oil changes

I gotta go with the theory of following the manufacturer recommendations with the caveat that you only use, and stick to, the severe service maintenance schedule. For my wonderful old 2nd generation 5.9l diesel RAM that means every 6,000kms (3,600mi. I run a Rotella T6 synthetic 5W-40 oil. It also tells me to change the fuel filter every other oil change and I know that some members on the diesel forums go 50 or 60 thousand miles on a fuel filter. Regardless of the myriad of opinions out there, of which there is NO END, I feel that regular and frequent oil and filter changes is cheap insurance and peace of mind. As always, YMMV.

Cheers!

Mike

I change my Ford 5.4 modular frequently. It has only had Motorcraft syn-blend in it from day one. Depending on how busy I get, I try to get to it every 3K to 4K. If I let it go longer, the weight of the oil filter gets significantly heavier. If you don't change your own oil, you wouldn't know that and have no basis for how much time between intervals is the best.

Oil is still cheap, keep to the 3K-4K intervals and everything will be happy, happy, happy.

No manufacturer recommends a oil change every 3,000 miles regardless of the type of use. Most specify anywhere from 7500 to every 15,000 miles. For my truck it is every 10,000 miles from the computer and I change it every 7500 miles as 50% of the time it is used for heavy hauling or towing and that constitutes "severe duty".

My Willys 4WD station wagons needed the oil changed every 3,000 miles but in the past 60 years the metals used in engines and the motor oils produced by the oil companies have vastly improved. It was remarkable when a car engine lasted for more than 100,000 miles in the 1960's and now it is no big thing when an engine has 200,000 miles of use. Changing the oil every 3,000 miles is a waste of time, waste of money, and waste of oil.

My gas engine powered cars get oil changes at the dealer and my diesel truck gets it oil changed at Sears where they have the Valvoline Premium Blue dino oil which is the best I can get.

What does your owner’s manual say for oil change intervals? That would be a real good place to start. Years ago I too used to change oil every 2000 or 3000 miles, but with today’s better oils, changing motor oil this frequently is basically a waste of $$$. If you have the extra cash and get peace of mind with 3000 mile oil changes, have at it. Safe travels to you.

Lakeside

If you time everything right you shouldn`t need to change the oil while on the road. if you full time, then that would be one of your stops.

every 3-4 thousand is a very good interval! good job for taking care of your RV.

I'll watch this post likka hawk..coz we're goin FT..this year..our tire center back @ the house has a big bay..only charges us &38...