Chevy & GMC Vans

next week I'll be towing with my stock Astro Van 2000 a 6'X12' Uhaul trailer total weight about 3200lbs. Moving from Largo, Florida to Raleigh NC.

Should I get a transmission cooler installed as a precaution?

YES !

Most Definitely!!!

The 100 smackers and the hour or so to install it as a precaution is a whole lot cheaper than a new tranny.

I also vote yes even if you never pull a trailer with your van. It's downright spooky how hot the ATF can get in an automatic transmission. If you want to get freaked out, install a transmission temperature gauge before you install the cooler. I think you'll be surprised at the temperature the transmission gets to. I know I sure was.

LOL looks like its a defenate YES . if you do the install youir self , do not use the plastic things you push through the radiator !!!!!!! use the metal straps & mount it to the radiator support . that way you don't wind up with leaks in the rad . or the a/c condensor up front .

Another vote for a YES! It is a must have for daily driving and an absolute necessity for towing. Here is the stickied thread on installing one yourself. The bottom of page 1 shows a temperature comparison I did on my 2003 AWD in much cooler weather than your Florida to North Carolina trip will be.

Definite yes.

Another yes here.

Hey Rob,,you ever been able to check the difference in temps running aux. cooler only compared to rad. cooler and aux. combo ??

And...one final yes.

There is no such thing as too big of a stacked plate cooler.

Some of them have a built-in fluid bypass.
Sample....
http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/

I'm getting a cooler today.

Detectorist wrote:I'm getting a cooler today.

When you do the install ... you are gonna install it right? ... take pics and post 'em here.

No, I don't want to mess with it. I'm having uhaul install their heavy duty one along with the wiring for the trailer. I also ordered a 5000lb hitch from etrailers.

Do ensure they installthe LDP (Low Pressure Drop) design Aux cooler. The bigger the better. Especially for a 9x12 enclosed trailer that has mass amount of wind drag as well (wind drap compared to a "tucked behind" utility trailer).

If the 9x12 trailer contains onboard brakes (it should - when being pulled behind your van), also get your U-Haul folks to install a standard 7 pin connector with a brake controller in your van. Many trailers use full electric brakes. I hear the "Tekonsha Prodigy" brake controllers are the best on the market. For more details, surf: http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html



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adding a cooler... at least 25° cooler. You just doubled your tranny's life.