Break in period before towing?

[override]

Hey all, so i pick up my new crewmax on Friday.... driving it home from washington, so it will have 600miles or more on it when i get home...

What is the break in period or process before you should tow a travel trailer?

since i don't have the truck yet, i don't have the manual....

[mxsjw]

500 miles and keep taking it a bit easy.

[override]

hmm, perhapse i will cancel the camping trip... it would be about 500 miles round trip. after i would have about 700 miles on the truck...

trailer is about 5500 lbs loaded up.

i think i might not tow it right away....

[mxsjw]

I don't understand?
When you get home from picking it up, it would then have 500 to 600 miles on it?
Then you want to go camping?

The truck only need 500 on it total, then its ready to tow, and likely good for it (load on the transmission and motor helps break in).

[Brian in NH]

I believe that manual called for 1000 miles before towing, but I could be wrong.

[override]

i was thinking the same thing... the drive home will be 600+ miles highway, unloaded and probably right at the speed limit... take it easy all the way.

Then the weekend after, take it on a loaded highway trip with the trailer...

should i have a defective tranny...i will probably find it along the way

I am just trying to get an idea from the general new truck owners on what is ok... or what is BAD to do...

This is my first new vehicle of any kind... i wanna treat it right from day 1.

[override]

can someone check the crewmax manual if they have it around? then we will know for sure.

[mxsjw]

As quoted from my manual...

Before driving section...
"Break-in Period
Drive Gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
-Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
-Avoid racing the engine.
-Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
-Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow.
-Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).


Towing Section...
"Break-in Schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as the engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 800 km (500 miles). After the vehicle has been driven for over 800 km (500 miles), you can start towing. However, drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing a trailer for another 800 km (500 miles). In addition, avoid full throttle acceleration."

Some of us have had very good luck with this method, warning...controversy ahead...Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

[NW CREWMAX]

Originally Posted by override

can someone check the crewmax manual if they have it around? then we will know for sure.

Hello to you in the Great White North from Washington state!!! I have a 5.7 Crewmax as well and in the owners manual on page 480 it states under break-in schedule that Toyota recommends that you do not tow a trailer until your truck has been driven for over 500 miles or 800km. I waited until I had 650 miles on mine and then towed my 30ft travel trailer (approx 7000lb loaded) without any problem. I did take it easy though and kept it around 65mph on the freeway stretch.

[PS-RagE]

First day I had my truck I put 800km on it so I could tow my trailer that weekend