Recommended Transmission Cooler For 2018 Toyota RAV4 For Towing

Question:

Hello I have a 2018 Rav 4 LE. 2.5 litres. 4 cylinder. My towing capacity is 1500 pounds. I bought a 2018 Prolite Mini trailer that is 1150 dry weight that had electric breaks. I had a trailer hitch and 7 point electric. I have read your site and and wondering if I am too close to my towing capacity? It is just me and my dog. I am wondering if I should think about adding a transmission cooler from you if that would help? I read on your post that having a towing package would increase the towing capacity to 2900 pounds? It said you read it somewhere?. Any intell and recommendations for my safety and my Rav 4 safety and best interests would be really appreciated. I live in Calgary Alberta and so far have been just camping around the province which is flat to rolling hills… I watch the RPMs and a few times have been up to 4.5 to 5 but for a short moment. I would like to be able to go into British Columbia but am worried with the mountain passes! Would putting a transmission cooler help and put my mind at ease? Thank you all your recommendations…. which transmission cooler you would suggest? or getting one from Toyota? Anything you recommend or don’t recommend will be greatly appreciated!! PS I always drive 90-100 k … nothing more!

asked by: Cheryl T

Expert Reply:

Adding a transmission cooler to your 2018 Toyota RAV4 is a really smart idea, and one of the best things you can do for your RAV4 for towing.. The reason for that is towing is a stressor, and the additional cooling provided by a secondary cooler keeps fluid temperatures down, which allows the best performance and in turn prolongs the lifespan of your transmission. The best transmission cooler for your '18 RAV4 is from Derale:

- Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13502

The Derale # D13502 is a plate-and-fin cooler, which means it uses smaller plates that cover more area than other coolers in order to agitate transmission fluid. Because you cannot over-cool fluids, the rule of thumb with transmission coolers is that size matters, so the large 11" wide x 7-1/4" tall x 7/8" deep Series 8000 is going to give you great cooling efficiency. This will be a great help to your RAV4, particularly in the mountain passes you mentioned wanting to explore.

Keep in mind this won't increase your towing capacity; there is nothing that can be added aftermarket which can do that, so you do need to stay within the 1,500 lb capacity of your RAV4.

expert reply by: Kyle S