Trailer towing
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse
Trailer towing
I may be purchasing a new F250 V10 this week but have a camping trip planned a week later. Is there a any problem towing a 8000 pound 5th wheel with a brand new truck right away or do I first need a break in period? Does anyone know?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
There's a break-in period. I got mine and drove all over hell and back just to get the minimum miles on it as I had a camping trip coming up also. I think it is 500 miles or was for the 2005 model. Ask the dealer.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
My 07 said not to tow for the first 500 miles as well. I have to believe Ford puts this in there for a reason. My guess is to break in the gears as saskdiesel said. I believe gear manufacturers recommend the same thing when you install new gears don't they?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
haven't played with baby gears for a while
ones I done went in this order
1 install gears
2 get load skip this if already loaded
3 hit the road
ones I done went in this order
1 install gears
2 get load skip this if already loaded
3 hit the road
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Well.....do what you have to do but I wouldn't tell Ford you drove it home, hooked up the 8000# trailer, and drove off on a camping trip when you bring it in to have something repaired.
Might be even worse if you're calling Ford to come get you and the travel trailer is hooked up and you've got 100 miles on the odometer.
It would probably do fine but for me, when spending that kind of money on something I tend to follow manufacturer's recommendations. Then again, I'm not a mechanic so I'm relying on the shop to repair my vehicles.
Might be even worse if you're calling Ford to come get you and the travel trailer is hooked up and you've got 100 miles on the odometer.
It would probably do fine but for me, when spending that kind of money on something I tend to follow manufacturer's recommendations. Then again, I'm not a mechanic so I'm relying on the shop to repair my vehicles.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 79
From: Roman Forest, TX
I would tend to agree with the break in. I've heard some do, and some don't, but if it's brand new, and that much money, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Besides, you have a great excuse to get out and just enjoy the drive. Hit some good hills and lots of stop and go traffic to get everything a good workout.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 128
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Like previous posters, I would also recommend allowing adequate time for the components to break in before towing.
There is typically a lot of heat generated during the break-in process, as the different components are wearing in together and the friction levels are higher. The risk you run when towing before break-in is that the loads will create excessive heat, and the lubricant will break down or otherwise not cool.
The bottom line is that you can create premature wear that will come back later to haunt you.
You don't need to totally baby the vehicle during break-in, just vary the speeds and loads and allow the components to cool between break-in trips.
There is typically a lot of heat generated during the break-in process, as the different components are wearing in together and the friction levels are higher. The risk you run when towing before break-in is that the loads will create excessive heat, and the lubricant will break down or otherwise not cool.
The bottom line is that you can create premature wear that will come back later to haunt you.
You don't need to totally baby the vehicle during break-in, just vary the speeds and loads and allow the components to cool between break-in trips.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 126
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Originally Posted by scsmith42
You don't need to totally baby the vehicle during break-in, just vary the speeds and loads and allow the components to cool between break-in trips.
Also, usually around 3k miles from band new i have the dealer flush the oil AND ALSO tranny fluid. During break in there are particles that build up as the parts initially get 'married.' While some of these particles are held in suspension within the oils, my feelings are to fully flush these fluids early to remove said particles, as this can have the added benefit of extending the life of the components. Most people, sadly, never flush the tranny fluid at first 3k.
