Going to get my new 06 3500 next week. WIll be trading in my current F-350 F%#d at that time. Problem is I have a trip planned down to Va and I am towing my 26 enclosed with a 3800 Lb Chevelle in it (8500 Lbs) . How many miles do I need to dirve toensure the truck is broke in before I tow with it?..or do I need to break it in at all? Thanks

ALbert

Try to put a few miles on it before you tow with it if you can. If not, then go slow. I know several people that have towed with their trucks right out of the wrapper with no problems. I would change rear diff fluid and oil as soon as you get to where you are going though...just my opinion.:)

If I remember right the owners manual says to wait until 500 miles.

I started towing at 250 miles , 17,000 empty ,I don't remember what I had on ( 2 car enclosed) , drove it like I stole it from day 1 , truck has NEVER seen the dealer for anything , 52,000 now 9 months old 51 thou in 4 of those month. Don't go slow just vary the speed and load , if you baby it it will run like a baby. This of course will be disputed it's just my opinion. Did the same with the 04 , never saw the dealer for anything except the OHeat problem and a injector harness , nothing to do with breakin. I talk nice to it every day!!!!

Started towing the same day I bought her.Had 3 miles on at dealer,got home it had 24.Hitched up 8,000# travel trailer and never looked back.I changed all the fluids at 500 miles.If your going to break it,do it under warranty.

the reason GM wants 500 miles is the reardiff and Brakes need time to wear, my inlaws 06 General LBZ towed right out of the dealer lot 12k and had to get new brakes about 2 weeks later (no stopping power) I guess they glazed over

It's not the engine that needs breaking in, as there is no better way to seat an engine than to have a good load on it.

It's the drivetrain gears, primarily that should wear in and that too doesn't take long.

Keep in mind that when GM says 500 miles it is CYA formality. The Dodge owners manual for Cummins says to break it in with a big load, not to drive it easy.

As for brakes, with a brake controller you are not going to load the brakes hard regardless.... correct?

I towed with mine at 50 miles. She's good.

Thanks guys..truck is comeng from another dealer and they are going to drive it in so It will have maybe 180 miles when I pick it up..I'll add another 200 before I go..should be OK. Thanks

ALbert

I hooked up both on second tank of fuel...

I put 200 miles on mine then hooked up a trailer with my crushed k1500 on it . Drove it home 1200 miles at 75-80mph.

my lbz just turned 25,000 miles and no issues, Awesome truck :)

I've always varied my speed,never lugged a motor,and never never overreved a fresh motor.Worked so far.Never babied one either.