Oil change intervals

[David James]

2018 ram 3500 mega cab
6.7 Cummins
What is the interval between oil changes
Manual says 15000 miles with synthetic
I do it every 5000 miles
Do I follow what the screen says on the dash

I think you’re wasting oil and time with a 5k interval. It makes more sense to go to at least 10k - note that OTR diesels typically are a 20k plus interval with ease. You have a large crankcase, and that is to assist in cooling and lubrication of that rugged engine. Try 10k; it gives you an opportunity to give your truck a good look underneath more often than the 15k interval. Suggest you have an oil analysis performed on that interval and move forward accordingly.

 

[18CrewDually]

I think you’re wasting oil and time with a 5k interval. It makes more sense to go to at least 10k - note that OTR diesels typically are a 20k plus interval with ease. You have a large crankcase, and that is to assist in cooling and lubrication of that rugged engine. Try 10k; it gives you an opportunity to give your truck a good look underneath more often than the 15k interval. Suggest you have an oil analysis performed on that interval and move forward accordingly.

You cannot compare OTR trucks with a daily driver unless the p/u operator is using it as such, such as hotshot. Plus 12 Quarts is a far cry from 12 gallons of oil that is in a truck tractor.
Too many people buy a diesel and then use it to run short errands. That is considered severe duty and calls for a shorter interval.
No one's engine ever suffered from changing the oil to often.

 

[OLEJOE]

The oil change interval changed in 2013 when the DEF fluid injection started. The DEF allowed a reduction in the amount of EGR the engine was subjected to. High idle time, short trips (especially in cold weather),higher than normal regen frequency and city driving all considered severe duty. As @18 CrewDually said “Changing it too often only hurts your wallet“. I change mine every 5000-7500 depending on if I’m towing a lot and getting passive regens vs automatic regens.

 

[David James]

You cannot compare OTR trucks with a daily driver unless the p/u operator is using it as such, such as hotshot. Plus 12 Quarts is a far cry from 12 gallons of oil that is in a truck tractor.
Too many people buy a diesel and then use it to run short errands. That is considered severe duty and calls for a shorter interval.
No one's engine ever suffered from changing the oil to often.

Do as you think is best. Opinions are just that; I agree with your last point