Towing with F350 during break-in period

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by nicky8668

I agree. They have to proof your towing within the first 1000 miles caused the problem to decline you warranty. Even if they decline your warranty, I’m pretty sure the dealer or even ford will reach back to you when “#FordTrash” or “#Powersjoke” starts to trend.

Think about an ambulance, some are built on SD chassis, which weigh 3000 lbs more than a F350 DRW. I don’t think they drive the chassis for 1500 miles before building an ambulance.

Again, it’s not gonna hurt anything mechanically. Warranty-wise, slim to none.

I used to do some work for a large Class C manufacturer - some of those units were over max GVWR before they left the factory parking lot.


Dave

[nicky8668]

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

I used to do some work for a large Class C manufacturer - some of those units were over max GVWR before they left the factory parking lot.


Dave

Another good example is the enterprise truck lease. Those are the favorite of hotshot dudes. They lease the truck with a few miles and immediately hookup 20,000 lbs gooseneck until it hits 60,000 miles and then sign another lease. I never heard any of those trucks been declined warranty works as long as you keep up with the maintenance.

[Jerry Burks]

Hey guys, thanks for the info and opinions.

I will have a chance to put on some 500-600 miles before I have to pick up that 5th wheel. I guess that will have to do...I will take it easy on the 60 or so flat miles to go home. The next real camping trip will not be until April so the mileage will be sufficient by then.

[wandering1]

So what did the dealerr tell you???????? The expert wannabes dont provide a warranty do they?

[2-Nickels]

It use to be when you picked up your new diesel the best thing you could do was cover the front grill, hook up as heavy a trailer as you could find and hit the highway. They said drive hard, heat that motor up and seat those rings. This ensured the motor would run a long time with little problems. Everyone I know who did this had their trucks for many miles.

I personally would go connect your fifth wheel and tow it to where you need it.

[BPTS]

Originally Posted by nicky8668

I agree. They have to proof your towing within the first 1000 miles caused the problem to decline you warranty. Even if they decline your warranty, I’m pretty sure the dealer or even ford will reach back to you when “#FordTrash” or “#Powersjoke” starts to trend.

Think about an ambulance, some are built on SD chassis, which weigh 3000 lbs more than a F350 DRW. I don’t think they drive the chassis for 1500 miles before building an ambulance.

Again, it’s not gonna hurt anything mechanically. Warranty-wise, slim to none.

A laptop hooked to the OBDII will tell them in seconds if a trailer was hooked to it.

[nicky8668]

Originally Posted by BPTS

A laptop hooked to the OBDII will tell them in seconds if a trailer was hooked to it.

I’m not saying they can’t see when you towed, everything is registered to the computer when 7-way is plugged into. They have to proof the towing caused the failure, which is near impossible to do and it’s horrible for the manufacturers reputation. Never heard any warranty claim denied due to break-in towing. Technically they can, but they won’t. Just like I’ve never heard anyone got arrested for singing in the bathtub in PA. The law is there, but no one is enforcing it.

[Old-Biscuit]

Didn't Ford Deny warranty on the CP4????????????

Warranty issues are DENIED routinely IF they think they can do so.

OBD gives them 'proof' and then YOU have to prove they are wrong
**Almost as bad as IRS

[nicky8668]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Didn't Ford Deny warranty on the CP4????????????

Warranty issues are DENIED routinely IF they think they can do so.

OBD gives them 'proof' and then YOU have to prove they are wrong
**Almost as bad as IRS

If that’s the case, none of those hotshot drivers would make money for the first 1500 miles. No, they don’t break-in before making money and they don’t get denied warranty work just because they tow 20,000 lbs off the dealers lot.

Manufacturers deny warranty work for all kinds of BS or tell you it’s normal. But deny warranty work because of towing in the first 1500 miles is unheard and beyond BS.

What if you are buying a used truck with power train warranty? Do you get the truck to the dealer and let them check if the truck has towed in the first 1500 miles? I don’t think so.

[Z714X4]

Your truck, your decision.


I'm not normally one of the strict follow the rules guys, nothing too far outside the lines but I do see a lot of grey in the world and a lot of CYA from manufacturers ("Don't use blow dryer in bathtub" But that's were my hair is wet!!). One thing I've learned all to well, if they can deny a claim they will. That simple. Wish I knew everyone else's dealerships but the ones around here are looking out for themselves. If a problem happens, unlikely, but if it happens, you may or will most likely have to hire an attorney and fight their refusal, forcing them to prove their claim. It takes time and money. Maybe worth it to some but not me... a little diesel and a few hours of driving is way cheaper, way less frustrating, and so much more fun!

When I bought my new 2007.5 truck I had a trip planned for the following week and needed 500 miles (per manual) before towing. So I went out and burned 605 miles on it by taking a trip to see a friend for one hour before turning around and coming home so I could get ready for my camping trip the trip the next day. Win-Win!

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by 2-Nickels

It use to be when you picked up your new diesel the best thing you could do was cover the front grill, hook up as heavy a trailer as you could find and hit the highway. They said drive hard, heat that motor up and seat those rings. This ensured the motor would run a long time with little problems. Everyone I know who did this had their trucks for many miles.

I personally would go connect your fifth wheel and tow it to where you need it.

Thats fine and dandy for the motor but not the rest of the running gear and in today's age not really necessary.
My Rams say to put 500 on before towing. Then after that they say to put a load on the CTD to expedite break in. It doesn't need broken in per-say. It will eventually be at the same point as far as the internals goes, but loading it up expedites it.


Newer diesels aren't the same as they used to be.

[Old-Biscuit]

It ain't GrandPa ole diesel anymore

Pinion/Ring gear are what needs the 'break-in' miles
That diesel will seat/match as you use it

HotShot....they run them, put them away wet and don't give a hoot
Lease another and of they go
**they don't make money with truck in for warranty work that takes days/weeks. They don't care about warranty

HotShot......poor analogy

[Dave Pelletier]

Hmm; so Ram says 500 miles and Ford says 1600?......does anyone believe the Ram axle is built better and to closer tolerances than the Ford? ....I still say it's just a random and arbitrary CYA number.

I agree; your truck, your call but I still think the risk of a warranty claim denial due to towing before the arbitrary mileage has been reached is negligeable....but we all have different risk tolerances so you do you.

The OP has a 60 mile flat tow; there is no way I'd bother waiting for 1600 miles to do that.....a few hundred? sure.

Cheers,
Dave

[Billett Bee]

This is what my 20 ram book suggested to do, so that's what I did.