New engine... break in period? 6.4 hemi

[Doughydman]

Got a 2017 ram 2500 6.4 hemi with 40k miles that never really towed my 10k lb trailer that good up steep mountain passes. Developed significant knock last week while towing through the mountains of Colorado. Long story short is I’m getting a new engine under warranty and dealer told me not to worry about break in period. This seems a bit strange to me. Seems like I shouldn’t tow for a bit when engine is brand new. Any thoughts here. Any general guidelines to follow in breaking in new engine. Also wondering what other people’s experiences have been towing with 6.4 hemi. Looking at trading for diesel but I wanted to give new engine a shot before I do that. Tows great on flat surface but horrible on hills.

[Magnolia Tom]

I would follow the instructions in the owners manual. A lot of trucks have a 1000 mile break in period on the engine before towing.

[Sundancer330]

My 2019 F150 said NO towing until after 1000 miles, this is pretty standard

[Big1]

Yeah 1000 miles and then you are good to go.

[SkyBound]

It's my understanding that the 500 or 1000 mile or whatever break in period is more for the gears in the differential than the engine itself. Either way, follow what the manual says.

You have to think, these big gas engines they put in some of the Class C motor homes or other heavy applications are doing the big hauling job from the first mile that engine sees.

[spoon059]

The "break in" period is for your gears to polish together, not the engine. I'm a police officer and have had 2 brand new cruisers over my career. Both cars were assigned to me with less than 100 miles on them, both cars were driven HARD the first night I had them. The first car was turned in with 120,000 trouble free miles, the second is still going hard. To expound upon SkyBound's comments, think of ambulances, fire trucks, wreckers, etc. They are built and immediately put into service. They run hard for many many years.

Listen to the dealer, don't over think things.

[Snapper123]

I have a 2015 2500 Ram Hemi 6.4 and I have towed a lot with this truck. I tow a 9500 lb travel trailer mostly in PA, WV, Ohio and Virginia. I am satisfied with it's performance. When it comes to mountains it pulls along the ridges and 7 % grades OK. 55 mph at 3500 RPM in 4 gear. I don't push it too hard but I figured that I saved 10.000 for passing on the diesel. When I upgrade to a fifth wheel I will move on to a diesel. My truck has 39,000 miles on it now and approximately 12,000 of it is towing. Give it a chance and try it out, put it will not pull like a diesel so don't expect it to. In reference to fuel mileage my truck gets 8 mpg towing and my friends have Cummins and they are getting 12 to 13 mph towing at 65 mph. I think I am ahead of the game at this time anymore weight then it's time to pull the diesel trigger. Safe travels

[Scott_Trailer_Newbe]

Our neighbors have the exact same truck as you with the 6.4 gas. They are towing a 28’ Sonoma which weighs about the same as our 28’ trailer (About 9K loaded). Although we camp with them often, we always seem to go or leave to-from the camp site on different days, so I never get to see how it tows compared to my Cummins. He says it tows great, but being I had a strong gas engine before my Cummins, I know the difference.

Just went through Salt River Canyon to and back. I was so happy to have 800 lb ft of torque with an exhaust break. Can’t imagine doing 8% grades without the Cummins.

[Doughydman]

Thanks for responses. I’ve had for a year and a half now but do most of my camping in the mountains. Just not sold on a gasser anymore for these hills in Colorado. Blown engine at 40k miles is another reason to get rid of mine. Tows fine on flats in lower altitudes. Just not in mountains

[Scott_Trailer_Newbe]

We went though a similar experience. Live in Az like we do, every direction you go be prepared for mountains passes with 6-8% crates for miles and miles. Once you start towing through this stuff with a larger trailer the difference between gas and diesel becomes quite evident.