Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500
Question:
I purchased a new 2013 silverado 1500 LT crew cab W/ 5.3 L engine. It has a tow package. My question is. Does this truck have a trans cooler already and will it be large enought to tow a 9000 # trailer thru the mountains. Can`t seem to get a direct answer from my chevy dealer. If I need to purchase another cooler I will. GM says the truck will tow up to 9600# but I have my doubts about the trans cooler. I have already towed this trailer after I run in the motor on flat land at about 75 degrees and the trans temp was at near 200 at 65 MPH. I am afraid that when the temps go up and I start pulling thru the mountains, so will the trans temps. Please advise and also what size BTU cooler would you recommend. Truck will not see cold weather as we head south florida for the winter. Thanks in advance
asked by: William A
Expert Reply:
All vehicles with an automatic transmission have a factory transmission cooler. Normally it is located inside the radiator but it can also be outside of the radiator. Trucks that have a tow package often have a larger cooler that is outside of the radiator. Regardless of where your factory cooler is located, you can still add a supplemental cooler because transmission fluid cannot be over cooled.
You are correct about towing in warmer weather and in the mountains. It will increase the stress and thus the temperature on the transmission. Adding a cooler will help keep the temperature in the optimal 160 to 200 degree F range.
If you do decide to add a transmission cooler I recommend adding hose fitting # D13035 so you do not have to cut and flare lines. We recommend going with the largest cooler that will fit in the available space. Cooler # D13504 is a large cooler at 11x12x7/8 inches so I recommend going with it.
I have linked a video showing a typical installation of a cooler and our FAQ article on transmission coolers for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Transmission Coolers
- Radiator Adapters
- Derale
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Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Full-Size Truck
- SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 12T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
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