Originally Posted By: pwr2tow
The only oil I know that can do all that is a synthtic.
I would beg to differ.
I run dino 10w-30 HDEO in similar circumstances as you state. Actually, I tow about 2x further than what you do (approx 3500 miles a year) in the extreme heat of CO, AZ, UT summers. I've driven to WI and MN in the dead of winter and experienced really cold starts. My truck is used intermittenly (not my primary mode of transport).
I'd ask that you review the following two UOAs ...
Here is a look at my UOAs with dino Rotella 10w-30:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2323660&page=1
Here is a look at RL syn with bypass:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2379331&page=1
We both run 2006 Dmax trucks, pull approximately the same loads, ran for the same mileage, in similar circumstances. The real differences? He runs RL with a bypass filter and I run dino Rotella with a normal FF filter. I would completely agree that this is
not a scientific lab test; this is a real world comparison with a LOT of similarities except the lube programs. It does not assure you that HDD is going to be any "better" or "worse" than Rotella dino or RL syn. It is merely anecdotal observation (based on incredibly similar vehicles, use and mileage; about as "even" as one can get outside the lab). Comparing and contrasting his RL/Bypass to my dino/Wix, how much "better" did his premium products do in wear metal control? I don't think it's possible to be any harder on an oil than I was this last time and not actually "neglect" the lube or equipment, and yet my wear protection was statistically as solid as his premium syn/bypsas set up.
Now, if you want to hedge your bet just a bit, you could consider T5 from Shell. It has essentially the same cold cranking rating as does Shell's T6 synthetic, for a lot less money. I have every reason to believe HDD would do a great job, too. My point is that there are a lot of lubes that might do well for you. You need to define your total overall maintenance plan, then ask around and see what other people are doing similar to your operational parameters, and then pick a few lubes you'd like to try.
My point from a few posts back seems to be true; you have a preconcieved notion that "only a synthetic" will work in your circumstances. I find that to be untrue; I operate in very similar conditions as you. I'm NOT saying HDD is a bad choice; that's not true at all. I'm saying you should consider many different options. You came into this thread stating you didn't want to hear from anyone but HDD users; you had your mind made up that only one specific synthetic would do the job at hand. I hope that you're now a bit more open-minded and would consider alternatives to HDD.
To summarize:
* cold starts; hot towing (towing mileage is approx 15% of your overall OCI)
* 1 OCI per year at or less than 10k miles
* looking to maximize fuel economy while protecting engine
Those conditions are not unique to synthetics; dinos can do them as well.
Look - the only TRUE way to know which oil is going to be better in your specific situation is to try a few of them, run them as consistently as possible, and do UOAs along the way. Rather than be one of the masses that "guesses", why not actually test under your circumstances, and post up results? You want to try HDD? Go for it! Run it for a season and do a UOA. Then try T5 10w-30. Then try something else. Why not add to the knowledge base of the site? That's what I do; I put my money where my mouth is. I test my theory and post it for everyone to see; I describe the useage factors in great detail.
If you state: "
I am going to use HDD because it's the best; no other lube will work" then I'm going to vehemently disagree with you.
If you state: "
I am curious; I want to try HDD because I'm going to experiment with different lubes, after talking with a few people that have similar circumstances to me, and then I'll find the lube that is the best fit into my personal maintenance plan based upon protection, viability and costs" then I would applaud your approach.
It is possible that HDD might be the "best" (it is a great product), but you won't know until you try a few options.
BTW - did you kow that Castrol makes Elxion, a 5w-30 PAO HDEO syn?
http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_int.../0-999/1854.pdf
I'm not saying that it would be any "better" or "worse" than anything else, but HDD is not the ONLY product in the very narrow market niche you seek.
P.S. You wouldn't happen to live in Absarokee, would you?