How soon can I tow?

[Brett Maverick]

2003 HD 4x4 will be here in a month or so. It's going to pull a 13K 5th wheel. Since I don't have the shop/owners manual yet, how long is the recommended break in period, if there is one, prior to towing? I'd hate to rush it and hose it up.



Thanks,

Brett

 

[TxDieselKid]

If it's like the old ones, wait about 500 miles, then put the heaviest load on it you can. That's what I rememeber reading.



Andrew

 

[RADdodge]

The more you tow, the sooner you get the engine broken in. It's about 10K miles and the more you tow, the better. Accroding to Cummins, there is no break-in period per se, you can start towing immediately.

 

[klenger]

It's sort of like the question about "(Q) At what age should I dicipline my baby by spanking it? (A) Most people wait at least until they get home from the hosipital. "

 

[DPKetchum]

Hi guys. I have a 1st generation truck but thought I'd comment about break in time. All the talk has been about engine and there is more to it then that. I did some business with a gear company called Gears&Rears(differantials)and their comments were it was the most overlooked area of break in. Said was also the most common failure area due to improper break in time. Said new diff's get HOt and recomnded at least a 1000 miles of easy driving before putting big stress on gears,said prefered was a 1000 plus easy miles and then service diff's. Their comment was it would really extend differantial life. Just my two cents worth.

 

[lschultz]

DPKetchum I will have to agree with you on that. Common sense to me.

 

[pkennedy]

If this was true then one would have bobtail (run empty) for the first 10k miles on a class 8 highway tractor sorry but I disagree. What it actually says is do not run a constant speed and traditionaly we work the the crap out of them. This heats and cools the block allowing core shift to stabilize (remember 5. 9 B's are bored blocks no liners) and sets the computor for intented use of the truck. Normally the trucks that work hard have less problems unless abused and minor warranty problems show up sooner and DC for what it's worth pays the bill, use oil analysis at oil changes to get facts of engine condition.