Completely reasonable point.
Too many here are simply switching viscosities without reason other than "more better". Without a sound reason, such changes may do more harm than good.
The major factor here that there is too little discussion on is prevailing ambient temperature and operating...
Not to be a contrarian but tradition isn't a good anecdote when it comes to technology. Technology moves on and the 5.7L is a very different beast. They didn't just decide by committee to use 0W-20. Rather it was designed from the ground up as a system to use that oil specification...
I've probably said it already in this thread, but I would really caution bigger being better when it comes to oil.
Cold start protection is arguably the larger variable. Higher viscosity is not an asset with cold start when combined with cold weather.
Majority of people are not going to be...
Yes, I run that exclusively. Mobil 0w-30 easily found at Wally World. 0W to be close to factory fill with better start protection in cold and winter. Even though I live in San Diego, I often frequent the mountains for camping and ski trips. 30 for better heavy towing protection moving 15k+...
0W-30 is a next generation oil. Agreed it's niche, as it is a more advanced wider multi-viscosity formulation.
0W-30 is generally always synthetic, starting with a higher end PAO base oil. Holds closer to the stock spec'd oil for cold start protection, as I do use my vehicle for winter ski...
Sure, there's lots of nuances in this and enough variation in certain oil formulations. Rather than get wrapped around the axle on specific data points, IMO there's more value focusing on the bigger trades. Viscosity at 40°C (104°F) doesn't begin to describe the lower curve and the reality is...
As we're not too far out from winter...
I'll make a case for 0W-30. Closer in characteristics to the original recommended 0W-20 fill, but with higher viscosity on the hot end to support harsh use in the hottest of summers.
Predominent temperatures in your region should drive your choice.
I...
For towing over GCWR at 15k combined rig weight on 35s, that's my choice. Summer southwest temps, climbing Rockies with throttle pegged over 80% for sometimes 30+ minutes at a time.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/summer-is-coming-severe-duty-oil.1137424/#post-12357852
You didn't tell us anything about your use case and how it deviates from standard use, for which the manuals recommendation is likely optimal. Prevailing ambient temperature is just one perhaps minor variable.
For a typical owner, I would very much caution using anything more than one step...
IMO, ambient temperature while a factor, is not the primary driver that dictates the upper oil weights. Casual commuting in 100* temps is not the type of use that calls for 40 and 50 weights. Heavy load use, increased average engine load, extended high speed hauling and driving has far more...
I do almost the same, opting for 0w-30, for heavy road trip tow loads in the summer. I return to 0w20 for winter ski season.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/summer-is-coming-severe-duty-oil.1137424/#post-12357852