First Oil change before towing?

[Thomas_G]

Oh my goodness. Just got a chance to check back today on my post and I can't say enough how grateful I am for all the insight. Just called and made an appointment for tomorrow morning for an oil and filter change. Dealer I bought it from was booked until next week and I pick up the Airstream on Monday. So I tried another dealer and they have me an attitude and told me it wasn't needed. So I called another dealer and they were great and heading there tomorrow.
From your responses I figured it couldn't hurt and isn't much money. So thank you everyone. I have no experience with cars. Ride bicycles everywhere possible so big trucks and towing are all new to me and I can't thank everyone enough for the insight.
And I did purchase the Airstream from Colonial and have had a wonderful experience so far. Can't wait to pick it up! Going to sleep there after the walk through and then drive home on Tuesday midday to avoid too much traffic. And I am definitely taking the 87 up into NY and then East back to CT. NYC traffic is bad enough with a small car. I couldn't imagine towing for the first time through there.
And I will be hyper aware if potholes.

Again, thank you all!!!

[tailpipe]

Changing the filter and topping off the oil is workable if an oil analysis program is followed. The last time I did that I got a little nervous at 25,000 miles. The lab says run
it.....I just could not do it.

On another note I wonder what fuel mileage will that 6.0 give loaded and empty

[tailpipe]

And yes change the oil early the first time. I like to change at 3,000 then put synthetic in...oil is to cheap not to run the good stuff

[Thomas_G]

Originally Posted by tailpipe

Changing the filter and topping off the oil is workable if an oil analysis program is followed. The last time I did that I got a little nervous at 25,000 miles. The lab says run
it.....I just could not do it.

On another note I wonder what fuel mileage will that 6.0 give loaded and empty

I am not sure what you mean by "loaded and empty". But I am going to fill it up and see what mileage I am getting on the way to pick up the Airstream tomorrow. And then again on the way home.

[barts]

Originally Posted by tailpipe

And yes change the oil early the first time. I like to change at 3,000 then put synthetic in...oil is to cheap not to run the good stuff

Well, at 3000 mile change intervals when towing, and Delo 400 at ~$22/gallon, and a 14 quart oil capacity, we're talking

14/4*22 - $22 = $77 + filter (~$18 micro Fleetguard) = $95/oil change.

A good synthetic (Delvac 1) raises the costs to $30/gallon
Since the Powerstroke needs the antifoaming additives replenished regularly, extended change intervals are not a good idea.

I've heard nothing but good about Delo 400 in this engine (e.g. +300K miles on engines), so I'm sticking with that.

Follow the recommedations of the manufacturer - they know what works in your engine.

- Bart

[tailpipe]

Thomas, I am considering a truck very similar to yours and I am curious of your fuel mileage loaded ( pulling the trailer) and empty ( no trailer)

Thanks

[Thomas_G]

Originally Posted by tailpipe

Thomas, I am considering a truck very similar to yours and I am curious of your fuel mileage loaded ( pulling the trailer) and empty ( no trailer)

Thanks

Gotcha. I will let you know towing mileage when I return Wednesday. I will also check non towing mileage later in the week. I honestly haven't calculated it yet only had it for a few weeks. It also has 4.10 axle ratio and 6.0 V8. I will let you know the numbers soon.

[F450Harley]

Originally Posted by Thomas_G

Gotcha. I will let you know towing mileage when I return Wednesday. I will also check non towing mileage later in the week. I honestly haven't calculated it yet only had it for a few weeks. It also has 4.10 axle ratio and 6.0 V8. I will let you know the numbers soon.

Thomas ,
Check your PM ( email)

[tailpipe]

Thank you, your truck will do a great job pulling the A/S

[Thomas_G]

Originally Posted by tailpipe

Thank you, your truck will do a great job pulling the A/S

Got 10.5 mpg over 201 miles towing the Airstream home. About 90% highway and 10%city.

I will get back to you with mpg without towing in a few days.

[tailpipe]

Thank you.

[Thomas_G]

Originally Posted by tailpipe

Thank you.

So below is the mileage I got with the 2500HD with 4.10 gearing. Keep in mind that this was mostly city driving. I don't have any longer highway only trips coming up soon but I can update you with that mileage soon. Also this is non towing mpg.

31.403 gallons
329.3 miles
10.5 mpg
~10% highway
~90% city

[tailpipe]

Thank you, no doubt city driving kills the mileage. I am selling a 3500 Duramax and after the truck hit 12,000 miles the fuel mileage increased about 2-3 mpg. I suspect this is a combination of engine break in and the computer parameters changing.