Is a Supplemental Transmission Cooler Required for a 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Question:

I will be towing a double axle camping trailer that weighs about 1500 lbs well within the rated 5000 lb towing capacity of the 4runner and I am wondering if an aftermarket transmission cooler is needed. AFAIK a transmission cooler is standard OEM I dont know enough to visually verify that, but what I believe from reading the 4runner forums. In the past 3rd gen 4runners there was an issue pink milkshake of death due to mixing of transmission and radiator fluid - but no one reports this happening with 5gen 4runners. What benefit would an aftermarket transmission cooler provide me?

asked by: James V

Expert Reply:

The only way to prevent the possibility of the vehicle's transmission fluid mixing with the vehicle's radiator fluid would involve routing the transmission fluid away from the radiator to an aftermarket cooler. Usually the manufacturer will state whether or not a supplemental transmission cooler is required for towing.

With that being said it is certainly never a bad idea to install a supplemental transmission cooler for towing purposes nor will it harm the vehicle. Although your 2016 Toyota Tacoma is towing within the manufacturer's gross trailer weight (GTW) rating, I recommend installing a supplemental transmission cooler such as the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit part # D13504 as this will not only improve the performance of your vehicle's transmission but will also help to extend the wear life of the transmission's internal components.

If you choose reroute the transmission cooler lines away from the factory radiator, I recommend installing a remote mounted transmission cooler like the Derale Hyper-Cool Extreme Remote Cooler Assembly w/ Fan part # D15876 as this transmission cooler will be sufficient for standalone usage.

I have attached a review video of the Flex-a-lite cooler for you.

expert reply by: Conner L