How long before I can tow?

858 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by jebx, Jul 30, 2004

tonality

Discussion Starter · Jul 30, 2004

Hey guys, sorry for what is probably a noob question, but what's a good mileage to assure that the suspension is bedded and everything's settled in so i can start towing with a new truck? 100 miles? 200? First oil change?

TIA...

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

nafortin

· #2 · Jul 30, 2004

A stock truck? You could tow a trailer right off the new truck lot with your trade in on it, if you wanted to. I'd be more worried about engine break in period than suspension settling.

If it's nothing big I wouldn't worry about it, I'd wait at least 1000 miles before hauling something over 3500 lbs. I pulled a 3500lbs car on a uhaul car hauler (not tow dolly) from GA to WV at about 3K. Long ass trip, but no problems.

Save

Josh

· #3 · Jul 30, 2004

ive heard 500 miles, but i know people that haul gooseneck trailers with them right after they sign the papers.

Save

tonality

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 30, 2004

Cool, thanks for the tips guys...guess i'll put a few hiway miles on it breaking it in before i hit the lake sunday

Thanks again!

Save

willyswanter

· #5 · Jul 30, 2004

tonality said:
Cool, thanks for the tips guys...guess i'll put a few hiway miles on it breaking it in before i hit the lake sunday Thanks again!

I'd get about 500 miles on the rear end gears before you tow. And stay below about 55 mph for the first 100 or so towing miles.

Save

Nicholas

· #6 · Jul 30, 2004

willyswanter said:
I'd get about 500 miles on the rear end gears before you tow. And stay below about 55 mph for the first 100 or so towing miles.

I was gonna say that...engine and tranny should have no problems right off the lot, but its the rearend that you have to let break in good...500 miles sounds like a good distance tho.

Save

jebx

· #7 · Jul 30, 2004

From manual:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.

See less See more

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month