Adding a transmission cooler
Adding a transmission cooler..does it add towing capacity?
Forum Discussion
You should be OK with that combo. Dry weigh at 4k means a loaded weight about 5k. a 5k trailer with 13% tongue weight means that 5000*13%= 650 lbs of tongue weight that the Tahoe must carry. Most vehicles in this class run out of carrying capacity (GVWR) before they run out of towing capacity.
The Tahoe has a trans cooler as part of the radiator. If you have the HD Towing package, GM adds a secondary cooler in front of the radiator. Adding a secondary aftermarket or OEM cooler is pretty easy if you need to.
What I would do is get a Scan Gauge and watch your trans temp when towing. If the temp reaches 220, then you need to change the fluid anyway, and that's a good time to get the secondary cooler installed. Outside air temp also affects trans temps, as does stop-n-go traffic.
So if you see temps at 210 on a 70 deg day, you will easily be over 220 on a 90 deg day. But as agesilaus said, a trans cooler won't increase your tow capacity, but it will keep your trans from frying. The Tahoe that year has the 6L80 transmission which is a strong unit if it doesn't overheat.
The Tahoe has a trans cooler as part of the radiator. If you have the HD Towing package, GM adds a secondary cooler in front of the radiator. Adding a secondary aftermarket or OEM cooler is pretty easy if you need to.
What I would do is get a Scan Gauge and watch your trans temp when towing. If the temp reaches 220, then you need to change the fluid anyway, and that's a good time to get the secondary cooler installed. Outside air temp also affects trans temps, as does stop-n-go traffic.
So if you see temps at 210 on a 70 deg day, you will easily be over 220 on a 90 deg day. But as agesilaus said, a trans cooler won't increase your tow capacity, but it will keep your trans from frying. The Tahoe that year has the 6L80 transmission which is a strong unit if it doesn't overheat.
