New truck Monday, 4hr trip towing 15k Thursday?

[UpstateNYoilburner]

Yep, it will have almost no miles. Camping trip Labor Day wkend. Bad Idea?

 

[Powder Extreme]

Actually it's a great idea. You're better off loading the motor down and working it. It's built for that and Cummins recommends doing so. If you can run it easy for the first 100 miles or so not for the motor but for the rear end. If you have to be loaded off the git go, stop and let the rear end cool after 75 miles or so.



You will have a better more efficient motor quicker if you work it hard instead of babying it.



Edit: was referring to new off the lot, if you already have a few hundred mile, don't worry about the rear end. Load 'er up and go.

 

[UpstateNYoilburner]

I will try to put a couple hundred miles on it driving for work first.

 

[UpstateNYoilburner]

Here it is-

View attachment 86354

 

[Axtell3]

Labor for laborday!

 

[UpstateNYoilburner]

My kids cried today, we will miss our '05, it's taken us to a lot of places and never missed a beat-





View attachment 86355

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The owner's manual says to drive moderately for the first 300 miles for the drivetrain.

The Diesel Supplement says to tow soon, or break-in will be delayed.

"A long break-in period is not required for the engine and

drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).

After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or

55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the

limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.

Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental

and should be avoided.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a

high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil

changes should be consistent with anticipated climate

conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For

the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to

“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”. "



"The Cummins® turbocharged diesel engine does not

require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal

operation is allowed, providing the following recommendations

are followed:

• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.

• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.

• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent

engine lugging.

• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.

• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.

• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying

or towing significant weight.

NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing

or no load operation will extend the time before the

engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and

power may be seen at this time.

For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to

“Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” of the

Owners Manual.

Because of the construction of the Cummins® turbocharged

diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by

loaded operating conditions which allow the engine

parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first

6,000 miles (10 000 km). "

 

[Wertles]

If you picked that truck up in Avon, I was the first one to drive that truck. I waited 3 weeks to have it's blue twin. Hook up and go. I had 50 miles on it before the utility trailer went on and 1000 miles before the big trailer. I would have felt comfortable driving it off the lot with my 5er on the back if I needed to.

 

[SSteilow]

Nice looking truck, looks like a beauty. Have a good trip this labor day weekend.
Scott

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I had 200 miles on my new 13 3500 when I hooked on the trailer and headed over Snoqualme pass out of Seattle. Almost 5000 towing miles on the truck and NOTHING but ear to ear smiles so far.

 

[MelvinPierce]

I thought they wanted 500 miles before towing? Also, you have PLENTY of time to get 500 miles on before Memorial Day! LOL!

I assume you mean Labor Day?

 

[UpstateNYoilburner]

Oops yes I meant Labor Day. Thanks everyone, I feel much better now.

 

[Bug Out]

Beautiful truck. Congrats!!



PS: I miss my 05' dearly. She towed us all around the country several times, never asked for more then oil/filter(fuel) and tires once and a while. .

 

[rashwor]

I towed early with my '05. Within two weeks of taking delivery. That was as quick as I could get the hitch in!

 

[NickSullivan]

Nice truck, that is the same truck I have coming in a week or two. I can't wait to drop our camper in it and hook the boat or horse trailer up to it. Its going to be a lot safer and easier hauling for us.

 

[UpstateNYoilburner]

Well, trip is complete. The new truck was flawless. Unfortunately I didn't get the truck until Wednesday night, the night before the trip. I put about 100 miles on it that night before towing. I didn't have time to read the manual or anything else before leaving. I really like the factory hitch set up, it feels like it's part of the truck vs the creeking and slight movement felt with my old bedrail set-up. One large pass on this trip would have my '05 down to 60mph about half to 3/4 of the way to the top. This thing held at 70mph on cruise and for sure had more power. One surprise had me looking for red lights in the mirrors when the fan came on. It sounds just like a siren! The trans temp didn't go above 185 degrees. I didn't hand calculate mileage but the dash said avg was 9. 6mpg. All and all very impressed.

 

[Powder Extreme]

Glad to hear it! No doubt these beasts have a ton of power! I remember not all that many years ago spending to s of money on injectors, turbos, etc. just to make our trucks run like a stock one does now.

Can you snap a pic of your factory hitch? I'm curious to see one.

 

[UpstateNYoilburner]

Here you go Powder, the hitch I had already, it is a Curt 20k. It just so happens to be the same hitch Dodge sells with their sticker on it. I really like the trailer plug in the bed too-

 

[NickSullivan]

Wow, I can't wait to get mine. Thanks for the pictures.

 

[SSteilow]

Nice Ram and F'ver setup. Like the Curt 20k.

Scott