New Truck Break In?

[HistoricMustang]

How do you folks handle breaking in a new truck? Mine is due by end of the month.

Realize that owner's manual is a good start........but please suggest any tips or tricks.

Thanks.

[Greenhound386]

Metallurgy and build tolerances have come a long way, and I think the break-in process is less important than it used to be.

On my 2017 2500HD, I limited how hard I accelerated for a few hundred miles. I tried to vary the RPMs and limit droning along on the freeway for miles at a time. That was really it. The engine has been solid for 5 years now and tows a trailer regularly.

[D W]

Engine break-in should not be an issue these days. All engines are dyno'd before they leave the engine plant. I would imagine they do a run-in on transmissions as well.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Greenhound386

Metallurgy and build tolerances have come a long way, and I think the break-in process is less important than it used to be.

On my 2017 2500HD, I limited how hard I accelerated for a few hundred miles. I tried to vary the RPMs and limit droning along on the freeway for miles at a time. That was really it. The engine has been solid for 5 years now and tows a trailer regularly.

Yup….X2 what he said ^^^^^^^^

[ppine]

Diesel engines take time to break them in.
Change oil every 3,000 miles for awhile. Avoid hard acceleration, change speeds often.

[REL]

My HD 2500 manual said no towing for the first 4000mi.
Probably so the systems can "learn" your normal driving patterns.

[asr524]

engine break in is mostly a myth now with advancements in technology and coatings.
The MC Garage has a video from comparing a by the book engine break in with a wide open no care taken break in with no notice in engine differences.

I would argue that a motorcycle engine would be more sensitive to break in compared to a pickup truck...

https://youtu.be/xpoglovyy_8

[Greenhound386]

Originally Posted by REL

My HD 2500 manual said no towing for the first 4000mi.
Probably so the systems can "learn" your normal driving patterns.

That's crazy. If you bought a truck specifically for towing, how would you even put that many miles on it before hooking something up to the back?

Rhetorical question; I know you're just screenshotting what the manual says. There's just no way most 2500HD owners are going that long before towing for the first time (excluding those that purchased one for the cool factor alone).

[Greenhound386]

Originally Posted by asr524

engine break in is mostly a myth now with advancements in technology and coatings.
The MC Garage has a video from comparing a by the book engine break in with a wide open no care taken break in with no notice in engine differences.

I would argue that a motorcycle engine would be more sensitive to break in compared to a pickup truck...

https://youtu.be/xpoglovyy_8

Hey, I've raced against that guy!

I concur. My current race bike was taken straight from the dealer floor out to the race track. It's got ~2,500 track miles (0 street), and it's been perfect despite a hard break-in.

[EdJunior]

Myth, legend, whatever. Do what the manufacturer says. Most is only don't tow for 500 miles. It is so easy to put 500 miles on it, why take any chances with a $90K truck. It also gives you time to learn your new truck...all the cool goodies and tech. Congratulations and enjoy the new ride.

[moose074]

Straight from the manual

[ARhappycamper]

Originally Posted by HistoricMustang

How do you folks handle breaking in a new truck? Mine is due by end of the month.

Realize that owner's manual is a good start........but please suggest any tips or tricks.

Thanks.

Pretty sure the manual for your new pickup is gonna say do not tow heavy for first 1000 miles. Otherwise, drive it from the beginning like you will always drive it.

[JimM2109S]

2019 Ranger with the same 10R80 transmission used in F150s. Do not tow for the first 1,000 miles.....

[dannyabear]

Most recommend not towing for 500-1000 miles to allow the ring and pinion gears to wear in properly

[Nick Danger]

I follow the advice given to me when I bought my Harley brand new back in 2004. "Ride it like you stole it. If it breaks, you want it to be under warranty."

However when I got my truck, I didn't tow anything in the first 500 miles.

Both seem to have turned out fine. Still have both and neither have had any issues. But your results may differ. Enjoy your new truck.

[aceinspp]

Only thing most manufactures say is no towing for first 500 miles other than that your goo to drive as you like. This what I've done with every truck I've owned and never an issue. Later RJD

[ppine]

Why would anyone buy a new truck that costs a lot of money and then decide that it is broken in after 500 miles?

[kfergiez]

Originally Posted by ppine

Why would anyone buy a new truck that costs a lot of money and then decide that it is broken in after 500 miles?

Because it is.

Engines from factories do not need breaking in anymore. They do that from the factory.

One of the ONLY reasons you're varying your speed and not towing anything for the first few hundred miles is to break-in the ring and pinion gears of your differentials. That's it.

Source:
ASE mechanic, good friend that's an auto engineer

[kfergiez]

Originally Posted by dannyabear

Most recommend not towing for 500-1000 miles to allow the ring and pinion gears to wear in properly

EXACTLY. One of the only correct answers in this thread.

[bshort]

Think about work trucks used commercially....work from day one or it isn't making any money. Drive it they way you need to and it will be fine. A large percentage of the owners manual is written by risk analysts.