Recommended Transmission Cooler for 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Travel Trailer

Question:

2008 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L - Recently bought a 24foot travel trailer. 4,225# base weight. Transmission got to 225* pulling it empty. New to towing. Should I get get a tuner and a cooler? Tuner only? Which tuner would be best if I dont want to spend $400?

asked by: Terry C

Expert Reply:

A tuner will be beneficial to optimize your 2008 GMC Sierra's towing performance in terms of power and torque, but the best option for your 2008 GMC Sierra is going to be a transmission cooler. For your truck I recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler # D13504. The rule with transmission coolers is the bigger they are the better they are going to cool, and this is an 11" Wide x 12" tall x 7/8" deep plate and fin cooler, which is more efficient than the tube and fin coolers that are available for your truck. Keep in mind you will need Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting # D13035 with this cooler.

As for a tuner that will improve your Sierra's towing performance I recommend taking a look at the Superchips Flashpaq F5 Performance Tuner # SU4845. This tuner, which comes with a 2.8" LCD screen, plugs into your OBDII port and allows you to select a tuning level for towing. I have linked the installation instructions for this tuner for you to take a look at as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S