How to brake-in a new HO

[brobeson]

I see a lot of discussion around fuel mileage and brake-in for the new HO's.

I have an older (98. 5)stock, 2500, 24v, auto, 4. 10 that gets about 17-19 solo and 10-12 towing. (22,000# over the scales) I am happy with this fuel mileage and am hoping to match this or even better it with my new truck.

I have ordered a new 3500 (due early May) with a HO, 4. 10 and 6sp. What is the best way to brake-in for towing and max fuel mileage.

I tow a large 5er, 36-ft triple slide that weighs about 14,000 pounds.

Thanks

Bob


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1998. 5, 2500, SLT, 24V, 4X4, Auto, 4. 10 towing 35ft. 5er
On Order due May 1. 3500, SLT+, Green/Tan, HO, 6 speed, 4X4, 4. 10, towing package, camper package, E-brakes.

 

[Bad340fish]

Get the hitch installed and hook it to that fifth wheel!! The reciever tube on my truck was still a virgin at 22K when I bought the truck. Even with that many miles my MPG and power have picked up after some semi heavy tows and one 700 mile pull. Enjoy your new truck.

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Clark
1999 2500 QC SB 5spd Flowmaster 3 chamber, K&N Re-0880
1968 Barracuda Formula S Viper Blue 11. 98@112

NHRA member for life

 

[Pete Peterson]

Bob, I'm averaging 13mpg towing 13 thousand. Remember that the 3500 will weigh more than the 2500 and the ETH has more EPA issues to deal with than your 98. 5 has. The truck you have on order will turn 2000 RPM at 60 mph,( I have the same gears). One thing you will notice is how much that ETH likes to tow. Break it in with that trailer and you will be just fine... ... Pete

 

[PUFF00]

Spend the first 1,000 miles breaking in the axle gears. Don’t tow for 1,000 miles if possible. Once you have about 1,000 miles on it, hook up the trailer and pull. When pulling, drive hard up hills and coast for a while when you get to the top to bring the temp back down.

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2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[Dane]

Don't baby it or lug it. Once every day or so, watch the tach and wind it up in third or higher gears once it's warm, but don't hold it there. Keep upping the RPM ceiling as the engine smoothes out during breakin. You can feel the engine get smoother as it wears in. Change the diff oil at 5K. Some guys will dissagree, but don't change the engine oil till the odo is at 5K. Like Pete said, if you can tow/haul something heavy, the Cummins really responds #ad
Especially after you unhook it #ad
#ad
#ad


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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

[PUFF00]

Dane,

Why do you say not to change the oil until 5K?

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2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[CUMAPART]

Dane,
Why not change the oil until 5k rolls around? I already changed mine before it hit 800mi and now have 2500mi. Just wondering why you wait?

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2001. 5 2500 DARK GARNET QC LB 4X4 6SPD HO 3. 54 EVERYTHING BUT THE COWHIDE

 

[MCummings]

Why not wait?

Chevy has an Oil sensor in their trucks, and my 2000 Model 2500 Chevy didn't tell me to change the oil till 7,000 Miles.
My Dad's Duramax told him to change oil at 5,000 Miles, and that was towing 16,000Lbs.
Oil Lasts ALOT Longer than most people think.
Main reason you wait for 5K miles is because you have an oil filter that filters your oil.

Just Look at Semi's and Tractor-Trailer Trucks. They change their oil every 50K or so.

Maybe I'm wrong.
Just my Two Cents.

MerrickNJr

 

[Okie-Go]

I bought my new HO and drove 10 miles to get the 5er. We were on vacation in Amarillo coming from Colorado. I was told to vary the speed the first 1000 miles or so. I hooked on to the trailer and drove 70 sometimes,65 a little and then bumped it up to 75 for a while. I pulled it this way the 1000 miles home and feel like it really helped the Cummins.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton