Do I Need A Transmission Cooler When Towing A 2003 Saturn LW300 With A Motorhome

Expert Reply:

Using a transmission cooler on your motorhome when towing a vehicle would definitely help limit the wear and tear on the transmission. The Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13611, is designed for compact cars so I would recommend the Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13504, which is designed for larger vehicles.

You will want to make sure that you will have room in front of your a/c condenser or radiator to install the heat exchanger.

If you are asking about installing the Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13611, on the Saturn that is being towed, it is not needed, but it will also help with keeping the transmission fluid cooler when the vehicle is being towed. The heat buildup would not be as great on a vehicle that is being towed because there is not as much a load being put on the transmission.

When flat towing a vehicle behind your motorhome you will want to check your owners manual or with the manufacturer for instructions on the proper procedure for towing your 2003 Saturn LW300, because some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, drive line disconnect, or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.

The 2003 Saturn LW300 is equipped with a feature that will drain the battery during towing so we do recommend to pull the towing circuit fuses and to install the Roadmaster - Auto Battery Disconnect, # RM-765.

I am sending a link to a page with information on transmission coolers.

expert reply by: Jeff D