2007 Suburban Z71 towing question

I would start by slowing down <65mph and try a lower gear. You using tow/haul button?

A couple of comments and concerns.

It's a Z71. 4WD? If so changing gears will be very expensive because it's not just the rear axle that would get changed. Besides, that won't solve your issue. You need to get to the root of your problem.

Does your truck have a custom grill insert or shell? They look cool but can and do impede air flow. I have one on mine and didn't realize how it was affecting trans temps while towing until I towed in 90 degree heat around Indy last Sept. I was running close to 220. Once I realized what was going on I took the insert off and temps ran at 180. Air flow is critical.

Your trailer is most likely equipped with ST tires. They have a max speed rating of 65 mph. Running them at 70 is asking for a blowout. Something to keep in mind.

Dry weight it a fictional number. Dry weight it without options. As delivered it's at least 500# heavier than the listed dry weight. Now put your "stuff" in it. No one tows their trailer ready to camp at it's dry weight. It's very likely your trailer is 6000# ready to camp. But realistically even if you are towing at capacity, which is something like 7000# - 7500# for that truck, you still should not see trans temps that high.

Have you kept up with the maintenance? Fluid on a 4L60E should be changed every 50k miles with Dex VI.

I have to assume you have a 1500 Suburban? Have you weighed everything yet? Before you go spending ambunchmof $$$ on stuff you need to load up like your going camping and get to the scales. My guess with family on board your overloading the Suburban. If thats the case, no amount of money is going to stop the self destruction. BTW once you have towed that hot it is highly likely the trans coolant is toast. Get it serviced before it costs you a transmission rebuild.
Also, towing faster than the trailer tire manufacturers rated speed is asking for another disaster.

Thanks! I will look into that.

My 02 silverado would run about 210* in stop and go, and 195* at 65mph on the interstate. I had the stock cooler, and I installed a Trucool 40k on mine and now it runs 155* all the time, the most I've saw was 175*.

Check out this, I have no affiliation with him, but I installled mine with his kit. Should fit your 2007. It will help with the install. It was really easy.

http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/member-made-tools-parts-classifieds-197/tru-cool-max-trans-cooler-4739-47391-install-kit-brackets-fittings-hardware-508374/

The best place is in the signature. That is where everybody looks first and it will show up on every page that you post on. Often, people post questions or answers to a question and it helps a lot to be able to look at their signature to see where they are coming from with their answer.
Edit: Perfect example is the post just below this one. Thank you jsteih for your perfect timing! :B
Barney

Thanks! I put it in the subject line. But I guess in the post would be better.
It's a 2007 Suburban Z71.

Good morning and Welcome to the forums! Glad you are here and I hope you get all your questions answered. We have a whole bunch of very informed and helpful folks here.

If you have not done so, you might check out our Forum FAQ. There is a ton of information that may help you as you get into the RV lifestyle. Also we have a couple of sticky threads at the top of this forum that would probably help you out. Give them a look.:)

It would help a lot if you were to fill out the signature portion of your profile. The members can not give you accurate or helpful information without knowing something about your tow vehicle. At the very least please put that information into a post soon on your thread. You won't get much help until you do.

Once again, welcome and please come back and post often.:)
Barney

Btw this is on flat terrain. Thanks