Is a Transmission Cooler Recommended for a 2007 Toyota Sienna Towing a 1,500 lb Camper

Question:

2007 sienna awd limited, towing less than 2000 lbs across country...do I need transmission cooler? Thank you

asked by: King S

Expert Reply:

Adding a transmission cooler would be a good idea, especially if you will be towing during the summer. Overheating is one of the main causes of transmission failure and towing a trailer puts more stress on the engine and transmission.

Transmission fluid cannot be over cooled, so it is best to install the largest and most efficient cooler that will fit. A cooler that I would recommend for your 2007 Toyota Sienna is the Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler, # D13612. This cooler is more efficient that the Series 8000 cooler, # D13501, that you referenced and will work great when towing a trailer less than 2,000 lbs.

This cooler comes with the Derale Insta-dapt radiator adapter that works with most vehicles with 5/16 inch transmission lines, but it does not fit all. I recommend measuring the diameter of the transmission lines on your Sienna to see if different fittings are necessary. If your transmission lines are 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch lines, then I recommend cutting the lines and using a compression fitting like part # D13032 for 3/8 inch lines or part # D13033 for 1/2 inch lines.

expert reply by: John H