New truck Break-in period before towing

Triathletedave · 03-26-2012, 01:27 PM

I've just taken delivery of a Ford F-150 with the 3.5 L EcoBoost engine, and I was wondering if anyone has any helpful tips and tricks for the break-in period before I attempt to hook up the TT for our first trip out camping.

Many posts say to run at least 500 miles before towing, and I've seen some as high as 5,000 miles. I'd like to solicit a bit more advice, since most of our trips will include at least one mountain pass and lots of elevation changes. I usually keep the speed down a bit when towing anyway, but there may be other factors to consider as well.

every little bit helps!

snjparham · 03-26-2012, 01:29 PM

Vehicle manual should say. Mine have always said 500 miles.

fonzie · 03-26-2012, 01:35 PM

Should be in your vehicle owners manual. If not check this link:

New Car Care – How to Take Care of a New Car - Popular Mechanics

Toby · 03-26-2012, 01:44 PM

I get my F150 EB tonight. When I read the book it said 1000 miles. I won't be pulling anything until I get that 1000 miles on the clock. It's hard to wait (mostly because my trucks sit during the summer while I ride the bikes) but I'm going to anyway.

acadianbob · 03-26-2012, 05:04 PM

1,000 mile minimum.

EdJunior · 03-26-2012, 06:08 PM

For the F-250, it is 500 miles. It is in the manual. Read it, learn it, know it. You can go to the Ford site and download the manual which makes it easier to search.

Coops1 · 03-26-2012, 07:36 PM

This is for a Diesel but it's still a great read with a lot of good info.
Breaking in a Diesel Engine

teamgl · 03-26-2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triathletedave

I've just taken delivery of a Ford F-150 with the 3.5 L EcoBoost engine, and I was wondering if anyone has any helpful tips and tricks for the break-in period before I attempt to hook up the TT for our first trip out camping.

Hay Dave - Congratulations on that new truck. One tip to help with the break in is to allow two or three short trips for the gears to warm up before taking the TT out for a long outing. I've had two vehicles re-geared and in both instances the shop recommended a break in period for the gears of 500 miles before towing and doing a warm up cool down cycle a few times before towing for any long distance. Apparently this warm up cool down period allows the gears to properly seat and contributes to the longevity of the gear set (in the differential). So, with my last two new vehicles I ran a couple of short trips with the TT before hitting the road for a big outing.

Have fun. I would be curious your impressions with the new EB after your first outing.

Darren

ddemme · 03-26-2012, 11:41 PM

Just don't baby it. The ECU/TCU is learning your driving habits during those first 500 miles and if you go easy on it, it'll shift weird later. I had to have mine reflashed for an update and the tech told me its better to drive it hard during the learning period and go easy later than vice-verse.

Not that you'll have a problem getting heavy on the go pedal... that engine is FUN!

**Bama Rambler** · 03-27-2012, 09:11 AM

My last gasser said to go 500 miles before towing anything and then to tow the first 500 miles at 55 mph or below. The moral to the story is to read the manual and see what it says. Especially with the new EcoBoost technology, convential wisdom might not be correct.

Triathletedave · 03-28-2012, 08:04 AM

The F-150 manual does specify a minimum of 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing, so I'll have to force myself to drive the truck a lot in the next month or so!

I'm also going to plan a few shorter local trips with the 29' TT to ensure that everything feels right before we head for the bigger mountain passes. No worries though, the kids love camping even if we just parked the trailer in the front yard!

acadianbob · 03-28-2012, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamgl

Hay Dave - Congratulations on that new truck. One tip to help with the break in is to allow two or three short trips for the gears to warm up before taking the TT out for a long outing. I've had two vehicles re-geared and in both instances the shop recommended a break in period for the gears of 500 miles before towing and doing a warm up cool down cycle a few times before towing for any long distance. Apparently this warm up cool down period allows the gears to properly seat and contributes to the longevity of the gear set (in the differential). So, with my last two new vehicles I ran a couple of short trips with the TT before hitting the road for a big outing.

Have fun. I would be curious your impressions with the new EB after your first outing.

Darren

I believe there is some text in the owners manual that says not to accelerate hard when first towing. This would lend a lot of credence to the above.

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