Towing Capacity and Transmission Cooler Installation on a 1999 Honda CR-V

Question:

What is the rated towing weight for a 1999 Honda CR-V? Does a trannie cooler install fairly easily on the Honda CR-Vs? What is the most effective mounting location for the finned cooler? How does the addition of a trannie cooler effect the volume of fluid and fluid level reading on the dip stick? Thanks for your time and expertise.

asked by: Robb B

Expert Reply:

I was able to find on the Honda website the specs for your 1999 Honda CR-V. The towing capacity is listed as 1000-lbs.

Transmission coolers come in a variety of types and sizes. These items are not vehicle-specific, so you can install the largest cooler for which you have space to mount it. The best location within the engine compartment is in front of the air conditioner condenser as this placement provides maximum air flow and hence best cooling. I have linked two articles that provide much helpful information about the types of coolers available as well as their installation.

Addition of a transmission cooler will have the beneficial effect of allowing a slightly higher overall fluid capacity in the system. This occurs from the additional space provided by the internal volume of the cooler and all of the oil line used to connect it. (The exact amount of hose used to install a cooler will depend on the choice of mounting location.) However, even with the additional fluid capacity introduced by the cooler and hoses, your dipstick readings should remain as they are now.

The Derale Class III aluminum cooler you referenced, part # D12903, is a fairly large unit at 15-1/4 x 7-1/2 x 3/4-inches. This unit comes with all materials required for installation, including the hose, but we also offer extra hose in a 5-foot length as part # D15701.

expert reply by: Adam R