2025 3.0L SO - Break In Period?

[Dusty19]

Just picked up a 2025 Laramie with the SO motor.

Rolled it off the dealer lot with 50mi on the odometer and we’re now at 79mi. The MPG has gone from a whopping 10.5 off the lot to an average of 12.8, and my wife and I have been driving it like a baby…

Is there a standard break in period for these motors? I have not seen anything online thus far (Google) when searching for an answer to this question.

 

[dajogejr]

Just drive it.
Worrying about the gas mileage of a new car with less than 100 miles is like worrying about how long it’s going to last you with less than 100 miles.
Just drive it.

Fill up the tank, go for a long highway cruise… and let the mileage do its thing. Then when you fill up, hand calculate the mileage instead of worrying about what the truck’s algorithm with less than 100 miles is telling you.

Just for the heck of it, see how long it’s been idling for vs. driven. It’s probably sat for a while running without being moved from the assembly to the lot to you.

 

[LOWRMPG]

There is no 'break in period' on a modern vehicle (at least not mass produced ones or ones that aren't performance based), just drive it. Try different grades of fuel and put some miles on it.

 

[millerbjm]

Yes there is a break-in procedure outlined in the owner's manual.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good breakin. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided. The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality grades page 351.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components, the following guidelines are recommended. CAUTION! ● Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. ● Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

 

[millerbjm]

I find the forums very helpful but for these kinds of answers tend to default to the manufacturers guidance. That said I also found this video interesting as he interviews one of the engineers who developed this engine and the Hemi and they discuss engine break-in and oil changes etc.

 

[2021QCBH]

Same procedure for the 5.7. I followed it as best I could with plenty of WOT rolling into throttle so it wouldn’t downshift. Now at 80k miles it uses 0 oil on the stick in a 7500 mile interval and oil analysis is glowing.

The low gear acceleration is to be avoided while the differential breaks in. That limits torque transfer in lower gears to the axle/driveline components.

Not sure about the 3.0 crowd but I did my first oil change at 2500 miles before a long towing trip.

On the converse, we had a new 3.6 classic rental last year with like 16 miles on it. Immediately to WFO and 70-80 on the highway and we put like 500 miles on it that week no issue. Nice little truck.

 

[Dusty19]

Yes there is a break-in procedure outlined in the owner's manual.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good breakin. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided. The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality grades page 351.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain components, the following guidelines are recommended. CAUTION! ● Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. ● Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

I did see this yesterday posted for a 5.7L, can’t personally find it in my Owners Manual for the life of me, but good general guidelines to follow with any new vehicle. Thank you.

 

[Dusty19]

Just drive it.
Worrying about the gas mileage of a new car with less than 100 miles is like worrying about how long it’s going to last you with less than 100 miles.
Just drive it.

Fill up the tank, go for a long highway cruise… and let the mileage do its thing. Then when you fill up, hand calculate the mileage instead of worrying about what the truck’s algorithm with less than 100 miles is telling you.

Just for the heck of it, see how long it’s been idling for vs. driven. It’s probably sat for a while running without being moved from the assembly to the lot to you.

No so much worried about MPG. Just wanted to know if there was an “official” break in statement from manufacturer to follow. I’m well aware taking an algorithmic average from a very small sample size will be volatile. More miles will smooth that out. Was more just making a statement on how laughable the MPG is right off the jump.

 

[Gren71]

engine break in is important..but im hoping not so important that its strictly a must or your truck is SOL. Follow the owners manual…but enjoy a hopefully not cautionary tale..

The day I got my truck my mother broke down and I had to sign the papers and immediately go get her TT of her truck before the tow company would take it. Thankfully her tongue weight is only 350lbs and I took it easy…i also learned that day that the soft springs are nice for driving but SUCK for towing, which eventually lead me to upgrade to tow springs that are amazing.

So i guess I can act as the experiment when it comes to not towing in the first 500 miles…i had less than 100 when i towed hopefully the break in period is more icing than cake and its a good to do not a need to do.

 

[millerbjm]

engine break in is important..but im hoping not so important that its strictly a must or your truck is SOL. Follow the owners manual…but enjoy a hopefully not cautionary tale..

The day I got my truck my mother broke down and I had to sign the papers and immediately go get her TT of her truck before the tow company would take it. Thankfully her tongue weight is only 350lbs and I took it easy…i also learned that day that the soft springs are nice for driving but SUCK for towing, which eventually lead me to upgrade to tow springs that are amazing.

So i guess I can act as the experiment when it comes to not towing in the first 500 miles…i had less than 100 when i towed hopefully the break in period is more icing than cake and its a good to do not a need to do.View attachment 194751

I used to tow an RPod like that but with a weight distribution hitch with sway bars. I didn't have sag but the trailer swayed more than I liked. I got a new 24ft dual axle TT last summer that weighs closer to 7,500lbs loaded and my Ram pulls that great with a wdh and sway bars. I've towed with Fords and Chevy with leaf springs and don't think they tow better than the Ram coils in my experience.

 

[Gren71]

I used to tow an RPod like that but with a weight distribution hitch with sway bars. I didn't have sag but the trailer swayed more than I liked. I got a new 24ft dual axle TT last summer that weighs closer to 7,500lbs loaded and my Ram pulls that great with a wdh and sway bars. I've towed with Fords and Chevy with leaf springs and don't think they tow better than the Ram coils in my experience.

She pulls it with a Honda Ridgeline haha it pulls well for her w/o sway on just a ball. Honda says not to use a wdh in the owners manual…but I may end up putting together a ball + sway control setup for her at some point.

 

[dajogejr]

Plenty of opinions, which every forum is full of.
I’m of the opinion that the truck is ready to roll off the showroom floor, drive it like you plan on driving it daily.

Here’s what I can tell you. The owners manual may tell you after 60 miles 50 to 55MPH is ok.
These trucks are driven down Mound Road in Sterling Heights, Speed limit 50… and you’ll get run over doing that.
Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile) Same…

These trucks are driven over that speed when they leave the factory. And I see this first hand, daily. Going to work, coming home… lunch breaks. They’re being driven that speed and more within the first couple miles of leaving the factory.

Take that as you may.

 

[LOWRMPG]

Plenty of opinions, which every forum is full of.
I’m of the opinion that the truck is ready to roll off the showroom floor, drive it like you plan on driving it daily.

Here’s what I can tell you. The owners manual may tell you after 60 miles 50 to 55MPH is ok.
These trucks are driven down Mound Road in Sterling Heights, Speed limit 50… and you’ll get run over doing that.
Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile) Same…

These trucks are driven over that speed when they leave the factory. And I see this first hand, daily. Going to work, coming home… lunch breaks. They’re being driven that speed and more within the first couple miles of leaving the factory.

Take that as you may.

Exactly right!

 

[pensfan]

Just picked up a 2025 Laramie with the SO motor.

Rolled it off the dealer lot with 50mi on the odometer and we’re now at 79mi. The MPG has gone from a whopping 10.5 off the lot to an average of 12.8, and my wife and I have been driving it like a baby…

Is there a standard break in period for these motors? I have not seen anything online thus far (Google) when searching for an answer to this question.

I doubt the mpg from this engine will be much different overall than the Hemi. In local driving my '14 Ram 3.6 wasn't much better, if at all than the Hemi I have now. The Hemi is actually better in most highway siuations. These are heavy trucks. They won't get small CUV mileage.
The cold weather a lot of us are experiencing now affects gas mirage too.