I picked my new truck up this morning and my dealer told me DC recommends driving 2000 miles before you tow with it. I was planning to go to Alabama in March and I’m sure I won’t have that much by then. What is the consensus on towing under 2000 Mi. [undecided]

 

Go for it.<br><br>The consensus for the Cummins is to tow as soon as possible, but drive it like it's new for the first 500 or so miles.<br>After &quot;babying&quot; it for 500 or so, &quot;Drive it like you stole it&quot;.<br><br>This will break it in by 10K, where fuel mileage will increase.<br><br>I'm at 13K on my 2002 and still haven't towed anything, now it won't be broke in till 20K or so.<br><br>phox

 

Your owner's manual indicates no towing for the first 500 miles so after that you should be OK. Dunno where your dealer got the 2K figure.<br><br>Mike<br>

 

Not sure eather he has told me some pretty interesting things. That’s pretty much why I posted. Thanks for the info.

 

You're welcome! Sadly, there are lots of &quot;interesting&quot; things you will hear that ain't necessarily true!<br><br> ;D<br><br>Mike<br>

 

if u check out Cummins web-site they wil give u recommendations on breaking it in.. They advised that babing the engine will cause extended break in time possible up to 20K... they recommend to drive it hard but keep tight with the maintenance. <br>So tow like crazy, Cummins wants u to

 

From cummins about breakin

What guidelines do I follow to properly break in my Cummins engine?


The only requirements when breaking in your Cummins engine is that you keep the fluids topped off and use a standard petroleum-based oil for the first two drain intervals. Cummins also recommends not idling the engine for more than 5 minutes and to work the engine during the break-in period.

How many miles does the Cummins engine require for break-in?


In general, 5000 miles. This depends on the type of driving the truck is subject to; hauling or towing a load will shorten the break-in period. Light duty hauling or &quot;babying&quot; the engine can delay full engine break-in for up-to 20,000 miles.


Is it OK to use synthetic oil with my Cummins engine?


Cummins recommends that you not use synthetic motor oil during the break-in period of 5000-20,000 miles, based on the type of driving, to allow proper seating of the piston rings. Beyond that mileage it is OK to use synthetic oil.

 

This recommendation for 2K miles before towing may have something to do with the rear axle problem mentioned in a few other posts on low lubricant level. Apparently there have been a number of failures which we have attributed to low lubricant level but Dodge is attributing to towing too soon. This is all hearsay in my opinion, could be true but might not be. It's what I've been reading here and at other sites.