Opinion on heavy towing with brand new pickup

[Too Tall]

This is what my 2014 Diesel supplement manual says.

Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.

Then in the regular 2500 manual,

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
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.

It's contradictory from what they say about the engine in other parts of the manual, which is, basically, don't worry about the mule, just load the wagon.

 

[masterdrago]

I HIGHLY advise dumping the Factory junk rear diff fluid NOW!!! I HIGHLY recommend using AMZ/OIL 75-110 SevereGear as a replacement.

Quick question. Since it is pretty much impossible to acquire anything Amsoil around here, will the Mobil 1 or Valvoline equivalent (both GL-5 requirement)
work just as well?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Quick question. Since it is pretty much impossible to acquire anything Amsoil around here, will the Mobil 1 or Valvoline equivalent (both GL-5 requirement)
work just as well?

FULL Synthetic is what you want. Lots of auto parts stores sell AMZ/OIL now.

 

[masterdrago]

FULL Synthetic is what you want. Lots of auto parts stores sell AMZ/OIL now.

Thanks again. Hey, nobody, I mean nobody handles that product around these parts (55 miles N of Houston). I ordered it directly from the Amsoil web pages. Everyone has the Mobil 1, and Valvoline or Lucas Oil stuff. Yes all full synthetic. Confirmed today shipped from the Amsoil folks but might not get here b4 our towing trip. I was going to change b4 trip at 5,000 miles to get the break in stuff out of the diff.

 

[tractorhauler]

I picked up my new 2018 Tradesman 3500 drw in Mission, Texas. I wrote a check, went out and dropped the trailer I towed there with my 2008 2500 Big Horn, hooked up the new truck. then I loaded the 2008 on the trailer and headed back to Michigan. Speed limits are mostly 75 in Texas and I did all of that plus for the next 1635 miles. Put my 8 1/2' Palomino truck camper on and went back down to Mission, Texas to do some cleaning on the place i'm selling there. I'm not afraid to run it loaded or empty. These trucks are made to use not putt around the neighborhood like some Power stroke grocery getter. My 2 cents worth.
Mark

 

[Too Tall]

Quick question. Since it is pretty much impossible to acquire anything Amsoil around here, will the Mobil 1 or Valvoline equivalent (both GL-5 requirement)
work just as well?

Mobil one synthetic but if you have a new truck, there's no reason to change the oil.

 

[Jared Herzog]

Ram is not known for using a quality diff lube. Here is a photo of my rear diff fluid which was uncontaminated and chattering real bad on every turn and was almost unbearable while turning while towing. The whole truck would shake and hop. Swapped the fluid at 8811 miles and the issue was gone immediately and has not come back. I used some amsoil i had and mixed it with a thicker Valvoline. Both GL5. I am currently at 28,000 miles. I drove easy and did not tow and broke it in per the manual. I plan to do another fluid change when i do my 30,000 mile service. #ad

 

[photowrite]

Wow, only 9000 miles and that lube looks like hell. I've been planning to do mine and put a mag high-tech cover on it, I better get to it.