Maintenance for Trucks That Tow: Severe Service in Globe, AZ

If you use your Ram truck for frequent towing, it falls under severe-service conditions, requiring more frequent maintenance than a truck used for light duty. Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Globe, AZ, provides expert Mopar service to ensure your truck is always ready for the demands of towing. We'll help you keep up with critical fluid changes and inspections to protect your investment.

Why Towing Means Severe Service

Towing puts extra strain on your truck's engine, transmission, axles, and brakes. The manufacturer's severe-service schedule is designed to address this increased wear and tear, preventing premature component failure and costly repairs. Conditions like frequent trailer towing, sustained high speed above 90°F, or extreme heat are all considered severe service, which is common in and around Globe, AZ.

Essential Fluid Maintenance for Towing Trucks

Fluids are the lifeblood of your truck, and they degrade faster under towing conditions. Regularly replacing these fluids is crucial for longevity and performance:

• Engine Oil: The Oil Change Indicator will remind you when service is due, but for standard gas engines, never exceed 10,000 miles, 12 months, or 350 engine hours. For 6.4L, RHO, and 6.2L engines, this shortens to 6,000 miles or 6 months. Ram HD 6.7L Cummins engines have a 15,000-mile or 12-month interval. We always replace the oil and filter at every oil change.
• Transmission Fluid: While not explicitly listed for severe service in the general schedule, axle fluid and transfer case fluid intervals are shortened, indicating that all drivetrain fluids are under increased stress. Consult your owner's manual or ask our service advisors for your specific model's transmission fluid recommendations under severe conditions.
• Axle Fluid: For trucks used for off-road, towing, fleet, police, or taxi use, axle fluid should be changed every 30,000–40,000 miles. This is a critical service to ensure your differentials can handle the increased load of towing.
• Transfer Case Fluid: If your Ram is used for off-road or towing, the transfer case fluid should be changed at 60,000 miles and again at 120,000 miles. (Durango models require a drain and refill every 30,000 miles for the transfer case fluid).
• Coolant: Coolant is vital for managing engine temperatures, especially when towing. The factory recommendation is 10 years or 150,000 miles for replacement.

Brake, Cooling, and Tire Checks

Beyond fluids, other components require diligent attention when your truck tows frequently:

• Brakes: At every oil change, our technicians will inspect your brakes. Towing significantly increases wear on brake pads and rotors due to the added weight and stopping demands. Regular inspections help identify issues before they become safety hazards.
• Cooling System: The cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, and water pump, works harder to dissipate heat generated by the engine when towing. We inspect the cooling system at every oil change to catch potential problems early.
• Tires: Tire rotation is performed at every oil change (except Wrangler, which is every 10,000 miles). For towing, proper tire pressure is paramount, and regular inspections help identify uneven wear, punctures, or damage that could compromise safety and stability.

Hitch and Wiring Inspections

Before and after towing, it's wise to inspect your hitch and trailer wiring. While not part of the factory maintenance schedule, our technicians can visually inspect these components during your service visit to ensure they are in good working order. Issues with the hitch can lead to dangerous trailer detachment, and faulty wiring can cause signal or brake light failures, impacting safety and legality.

Book Your Mopar Service in Globe, AZ

Don't let frequent towing compromise your Ram truck's performance or safety. Schedule your severe-service maintenance with Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our certified Mopar technicians use genuine parts and follow factory-recommended procedures.

You can easily schedule service online through our Dealer-FX system, or call our service department directly at 928-793-5581. Our service department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are located at 2046 E Highway 60, Globe, AZ 85501. Keep your Ram truck ready for any challenge the Globe area throws its way!