Oil changes when towing 3500 lb. trailer

[RangerTL]

My 2021 XLT has 13,700 miles and I have changed the oil every 3,000 using Motorcraft oil. I am planning a 9600 mile trip around the US and want to know if anyone has had experience and or suggestions about oil change intervals while towing a 3,500 pound trailer. I will be using Mobil 1 with an extended life oil filter hoping to go 6,000 before changing the oil. That will get me to my Daughters place where I can service it. RV parks do not allow any working on vehicles in the parks.

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[Grumpaw]

Change mine every 5000 miles using Ford filter and synthetic 5W30. Tow 7000 lb camper regularly and no problems. For an interim change while your out on the road, just use a Ford dealer as hopefully they are familiar with the filter location and won't bung it up. Even if they use a syn-blend it will not hurt anything.

 

[jflogerzi]

honestly, you should be fine if you use full synthetic fresh oil filter and change it right before you leave and then I would change it right. when you get back you should be fine

 

[RangerTL]

Change mine every 5000 miles using Ford filter and synthetic 5W30. Tow 7000 lb camper regularly and no problems. For an interim change while your out on the road, just use a Ford dealer as hopefully they are familiar with the filter location and won't bung it up. Even if they use a syn-blend it will not hurt anything.

That's good news, Thank You. I am worried about ford dealers having a busy schedule and not being to get it done on my schedule. Need to get to Maine for a graduation ceremony and time is a factor as we are going from California to Florida and then up 95 to Maine! I think I can make it to the ford dealer

 

[ctechbob]

6000 miles with good oil is perfectly fine. Enjoy the trip.

 

[OGMix376]

That's good news, Thank You. I am worried about ford dealers having a busy schedule and not being to get it done on my schedule. Need to get to Maine for a graduation ceremony and time is a factor as we are going from California to Florida and then up 95 to Maine! I think I can make it to the ford dealer

Cali to Florida to Maine… and then back sounds like a dang fun trip.. safe travels.

 

[Frenchy]

No need for 3,000 mile Oil Changes. The Maintenance Schedule states every 5,000 Miles under Severe Service including Towing. Make sure you use a good quality Oil and the Factory Oil Filter

 

[RangerTL]

honestly, you should be fine if you use full synthetic fresh oil filter and change it right before you leave and then I would change it right. when you get back you should be fine

Do you think Mobil 1 is better than the Motorcraft full synthetic?

 

[RangerTL]

No need for 3,000 mile Oil Changes. The Maintenance Schedule states every 5,000 Miles under Severe Service including Towing. Make sure you use a good quality Oil and the Factory Oil Filter

 

[RangerTL]

Do you think Mobil 1 is better than Motorcraft full synthetic?

 

[Grumpaw]

You'll hear pros and cons for every brand depending on the poster.
Simple answer is any top brand synthetic in proper weight and spec'd is OK for your engine.
You will find dozens of comparisons claiming one is better than everything else....again dependant on the tester.
Use a good brand, Mobil or Motorcraft, whatever your choice. Hell, I use Costco Kirkland Brand Full Synthetic and have had no problems.

 

[Frenchy]

Do you think Mobil 1 is better than Motorcraft full synthetic?

I would have no problems using either brand. Just make sure the oil meets Ford specifications.

 

[brroberts]

I tow 4600lbs a lot. I use good oil and filters. I change both at 5K. If I were you, and I’m not, I’d do the 6K, change it and then add some interesting places to the trip and get home 5K later.

 

[RangerTL]

I tow 4600lbs a lot. I use good oil and filters. I change both at 5K. If I were you, and I’m not, I’d do the 6K, change it and then add some interesting places to the trip and get home 5K later.

It looks like that will be the plan. Just curious, what kind of mileage do you get while towing and what fuel do you use?

 

[Grumpaw]

With truck loaded out and towing 3500 lbs you should look at around 12-14 mpg, depending on your speed and terrain. It's not so much the weight as it is the big box your towing.
The sweet spot seems to be right around 62-65 mph, in tow mode. Anything over that 65 and your mpg will drop quickly. Climbing mountain/hill grades and it will also drop like the second hand on your watch. No getting around it, no add-on mods you can get to make it better....it's
the trade off for a mid size truck with a 4 cyl turbo.
If it helps, towing our 7000 lb travel trailer, I'm happy to get 10-12 on a regular basis, and I always use premium when towing.

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