Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500

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Question:

I purchased a new 2013 silverado 1500 LT crew cab W/ 5.3 L engine. It has a tow package. My question is. Does this truck have a trans cooler already and will it be large enought to tow a 9000 # trailer thru the mountains. Can`t seem to get a direct answer from my chevy dealer. If I need to purchase another cooler I will. GM says the truck will tow up to 9600# but I have my doubts about the trans cooler. I have already towed this trailer after I run in the motor on flat land at about 75 degrees and the trans temp was at near 200 at 65 MPH. I am afraid that when the temps go up and I start pulling thru the mountains, so will the trans temps. Please advise and also what size BTU cooler would you recommend. Truck will not see cold weather as we head south florida for the winter. Thanks in advance

asked by: William A

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Expert Reply:

All vehicles with an automatic transmission have a factory transmission cooler. Normally it is located inside the radiator but it can also be outside of the radiator. Trucks that have a tow package often have a larger cooler that is outside of the radiator. Regardless of where your factory cooler is located, you can still add a supplemental cooler because transmission fluid cannot be over cooled.

You are correct about towing in warmer weather and in the mountains. It will increase the stress and thus the temperature on the transmission. Adding a cooler will help keep the temperature in the optimal 160 to 200 degree F range.

If you do decide to add a transmission cooler I recommend adding hose fitting # D13035 so you do not have to cut and flare lines. We recommend going with the largest cooler that will fit in the available space. Cooler # D13504 is a large cooler at 11x12x7/8 inches so I recommend going with it.

I have linked a video showing a typical installation of a cooler and our FAQ article on transmission coolers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

For your 2013 Chevy Silverado with 7-Way trailer connector I recommend adding 4-Way #118384 which will Tee in line with the 7-Way wiring allowing you to have both a function 4-Way and 7-Way connector. Please keep in mind that you can use both at the…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500

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