Hello All,I have a 2018 2500 Ram with 6.4L gas. Love the truck so far and have been driving it since July 2018. Only have about 8k on it but 3k of those miles has been towing the travel trailer which leaded is about 9k. The book says I didn't need an oil change until around 7k but I did my first one at 3k anyway and am getting ready to do another with a tire rotation. I am curious if anyone does an early rear diff and tranny fluid change as well when you tow a lot during your first 7-10k miles? Is it a good idea, bad idea, waste of money? I have been known to only keep trucks 3-5 years, but this one we intend to keep a lot longer. I want to maintain it right but dont have money to waste either.Thanks

I typically change the factory oil at 3k miles and then go by the manual thereafter. On transmission service I never change out early, but I do go by the severe service interval. Rear differential again I never change out early, but if your AAM differential starts to chatter, then a early change would be required.

just do as your book says. and you,ll be just fine.after all they built it.

Open up that manual......you will find your answers in there.

Go with the Rough or Severe part of the maintenance schedule, if there is one. You’re not schlepping around in a Honda Civic. Personally, for me, I’d respect the cost of that truck and do very careful and thoughtful maintenance a little early. Maybe it’s just me wanting piece of mind. The price of maintenance a little early won’t break the bank.Good luck to you.

Changing out the engine oil at 3k miles is a great idea on a new truck. Carefully inspect the oil drain plug for metal particles. Most are magnetic and will collect some silver sludge.

Truck Maintenance first 10K | Good Sam Community

FishOnOne
Nomad
Mar 28, 2019
I typically change the factory oil at 3k miles and then go by the manual thereafter. On transmission service I never change out early, but I do go by the severe service interval. Rear differential again I never change out early, but if your AAM differential starts to chatter, then a early change would be required.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2019
just do as your book says. and you,ll be just fine.after all they built it.
NWnative
Explorer
Mar 28, 2019
Open up that manual......you will find your answers in there.
OkieGene
Explorer
Mar 28, 2019
Go with the Rough or Severe part of the maintenance schedule, if there is one.

You’re not schlepping around in a Honda Civic.

Personally, for me, I’d respect the cost of that truck and do very careful and thoughtful maintenance a little early. Maybe it’s just me wanting piece of mind. The price of maintenance a little early won’t break the bank.

Good luck to you.
ppine
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2019
Changing out the engine oil at 3k miles is a great idea on a new truck. Carefully inspect the oil drain plug for metal particles. Most are magnetic and will collect some silver sludge.
ib516
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2019
Other than what you've already done (change the factory fill engine oil early), I would just follow the oil life monitor and owners manual. I would get my oil changed when it got down to about 20-25% or so. That 0w40 synthetic isn't cheap!
Community Alumni
Mar 28, 2019
The manual calls for a change of the diff oil at 20k if you're towing frequently. I'd change the factory stuff out before them. What came out of mine around that time was seriously black.

Also, if you notice that you're getting wear just on the outside edges of your front tires, rotating them won't fix it. Take it to an alignment shop to have them zero out the toe angle.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Mar 28, 2019
Does it call for every 20k for diffs? That is crazy.
kfp673
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2019
Thanks all! Think I'll just stick with the oil and tire maintenance for now and wait on tranny and diff. I did read the manual and per a few of your posts it does not recommend changing this early even if towing. Actually, in the "harsh use" section it does not even refer to towing. It appears to warn much more heavily about trucks that idle for long periods of time.

Thanks again
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2019
The people at the dealership told me to change the oil based on the computer readout. My new Ram also has the readout for the fuel filters.

Anyone do their maintenance based on these displays?