new vehicle break in

[Jebby14]

Hey all. I take delivery on my new 5.0L F150 Saturday. Never owned a new vehicle. How much of what I hear matters and how much is snake oil from a long time ago? I'm thinking that I will drive it normally (some city some highway no extended idling no drag racing ect) for the fist few weeks then chance the oil somewhere around 1000 miles and be done with it. is there anything Im missing? after that oil change it will be every 6 months since I don't go 7500 miles in that time span. opinions?

[RPreeb]

tinner12002 wrote:
I drive new cars and trucks from and to dealers from time to time and they tell us to just drive them as you would normally, just no jack rabbit starts and such so I usually just drive them like I drive my own!

The Ford manual is specific with the ecoboost not to accelerate hard in 1st gear.

[tinner12002]

I drive new cars and trucks from and to dealers from time to time and they tell us to just drive them as you would normally, just no jack rabbit starts and such so I usually just drive them like I drive my own!

[blofgren]

Jebby14 wrote:
well todays the day. thanks guys

You must be excited! How did you sleep last night? LOL :B

[Jebby14]

More excited than anything to let my daughter (almost 3) have a go at it. Although after her getting supper excited last night when we told her im scared I might crush her dreams as I think she is expecting a semi or a dump truck or some other large thing way more fun than an f150

[MFL]

Jebby14 wrote:
well todays the day. thanks guys

I'm sure it's been a long couple days!! Once you get her home, it's like it really did happen. When not putting on miles, it'll be fun just to sit in, figuring out the gadgets, electronics, etc.

Have fun!!
Jerry

[vonzoog]

It doesn't matter how old you get, going to pick up your new truck is still like being a little boy on Christmas morning.

Have fun!

[Jebby14]

well todays the day. thanks guys

[Camper_G]

The owners manual for my new 17 states to drive moderately for the first 300 miles, after the first 60, speeds up to 55 mph are desirable.


No trailer towing for the first 500 miles also. State that low gear, full throttle starts are to be avoided, but something about running it hard when already moving within the confines of the law is encouraged.

I've been going easy on it so far.

Good luck with your new truck and congrats. I'm glad you went brand new. Good choice for many reasons.

[vonzoog]

I just bought a new RAM 3500 DRW. In all of my many years I have been thought that you break in a truck very carefully.

Well, I must be wrong and time to learn something. I don't have the owner's manual in front of me at this time, but in so many words, it's says to run the diesel hard under FULL LOAD (by pulling a trailer) to break in the engine. It states that this will smooth and seat the bearings properly and properly break the engine in during the first 6000 miles to enhance the fuel mileage.

I know, I know,.........I am only the messenger here. I was surprised when I read the diesel supplement to the owner's manual. Not the way I was raised or thought. Times and things are always changing.

Edit: FYI, my 2004 RAM diesel said to NOT tow anything for the first 500 miles.

[theoldwizard1]

Follow the directions in the Owner's Manual (sound like you were planning in that anyway). Skip the 1000 mile oil change (blocks are well cleaned before assembly and the EPA does not allow them to use and "special" break in oil).

Any oil that meets the viscosity requirements and is a top API rated is fine. Motorcraft synthetic blend oil is a good value at Walmart. Walmart usually has Motorcraft filters at very reasonable prices.

[Grit_dog]

Grit dog wrote:
Good practice to giver 500 mi or so before heavy use/towing, however I've hooked countless new pickups to a trailer basically right off the car lot and towed long miles/cross country with them, with no ill effects.
I like to change the oil early as well. You have a good plan.

Didn't read you post above.....it will be broke in by the time you tow.

[Grit_dog]

Good practice to giver 500 mi or so before heavy use/towing, however I've hooked countless new pickups to a trailer basically right off the car lot and towed long miles/cross country with them, with no ill effects.
I like to change the oil early as well. You have a good plan.

[Jebby14]

Thanks guys. Pick her up tomorrow. For what its worth I wont be towing until spring. don't think I could get the trailer out of the field now even if I wanted to.

[blofgren]

Congratulations on the new truck. I'm sure you will love it. The 5.0L is a bulletproof workhorse and it is the engine I would select as well.

You have a good plan and I agree with the others in changing the engine oil and filter early. It is very cheap insurance, especially on a gas engine.