Oil change DIY 1st time advice

[kengray]

I'm going to do the first oil/filter change on my '15 PW by myself. I have changed the oil/filter many times on my old '03 Ram 2500 and it was pretty easy. The '15 change looks pretty easy, except accessing the filter might be tight. Has anyone done an oil change themselves and can offer any tips? Thanks

[dogcar3]

My only tip since you seem experienced already would be to use a 5 gallon bucket as a drain pan. Fits great up to the bottom of the pan and prevents splashing.

[Snowsled]

The filter isn't bad. You just reach up over the smart bar box and you can easily get your hand on it. It has a drain channel built in so the mess is reduced. I used a standard low pro drain pan and didn't end up with too big a mess.

[kengray]

Thanks for the tips. Do you recommend a strap type wrench to loosen the filter ?

[Will]

I change mine all the time. I stick a piece of cardboard, specifically a waxed beer carton behind the lip behind the oil filter all the way to the catch pan. This makes the oil go to the catch pan and not all over the front axle when you loosen the filter. I don't use a wrench on the filter, hand tight is good. Draining the actual oil pan is easy.

Note, this is a 2010 with 5.7 .... But maybe worth sharing...

[kengray]

So you don't need a wrench to loosen the filter?

[blindsquirrel33]

I change mine all the time. I stick a piece of cardboard, specifically a waxed beer carton behind the lip behind the oil filter all the way to the catch pan. This makes the oil go to the catch pan and not all over the front axle when you loosen the filter. I don't use a wrench on the filter, hand tight is good.

X2!
I use a piece of 3"PVC cut laterally and stick it behind the lip. Fits perfect and drains the oil into the catch pan.

[Snowsled]

I didn't need a wrench on mine, just a good grip!

[loveracing1988]

So you don't need a wrench to loosen the filter?

They make sockets that fit the end of the oil filter, I had one from my dealer days that fit perfectly, 3/8 ratchet and it is off for the factory filter.

[Txpowerwagon]

Changing on the 15 sux.. I finally yaked that plastic drain out of the way so I could get a filter wrench on it... with that drain on there there was no way I could get my arms around the smartbar.. I do have huge forearms, but I dont see how anyone could get in that little space.. so now I get a filter wrench on it then I put a plastic cone filter up under it and let it drain that way... not too bad now

[MoparToYou]

My '16 was easy to change. Use a socket style filter wrench with a couple of 3/8" extensions and it is easy to get to the filter. There is a built in channel that directs the oil, so that it drains right into your oil pan, and not all over the axle. It is one of the easier and cleaner vehicles I have changed the oil on.

[kengray]

Oil change complete. Thanks to all for the tips. 5 gallon bucket worked great for oil drain, no splash. Removing filter was the hardest part, but once I got my arm through to reach it with a cap style wrench it was smooth sailing.