Is a Transmission Cooler Required for a 1992 Dodge B250 V8 for Towing a 1500 lb Tent Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

Adding a transmission cooler is never a bad idea. Anytime you are towing a trailer, the engine and transmission have to work harder. Keeping your transmission fluid at a lower temperature will prolong the life of your transmission.

One factor that you can look at to determine if a supplemental transmission cooler would be absolutely necessary is the towing capacity of your 1992 Dodge B250. If the weight of your tent trailer is near the towing capacity of your van, I would strongly recommend adding a transmission cooler. I did some research on your van, but I could not come up with a towing capacity. Your tent trailer is not very heavy, but I would recommend installing a transmission cooler just to be safe.

When choosing a transmission cooler, it is best to choose a transmission cooler that will fit in the space available. The ideal location to install a transmission cooler is directly behind the grille either in front of the AC condenser or the radiator. If you have the space available, the Derale Series 8000 Cooler, # D13504, that you referenced would be an excellent choice. This cooler is 11 inches wide x 12 inches tall and 7/8 inch deep.

To attach the hoses from the transmission cooler to your transmission lines, I recommend using compression fittings. We offer compression fittings for three different size transmission lines, so you will first need to determine the diameter of your transmission lines to ensure you choose the correct fittings. For 5/16 inch lines, use part # D13031, for 3/8 inch lines, use part # D13032, and for 1/2 inch lines, use part # D13033.

I have attached an installation video for the # D13504 transmission cooler for you to check out. In this video our installer demonstrates how to use compression fittings. The vehicle in the video is different from your van, but it should give you an idea on what is involved with the installation. Keep in mind, the compression fittings that are used in the video may be different that the fittings that are required for your van as well.

expert reply by: John H

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