Towing with a new vehicle

[BigH]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

It DOES make a difference for your rear differential. That is what is being broken in; not so much the engine.

So...I see you have a motorcycle...
Did you follow the break-in procedure on that chain driven bike for the differential.

What about other BMW motorcycles (without differentials) that you have to take back to the dealer after 600 miles so they can remove the computer restricted break-in limiters?

Fortunately the front diff on 4x4's doesn't require a break-in...

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...ak-in-new-car/

[JohnD10]

Cracks me up how so many continue to argue with excuses against folling the manufacturers recommendations...

Kinda like the same way others make excuses about hauling with an under-rated truck...or leaving their gray tanks open all the time... or...

"I don't care 'cause I've been doing it for XXX years with no problems...".

[Hersbird]

It cracks me up how many people keep conflating the normal break in with this special towing break in. As pointed out according to the book the truck could have even 500,000 miles on it and still "require" a towing break in. Come on that's BS. That wont be the "first time the truck has ever really worked hard". For one at 50 mph you wont be working that hard. I bet 80 mph up a mountain unloaded will put more stress on everything than 50 mph flat towing ever will. I could see not towing more than 50 mph for the first 500 miles the truck gets on it period, after 500 miles it is good to go.

[BigH]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

...I could see not towing more than 50 mph for the first 500 miles the truck gets on it period, after 500 miles it is good to go.

What exactly is your expertise that ''you could see'' not following what the various manufacturer's recommend in their manual?

[babock]

Originally Posted by BigH

What exactly is your expertise that ''you could see'' not following what the various manufacturer's recommend in their manual?

He's obviously a former engineer from General Motors.

[Hersbird]

I'm actually a former nuclear engineer, but it's not so much all that skoolin as it is the ability to easily see when lawyers get involved in engineering. It's very similar to politicians involved in science.

[BigH]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

I'm actually a former nuclear engineer, but it's not so much all that skoolin

Definitely not that skoolin...I write cnc programs. I've designed some pistons and cylinders but I won't argue chemistry with you.

as it is the ability to easily see when lawyers get involved in engineering. It's very similar to politicians involved in science.

The manual is full of lawyers and their mark is easy to see...warnings, dangers, cautions...their butt covering takes up a great deal of space throughout the manual but I don't see their language when the manual refers to break in. No wording (speed restrictions) will absolve liability from a manufacturing defect.

[emoney]

My 2018 Canyon had the same basic manual instructions. I kinda took it easy, but you can’t do 50 on I-75 without risking lives, lol. I didn’t change the oil until fhe truck said it was time. No issues.

[Chuck_S]

My '17 Expedition owners manual prohibited towing until the truck had been driven 1000 miles and then limited speed to 70mph for the first 500 miles of towing.

But the engineers who design these vehicles are idiots and these restrictions can be ignored with impunity according to the internet. Fool that I am I followed the restrictions.

Oil changes by the book or computer.

-- Chuck

[Hersbird]

70 isn't a problem 50 is. Why is it just a few "engineers" at GM who are so enlightened or incompetent, and all the other makers can build a truck that can keep up with the pace without a special, separate towing break in period?

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

Why is it just a few "engineers" at GM who are so enlightened or incompetent, and all the other makers can build a truck that can keep up with the pace without a special, separate towing break in period?

Ever wonder why it is not a good idea to buy a new pair of hiking boots...

And then go on a 20-mile hike wearing them that very same day?

[BigH]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

70 isn't a problem 50 is. Why is it just a few "engineers" at GM who are so enlightened or incompetent, and all the other makers can build a truck that can keep up with the pace without a special, separate towing break in period?

I've purchased new trucks from Ram, Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Chevy...every single one has had separate towing break-in instructions.

The real question is why do some folks want/need some silly reason to avoid the instructions in the manual? Folks without any understanding of mechanical things trying to find loopholes so they can feel good about whatever they decide is best by clinging to someone/anyone who will tell them it's about the rear gears, lawyers or whatever.

