5W20 or 5W30 for 5.7 Wagons

[ghaugo]

First, let me start by saying I have a 2012 PW with the 5.7 Hemi. I previously had a 2015 and 2004 1500's with the 5.7 Hemi. I ran 5w30 in the 2004 which was the spec oil at the time. When I got the 2015, it was 5w20. I live in Colorado, and I drive and tow at higher elevations.

The oil cap on my current PW says 5w20. I have been looking at changing my oil over to Amsoil Signature Series, and I looked at my owner's manual for the recommended viscosity which I believed was 5W20 for the 5.7 Hemi on this truck. It said 5w20 is the recommended viscosity for the 2500 trucks with the 5.7, but it said if towing and the GCWR is over 14,000lbs, the proper viscosity should be 5w30.

I have a trailer that is about 5,500lbs when fully loaded. My truck GVWR is about 8,500lbs. So, I am close to the 14,000lbs when towing my trailer. I don't have anything heavier to tow, but I wanted to know what everyone is running with the 5.7's.

I know this both weights would probably work, but I wanted to get an idea if anyone had any thoughts or recommendations on what weight oil to run. I know the 5w20 is marginally better for mileage, but that is not my concern. I was wondering if the change to 5w30 would cause any oil temp issues or benefits, or should I just stick with the 5w20 that is in it now. I have not had a chance to run this truck in the summer or tow with it yet.

Thanks for the your input.

[DamageWagon]

In my 2011 5.7 I was running Amsoil Signature 10w-30, and now run 0w-30. I don’t really think it matters. I wanted better cold start protection so dropped to a 0W, and I drive the truck pretty hard Offroad so I went with a 30 weight

[Juday]

I run the Amsoil 5W-30 in mine. I called up Amsoil and that's what the guy told me to run, because I had that same question as you. To me, it seems to run/idle smoother than having the 5W-20 in there. I think you'll be good either way you go.