Hummin Cummins

Just called my dealer as the Rig is in for some accessories to clarifiy whether I need to change axle oil prior to towing.<br><br>He said he just got in a DC Bulletin late last week and it goes something like the following...<br><br>&quot;Drive 500 miles with no trailer/load, drive 500 miles with the trailer/load at less than 50 mph&quot;<br><br>That leads me to believe that, no matter how many miles are on the truck (and the Service Manager agreed) that you should not exceed 50mph for 500 miles (consecutive or not) with the trailer attached or load in the bed.<br><br>It says nothing about changing axle fluid and notes it is equipped with 75/90 Synthetic oil from the factory and friction modifier is not required.<br><br>...interesting...maybe this needs a little clarification from those who know (or DC).

Hummin Cummins

Not that I mind....only the other guys on the interstate will mind me going 50 in the 65 or 70 zones .<br><br>But that limits one to 5th gear towing for quite a long time, a tank of fuel at least.<br><br>I thought it strange it did NOT have an upper limit like &quot;vehicles with over 10,000 miles are exempt&quot;.<br><br>stange.<br><br>He did note that the American Axle 11.5&quot; is far superior to the Dana. He noted he only had one in the shop since they were introduced...whenever that was.

FiverBob

It is a pain in the tail and very dangerous if on the interstate. If not, no one can pass you and it still is dangerous. I specifically looked for 4 lane &quot;non-interstate&quot; highways to get my 500 miles towing out of the way. <br><br>My mechanic and service manager say it is to work in the gears and polish surfaces while towing. Puts a different strain on them than running solo. He said &quot;just do it and be happy in the long run&quot;. After spending this much money, baby, 25 MPH is fine if it makes it hold up longer. It goes by quick, believe it. <br><br>SlowPokeBob

KenR

I read that in the owner's manual just yesterday. It will not be fun but just something you have to do.

RLS

I picked up my truck Friday. I must have missed that part in the manual. I thought mine said there was no break in except not to drive one speed for a long time. I think it said put a load on it as soon as possible and drive. I will go out and get the book out tomorrow. If anyone has the page number with the towing instruction please list it so I can find it faster. Thanks.<br><br>1054 miles and I like mine. Transmission is stiff and there is a rough spot between 70 and 75 but that seams to be getting better.

Mopar_Mudder

Well my personal feelings it that is all just to covers DC butt in this sue happy world.<br><br>My first tow was after truck had about 2500 miles on it, hooked up to a 40' goosneck that went around 9000# and headed down the free way at 75 mph for about 400 miles. The next tow will be about 12,000# for a 5000 mile round trip, and their wont be any 50 mph I can tell you

Hummin Cummins

Unfortunately my first haul will be on I-81 from PA to VA.<br><br>Guess I need to add the CAUTION HORSES sign to the back of the trailer to accompany my 50 mph top speed.<br><br>