How many miles on engine break-in before towing small camper, 2,600 pounds?

[Pointman_nh]

Just picked up new JT Rubicon this week. I’m retired and don’t drive a lot of miles. I’m think about towing my 14’ Starcraft camper, dry weight 2,600 pounds (approx) to Florida over the winter. I’m thinking I should put 1-2k miles on it and do the first oil change before making the journey. Any other recommendation?

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[Riccochet]

I think you're spot on. Put a couple thousand on it, get an oil change and tow away.

 

[Gvsukids]

Just picked up new JT Rubicon this week. I’m retired and don’t drive a lot of miles. I’m think about towing my 14’ Starcraft camper, dry weight 2,600 pounds (approx) to Florida over the winter. I’m thinking I should put 1-2k miles on it and do the first oil change before making the journey. Any other recommendation?

No one knows. After I purchased my max tow, I asked my dealership and Mopar and no one has a real answer.

 

[MrZappo]

Of course they ALL know. Its just the lawyers have everyone scared to death to make any clear statement.

It was already stated here. Clearly.

Couple, or a few, or one thousand. Change the oil. Don't look back.

Cmon man. It ain't rocket science.

 

[kevman65]

It's under warranty, hook it and go.

The days of break in are long gone. The days of break in oil are long gone unless you're building a high horsepower race engine.

It's your truck, drive it as you please.

 

[gpwrang33]

after 300 miles you should be fine

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Yup - I'd go 300 or 400 VARYING the speed, a few high load accelerations up to about 55 and then high vacuum decelerations and use it like you plan to.
You want to vary speeds, no sustained high OR low speed driving, but don't ram-rod it for a couple hundred.
The idea is to let the rings flex against the cylinder walls to wear down the peaks and even things out.
But technically speaking, they are "broken-in" when you get them.
Besides, you are talking a light load as far as these things are concerned.

I wish I wouldn't have put my book away as I was going to scan and post a page from Dana/Perfect Circle on ring break-in from the 60s - you'd be amazed! Basically, after someone like me builds an engine and puts it in the car and does my test drive, and followed their procedure, it's broken in, give it to the customer, it's ready.

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