Forum Discussion

Fnp5150's avatar
Fnp5150
Explorer
May 18, 2015

Transmission cooler

I'm new to the RV life and am concerned over the need for a transmission cooler. I will be towing a 26 foot Jayfeather weighing 5050lbs fully loaded, 4500lbs dry. My tow vehicle will be a 2007 Expedition with 5.4 motor. It's tow rated at 6000lbs. without the towing package and 8500lbs. with the package. Mine doesn't have it. I'm not too concerned about the engines ability to pull it, but since I'm close to the 6000lbs should I worry about burning up my transmission and install a cooler? This would have been standard with the tow package. I do live in South Georgia where it gets HOT. Will be traveling with 2 adults and 3 kids under age 10. Would synthetic transmission fluid help also? I've only pulled it about 20 miles from the dealer and the transmission temp did go up just a little, and I had overdrive turned off.
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    (edited to reflect OP edit)


    Our class C with a 5.4 leaves our driveway at 10,380 pounds. It's a 2003 and we have lots of mountains we go over. My trans gauge hardly moves on our hottest days going up steep grades at freeway speeds. My gauge barley moves going up steep logging roads at real slow speeds. The cooler is stock, so no need to go for a monster size like 6.0's have.

    Also when doing the install I would also put in one of these. http://puredieselpower.com/manufacturer/magnefine-2 and NAPA has their own brand also (same thing just painted different).

    There's probably more info with spec's that can be found on-line.
  • Fnp5150's avatar
    Fnp5150
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    I've called my mechanic and made arrangements for him to install a tranny cooler. While he has it, should I change to synthetic tranny fluid, or is that not needed? Also switching to synthetic oil.
  • cbshoestring's avatar
    cbshoestring
    Explorer II
    May 18, 2015
    dockmasterdave wrote:

    You probably want to pick up an extra few feet of hose. They seem to cut it pretty close from the warehouse.


    I HEAR THAT LOUD AND CLEAR.

    There was no way they sent me enough when I added a cooler to my 1999 Dodge Daktota. I figured a kinked line was useless, so a motorcycle trip the the Parts dealer MID JOB, was needed.

    Sure glad my RAM came with tow package....getting to old for driveway repairs.
  • cbshoestring's avatar
    cbshoestring
    Explorer II
    May 18, 2015
    I do NOT think you will get much debate, adding a cooler will be wise. Check your local auto parts store, adding a tranny cooler is normally a pretty easy DIY adventure.

    Of course, you will get the debate on whether or not it should be run seperate of the exiting cooler, or in conjunction with the existing. :B BEFORE or AFTER :h

    I go with "in Conjunction". I also prefer adding the new cooler BEFORE the existing one in the radiator. This "Helps" the existing, while still allowing the existing to do its job. Up here in the colder states, we need that warm fluid in winter time.
  • dockmasterdave's avatar
    dockmasterdave
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    Yes. I tried pulling a 4700lb loaded , TT on the flat ground in FL with a 4.6 v8, and almost burned one up.
    It's a cheap and simple upgrade.
    You can buy one on the net, that is a factory direct replacement. It snaps into the factory bracket that should already be there.
    You probably want to pick up an extra few feet of hose. They seem to cut it pretty close from the warehouse.
  • Fnp5150's avatar
    Fnp5150
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    Thanks for the quick reply, I edited the post a little. Could you take another look at it?
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    I would add a transmission cooler just for ease of mind. Heat can quickly kill a transmission. Long climbs will run the trans temp up.

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