break in period for towing

[lummer911]

Have a 2012 Sierra Crew 5.3. Changed oil to synthetic at 450 miles. If I read the manual correct, break in is 500 miles and NO towing.

Is that it? Or is there a defined break in period for towing? Boat, motor and trailer are 3000 lbs.

 

Thanks, Mike

[txab]

Drive it like you stole it. All is good

[Coolmaker]

I agrre, drive like you stole it, break it in the way you are going to use it.

[jandersinc]

Hook it up and mash the gas. Done that with every GM truck I've owned and they've all lasted a long time.

[crankman]

I folllowed the book on my 2011 did the 500 miles before towing and been troublefree.

[Doug_Scott]

Just follow the manual. While the basic concept of engines has not changed since day one, engineering, materials and manufacturing have all progessed exponentially. Gone are the days of slow break in periods. Even warm-up procedure is gone now. I remember my grandfather replacing his cars at 20,000 miles, because they were just "going to start costing too much to keep running" after 20,000 miles. He would also follow that break in routine of not exceeding half throttle for the first 1,000 miles, not driving at a constant speed for the first 500 miles, not lugging the engine in the first 500 miles, no extended idling (other than the complete warm up before driving away), and changing the oil and filter at 1000 miles to get the break in oil out of the engine. He did not follow the change oil filter every other oil change, as the manual said to do though.

[rfh1030]

I broke in one car of the few I have owned. Realized it was a waste of time and never bothered again. To me it is a waste of time, but if you feel better about following the manual then go ahead.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

The day after I got my 08, I towed 6 full size atv's to WV.........No worries if you need to tow go ahead and tow.

[Wintersun]

The reason for the 500 miles is truly only known by the engineers at GM and Allison as this breakin period affects the engine, the Allison which is a "learning" transmission, and the rear differential and rear axle as well. Considering the cost of the truck and the cost to repair the engine or the drive train, driving for 500 miles wihout a heavy load or towing is too small a price to pay to not do it. I put it in the most likely helps and can't hurt category as something it would be dumb not to do.