Filling RV with Diesel

[roadrunner255]

Hello All,

Got a question regarding filling RV with Diesel, first diesel vehicle I have owned.

Ford recommends Ultra low sulfur diesel.

During out last trip I noticed #2 diesel, auto diesel, the larger high capacity trucker filling pumps which don't fit the "auto" diesel fuel opening.

Then there is the Exxon/Mobil synergy diesel which is supposed to increase fuel mileage as apposed to Shell' V power.

So is #2 diesel what is considered "auto" diesel and is it considered "ultra low sulfur" diesel?

What brands are #1 and should it be used in our RV?

What are folks using for brands when they are available?

Cheers!

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by roadrunner255

Hello All,

Got a question regarding filling RV with Diesel, first diesel vehicle I have owned.

Ford recommends Ultra low sulfur diesel.

During out last trip I noticed #2 diesel, auto diesel, the larger high capacity trucker filling pumps which don't fit the "auto" diesel fuel opening.

Then there is the Exxon/Mobil synergy diesel which is supposed to increase fuel mileage as apposed to Shell' V power.

So is #2 diesel what is considered "auto" diesel and is it considered "ultra low sulfur" diesel?

What brands are #1 and should it be used in our RV?

What are folks using for brands when they are available?

Cheers!

#1 diesel contains more Cetane and is more volatile than #2 diesel. #2 diesel is the most common and is what is usually sold at most gas stations and truck stops. Most diesel sold today is ultra low sulfur unless you get the dyed stuff used for off road and agricutlure equipment not subject to massive EPA requirements.

The Exxon and Shell crap is all marketing hype.

I use what is sold in the truck lanes at Pilot Flying J, Loves, TA, PETCO or any other high volume truck stop.

[GTM41261]

Pretty much diesel is diesel when talking #2 diesel. Pretty much everything is low sulfur now a days Truck stops have the larger nozzles due to the largest tanks in trucks.

[Bob Denman]

If the nozzle will fit: You're good to,go!
(This is my first oil burner also!)

[lwmcguir]

As already noted all Diesel at the pump is ULSD

If you find #1 at the pump you on I90 or further North

The difference in #2 is the additives

Companies such as Cenex treat the fuel extremely well

[Travelin' Texans]

Don't think you'll find any diesel fuel at any station that's not ULSD, some will be #1, some #2 & a good many will be bio diesel, all will be fine to put in your motorhome.
Even the dyed off road diesel is the very same fuel as all the others just red dye is injected as it's pumped into the trucks delivering to the stations, the only difference is it's non taxed or at least taxed less.
Just FYI. Regardless of what brand is on the station most all in any given area will be selling the very same diesel & gasoline, it depends on what refinery &/or how many are within a given distance & which refinery has the best price from day to day. Example, you pull into a Shell station but the only refinery in that area is Exxon your putting fuel refined by Exxon in your vehicle through a Shell pump. If there's a Exxon & Conoco refinery the same distance away it depends on which has the cheapest bulk price today as to which you'll be pumping into your vehicle.

[Lt Keefer]

Make sure you buy from a high volume station.

[GVP-The Boxcar Children]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

#1 diesel contains more Cetane and is more volatile than #2 diesel. #2 diesel is the most common and is what is usually sold at most gas stations and truck stops. Most diesel sold today is ultra low sulfur unless you get the dyed stuff used for off road and agricutlure equipment not subject to massive EPA requirements.

The Exxon and Shell crap is all marketing hype.

I use what is sold in the truck lanes at Pilot Flying J, Loves, TA, PETCO or any other high volume truck stop.

Ditto the above highlight.
Gary

[lwmcguir]

There is a difference in additives and the fuel arrives in a pipe line at a terminal if you are out of trucking distance from a Refinery

Specs for the fuel are the same

The additives are based on Brand and season

#1 burns way to hot in warm weather and so isn't likely found at the pump and is commonly known as kerosene

[Down South]

I don't have a diesel driver anymore but in years gone by, all I ran were diesels.
There are other differences not mentioned. #2 diesel is the most common but is subject to jelling during severe cold weather. Many or most stations in the north will revert to #1 diesel "AKA Kerosene" or a blend of #1 & #2 also known as winter blend.
Other differences between #1 & #2 are Cetane ratings, BTU rating, etc.
#2 diesel is the best for fuel efficiency.

[Bob Denman]

Is that why they dump a batch of Kerosene into outside fuel oil tanks up here in the Winter?

[paulwadley]

You are safe to use the #2 diesel at the gas stations in your motor home. You might have to consider adding an anti gel additive to be sure it does not gel due to low outside temps(below 32). Just dump the additive and then fuel up in order to get the additive mixed with the fuel and through your vehicle system.

Paul

[lwmcguir]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Is that why they dump a batch of Kerosene into outside fuel oil tanks up here in the Winter?

Yes, further North you go the higher the blend

[lwmcguir]

Casey's, Cenex and others supply winter blend after Nov

Others may do the same and it should be noted at the pump

If you're in the North usually 2 or 3 options at the truck stations

If you're heading North without any treated fuel in cold weather then treat it

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Down South

I don't have a diesel driver anymore but in years gone by, all I ran were diesels.
There are other differences not mentioned. #2 diesel is the most common but is subject to jelling during severe cold weather. Many or most stations in the north will revert to #1 diesel "AKA Kerosene" or a blend of #1 & #2 also known as winter blend.
Other differences between #1 & #2 are Cetane ratings, BTU rating, etc.
#2 diesel is the best for fuel efficiency.

If your RV is stored for the Winter: does the fuel in it "un-gel": once the warm weather returns?

[yukongrant]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

If your RV is stored for the Winter: does the fuel in it "un-gel": once the warm weather returns?

Yes. Once it get's warm, it returns to normal. The problems come if you run it when it's gelled. It'll gum up filters and things. But left alone, there'll be no problems.

My rig is parked throughout the winter. And with our temperatures, I'm sure it's just one big gel ball in there. I don't use an additive. Once spring comes, I'll add a cetane booster and off I go.

[ducksface]

https://www.atg-germany.com/diesel-therm/
Probably 1,000 different versions.
Available for about the last 120 years.

Not everyone loves them.
$40 to $400, I wouldn't be without one if I had a diesel road vehicle.



Op:
Pump what's in the pump. Locals and regulations take care of the rest.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by yukongrant

Yes. Once it get's warm, it returns to normal. The problems come if you run it when it's gelled. It'll gum up filters and things. But left alone, there'll be no problems.

My rig is parked throughout the winter. And with our temperatures, I'm sure it's just one big gel ball in there. I don't use an additive. Once spring comes, I'll add a cetane booster and off I go.

That's what I hoped. Thanks!
Mine is stored at the Dealership until the end of March.

[yukongrant]

One thing to remember - don't run your diesel generator in the winter to exercise it. Or wait until it's above freezing. Our generator is propane so is not a problem.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for reminding me of that one.