Community Forums

UAV · 04-10-2019, 07:48 AM

Hey All...

Was curious to know if it is a bad idea to pull a tow vehicle during the "break in" period of the engine?

I have noticed that some manufactures do not recommend pulling a vehicle during this time.

I was planning on driving out with a very small U-Haul to carry items for the coach to Nappanee for FPU and then towing me vehicle home but can adjust that plan if it is determined that pulling a vehicle during an engine break is a no no.

Any input would be appreciated.

FLJOE · 04-10-2019, 07:59 AM

I don't think it matters. I have observed many new large Class A DPs coming out of Indiana for delivery to dealers with a 4-down toad on the back.

I purchased mine from dealer stock in Ft Myers so there is a good chance the first 1,400 miles was towing.

lostinfla · 04-10-2019, 08:33 AM

FLJOE is right. When the coaches come in to North Trail, they arrive with a toad in tow so the driver can get back home.

UAV · 04-10-2019, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostinfla

FLJOE is right. When the coaches come in to North Trail, they arrive with a toad in tow so the driver can get back home.

I understand and thanks for sharing.

I suppose I am wondering even though these companies deliver their vehicles this way to the dealers is it really proper to do this during the break in period?

Can't imagine a dealer doing something they are supposed to do!??![emoji16]

Renipladlo · 04-10-2019, 02:26 PM

It's my understanding that Cummins does a pre break in at the factory, at least I hope so. Found out all Cummins/john Deere/caterpillar cast iron blocks are all forged in China, we don't make them here. Suspect Cummins is checking to make sure they all are good, so pre-break in is done for some amount of time. I have no definitive information to prove this but believe its done. I did check with a Cummins Service Department and he said the best way to break in new/rebuilt engine is to put it under a load. So towing is fine right out of the lot, and I did it with mine the second trip we took in it. Never had an issue.

MRUSA14 · 04-10-2019, 02:29 PM

Modern engines no longer need to be babied during break-in. They break-in better if they are driven hard from the outset. Big Mike at Spartan says to “drive it like you stole it”.

Ann n Gene · 04-10-2019, 03:14 PM

Load it like a boxcar, drive it like a race car.

UAV · 04-10-2019, 07:15 PM

Okay then...thanks for the responses. Very helpful.

I will plan on just driving out there with the toad and pull her back home.

TJ · 04-10-2019, 07:22 PM

Your "break-in period" for the Cummins is about 25K miles! It takes at least that long for a diesel to settle in. The good news is that fuel mileage should increase slightly over that period.

No need to worry about towing a car behind the New Aire. It will be fine.

TJ

FLJOE · 04-11-2019, 07:47 AM

The only thing I would probably do is not cruise at the exact same speed for long distances right out of the box.

I would also try not to get into a situation where I had to slam on those brakes right away.