I find that puzzling as new cars haven't had a "break in" period for quite some time that I'm aware of. I bought the truck this past Saturday with plans to head out this Friday. Seems like someone else told me it's to properly seat the ring and pinion gears. My friend at our local dealer said they don't have full power from the ECM until 1000 miles.

We live in a time where people don't keep their vehicles like they used to and manufacturers want us to keep buying new so there is little incentive for them to promote a break-in period/interval.I used to be into BMWs and when BMW started including the maintenance in their price, the break in period/service went away and all the service intervals went way up. Most of the fluid changes became lifetime. If it were me, I would vary the RPMs and do a break-in service around 1000 miles draining all the fluids and refilling. However, if you sell/trade-in like most in 5 years then its probably not worth worrying about.

azwildcat99 wrote:We live in a time where people don't keep their vehicles like they used to and manufacturers want us to keep buying new so there is little incentive for them to promote a break-in period/interval.I used to be into BMWs and when BMW started including the maintenance in their price, the break in period/service went away and all the service intervals went way up. Most of the fluid changes became lifetime. If it were me, I would vary the RPMs and do a break-in service around 1000 miles draining all the fluids and refilling. However, if you sell/trade-in like most in 5 years then its probably not worth worrying about.X2 - New mechanical devices have increased particle counts in their oil from natural break-in processes. The particle counts are detrimental to long term life of the product. The first oil change in all the vehicles engine or all gear boxes is most important for long life..... :B

Don't know what your manual recommends in 'tow section'Mine is a different make/model but in manual it clearly stated 500 miles break in prior to tow/haul.It is to set the rear ring gear/pinion.I had that mileage 2nd day just running around showing family/friends.City and highway speeds.Easy thing to do..........

Mostly it is the ring gears to finish the surface hardening process.Most are 500 miles. Go easy and you will be fine.

Wait 1000 miles to tow with new F150 EB? | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

Stclairm
Explorer
May 02, 2013
I'll change the fluid when I return. Good idea.
Norskeman
Explorer
May 02, 2013
Every truck I have owned - 500 mile break in before towing. Change the rear end fluid after 600 to 1000 miles of towing.
Stclairm
Explorer
May 02, 2013
I did. Im just pointing out it's not in the towing section.
BenK
Explorer
May 02, 2013
Why not READ the glove box manual cover to cover...
Stclairm
Explorer
May 02, 2013
No where in my owner's manual towing section does it say anything about using a higher grade gas while towing. Funny how it only mentions it on page 201 under fuel and refueling. "Premium fuel will provide improved performance and is recommended for severe duty usage such as trailer tow". It's funny what people don't tell you when you tell them you're buying the truck to tow your travel trailer the following weekend.
At least mine won't have a tuner and intake on it.....and I won't go over 65mph.
DwnSth
Explorer
May 02, 2013
As far as warranty goes, the 1000 miles is a must as far as I'm concerned. The higher octane is a recommendation and using 87 while towing will not void warranty. That being said, I put 89 and 93 in while towing this time except for one top-off. Lot's of post on results from different grades. I did partial fill up with 87 ethanol free, didn't notice any difference in performance.
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
May 02, 2013
It is more important to read about using higher octane gas, and use that while towing. Also that direct injection engine can avoid pinging by using higher octane gas, it will produce more power from the fuel too.

Fred.
tvman44
Explorer
May 01, 2013
When the truck is towing everything is working a lot harder than a car. :)
stitchinsue
Explorer
May 01, 2013
We were as close to 1000 as we could get before our first trip. We didn't want a void warranty if something were to happen Im thinking the truck can be hooked up to a diag tester and it will tell the technician exactly what mile the trailer was hooked up, since the truck will tell you the trailer is connected.
time2roll
Nomad
May 01, 2013
New truck? I would have 500 miles on it the first weekend :B