I changed my oil for the first time at 1000 miles, and switched to Mobil 1 5w20 synthetic at that time. I changed the oil for the second time at 3000 miles, and plan to change it every 3000 miles thereafter. I have 4000 miles on the truck now, and I tow every weekend, often on dirt roads.

MOPWR2U

 

Well, I now have my answer. I have 2200 miles on mine and am leaving for a road trip next month. My original question was or would have been "should I have it changed before I leave. Now I know I will.

I know the dealer uses bulk oil. How can I be sure he uses 5w20? Thanks everyone.

 

Bring your own.

 

Motorcraft Synthetic Blend 5W20 Yep....best bang for the buck. Changed mine out at 1,300 miles. Will change every 5,000 thereafter.

Dodgewasp

 

I have heard the that the Motorcraft oil is high quality stuff. Their filters are also good (Purolator makes them).

 

How do you know your dealer won't pee in the crankcase? Jeez. Dodge recommends that oil for a lot of cars, the dealer will have it.

 

I called the dealer and asked if they have 5 w 20 in bulk they said yes a lot of cars use it now, in fact all the HEMI.s my Avenger does also 2.7 l v6. So I don't think it will be a problem, and since it is bulk you only pay a couple bucks more for the extra oil compared to over 10 bucks it would be in litre/quart bottles.
I was told by someone, can't say but even if you change your oil you still have to reset the oil meter or whatever. I know this because we took my sons Avenger in for an oil change, the light had not come on but I felt it was time...he is 18 he has to be driving the **** out of it so we go get one. On the way back the light comes on for the oil change. We stopped right away thinking they forgot to tighten something and we were low. So checked it all, full, clean, all good so we reset it and it hasn't come on since and it has been close to 5 g's and it would have come on the last time at 3000 but i think i had not been reset before that. This reset thing is just a reminder that is not at all reliable as far as I am concerned. I think we should be able to set our own times as long as they are within the warranty standards. Like I am a fan of 3000M/5000km or 2/3 months depending on how you drive , traffic, dust.etc.

 

^^^ Actually, it is more then a reminder light. We have a viscosity meter that checks the oil as well, if I remember correctly.

 

I was just looking at my manual and all 3 engines for this truck take 5W 20 oil ..So I am gonna say that Dodge has changed all their standard oil probably except for heavy duty???? It doesn't make sense thinner oil, lasts longer? I know it's necessary for the Hemi MDS but what is with the other engines?

 

engine finally blew in the 1998 dodgeram 1500 laramie with a viper v10, castrol synthetic used since day one changed every 4,000 miles at 236,000 miles it was ful of carbon in the engine almost clogged full , no more castrol for me.......