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blofgren's avatar
blofgren
Explorer
Apr 05, 2014

How Many Miles Before Towing with New Ram 3500

Hello again. As in my other post, I have purchased a new Ram 3500 Megacab DRW 6.7 Cummins. The dealer is waiting for the hitch head to show up and then the truck will be ready to pick up, likely early next week.

Problem is that we are looking to get our fifth wheel out of indoor winter storage next week as well. I was hoping to have my old truck long enough to go and get the trailer but I'm not sure if this is going to happen.

So my question is, can I tow my trailer home with the new Ram (approximately 30 kms or 20 miles) if I take it easy and don't push the truck hard? I seem to remember that it is recommended that 500 miles be put on the truck prior to towing.

If this will be a real problem I will try to schedule delivery of the new truck after the trailer is home, but I'm afraid the additional wait just may kill me! LOL!

Thanks for any insight anyone can provide.
Tow Vehicles
  • racer4's avatar
    racer4
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2014
    I agree with others on the rear diff gears needing break-in. There are two break-in periods. First while not towing, second while towing.

    Copy and Paste from 2014 Ram Owner's Manual on page 601 under "Towing Requirements":

    CAUTION!
    • Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
    (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
    or other parts could be damaged.
    • Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
    trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
    and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
    the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
    the heavier loads.

    Randy's Ring and Pinion has an explanation of why. clicky

    Enjoy the new truck!
  • hmknightnc's avatar
    hmknightnc
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2014
    45Ricochet wrote:
    I believe the "towing" mileage is related to the rear end for a proper marriage of the ring and pinion gears.
    Having said that, class C MH seem to do it just fine.
    I myself use what the manufacture recommends. Sounds like a good reason to call in sick for a nice road trip :B


    I'm with 45. I'd take it for a 100 mile road trip at varying speed on day 1. A 400 mile road trip on day 2 (varying speed again) to wear in the diffs and then hook and tow. But to answer your question directly, an easy 20 mile pull is not going to hurt anything.
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2014
    I believe the "towing" mileage is related to the rear end for a proper marriage of the ring and pinion gears.
    Having said that, class C MH seem to do it just fine.
    I myself use what the manufacture recommends. Sounds like a good reason to call in sick for a nice road trip :B
  • SooperDaddy's avatar
    SooperDaddy
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2014
    Per my Dodge Ram tech, the 6.7L Cummins is ran on a test stand during the build process and "run in" already...and thus needs no break in period prior to towing, as the engine IS already technically "broke in" at that point.

    But he also said to vary the speed (don't set it at a steady 70 mph for for the 1st 500 miles or so) to help break in the tranny and drive train also.
  • mdamerell's avatar
    mdamerell
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2014
    Sounds like a good excuse for a road trip. :)

    Seriously, if you read the book it will probably state the Cummins is already to rock and roll straight from the factory but taking it gentle probably would not hurt. The transmission would probably like a gentle start.

    In semi's we just get in them and go. After about a 100,000 miles they just seem to settle in and mpg, power picks up a little so maybe there is something in the computer.

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