trailernovice wrote:
Our truck and trailer are as shown in signature...trailer ~ 5000 lbs...truck rated to tow 8600
Here's the issue...our truck is rarely if ever used except when pulling the trailer...stated another way, 80% or more of its use is under load...Will this usage reduce expected useful life, even assuming proper and frequent servicing? My thought is that our truck gets heavier use than most, and the 1500-series trucks are designed/engineered for the 'average' user who probably puts the truck under load a very small part of the time...and, logically, we might expect engine and/or transmission failures simply from wear at fewer miles that other people might experience...DW takes the opposite view, saying that 'it's a truck...it's built to be used as a truck'
thoughts?
I take the position that your wife has, in that if it is rated and designed to do it, that is what I would do with it.
My Hondas engines are designed for very high engine speed to get its rated HP, and I very frequently rev it to 6200 to 6400 RPM to get it, but I still get 250,000 miles Honda after Hondas.
I believe the key in preventing premature wear is clean filters, usind premium synthetic engine oil and transaxle fluids, along with earlier than scheduled changes, even if the manufacturer doesn't call for a fluid change, I change it anyway.
I'm not concerned about suspension wear, I can change those myself.
I'm more concerned about faulty engineering and electronic failures of these high priced technology.
