Transmission Cooler, Trailer Hitch, and Wiring Recommendation for 2018 Toyota RAV4

Question:

I need to know what the best transmission cooler would be from you. I have the 2.4 automatic with two wheel drive. I am trying to set up the Toyota with the ability to pull a 1500 pound load max recommended. I know that is a lot for the small engine and trans. I just could not afford a larger vehicle. I will need to get everything including hitch, tranny cooler and anything else you recommend. I would appreciate any and all help you can give me for this issue. If I did not make it clear I have nothing but the original vehicle. Thank you so very much for your expertise.

asked by: Treve S

Expert Reply:

Since you asked first about a transmission cooler let's start there. For that I recommend the Derale part # D13503 as it is the very efficient plate-fin style and is larger at 11" Wide x 8-3/4" tall x 7/8" deep so it will do an excellent job keeping your transmission fluid temperatures down. It is a larger size but it will still easily fit since you have plenty of room in front of your radiator.

So then for a hitch I recommend the Curt hitch part # C13406 as it has more capacity than you'll need, is a 2 inch hitch so it has more accessories made for it than other sizes, and has a hidden crosstube which means it will be less visible than other options.

Next up is trailer wiring. For that you'll want the Tekonsha kit part # 118578 which installs easily and is the most reliable option. I attached an install video for this and the hitch mentioned.

Since you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.