Old habits?

[Camprunner]

When I was growing up it seemed common for people that tow campers durring the summer months to go up an oil grade say from a 10w30 to a 10w40 or from a 5w30 to a 10w30 or 40. Was this really needed back then .. Then being late 70's - 1980's. I don't hear much about going up an oil grade today for towing.

 

[GenesisGuy70]

Here bdcardinal says that for "severe service" the oil grade is up'ed in some cases. I guess it would depend on what you're towing and the vehicles capabilities.

Oh I'm sorry, you're asking if it was necessary back then. That I don't know. If anything I think it would've been more necessary back then than today. Oils today are much better.

 

[Kuato]

Several Owner's Manuals that have been quoted indicate that during high temps or high load/altitude/etc that a higher grade will be required for proper lubrication.


And yes, I recall Dad's 1973 Dodge Van did require heavier oil for hot temperatures, according to the owner's manual, and recall heavy duty operation required it also....and Dad always put the heavy stuff in for our summer vacation.