Community Forums

dwiede · 11-28-2022, 02:50 PM

What do people do up north about DEF that freezes at 12 deg F. Drain, tank heater, ?

WDW · 11-28-2022, 07:42 PM

Now that we are in full hibernation mode till next March or April, I actually drained the DEF tank on Sunday. Here in WNY we expect to see a number of days at zero and below in the next few months. I then use fluorescent surveyors tape across the steering wheel and off the DEF door as a reminder that it has to be filled prior to turning on and starting the engine.

I use a $10. hand pump from Harbor Freight.

jbhobbs54 · 11-29-2022, 05:54 AM

I just leave mine in the tank and do nothing, I do run mine down toward the end of the season. There are tank heaters to thaw the DEF if it is frozen, then decide to move the coach. I've had diesels for years that used DEF and never drained them in the winter. Think about all the diesel equipment that uses DEF from generators to heavy equipment, just sitting there till they are used again.

DeWat · 11-29-2022, 10:46 AM

DEF can and does freeze, but that should not be a problem. There are engine coolant lines that help thaw the DEF and keep it warm in freezing temps and the DEF system account for the time required to thaw when starting in freezing temps. The biggest warning is that this is why one should not fill the DEF above the opening, to leave room for expansion.

RVFunlovers · 11-29-2022, 01:55 PM

We did not drain the DEF tank on our 17 Cornerstone when winterizing the coach. We parked in a building with no heat. And in central Ohio we got to below zero a few times per winter. I do not know if my DEF actually froze while the coach was stored in the building.

Our challenge is we do not put the coach away for the winter. We use it some. A Florida run in January, and Georgia run in March, etc…. I never had an issue.

With the 22 we live in Grand Rapids MI. Even colder in Michigan but we store in a heated building. So now we do not even winterize. Most for the same reason because we use it some. I try not to go more than 6 weeks without using the coach. Just my own theory that less used is not good for any machine. And we bought it to use it…..