Which Transmission Cooler is Recommended for a Nissan Frontier with 6,500 Pound Towing Capacity
Question:
im trying to decide if i need a transmission cooler for my 2006 nissan frontier, 4x4, 4.0L V6 rated to pull 6500#. you offer a good variety of coolers. how do i size up a transmission cooler i see you offer class I, II, and III economy, standard, and extra efficient. also, how easy is it to install your units: the cooler unit and hoses? can a handyman do it or is it recommended to have a shop install it estimated install time are your units designed to utilitze existing bolt and hose connections or will i need to do some drilling and tapping? what are the warrantees for the kits that you sell? thanks for the info,
asked by: Ron
Expert Reply:
The best way to decide which class cooler you need is to take a look at what you will be towing and where. If you will be towing a light load, less than 2,000 pounds, in flat driving conditions, your vehicle will do fine with a Class I. If you will be towing 6,000 pound load through some hills, I would use the Class III cooler.
I prefer the 8000 and 9000 series. They are built a little heavier and are more resilient. The 7000 series are built a little lighter and can be damaged more easily if you have not installed a few coolers or heat exchangers.
For your Frontier, I would use part # D13501 if you will be towing light loads or even medium loads in flat areas. If you will be pulling medium loads or heavy loads primarily, I would use part # D13502. The D13502 will allow you to take full advantage of the tow capacity of your truck.
As far as ease of installation, they are not complicated at all. You should not have to do any tapping or drilling. If you are comfortable with basic vehicle maintenance, like oil changes, brake changes, or radiator flushing, you should have no problem.
I have added links to the parts below, as well as a video of the D13502 kit being installed on a 2006 Honda CRV. The video walks you through the whole process and will give you a pretty good idea of what will be involved. I have also included a link to a transmission cooler FAQ article that has a lot of useful information.
The Derale Transmission coolers have a 1 year manufacturer warranty. The cooler is made of all aluminum so it should hold up fine provided there is no damage from road hazards. Just like a radiator, transmission coolers can be damaged by road debris piercing the fins.
Products Referenced in This Question
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 7-1/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Small SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 5-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Shop: CIPA Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver Side and Passenger Side
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Search Results: mirrors
- Shop: CIPA Universal Fit Towing Mirrors - Strap On - Qty 2
- Video: CIPA Strap On Universal Fit Towing Mirror Installation - 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: towing mirrors
- Video: CIPA Slip On Towing Mirrors Review
- Shop: Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: K-Source Snap and Zap Driver and Passenger Towing Mirror Review
- Search Results: mirror extenders
- Shop: K-Source Universal Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Convex Mirror - Qty 2
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Review of Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slide-On Mirror - LO54FR
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: tow mirrors
- Shop: K-Source Universal Dual Lens Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Pair
- Q&A: Are Timbrens Available for 2024 Toyota Tundra
- Q&A: Best Way to Prevent Sagging Suspension When Towing a Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: K Source Universal Clip-On Towing Mirror Review
on Transmission Coolers
