Suggestions For Dealing With Overheating Motorhome

Question:

My 2005 motorhome, gvwr 12,300, has 6.0 chev, chev tranny, 3500 series express chasis. on big hills in Arizona as soon as tranny starts to work hard the eng temp goes right up, do not have a tranny gauge. I just drove a budget rental 16 foot truck, chevy with 4.8 and a newer 6 speed tranny and it ran hills excellently, with a different looking cooler. I need something in my motorhome to make it viable for the hills/heat here.

asked by: Gene M

Expert Reply:

Although it is always a great idea to add supplemental coolers to help improve overall engine performance, from the information you have provided, I think the issue may be something other than the transmission being overworked, I would have an auto service check out the vehicle to eliminate other potential causes for the overheating problem. After any issues are taken care of and it is running properly, we do offer some cooler options for you.

Before considering a cooler for your 2005 motor home, you need to determine where you want to mount the cooler. I have attached a couple of FAQ articles concerning engine and transmission coolers that may be helpful as you consider your options.You can install any cooler that will fit in the space available.

If you decide you want to install a cooler, we offer some combination transmission oil and engine oil coolers that work simultaneously, like the Derale Electra-Cool Combo Engine and Transmission Cooler, part # D15220. This cooler can be mounted anywhere there is enough space. The overall dimensions for this cooler are 15-3/4 inches wide by 11-1/2 inches tall by 4 inches deep, and it includes the mounting brackets.

If you decide on a dedicated transmission cooler, I would recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, part # D13504. This cooler measures 11 inches wide by 12 inches by 7/8 inches deep, and comes with the mounting kit. The included Derale insta-dapt adapter fits most vehicles with 5/16 inch transmission lines, but may not fit all. In some cases additional lines and or fittings and hoses may be required. To make installation easier, I would recommend the Derale Transmission Line Compression Fitting Kit , part # D13032. Additional hose, like part # D13003 may be required for installation. I have linked you to a product review video for this cooler and I also linked you to an installation video for the cooler as well.

If a dedicated oil cooler is what you wish to consider, I would recommend the Derale Plate-Fin Engine Oil Cooler Kit, part # D15405. It measures 9-7/8 inches wide by 9-1/2 inches tall by 1-1/4 inches deep. This high-efficiency cooler can reduce the oil temperature up to 50 degrees, and comes with the complete mounting kit that includes multiple sleeve nuts to match your engine thread size.