New 03 towing break in

[AKsmoker]

Just got my 03 dually and I'm in love!! Looked over the towing break in guides 50mph for first 500?? Anybody got some pointers to share on break in with a load?

thanks

 

[Photoman]

My dealer recommended 1,000 miles until I towed for the first time. Primarly to allow the drive train to break in-not so much the engine. As much as it killed me, I did not hook my fiver up until I had the 1,000 mile break in period completed. If you are towing a TT or fifth wheel I would recommend a gauge package at some future point. I went with the pro pod from Geno's garage and Autometer gauges. Check out the look on my readers rig page for a photo of the gauges. You would be surprised at how quickly the EGTs' can shoot up on a hot day pulling a steep grade.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

At 850 miles I hooked up to the backhoe, I couldnt wait, and pulled it to Pheonix, AZ. 250 miles one way. I got 9 mpg on the way there and 12. 8 on the way home. The trailer and tractor together weigh just under 24,000 lbs. I am now at 18. 6 mpg running around empty. 2300 miles on the truck. Just hook something heavy to it and pull. I would wait for at least the 500 miles the book suggests. Then act stupid and enjoy.

 

[AKsmoker]

Greg, thanks for the info. I pulled my three horse trailer at 500 miles with a small horse and held the 50 MPH and watched all those powerstrokes and duramax's blow by. A humiliating experience. only did 80 miles. I'll have 800 on by the weekend and plan to put on my camper 3000 lbs and the horse trailer with full load of horses and head for the hills should be close to 15k. So do I maintain 50MPH or go for it?

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

With the amount of miles you have on it I wouldn't worry too much. If you have a 6 speed, a stock truck gets hot (egt's) at about 2600 rpm's and will hit 1200* at 3200 rpm's in 5th. Pull as hard as you want but beware of long pulls and high rpm's. And please, please have a little dignity and don't let the maxi's and jokes pass. If you do, blow by them on the hills. Have fun and enjoy.