Forum Discussion

CoupleOnTheRoad's avatar
CoupleOnTheRoad
Explorer
May 30, 2014

Towing without trans cooler?

I have a 2001 Yukon XL 2wd (1/2 ton). I'm having my hitch and brake controller installed Monday so I can pick up my TT on Tuesday. I'm pressed for time and not sure if I'll be able to install a transmission cooler beforehand.

I need to tow the TT approx 80 miles, highway and flat roads. I'm a newbie so the question is: would it be ok to tow just to get the TT home? If I made multiple stops would that help? I keep hearing the importance of a trans cooler and wondering if I can make it home without damaging my TV. I'm not even sure if my Yukon has a factory one or not (again, newbie here). I do plan on installing one shortly after. Thanks.
Tow Vehicles
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    You should have no issue towing an empty trailer 80mi on flat terrain.

    If I lived and camped in the Midwest I wouldn't bother with a TC providing the TV was in spec.

    The mountains are the Tranny KILLERS....I've fried 4 over the years with TC's and towing well within spec :)
  • Teamfour's avatar
    Teamfour
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    I would be extremely surprised if you have NO trans cooler. What you may need to install is an auxiliary cooler.
  • CoupleOnTheRoad's avatar
    CoupleOnTheRoad
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    Teamfour wrote:
    I would be extremely surprised if you have NO trans cooler. What you may need to install is an auxiliary cooler.


    I assume I do have a factory one, but no clue. It's on my list to check into.
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    None of my older model 1/2 tons came stock with coolers.
  • We_Cant_Wait's avatar
    We_Cant_Wait
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    All automatic transmissions have a built in factory cooler it's inside the radiator. Some people will install an auxiliary cooler for extra cooling capacity.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    Yes, trans cooler is important. 80 mile trip will not cause much harm though. Use 3rd gear tops (lock out overdrive) and attempt to keep the torque converter locked as much as possible if you can discern when it unlocks.

    After installation of the trans cooler, I highly recommend flushing the entire cooling system as well as all other fluids before the bulk of summer RVing.
  • lawrosa's avatar
    lawrosa
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    Have the hitch people look and see if you have one. Even if it has one its probably small. IMO have one installed when you have the hitch installed. Put the biggest one you can fit behind the grill..

    Yes if the trailer is too heavy you can burn the trans fluid while driving. And without a temp gauge you will never know. ( Install a temp gauge too)

    That alone will cause the trans to fail sooner then later.... And when you get that $3200 new trans bill you will wish you put in a $60 trans cooler...
  • CoupleOnTheRoad's avatar
    CoupleOnTheRoad
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    We Cant Wait wrote:
    All automatic transmissions have a built in factory cooler it's inside the radiator. Some people will install an auxiliary cooler for extra cooling capacity.


    Ok that's what I guess I'm talking about.
  • CoupleOnTheRoad's avatar
    CoupleOnTheRoad
    Explorer
    May 30, 2014
    APT wrote:
    Yes, trans cooler is important. 80 mile trip will not cause much harm though. Use 3rd gear tops (lock out overdrive) and attempt to keep the torque converter locked as much as possible if you can discern when it unlocks.

    After installation of the trans cooler, I highly recommend flushing the entire cooling system as well as all other fluids before the bulk of summer RVing.


    Will making a few stops help? Thanks for the advice.

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