Will Installing a Transmission Cooler On A 2006 Buick LaCrosse Increase Towing Capacity
Question:
Hi. I have a 2006 Buick Lacrosse CX that I was thinking about installing a hitch on. In the manual, it is stated that the vehicle is rated for towing 1,000 pounds, but research I have performed suggest that installing a transmission cooler will allow the vehicle to safely tow more than this. Is this true or am I being fed snake oil?
asked by: John R
Expert Reply:
The addition of a transmission cooler will absolutely help while towing with your 2006 Buick LaCrosse to both increase performance and prolong the life of your vehicle's transmission. That said, it will not increase your towing capacity in the eyes of the manufacturer. However, the factory warranty on your LaCrosse has most likely already expired so I recommend you just use your best judgement when it comes to your towing capacity after adding supplements such as a transmission cooler.
For a transmission cooler, the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit part # D13502 is a good size and there is a custom adapter as well in the Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting part # D13035. The rest of the parts you will need to tow a trailer are as follows:
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 36374
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness part # C56340
Draw-Tite Drawbar part # 36061
1-7/8" Hitch Ball part # 19257 or 2" Hitch Ball part # 19258
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-3/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/8 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 3-1/8" Rise - 9-3/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Transmission Coolers
- Radiator Adapters
- Derale
more information >
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
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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