Stout oil for towing?

[Fbear]

New guy here with a few ??

I have a "06" Yota 4runner V6 and im going to be driving from MA to Fla on vacation towing my 4,800lb camper and working that V6 hard in the process. I figure I will change the oil before I leave and then when I get home figure 4,000mi when all said and done. The truck calls for 5w30 but I was thinking about running something like Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 for this run or would this be a bad thing? if so what do you all recommend for a hot run in the summer heat and lots of revs on the V6??

 

[Colt45ws]

Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 would work, IMO. Some other oils that would also do well and are a 30 grade would be in no particular order,
Castrol Syntec "European Formula" 0W30
Valvoline Maxlife Full Synthetic 5W30 or 10W30
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W30

 

[Familyguy]

I would be more concerned about the transmission than the engine, but since you're going to be doing mostly highway miles (assuming a straight shot down/up I95), I don't think you've got much to worry about in any case.

 

[Colt45ws]

This is true. How many miles and has the transmission fluid been changed?

 

[Fbear]

I installed a LARGE trans cooler and the fluid was changed at 35K there is 65K on the truck now

 

[Colt45ws]

Perfect! Sounds like you have that all tied up.

 

[Fbear]

Anything wrong with running a 5w40 when the engine calls for a 5w30? "talking summer not winter"

 

[ARCOgraphite]

You can run 10w30 RT cj4 too but the RTS may be better still. +1 on the transmission concern over the well broken in engine. Wjat do you currently use - you may want to stay in that family and just go up 1 grade.

 

[Familyguy]

Originally Posted By: Fbear
Anything wrong with running a 5w40 when the engine calls for a 5w30? "talking summer not winter"


Nothing "wrong" with it, but I don't think it's necessary. Have a great trip!

 

[Fbear]

Im running either Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 or Shell Full Synthetic 5w30 right now.

 

[Colt45ws]

IMO, I think you will be fine as is.

 

[bepperb]

If you have a transmission cooler, I think you'd be fine with a 5-30. But if you're buying oil just for this trip, I'd probably get a 10-30 for a higher HTHS or a 5-40 like you mentioned.

Still, the transmission is probably a much larger concern... and brakes!

 

[Colt45ws]

Most API energy conserving 10W30s are the same or really close to the same HTHS as the 5W30 equivalent. For example the difference for PP is a whole 0.05 increase. You have to look for "ACEA A3" to ensure you are getting a stout 30.

 

[BuickGN]

You're going to be working that little V6 hard. I would definitely go with the quality 40wt. At the oil temps it's going to be running it will be at least as thin as the 30wt that's in there now. If you really want to stick with a 30wt, Redline would be the answer.

 

[JHZR2]

If youre running Pennzoil Platinum right now, the minimum that I'd do is perform a change and put in Pennzoil Platinum 10w30, which may be a bit stouter for holding onto viscosity (even if HTHS isnt much higher). You could bulk it up a bit more with a quart of 15w-50 or whatever their heavy oil is, but I wouldnt worry about it too much.

Otherwise, I'd agree that GC 0w30 or Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 are great choices. If going with a 30wt, preferably Id use one that holds an ACEA A3 rating...

But at minimum id do a change with some 10w30 Pennzoil Platinum.

I agree on the AT. Id probably suck what I could via the dipstick before the trip, and then either repeat or service after.

 

[jstutz]

personally i like the idea of the heavier add package of HDEO oils or High Mileage oils such as Pennzoil High Mileage 10w30 or Mobil 1 10w30. the pennzoil 10w30 has HTHS of 3.3 and a viscosity at 100C of 11.7. Pretty heavy oil for the W30 range. On the flip side i have fun 15w40 in many cases and it has not hurt a thing, maybe didnt help, but it could be argued both ways. If you are comfortable with the 40w, run it and feel good, if not sure run a high mileage oil and feel good. Run PP and not worry about it and feel good. No matter what you choose your engine will be fine and will live a long healthy life. Good luck and have a safe trip.

 

[unDummy]

I'd use a 5w40 or 0w40. Any brand full synthetic should be good enough.

You'll have higher oil temps. Thicker oil is 'just right'.

Enjoy the road trip.

I'd also worry about the 'other fluids'. 5000lb extra pounds will heat up the transmission and rear end too.

 

[FastSUV]

Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 OR M1 Turbo-deisel 5w40....

But on a 4k interval, Heck I'd probably just use the cheapest that met my needs...so the Rotella seems to be a good option.

 

[Alex38]

I'd run the Rotella, or at least a 10w30 Synthetic. I usually go up a grade when doing long summer trips towing or hauling.

 

[addyguy]

Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 would be a good choice - inexpensive and easy to get.