2 weeks ago I just received my brand new 2011 FX4 5.0L V8 crew cab. It only has 600 miles on it right now.

I was wondering if it is just an old wives tale that you should wait several thousand miles before towing on a brand new vehicle. In 2 weeks I have a trip from Phoenix AZ to Northern Utah (800 miles), and was kicking around the idea of towing a wakeboarding boat. There is several mountain ranges where the truck will definitely be put to work. Is it a bad idea to put a truck with less than 1000 miles through this, or will I be fine? Thanks in advance for any advice or ideas!

 

It is my understanding that the days of seating rings and engine break in are a thing of the past (wrg to newer motors of course). While you should probably not hammer it down all day long, being you have a truck that was designed for truck things like towing and hauling, this would lead one to believe that unless otherwise specifically stated in the owners manual, there is no reason to wait to tow something.

 

I think the manual says not to tow until after a certain amount of miles. That could just be for the ecoboost though.

 

Just take it easy and you'll be OK, just make sure you air up the tires (rear's especially) before towing. Any load 2 to 4k pound's is nothing for these truck's even a fairly new one. I'd limit speed's to 60mph though.

 

you are planning on towing without an ecoboost

 

Manual on my ecoboost says to wait until 1000mi. not sure if that applies to the 5.0

But your at 600 already, 2 more weeks. figure you will be even closer to 1000mi. Your wakeboard boat is going to be in the range of 4-7k fully loaded im guessing.. I say your fine.. go for it and don't worry

 

Ha ha. Yeah, I really kicked around the idea of the ecoboost, watched all the videos, even test drove one. So I know the argument of how awesome these engines are. I don't really tow a lot, so for a reported 1 more mpg difference. I figured I'd stick with a proven motor in the V8. I've been pleasantly surprised at my mileage. My average mpg is 16mpg (and I can be a lead foot from time to time). Went up north in the mountains last week and with all the steep inclines, my average mpg continued to increase.

Thanks everyone for all the input. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking anything.

 

If you look in your owners manual it states that the vehicle should have 1000 miles on it before towing, and this is for the 5.0.

 

I towed a 22' Pathfinder from mile 8xx to 11xx, which followed 5xx highway miles after taking delivery of a brand new 2010 (5.4 3v) patrol truck. Guess what? The engine didn't blow up. 99% of the trucks in my agency are treated this way as well, (logistics!) they're driven hard and put away wet, and oil consumption/low power is not a problem we come across. Just my experience.

 

Owners manual applies to all engines no towing for first 1000 miles. 2 weeks 600 miles. In two more weeks you should have 1200, so good to tow.

 

I feel like a dummy for not checking my manual. Thanks for the help.

 

The reason is not for the engine... The reason to wait for 1000 miles to tow is for the rear end gears. They have to wear together, and towing them can change the break in i suppose.

I just know that the 1000miles is for the ring and pinion break in.

 

this is correct. the rear gears have to maintain a proper "mesh" pattern and several heat cycles to become seated properly, if you read the manual it will also say not to exceed a certain speed for the first 500 miles of towing (usually 55mph), this is to place the gears in another set of mesh and heat cycles under the higher stress and loads of towing.

 

There, fixed!

 

Ha ha, that sounds better!