New Truck Break-In

[Kerm]

I am a proud new member here at TDR. I have owned a TD Dodge in the past a 95 12V. I will be taking delivery of my new one in less than a week (2004 3500 4x4). I was wondering what I should do for break-in on my new pride and joy? I do often tow a 25' flatbed with a small MF243 tractor. I can't see the weight going much above 10k combined if that. How long if any should I wait to drag it arround? Also, I live about 600mi from where I am buying it. Is it safe to hop right on the HWY with it??

Thanks I n Advance!!

-kerm

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Kerm, going on the highway should be OK but keep varying the throttle and speed and do not use the cruise control for the first couple hundred miles. But overall you don't need to sweat it that much. Just don't baby it, don't let it idle to warm it up (just take right off), and don't rod it around hard.



D/C says to wait 1000 miles before towing, other than that you're set to go.



Be sure to check fluid levels before going very far. Make sure the rear axle has the prescribed level of fluid before leaving the dealer's lot too!



Have fun!



Vaughn

 

[SRadke]

04 3500 plus 25' flatbed plus MF243... yea, you'll be well over 10k. Probably have 10k in the pickup and trailer alone.



Vaughn is right on with what he said. DC recommends waiting 1000 miles to tow but how is it diffrent if you don't get in the throttle hard? I'd say take her easy and you'll be fine. Good luck with the new rig.



-Scott

 

[Dean Upson]

If I remember right, in the '03's you were not supposed to tow over 50 mph for the first 500 miles. I believe that was to break in the axle.



Dean

 

[Briman]

You need to break in the ring and pinion wear surfaces (contact points) before you tow. Ideally drive it between 25 and 50 miles and than let the rear end cool down totally. Than drive it as far as you like but still without towing and follow the other advice above. Everyone has an opinion... ...

 

[bulabula]

Hmmm, in my manual, there's a caution note that says do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles; and then to limit your speed to 50mph in the first 500 miles of towing.