Additional or Better Transmission Cooler

[LJ4174]

Hello...

I have a 2005 Explorer with the factory tow package with a V6. Tow/Cargo capacity is about 5400 lbs. I'm in the process of purchasing a camper that weighs 3800 lbs dry so I will be right around my max weight when we are loaded for a trip. Not planning on towing every weekend, probably a half dozen times or so a year and most trips will probably be an hour or 2 from home. However I heard and read about transmission problems with this and installing an additional transmission cooler is a good idea...

Thoughts on this? Any suggestions on brands or models? Is it best to add an additional cooler or just get a better/larger one?

Let me know any thoughts or suggestions...

Thanks...

LJ

 

[swetrid]

It has factory trans cooler which is pretty good size so i wouldnt worry. Where in Reading are you?

 

[LJ4174]

It has factory trans cooler which is pretty good size so i wouldnt worry. Where in Reading are you?

Really??? I'd rather be safe than sorry...

I actually live out in Mohrsville, about 10 minutes off 222... You?

 

[Ronin8002]

Hello...

I have a 2005 Explorer with the factory tow package with a V6. Tow/Cargo capacity is about 5400 lbs. I'm in the process of purchasing a camper that weighs 3800 lbs dry so I will be right around my max weight when we are loaded for a trip. Not planning on towing every weekend, probably a half dozen times or so a year and most trips will probably be an hour or 2 from home. However I heard and read about transmission problems with this and installing an additional transmission cooler is a good idea...

Thoughts on this? Any suggestions on brands or models? Is it best to add an additional cooler or just get a better/larger one?

Let me know any thoughts or suggestions...

Thanks...

LJ

I agree with swetrid, the factory cooler does a really good job. If you want to keep an eye on your trans fluid temps, a scanguage II will let you do that. My fluid temp stays around 165 almost all the time once it's warmed up.

 

[LJ4174]

I agree with swetrid, the factory cooler does a really good job. If you want to keep an eye on your trans fluid temps, a scanguage II will let you do that. My fluid temp stays around 165 almost all the time once it's warmed up.

Awesome... Glad I posted this here... I was told about a temp gauge for the trans fluid, is that difficult to install? Do you tow? If so is your fluid temp 165 even when towing?

 

[skeeter123]

Check out the Towing section on this forum for lots of good info on towing:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=134

I have an '02 XLT 4.6L w/towing package, installed a transmission temp gauge and saw that when towing in hills, temp would go up from normal 130F to 180F. Then I would react by ensuring that OD was off, and/or slowing down. Trans temp would always go back down with OD off and speed ~65mph. If I kept OD off, temp would never get above ~ 170F. This is with factory trans cooler. I was going to install an extra cooler, but after this experience I'm opting not to. But I'm towing a lighter camper (2500lbs), and have a good margin from my max towing weight. With you being closer to max weight, I'd recommend you flush trans fluid if it hasn't been done (even if they say its 100K or lifetime). Think about installing a trans temp gauge, it will at least give you peace of mind. You don't want trans temp to get over 200F for very long if at all; temp directly affects trans fluid life.

Oh, and I think you definitely want to install a brake controller for the trailer brakes.
Hope this helps.

 

[Ronin8002]

Awesome... Glad I posted this here... I was told about a temp gauge for the trans fluid, is that difficult to install? Do you tow? If so is your fluid temp 165 even when towing?

I don't tow but see the last post. Scanguage II is a very easy install...it just plugs into your OBDII port.

A good mounting solution for the scanguage is available from Blendmount. You can usually save some money if you get the mount and scanguage together:

http://www.amazon.com/BendMount-0502-0001-ScanGauge-BlendMount-Combo/dp/tags-on-product/B001GKRTKW

Mine is a bit different from the pic in that I mounted it under the rearview instead of over it (no room over it). It's nice because its easy to see but not obtrusive. I routed the data cable up the stem of the mirror, then tucked it in along the headliner where it meets the windshield, then behind the A-pillar moulding and behind the dash to the OBD port. Very clean.

As far as temps that I've seen, the absolute highest I've seen was when doing some looooooooonnnng mountain climbs with oversized tires. Hit 188-190 for a second right before I crested the top of the climb but it went back down very fast. I had it in OD the whole time.

 

[iBrent]

I second the scanguage II idea. I have one as well. I tow a 21' bowrider with a tandem axle trailer. I estimate weight fully loaded with gas and gear to be around 5000. The TFT stays around 170F. It gets to about 200F rarely when climbing up long steep hills, but quickly goes back down to 170F on the downhill. I think factory trans cooling is more than sufficient.

*Mine's a V8, so your experience might vary.

 

[swetrid]

Really??? I'd rather be safe than sorry...

I actually live out in Mohrsville, about 10 minutes off 222... You?

I live in Exeter.

 

[LJ4174]

I live in Exeter.

Cool, my cousin live out there!!!

Good stuff!!!

 

[LJ4174]

Man, since you guys have all said the same thing, perhaps I don't even need the temp gauge!!!