What weight oil to use

[zogg]

My 2013 Ram 2500 Hemi has "5w20" stamped on the oil filler cap. However, the owners manual says to run "5w30" with a gross weight of 14,000 pounds. Well, the truck weighs about 6200 and the TT weighs about 8000, so I am right at 14,000 pounds.

I know that 5w20 is required in the Ram 1500 due to the fuel saving cylinder shut down system, but the 2500 does not have that feature.

I am thinking that 5w30 might be able to be used all the time, towing or not. It would be a real pain to chain the oil for a four hour tow, and change it again afterward....silly???

What are the rest of you guys using??

 

[Etroze86]

5w-30 till you get lifter noise when its cold out and if you don't get lifter noise thats a plus.

 

[Cruizer]

I'm using 5W20 on the 5.7 Hemi that it calls for. I think it's insane but I'm following directions.

 

[audio1der]

If it were my truck I would experiment with different 5W20s to try and find onw which rids you of the Hemi tick. If you use mineral based oil (non-synthetic) I would stay with those first.
That being said, it would be a great opportunity for you to step up to a synthetic oil such as Redline or Amsoil. They have much better viscosity for engine startup, flowing much sooner to get the parts the lubrication they need to avoid engine wear.

 

[smiley]

Most engine wear occurs when oil is too thick not too thin. Best you could use in 2500 gas is 0W-30 all season and synthetic. Don't forget a good filter most important part.


$miley

 

[Burla]

What he said, most engine wear happens at start up and the best oil for start up is lighter weight oil. Check out synthetic oil thread for more info, it is around here somewhere. Your oil choice should include characteristics that can protect your engine on long runs, because that is where thin oils are weakest.

 

[zogg]

I contacted Chrysler customer service and this is their reply:

Dear David:

Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center.

According to available information, you may use SAE 5W-30 engine oil in
your vehicle as the vehicle is equipped with the 5.7L V8 HEMI VVT Engine
and is periodically being operated under a gross combined weight rating
of 14,000 lbs. or greater.

Thanks again for your email.

Sincerely,

Tony *

Customer Service Representative
Chrysler Customer Assistance Center

 

[Etroze86]

Keep that email for sure.

 

[bendirkss]

Manual says 5 20

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk 4

 

[SALT RAM]

+1 on wear being caused by oil being too thick during cold start-ups. Synthetic oils really shine when the weather turns cold.

 

[zogg]

Manual says 5 20

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk 4

Yes, but it also says 5w30 if towing 14,000 pounds and I do

 

[Burla]

Zogg if you use 5w30 consider one that has a lot of organic Moly. Using group 4 or 5 is less important when you have a thicker viscosity like that. Schaeffer's 7000 has a Moly level around the 150 range and Shaeffers 9000 has a Moly level around 300PPM. Your oil is thicker it is way more important to have Moly behind protecting those lifters when you turn your engine off.