

In October my DEF header failed when pulling out of storage heading out on a long weekender. I hooked up my DSS (thanks to others on this forum). The DSS worked flawlessly. It even filled up my DEF tank to 3/4 for free (lol). Called Tiffin, took it to Cummins, it was covered under warranty. The DSS was well worth the little money and effort to build. I was able to go on my short trip and also drive it to Cummins without a derate. Tiffin indicated the DEF header I was getting is an improved version. So far so good (knock on wood).

lowejug · 02-11-2023, 07:19 AM

my 2014 anthem left me on the road stranded on a x mas trip..

def head was bad and it wouldn't read the def level and thought it was empty

there for computer put it in limp mode..

got towed to a flagstaff arizona shop

cost me 3 grand and about a month of down time..

seems to me every one is at risk for this happening,,

its happening to a broad spectrum of years it seems

vsayler · 02-11-2023, 10:12 AM

My 2022 cornerstone DEF head failed at 4,000 miles. Got a replacement the next day

greysailor · 02-11-2023, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsayler

My 2022 cornerstone DEF head failed at 4,000 miles. Got a replacement the next day

Do you know what generation DEF head was on your coach?

Gary.Jones · 02-11-2023, 11:23 AM

There is a new Italian (if memory is correct) manufacturer of DEF heads which have largely seemed to work pretty well and have partially, or fully, resolved the "lack of availability" problem.

Gary

757driver · 02-11-2023, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

Spartan has the business practice they do not issue recalls on anything until request by the NHTSA. A campaign was started to the NHTSA for a recall, but that fell of deaf ears. https://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/def...sa-518276.html

Marc, from talking to those that have the Generation 7 and on by the new company, there has not been the problem. As mentioned by Ambetter, build the Emulator and travel on. After assembling a couple of the units, I am convinced that the components in the Emulator are better than generation 1 through 6 DEF sensors. I would not be afraid to finish a trip on an Emulator and replace the DEF head after getting home.

Chuck,

Keep in mind that neither Marc or I can build a def simulator and use it on our vintage of coaches. It is designed for the newer systems that also sample fluid quality.