As some of you may know, I purchased a new F-150 4X4 Supercrew 5.4 FX4 with the tow package, 3.55LS and all that good stuff.. I have just about 1300 miles on her now and I am looking at towing a 19 foot ridgid framed camper to Garner this weekend with the wife for some floatin and drinkin.

One of my concerns is that I just want to make sure I'm not towing too early. Additionally, should I maybe change the oil - i.e. do the engines that come from the factory today come with a "break-in" type of oil (some used to) and should I or do I need to just go ahead and get it flushed with regular oil if this is still the case?

Or, should I just not worry about it and assume all is Ok. If I had already changed the oil and if I had a few thousand miles on her already, I wouldn't worry about it but, she is new and I don't want to accidentally do something stupid in the long run, if you know what I mean.. Man, what a run-on sentence!

Thanks in advance for the inputs!

Chris (ReelWork)

 

I waited until my truck had 5000 miles on it . Before I really towed anything . At that point I think most engine componenst where broken in . My 2 cents .

 

At one time, Ford required you to wait 1,000 miles before towing. I don't think it's even in the manual anymore. I'd say you're safe to tow. Others here have towed with their trucks days, if not hours, after driving off the lot.

 

I appreciate your inputs.. I don't think I was going to cancel the trip but I just wanted to make sure!

Thanks Again,

Chris (ReelWork)

 

FWIW, you could contact the dealership and see what they say, but as we all know, they don't always know what they are talking about. I personally would go ahead and change the oil... better safe than sorry.

 

Nice truck...I have the same set-up as you do except no FX4
option. I towed for the 1st time with 1800 miles. I changed
the oil at 1700 miles with 10W-30

I'd say your safe for towing this week-end
Here's what I towed

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...y.cfm?gnum=932


Good luck
TMeyers-Colorado

 

I am only towing a 19footer and I have yet to tow with it... I towed all the time with my Bronco 5.8 and it did pretty darned good. I sure do miss that turning radius...

Chris (ReelWork)

 

Hey ReelWork. I have your twin in Dallas. I waited about a 1000 miles before I started towing my boat. It weighs about 5000 pounds loaded. No issues and still truckin along. I did change the oil right before hand just to be on the safe side.

 

I would go for it. Ono our big truck's we started hauling things after like 500 miles. A 19' trailer shouldn't be to overbearing for the truck.

Oh yea, the truck lookes awesome.

 

For what it's worth, my '97 manual states to wait until 1000 miles. At that point, I also changed the oil, to get any filings and additives out.
With the miles you have now, it shouldn't be an issue.

Also reccomend using the Motorcraft filter. One of the few filters with a real silicone antidrainback valve. I used to use Fram, but switched after I cut the filters apart.

Most gas engines are broke in before then. I think the other reason to wait fo rhte 1000 miles is that the trans and diff also need to break in.

Tony