Transmission cooler

[geekything]

I'm going to admit I don't know much about trucks or towing. However I was a little surprised that the trailer dealer told me I need a transmission cooler for my '16 1500. I thought they already have one from the factory?

I'm only towing 3000# too!

Am I right or is the dealer? If I'm right, am I also right in thinking there's not much point in getting an aftermarket transmission cooler for this type of load?

 

[csuder99]

The trailer dealer still lives in the previous decade... The current V6 with the 8 speed transmission has a cooler. And a heater for that matter to tightly control the trans temps.

 

[geekything]

The trailer dealer still lives in the previous decade... The current V6 with the 8 speed transmission has a cooler. And a heater for that matter to tightly control the trans temps.

Thank you for verifying that! Should the factory cooler be up to the job of keeping the tranny cool with a 3000# trailer in the mountains? Or should I look at replacing it with an aftermarket one just in case?

 

[csuder99]

I tow a small travel trailer (Wolfpup 16FB) with the V6/3.55 axle and have climbed some pretty good grades in Oregon, Utah and Colorado with it, typically around 65 mph (trailer tire limit). The temps went up but not into dangerous territory. Old school thinking would dictate the cooler the transmission the better but modern 8+ speeds are designed to run fairly 'hot' because of tighter tolerances and the desire for less friction losses. Hence the ZF 8 speed has a heater.

 

[quickster2]

If you have the factory towing package then I have not seen nor heard a need for an aftermarket cooler. Certainly not for a 3000# trailer.

 

[geekything]

I do not have the factory tow package. Is the tranny cooler part of the tow package or default?

 

[AFMoulton]

The 8 so trans all have a cooler and heat exchanger. As of recent I have not seen or heard of anyone successfully adding an aftermarket cooler. It’s designed to run hotter than normal. I pulled 8000 with my 8 so and Hemi and temps were within normal range per the engineers.

The main issue is how it’s plumbed into the truck, the system uses engine coolant through a heat exchanger on the side of the trans to get it to operating temp faster. There is a 3 way valve in the system that you would also have to bypass. Not the easiest thing to do.

Here are some links about what’s involved and at work.



8HP70 Transmission Heater/Thermal Bypass Valve

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...ter-Thermal-Bypass-Valve.106865/&share_type=t

8HP70 Thermostatic Valve

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...8HP70-Thermostatic-Valve.109089/&share_type=t


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40
2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[geekything]

Thank you for taking the trouble to explain it so well. Makes me feel much better about taking my little truck into the Rockies

 

[AFMoulton]

Thank you for taking the trouble to explain it so well. Makes me feel much better about taking my little truck into the Rockies

You should be fine with 3000lbs. Just recondition yourself for the 185+ temp range.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40
2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[McBroom]

I'm going to admit I don't know much about trucks or towing. However I was a little surprised that the trailer dealer told me I need a transmission cooler for my '16 1500. I thought they already have one from the factory?

I'm only towing 3000# too!

Am I right or is the dealer? If I'm right, am I also right in thinking there's not much point in getting an aftermarket transmission cooler for this type of load?

I don’t see a need to change anything on your truck. 3K ain’t **** on a Ram 1500.


I Love My 2018 RAM 2500HD 4x4 6.4L
Mod list: Pedal Commander, AVS Vent shades, Solo Delete kit, molar side step rails

 

[geekything]

I don’t see a need to change anything on your truck. 3K ain’t **** on a Ram 1500.

3K# is a reasonable amount if you have a V6 3.21 like me It's 66% of towing capacity.

With passengers, fuel and "stuff" I'm actually not far off of GCVW.

 

[McBroom]

3K# is a reasonable amount if you have a V6 3.21 like me It's 66% of towing capacity.

With passengers, fuel and "stuff" I'm actually not far off of GCVW.

That’s understandable


I Love My 2018 RAM 2500HD 4x4 6.4L
Mod list: Pedal Commander, AVS Vent shades, Solo Delete kit, molar side step rails