Page 317 in the manual: "Do not tow a trailer during the first 800km (500 mi) to prevent damage to the engine, axle or other parts".

I haven't seen one post on this topic from anyone opposing what the manual says that appears to have the slightest inkling on the subject.

You folks that think this is some huge conspiracy do what you want...I don't buy used trucks...

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by BigH

I've purchased new trucks from Ram, Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Chevy...every single one has had separate towing break-in instructions.

The real question is why do some folks want/need some silly reason to avoid the instructions in the manual? Folks without any understanding of mechanical things trying to find loopholes so they can feel good about whatever they decide is best by clinging to someone/anyone who will tell them it's about the rear gears, lawyers or whatever.

Page 317 in the manual: "Do not tow a trailer during the first 800km (500 mi) to prevent damage to the engine, axle or other parts".

I haven't seen one post on this topic from anyone opposing what the manual says that appears to have the slightest inkling on the subject.

You folks that think this is some huge conspiracy do what you want...I don't buy used trucks...

No towing for the first 500 is common, the ENTIRE argument here is about a special speed limit of ridiculously low 50 mph for the first 500 miles of TOWING. Notice the emphasis, you can have 20,000 miles on your truck and according to the book, you need to go 50 mph for the next 500 miles if this is the first time you have ever towed. I agree there are reasons for a break in, every manufacturer has something similar. I just disagree with this special GM only, poorly worded, extra limitation.

[emoney]

Actually, when manufacturers discuss all things “towing” they do so from a frame of reference that you’ll be doing so 24/7/365. The assumption is, first 500 no towing, 2nd 500 will be towing so before you hit the 1k mark don’t put excessive strain on the torque converter, trans coolers etc etc. by keeping it under 50mph

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by emoney

Actually, when manufacturers discuss all things “towing” they do so from a frame of reference that you’ll be doing so 24/7/365. The assumption is, first 500 no towing, 2nd 500 will be towing so before you hit the 1k mark don’t put excessive strain on the torque converter, trans coolers etc etc. by keeping it under 50mph

No...

I believe that they are assuming that we are going to buy a brand new truck, then go directly to our RV...hitch up and immediately go climb the Eisenhower Tunnel incline at 90 mph!

Which is what it sounds like many here do...

They are trying to tell us to put a few miles on them first before we do a krap ton of towing.

I don't think it gets any simpler than that.

[Asrabbit]

I know nothing about engineering. However, I have always wondered about this. If I buy a new truck, tow a 1,000 pound trailer after 500 miles, and follow the recommendation of keeping it under 50 mph, then hook up a 6,000 trailer, did the towing of the 1,000 pound trailer really do anything for the 6,000 trailer?

I own two Silverados, a 2009 and a 2018. The 2018 has the double cab with a max payload of 1821 and a max tow of 9400, (and I do know that with the payload max you will be hard pressed to ever get to 9400). So, again, doing the 50 mph thing during the first 500 miles of towing with a 1,000 pound trailer makes me wonder if you are doing much since that is almost nothing in terms of what the truck could do.

[aceinspp]

I've had 9 new trucks so far, and put on the recommended 500 miles on them before towing and then peddle to the metal and never had problem one. Matter of fact my newest Ram only had 450 miles before I towed. Later RJD

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by JohnD10

Ever wonder why it is not a good idea to buy a new pair of hiking boots...

And then go on a 20-mile hike wearing them that very same day?

I did this once. It ruined my day...and the next week or so.

Bruce

[BigH]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

... I just disagree with this special GM only, poorly worded, extra limitation.

It is not 'special' to GM.

Ram says the same thing as GM.
Nissan...the same.
Toyota...the same.
Ford is a little different...1000 miles before towing.
No emphasis needed.

[bareftn]

Originally Posted by CAT-RN

Well do what you want. But trucks are bought every day to make a living with. Drove out of the dealer —hooked to their loads and head cross country. These new vehicles are ready to go when you buy them. In my opinion it won’t make two cents worth of a difference either way.

Russell

big difference between a semi truck and a pickup you still have a breakin time with a semi