Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 with 5.3 Liter

Question:

My Chevy has the trailering package but not the Max package with trailing brake set up. It has the 3.42 gears. I just purchased a 4500 lb dry weight travel trailer. It has a max weight loaded of 6600 lbs. I live in the mountains of CO. I saw 207 degrees F in uphill traffic leaving the Denver area for home with the 43 gallon water tank full but the black and gray water tanks dry. It looked like the temp was headed higher but the traffic ended after we passed the accident scene. I am curious to know at what temps should I be worried about the tranny? I have read the tranny fluid goes through the top of the main radiator after a certain temp to regulate hotter temperatures. Also, is a tranny cooler add-on recommended for this set up and would adding an additional tranny cooler do much good if I see hotter temps next summer driving around here? Return Customer

asked by: Alex O

Expert Reply:

The general rule is to keep the transmission fluid at or below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. When towing, especially in the mountains and in summer time, the transmission fluid temperature can increase much higher so adding a supplemental cooler is a good idea.

A supplemental cooler can decrease the temperature significantly due to more airflow to the fluid and more capacity (fluid) in the system. The most popular cooler for your 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 is # D13503.

But if it were me I would go with a stacked plate style cooler, # D13403, because it is the most efficient design and offers the best cooling.

No matter which cooler you go with the placement of that cooler is also important. Ideally it would go in front of both the radiator and the AC condenser. The second best place is between the AC condenser and the radiator. And third, behind the radiator will work but the cooler won't be all that efficient.

expert reply by: Michael H