Does 2019 Toyota Highlander Need Auxiliary Transmission Cooler to Tow Trailer

Question:

I have a 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD V6 /3.5L. I just bought a lightweight German horse trailer which is designed to be pulled by a smaller vehicle. The Highlander meets all the tow requirements and I successfully hauled it home. The trailer salesman, who is very knowledgeable, cautioned me to get an auxiliary transmission cooler installed before adding the weight of my horse to the load. No one to whom I have spoken at our regular auto shop or at Toyota seems to know whether I actually need one, or if the SUV has one already, or where to get/ install/ or locate a part number for it. We looked through the front grille of the truck and didnt see one in there as far as we could tell. Any information would be appreciated, as I would like to start hauling my horse soon!

asked by: Marie R

Expert Reply:

An auxiliary transmission cooler isn't a necessity to tow with your 2019 Toyota Highlander, but it's absolutely a good idea to add one (your Highlander with a 3.5L V6 already has one so this would be an additional cooler), with the best cooler being from Derale:

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

Towing a trailer creates more work for your car, and the more added weight, the more work it has to do. Think of it like going outside on a typical early summer day; if you decide to go for a run, your body is working harder so you'll start to sweat a lot to keep cool, right? But if you just walk, your body isn't working as hard so that doesn't happen. Same thing here - towing creates a lot of extra work, and thus heat, and an additional cooler helps keep that heat down and your Highlander's transmission in the best shape and wear down slower.

So I do recommend adding one, especially if you will be towing with any frequency; you can still haul your horse now even without the # D13502, but adding this cooler is going to be an excellent safeguard for your Highlander well into the future.

expert reply by: Kyle S