I posted this in the towing section - but figured not everyone browses that section....Did a weekend trip to central Oregon this weekend, about 425 miles round trip - with LOTS of hills. I'm pretty darn impressed with the '03. I think it pulls just as good as my modified '97 did - and I only have 1000 miles on the truck - so it should get better. The Jake brake is awesome for towing, hardly ever touched the brakes. And it works with the cruise control very well.<br><br>I did the 50 mph break in cra*...what a pain. I had to pull over 3 times on the way home to let the pile up behind me go by. I caved in once on a particularly steep grade coming out of a canyon. There was a two lane passing stretch for the uphill traffic, so the line started by me - as I was doing the 50 mph thing. Then I saw a newer Ford pulling a trailer closing in on me.....couldn't stand it. I down shifted to fifth and put it on the carpet...pulled up to 65 mph and ran up on a car that had just passed me. I backed off and stayed behind him up to the crest then backed of to the 50. So the Ford passed me, but on the flat after I pulled over, instead of on the hill !! <br><br>Truck and trailer totalled 17,050 pounds. <br><br>Is every one else doing this 50 MPH break in for a full 500 miles ? I'm not sure I can handle doing another 75 miles of it. I'm thinking of calling it good @ 425.

 

Yes - the break in is for the rear end. The manual says the engine requires no break in period - but the rear end requires no towing for the first 500 miles, then speeds less than 50 mph for the first 500 miles you tow. [undecided]

 

Ya right, I did my brake in. About 20,000# gcvw at 70 mph, she is broke in now <br><br>I think all that amounts to is dam lawyers sticking their noses into things some more. If it is going to fail it doesn't mater it is is going 50 or 100, it is still going to fail. I can't believe how many people I read on here that are actually doing this 50 mph break in thing

 

Broke my 03 avalanche I know its for my mom! Anyways broke it in at about 75 MPH towing a 4 bed enclosed pace american trailer with 4 sleds inside in it for 700 miles one way with only 50 Km on the truck then pulled it home with a full grown male moose inside 75 MPH home! LOL she's broke in real good. Good thing we lease everything except my truck its a little to chopped to send back! 8)

 

...yepa ...the &quot;break in&quot; is for the rear axle....infact the manual states that engine performance will be &quot;enhanced&quot; if you tow soon after buying it!!....these engines are ready right out of box!!...dont think the others have that in there manual...oh thats right...they are &quot;light duty trucks&quot;<br>cameron

 

Moose?? Where is my steak? Been a long time since this kid got to eat moose, good grub!<br>Ed