Hi Everyone,
I'm a new member and had a quick question. I recently purchase a 2003 F150 Supercrew 5.4L FX4 and was wondering how long should I wait before I tow anything. Nothing too heavy, it's just a Jeep wrangler I was going to tow to an off-road site. The truck now has close to 500 miles on the clock.

Thanks!
Trevor

 

READ YOUR MANUAL THAT CAME WITH TRUCK. i THINK IT SAYS 500 MILES.

 

I think Big Daddy is right on. BTW - congrats on the new FX4...great truck.

 

You sound just like me!

When I first got my truck, I wanted to tow less than a week or so after I got her and I only had about 400 miles... I drove a little more just to get some more miles and then let her rip. With "Almost 500 miles," you're fine. Just take it easy for the first bit and vary your speeds a little. I would suggest that you stop after the first 20-30 minutes, check your rear axle housing (by hand if you can) and let your rear axle cool for 15 minutes if it is unbearably hot - it will be warm no matter what, that's normal. This is really about the only thing you have to worry about (if anything) since the gears *could* still be settling but after almost 500 miles, I wouldn't worry. Additionally, I have read that the gears in the new trucks are already seated, that is to say they are broken in already...

So, in a nutshell, go for it. make the one stop that everything is good to go and if so, don't look back...

Later,
Chris (ReelWork)

 

I was thinking it was around 500 - 1000 miles. My last truck was a diesel and the break-in period for those trucks is I think around 1K. Regardless, I just wanted to get some opinions on what you guys think. I appreciate the help everyone.

Thanks
Trevor