Putting first load on the 600

[BApple]

My new 600 has 1100 miles on it now. I attached my Dingo trailer to it tonight for a little trip tommorrow. The trailer, accessories, and Dingo itself probably weight 5000 lbs. or close to it. Going on a 200 mile trip to help break it in some. Should I just drive normal or really let it roll!? Should be good for some break in time with a load behind it. How are some of the other 600's towing? Would love to hear of some experiences thus far. Thanks



Brad

 

[MMeier]

Run the dog pee out of it, 5K# behind the mighty Cummins won't even faze it!!!

 

[Peter Campbell]

The engine won't care. But the ring and pinion should be run in. I think dodge wants 500 miles at low speed towing. I would say with only 5000# that keeping it slow for a while - an hour or two and doing a "hand check" of the pumkin temperature should be good enough- then just run normally.

 

[lksmitty]

The Dodge User's Manual states that your not to exceed 50 mph for the first 500 miles for the first towing.

 

[BApple]

I thought that you were not suppose to tow anything for the first 500 miles of the truck. I don't recall seeing of hearing that the first 500 miles TOWING are at 50 mph or below. Anyone with any clear explanations? Thanks.



Brad

 

[MMeier]

Brad, you have 1100 miles on it now, it's ready for anything and everything , GO FOR IT!!!!! I only had 350 miles on mine when I hooked up the enclosed (6500#) and towed it at speeds up to 95 MPH Truck runs great and no problems now at 28K miles in 18 months and will be going on a 6000 mile trip here in 2 weeks to TiM towing another members truck for 1500 miles and possibly a tractor on the return trip! ( Anyone need anything towed toward Vegas??) Mark

 

[knewman]

run it like you stole it

 

[Peter Campbell]

On page 273 of the owners manual, in the caution block "During the first 500 miles (805 Km ) your new vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so may damage your vehicle.



When first towing a trailer, limit your speed to 50 Mph ( 80 Km/hr ) during the first 500 miles ( 805 Km ) of towing "

 

[rattlnrench]

I just towed with mine last weekend(04. 5 Laramie LWB, 4wd, Auto, Q-Cab). I rented a U Haul car carrier & put my '78 Blazer on it. My wife had never been to West Texas so we took off early on Mothers Day. The truck had 700 miles on it when I first hitched up to the trailer & pulled it empty for about 75 miles to get the Blazer from the ranch. I guess the average speed empty was about 50 mph. When we got on I-10 I put the coals to it running the speed limit, 70 mph or thereabouts, to Fort Stockton. It pulled the hills around Kerrville like a freight train running in overdrive. The mileage on that tank was 10. 5. The Blazer sat pretty high pulling a lot of air. Then we went to Marathon & Del Rio. We had a stiff head wind & not much of a run at the hills which were pretty steep. I did put the truck in Tow/Haul mode when we went through little towns on US-90 to keep the rpms up. We refueled in Del Rio & got 9 mpg on that tank. From Del Rio back to the house the road was much flatter & we ran about 65 mph. We unloaded the Blazer & I took the trailer back to the U Haul dealer. The truck still had over half a tank so I waited a couple of days to fill it up again. I used it down to 1/4 a tank. I check the mileage when I filled it up & got 13. 6mpg. I'm on my first tank running empty & see 15. 8 on the overhead with 50/50-city/highway driving. Total towing miles was about 800.