Vaughn Sylva

First of all, is it true I need to drive my new F-150 4x4 1000 miles before I tow a travel trailer? Even if this is true, could I still tow my travel trailer 10 miles from my subdivision to our permanent winter storage location?

Velosprout

There have been a lot of threads on this. Some swear they can and have towed from the time they bring the truck home with no adverse effects. However, I will follow the owner's manual to the 1000 as a minimum, more if possible. As I keep the trucks for a long time, I want to do all I can to preserve the truck's utility. While Ford doesn't specify the reasoning for their 1,000 mile edict, this mileage will allow the adaptive computerized transmission to "learn" it's normal shift points, wear in axle gears, seat engine rings, etc., prior to applying a load.

SkiSmuggs

10 miles should be no problem. I think Ford is worried about a long hot trip with a heavy trailer, not a short trip to storage.

Vaughn Sylva

Thanks Velosprout and SkiSmuggs. I'm going to take the TT to storage then drive the truck til spring before pulling anything else.

Nighthawk87

Why would you listen to two random internet people over your manual?

L.T.

Sometimes common sense wins out. Wouldn't give it a second thought vaughn. For 10 miles get you baby put away for winter hibernation & then enjoy your new truck!

acadianbob

Just pull at low throttle. Take it easy. The 1,000 miles is primarily to break in the rear end.

Vaughn Sylva

Thanks L.T. and acadianbob. Sound advice.

130428

sound advice (that you wanted to hear)

jk, reminds me of this guy here who says "thanks for your advice, but I aint gonna listen to a random dude on the internet when my real-life buddy tells me the opposite"

even if you break something towing before 1,000 miles , unhook the trailer, take your truck to the dealer and let them deal with it...

PerryB

The 1000 miles IS to lap in the ring and pinion. A few miles towing wont hurt anything as long as you avoid high speed/high torque conditions. The engine actually benefits from being run hard from the outset.