joining a friend to tow a camper to Montrose, PA, 1300 mile trip. camper is a bumper pull, 7600 pounds. Were bound to encounter some hilly terrain, truck is a 2011 2500 Chevy ECLB with the 6.0. The truck will most likely get [censored] mileage, along with excess heat from the load. I normally run Pennzoil Conventional 5w30 in it, but for the trip would it be better to switch to Rotella T 10W30, T5 10W30, or Mobil 1 0W40? Or is there something better?
towing oil
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dexos1 5w30
It'll pull the trailer with out even noticing it, the Pennzoil Conventional will be fine.
Isn't it supposed to use a dexos1 oil?
It'll pull the trailer with out even noticing it, the Pennzoil Conventional will be fine.
Isn't it supposed to use a dexos1 oil?
I would use a group 3 syn for a bit more heat resistance if you are worried.
One thing many forget before a trip are the coolant, differential, trans, and transfercase. Is your maintenance up to date on these? Are you running quality gear oil?
One thing many forget before a trip are the coolant, differential, trans, and transfercase. Is your maintenance up to date on these? Are you running quality gear oil?
Your Pennzoil Conventional 5w30 is excellent and nothing else will do any better.
That is why cooling systems were designed.
That is why cooling systems were designed.
Don't worry about it. If the Pennzoil conventional meets the spec.'s, you're fine. I tow a lot with my wagon (5600lb travel trailer) and my used oil analysis are similar with and without towing. I use Rotella T6 however. Does your truck require Dexos? I don't recall if that started in 2011 or 2012. You could always use PP if you want more protection.
I'd be more concerned about the condition of the truck's brakes than the PYB-make SURE your brake controller & the trailer's brakes are 100%. Make sure all your tires are FULLY inflated!
I pull 8000 pounds with my dodge running the prescribed 20 grade. I'm sure your truck has oil cooler and towing package.
No need to change anything. A good run like that will help clean out your fuel system. I'd run some regane or techron in your fuel to take advantage of running the truck hard.
No need to change anything. A good run like that will help clean out your fuel system. I'd run some regane or techron in your fuel to take advantage of running the truck hard.
Originally Posted By: Rand
Originally Posted By: volk06
You don't need a heavier oil. Our trucks are used harder than that on 5w20. Just switch to Quaker State Ultimate Durability or Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 if your worried.
does not a 2011 chevy 2500 call for 5w30?
Yep. We dont run GM products though we use Fords, hence the 5w20 comparison and why I said to use a 5w30.
Originally Posted By: volk06
You don't need a heavier oil. Our trucks are used harder than that on 5w20. Just switch to Quaker State Ultimate Durability or Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 if your worried.
does not a 2011 chevy 2500 call for 5w30?
Yep. We dont run GM products though we use Fords, hence the 5w20 comparison and why I said to use a 5w30.
dnewton3
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Pennzoil Conventional 5w30 will do everything you need it to do.
Trucks were made to tow, and I presume your max tow rating is well above your load. You're not going to be stressing it past what it's designed to do; you're using it in the manner in which it was intended to be used.
You'll be fine; don't over-think this.
Why not run the Pennzoil conventional for the full OCI, and then UOA? You'll be pleasantly surprised I believe.
Trucks were made to tow, and I presume your max tow rating is well above your load. You're not going to be stressing it past what it's designed to do; you're using it in the manner in which it was intended to be used.
You'll be fine; don't over-think this.
Why not run the Pennzoil conventional for the full OCI, and then UOA? You'll be pleasantly surprised I believe.
Yes, it does seem like a 2011 truck would specify a dexos 5w30.
Since you're only towing 7600 pounds, it doesn't seem like a challenge for a stock engine running spec oil. I think the 6.0 V8 is rated for towing 10k pounds in the GM standard pickup, so you're not working it up to its capacity.
Since you're only towing 7600 pounds, it doesn't seem like a challenge for a stock engine running spec oil. I think the 6.0 V8 is rated for towing 10k pounds in the GM standard pickup, so you're not working it up to its capacity.
I ended up using Quaker State Ultimate Durability 5W30, which is dexos certified, and a Bosch D+ filter. thanks for the help guys.
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