[Doug D]

I am somewhat confused about the oil specified for use in my 2006 Town & Country Limited.
I am of the thought that 5W-20 oil specified isn't heavy enough.
I just got the van this past Friday, and noticed that on the engine, it specifies 5W-20 oil.
I would have thought it better to use 5W-30 or better yet 10W-30.
I love the 3.8 engine ( never had one of those before ) The van has less than 25,000 miles on it.
Also while on the subject, how "often" do any of you change your oil and filter? And what brand of oil do you use?
and for those who have older high mileage vehicles, do you use the high mileage oils or the "regular" oil,
and lastly, do you use synthetic or "regular " oil
Thanks in advance
TommyDodge

Don't worry about how "thin" the oil is. For my Hemi-powered Ram (2006) it requires 5w-20 as well due to the MDS. I've run nothing but 5w-20 and no problems over 156K miles. I usually go 5K-6K miles between oil changes, but I drive a lot of highway miles - not much stop and go. I haven't gone to the "High Mileage" oils yet, though it's probably a good idea. Been using regular oil the entire time - no synthetics.* As far as brand - whatever is on sale - Pennzoil, Castrol, Valvoline, Havoline, or Mopar (dealer). My Journey uses 10w-30 (3.5L V6) - usually serviced at the dealer.

*I've refrained from synthetics on the Hemi. Some Hemi's have a noticable "tick" and from what've read those who have gone to synthetics have stated the "tick" got worse (more noticable). My Hemi has never had the "tick" and it's been running fine with regular oil so I'm sticking with it.

 

[Doug D]

Even at 200k plus miles, regular oil has always functioned fine.

I have to agree. I had three 2.5L engines that logged over 800K miles on regular oil - never used high mileage oils or synthetics. One engine had over 302,000 on it and the other two logged 273,000 and 240,000. The engines held up but the car(s) fell apart around it.....lol!

Keep in mind,, today's "regular" oils are far better than even 5-10 years ago.

 

[Doug D]

Your Ram would love a xW-40 HDEO. (Heavy Duty Engine Oil,big rig diesel oil)
like Rotella, Delo, Delvac..etc

Be careful with that general statement. The 5.7L Hemi engine (w/MDS) utilized in the 1500 series from 2006 on requires 5W-20 due to the MDS (Multiple Displacement System). The incorrect oil can result in the MDS not working correctly. I know you are referring to his older '83 but I don't want anyone gettng confused.

Dave - FWIW,I used 10w-30 on occasion in my 2.5's and they didn't seem to tick any worse. But for the most part, I used 5w-30 in those engines.