3,000 mile heavy road trip

[oldspicejet]

Hi

My CX-5 has 1,500 miles on it and will have 2,500 miles when I'm about to do a cross country move. I'll be driving about 3,000 miles. Los Angeles to Miami. I'll also have 1500 additional pounds on the car. I never used synthetic oil before and wanted to ask if I should change the oil before the trip at 2,500 miles on the engine or is it safe to do the long heavy drive and change the oil once it has about 6,000 miles. I figured since the engine will be running for 14 hours a day the oil may wear out quicker. any input is appreciated.

 

[runtohell121]

I personally think it should be fine as the recommended oil change interval is 7500 (or 5000, depending on which schedule you follow).

 

[MikeM.]

Hi

My CX-5 has 1,500 miles on it and will have 2,500 miles when I'm about to do a cross country move. I'll be driving about 3,000 miles. Los Angeles to Miami. I'll also have 1500 additional pounds on the car. I never used synthetic oil before and wanted to ask if I should change the oil before the trip at 2,500 miles on the engine or is it safe to do the long heavy drive and change the oil once it has about 6,000 miles. I figured since the engine will be running for 14 hours a day the oil may wear out quicker. any input is appreciated.

Continuous running puts less wear on the engine (per mile) than many short trips.

I would recommend leaving the original oil in for 5,000 to 7,000 miles unless the car is under severe service as outlined in the owner's manual.

 

[Skorpio]

Hi

My CX-5 has 1,500 miles on it and will have 2,500 miles when I'm about to do a cross country move. I'll be driving about 3,000 miles. Los Angeles to Miami. I'll also have 1500 additional pounds on the car. I never used synthetic oil before and wanted to ask if I should change the oil before the trip at 2,500 miles on the engine or is it safe to do the long heavy drive and change the oil once it has about 6,000 miles. I figured since the engine will be running for 14 hours a day the oil may wear out quicker. any input is appreciated.

What parts in Miami? I grew up there until my mid 20's. I miss it, but it was getting too crazy in my area (south Miami/Kendall area).

Edit: you know, I've been thinking about your dilemma and I too, have thought about changing my 1st oil change out early, too. And my reasoning is that as a new engine, transmission, rear differential is "breaking in", little slivers and metal shavings usually appear in that 1st break in period more than normal. Of course, a filter is "suppose" to catch it, and it may, or it may not. Of course, diffs don't have filters but magnets at the bottom of the housing. And boy, I have seen some magnets with a load of shavings, albeit on a car/truck with 50k+ miles. But, who's to say when it started. What am I getting at? I feel, it's better to change fluid earlier than later, especially a new vehicle's 1st oil change, and I say an early 1st oil change won't hurt at all on a new vehicle. Your present oil won't "wear out" but may have microscopic engine bits floating around in it that a filter may or may not catch.

 

[CC58]

Tough call on the oil. I did a similar trip on my new CX-5 /w trailer and changed the oil just to be safe. Definitely cross the mountains using I-10. That is the lowest point across the mountains. Be aware I-40 through AZ and NM is scary deserted and blistering hot. I-10 is much less deserted, but plenty hot. I'd time your departure extremely early (4-5am) to get through the desert while its cool. If the CX-5 has a problem towing in heat (115 degrees), you'd find out there. The I-10 to I-20 route is pretty flat the whole way so no problem with a load. Take your time and save A LOT on gas. The difference between 65 and 70 will cost you 10% in gas. At 60 you can save 20% in gas. Good luck.

PS - Be aware the CX-5 manual says above 1000# towing you need trailer brakes even though its rated to tow 2000#. If you are renting a small Uhaul it won't have trailer brakes. I wouldn't recommend it, but if this is what you are doing definitely reduce your speed to 60 to be as safe as possible.

 

[MikeM.]

If the CX-5 has a problem towing in heat (115 degrees), you'd find out there.

Who said anything about towing?

 

[Thang]

Who said anything about towing?

Good question but at the same time the OP wrote that there will be an additional 1500lbs "on the car". Not 100% what that means. Either his passengers are quite heavy (which is okay), lighter passengers with heavy luggage, or towing. (shrug)

 

[erhayes]

Considing the conditions: If your trip will cause you to go over the 5,000 mile service limit then I would change before leaving OR plan on changing during the trip. Ed

 

[CX-SV]

Good question but at the same time the OP wrote that there will be an additional 1500lbs "on the car". Not 100% what that means. Either his passengers are quite heavy (which is okay), lighter passengers with heavy luggage, or towing. (shrug)

I assumed towing, but maybe my assumption after quickly reading was wrong.

Because if they are carrying 1500 pounds inside the CX-5 passenger compartment/luggage area and/or roof, they are overloading the vehicle and exceeding the load carrying capacity of the CX-5 per Mazda.

From what I've read in CX-5 owners manual and gross vehicle weight limits, load capacity is approximately 1200 pounds.

 

[oldspicejet]

the responses made me laugh. to clarify, I'm either going to put at least 1,000 lbs inside and on top of the car via roof and hitch cargo carrier or I'm going to rent a 900 lb UHAUL cargo trailer and fill it with 1,000 lbs.

Are you guys saying I can put 1,200 lbs inside the car and also pull 2,000 lbs with the 184 hp engine? i thought it was car weight + 2,000 lbs max either towing on in car as long as it doesn't go over 2000

 

[CX-SV]

Lol, Get a Uhaul truck, and a Uhaul flat bed trailer and tow the CX-5, with everything stuffed inside and on roof.

 

[erhayes]

+1 Best idea yet. Ed

 

[oldspicejet]

Lol, Get a Uhaul truck, and a Uhaul flat bed trailer and tow the CX-5, with everything stuffed inside and on roof.

yea for the nice price of $2,500 plus more fuel costs. I'll spend 1/3 that amount just using the CX-5 to move my stuff.

 

[CX-SV]

yea for the nice price of $2,500 plus more fuel costs. I'll spend 1/3 that amount just using the CX-5 to move my stuff.

Oh, sorry but I didn't include calculate fuel costs in my suggestion. But at least my suggestion is still cheaper than a moving company or auto transporter.

 

[CC58]

yea for the nice price of $2,500 plus more fuel costs. I'll spend 1/3 that amount just using the CX-5 to move my stuff.

The Uhaul would get 7-9mpg. The CX-5 hauling a 5x8 trailer would get 22-24mpg.
In 3000 miles would save $800 in gas alone! And save $2500 truck/dolly rental.
Wise move to sell the furniture instead of dragging it across country.

 

[oldspicejet]

The Uhaul would get 7-9mpg. The CX-5 hauling a 5x8 trailer would get 22-24mpg.
In 3000 miles would save $800 in gas alone! And save $2500 truck/dolly rental.
Wise move to sell the furniture instead of dragging it across country.

thanks. good input

 

[HunternStewart]

I was looking everywhere today to see how much weight I can put into CX-5 safely as I am gonna do a DITY move next month. Thanks for the thread.