500 Miles?

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baddarryl

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Hi all. My manual says absolutely no towing for the first 500 miles and then nothing over 50mph for 500 more. Does this really mean mot use the truck as intended for a 1000 miles?

I was hoping to sell my previous truck right away, but I guess this complicates that. If the Cummins supposedly needs no break in what is the reason? Thanks.
 

retired

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seems odd my 2020 owners manual does not say that and in fact says the diesel does not need break in.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE
The Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommendations are followed:
  •  Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
  •  Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
  •  Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
  •  Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
  •  Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
  •  Vary throttle position at highway speeds when
    carrying or towing significant weight.
    NOTE:
    Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be seen at this time.
    For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And Operating” of the Owners Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins® Turbo Diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
The foot-operated parking brake is located below the lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To release the parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
Parking Brake Release
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
 When the parking brake is applied and the transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake before attempting to move the vehicle.
 This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.
 

retired

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and if a gas engine it says this.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS — GAS ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213 The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory
is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted as a problem. Please check your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during the break in period. Add oil as required.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before
 

Billet Bee

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My 2020 ram diesel has that verbiage in the Manuel but it's not for diesel engine it's for the meshing of gears and such . I followed that's recommendations, I figured 1000 miles of easy driving was very little to do in the Grand scheme of things
 

crash68

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If the Cummins supposedly needs no break in what is the reason?
The first 500 is to let the drivetrain "break in". After that best thing you can do with a Cummins is put a load on the engine and drive the snot out of it. Even more so that the latest revision of the engine uses a lower tension piston rings. Keep in mind that a CTD is actually a medium duty truck engine and put to work right away in trucks with GVWR over 30K lbs.
 

Billet Bee

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Here's is a screenshot of my Manuel, it solely has to do with towing
 

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Firebird

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I hitched up and towed at under 600 miles, and have been towing ever since. Has performed flawlessly
 
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baddarryl

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For the record at this point I'll tow regularly, but lightly compared to you guys. Usually about 4000 lbs and occasionally 10-12.

Let me ask this, this truck is going to be operating with no load most of the time in city traffic. Is there anything I need to be aware of using it as a daily driver rather than over the road etc. ?
 

Billet Bee

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That's exactly what mine says.
I'm sure allot of folks don't head the suggestion but i figure 1000 miles wasn't to much to comprimise on with a $90k truck. It may or may not make any difference, but I feel better about doing and figured it was printed in there for some reason
 

Billet Bee

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For the record at this point I'll tow regularly, but lightly compared to you guys. Usually about 4000 lbs and occasionally 10-12.

Let me ask this, this truck is going to be operating with no load most of the time in city traffic. Is there anything I need to be aware of using it as a daily driver rather than over the road etc. ?
Ohhhhhhhh boy. Every chance you get on the interstate run the heck out of it, it's not a stop and go kind of truck
 

crash68

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Is there anything I need to be aware of using it as a daily driver rather than over the road etc. ?
If you short trip the truck a bunch, you'll want to run the truck on the freeway about once a week to get the engine good and hot to drive any moisture out of the oil, it also allows the truck to regen the DPF if needed.
 
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baddarryl

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If you short trip the truck a bunch, you'll want to run the truck on the freeway about once a week to get the engine good and hot to drive any moisture out of the oil, it also allows the truck to regen the DPF if needed.
How long would you say each time?
 

Billet Bee

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How long would you say each time?
A regeneration takes anywhere from 15-45 minutes at Hwy speeds depending on how backed up the %%% of soot level is. Your dpf gauge will show you approximately how full it is and when its operating
 

GTyankee

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Last Friday my EVIC read Regen in progress 90%
I live maybe 1.5 miles from the 4 lane highway
The next town is 14 miles up the hill, speed limit is 65 mph for the 5 miles & then its all steep hills & horse ranches along side of the highway, so it changes up to 70 mph all the way to the State line 153 miles from home
As soon as i hit the highway, i drop 1 gear & hold the speed limit
i take the first off ramp in that very small town & return home.
The Evic reads 20% when i have driven 23 miles & it disappears soon after.
If i leave the truck in Drive, i would have to travel further up the highway & the next off ramp is further than i need to travel.
That is why i don't use Drive
 

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