camperforlife
Midwest
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Just picked up the new truck, GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE. The owners manual is pretty specific about a 500 mile break in period prior to towing. We are leaving on vacation soon and I know that I won't get more than about 250 miles on it between now and then. The first 100 miles of the trip will be on state roads, fairly flat and at 55 MPH or less before we hit the interstate.
I have owned several new trucks but never bought one this close to a trip. Is this a big deal or do I need to put on some mindless miles for an appropriate break in period? On edit, this is the gas 6.0.
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Terryallan
Foothills NC
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I would. that 500 miles is for the trany seals. They need to seat before you tow, and put more pressure on them. Just go out and ride, Run up, and down the big road, Remembering NOT to use Cruise for the first 500 miles as well. Vari your speed. As in don't hold the same speed too long. that's for the motor.
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Trail-Mate
Frederick, MD
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Had my rear gears changed, I was able to put 500 miles on mine just before a big trip I had planned. I would try to put the miles on it before the trip.
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EPenney
Galt, Ca
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Bought my Dmax just before a trip. Work commute was 52 miles round-trip, so I did some sight seeing each way and got the 500 miles done in 1 week.
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tomman
out and about....
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A while back I bought a Trailblazer because my Ford died. The next morning I had a fishing tournament and with 25 miles on the odometer, I towed my bass boat three hours there and back. Never had an issue with the power train of the Trailblazer in the five years I owned it. I just now purchased an F-150 and Ford recommends 1000 miles before towing. I'm not going to reach that before towing the TT 8 hours to Norfolk in two weeks and I don't worry about it one bit.
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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The 500 miles isn't for the eng or trans, it's for the differential to develop a healthy wear pattern on the teeth. This is nearly impossible if it's under a lot of strain like when towing.
Failure to get the 500 miles may result in no side effects at all or it may show up later as a hum or other rear-end noise as mileage grows.
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downtheroad
Pacific Northwest
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camperforlife wrote:Just picked up the new truck, GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE. The owners manual is pretty specific about a 500 mile break in period prior to towing.
You have a fantastic new truck...a big bucks truck. I'd follow the break in recommendations. I sure did with ours when it was new.
Get the miles on it or delay the trip. You are going to own this truck for a long time.
I just don't agree with those who will tell you, "Drive it like you stole, right off the lot."
* This post was
edited 05/16/12 10:26am by downtheroad *
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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I perused several truck forums just now, and from the more knowledgable guys than I and those who actually work for Ford and Chevy it appears that the need for a 500 mile "no towing" mantra is as ScottG says...the rear end gears.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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M GO BLUE
Southgate, MI
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They put the 500 mile minimum there for a reason and you should follow it...
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troll3193
SouthWest, MI USA
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I have also heard it is for the ring gear. I had the same issue a while back and just went out for drives every night the week before the trip.
Map out the local Dairy Queens that will give you inspiration to clock the needed miles...
Bryan
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