[brvheart]

Hello all -

Just got my first CTD - 2014 2500 Laramie. I had a 2013 1500 HEMI however we plan to get a nice travel trailer. We rented one and loved it - the one we rented was pushing the towing limits of the 1500. We knew we wanted a slightly larger one so we decided to get the truck now and then trailer will come later (maybe 2-3 years). I have never had a diesel vehicle and so I was looking through the manual and googling - it appears that these trucks are very happy happy happy when they are pulling heavy loads. I thought that I read somewhere that putting a heavy load on before 6K miles is reached is a good thing to help everything heat up and settle in? I was not sure if that was true of not? If yes - that leaves me looking for something heavy to pull....

Secondly - will the CTD as an everyday driver not function as well if not towing with it regularly? I read that somewhere also and just was not sure and got me thinking - @#%@#%@ did I really screw up by buying this thing and planning ahead for once????

Any insight is appreciated - thanks in advanced.

 

[HorseMan-AR]

Get it out on the highway now and again, and you'll be fine. Rent another camper or two during spring...that'll give you something to tow!

Don't baby it...just drive and maintain the truck. Congrats again. Be sure and post pics!

 

[camperman]

Welcome to the forum. I waited until I had 500 miles before towing. Many hook onto something day of purchase. On my 2012, IIRC, the first 200 miles or so was to be at a speed of 50 mph or so. Again, many schools of thought on this. One thing I insist on when towing, and leaving after an all night stop, I let the truck warm up to a minimum of 104* or better, and then take it easy on the go pedal, until you reach normal operating temps.

You did not ask, but if you contact Chrysler, Have your VIN# in hand.
Chrysler Group LLC Customer Center
P.O. Box 21-8004
Auburn HIlls, Mi., 48321-8004
866-726-4636

You can request "printed" owner manuals for your truck. Many smart folks here. Again, welcome. Please fell free to ask any questions you have. You WILL get lots of answers.

 

[smok'em]

I too waited till the 500 mile mark before towing. My truck is my DD, granted most of my driving is highway driving. I have read lots of city driving causes problems. IMHO, diesels like to be driven, don't know what your driving range will be as a DD, but as HorseMan-AR said, take to highway and push the go pedal. Our 05 diesel Benz is mostly driven short distances by my wife, every now and then I have to give it a little push, and "Italian Tune Up" to keep it on its toes, otherwise the EGR starts acting up

BTW, Welcome and enjoy your new truck!!!

 

[brvheart]

Thank you all for the insight and warm welcome

I was sitting here loving the truck and then got that weird vomit taste in my mouth thinking that I was doing it some sort of harm by not having something to tow yet.

And YEP! We are going to be renting again! Maybe even in winter! We love to camp and love to hike and I think good prices are to be had to rent

I am reading up a ton on DEF, when to change oil (which I see debate on - some says 10k some says 15k some say once a year), also - and I know this is terrible to say - don't judge me....but my others were leases which I knew I was not keeping and so I slacked a little when it came to conditioning the leather and such so I am also on a mad dash to find the best products to clean it inside and how as well as how to get the most MPGs out of it.

I will def post some photos as soon as the gloomy weather goes away and I get to wash her for the fist time...however here are some really quick iPhone shots - one before I bought it while it was on the lot and one after she got home and my son was ecstatic - shorts one day....snowing the next....any guesses to where it might be???

 

[TX NIGHT TRAIN]

I did not wait. I daily mine 3 miles to work and 3 miles back. Once a month I make sure and give her a good run to my ranch...1.5hrs one way at 85mph. I have no issues so far.

 

[JAXN]

Great looking truck. Enjoy.

 

[smok'em]

Based on your current weather description and the foliage in the pics you are in the NE, we have the same conditions right now in my hometown... but with out more hints it'd be hard to guess correctly.
Beautiful truck by the way, enjoy

 

[Ram3500Dually]

Straight from my manual...(cut & paste)
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.

• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

 

[brvheart]

Hmmm....this is from my manual, it is where I got the load it up and test it before 6k thought and made me think I needed to go find something to haul ASAP.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Cummins® turbocharged diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, providing the following recommendations
are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying
or towing significant weight.
NOTE: Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” of the
Owners Manual.
Because of the construction of the Cummins® turbocharged
diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by
loaded operating conditions which allow the engine
parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000
miles (10 000 km).
130 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Straight from my manual...(cut & paste)
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.

• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

 

[Ram3500Dually]

There is two places in the manual it talks about break in. Go to the towing section and you will see what I posted.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

I was always told that you should break one in the way you would be using it most.

For me, I have to go from S.E. Texas to northern Indiana to pick my loads up, so whenever I get a new truck it will have at least 1200 miles on it of empty highway miles and then will have a nice big trailer to pull back to Texas.

If it can't stand up to that and get a proper break in, then I don't need it!

 

[Ram3500Dually]

I was always told that you should break one in the way you would be using it most.

For me, I have to go from S.E. Texas to northern Indiana to pick my loads up, so whenever I get a new truck it will have at least 1200 miles on it of empty highway miles and then will have a nice big trailer to pull back to Texas.

If it can't stand up to that and get a proper break in, then I don't need it!

You should never go by what the manual says and always go by what someone tells you... :rof