Fan Recommendation for a Transmission Cooler When Travelling at Low Speeds

Updated 07/21/2015 | Published 07/19/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Derale 8" Tornado Electric Fan - 500 CFM

(12)

$116.29

Derale Adjustable Fan-Control Thermostat with Radiator Hose Probe

(6)

$58.07

Question:

I have a 2011 V6 4x4 Rav4 that tows a Aliner Expedition which is about 2700 lb loaded. I installed a large cooler and it helps a lot keeping my tranny temp under 220 even on uphills. However, on a particular winding road Priest Grade from China Camp to Groveland the tranny reaches 235. I think it is the slow ~ 15-20 mph speed on the grade, coupled with the high outdoor heat often 100 deg F as when I get moving faster again the tranny temp s as air flows over the cooler. Perhaps I need a fan in front of the cooler to keep airflow while driving slow on this long grade? Could you advise something?

asked by: Rav4 T

Expert Reply:

If you are planning on traveling on steep grades, at a low speed, in high heat...a fan in front of the transmission cooler you have would be a great idea.

I am not sure how big your cooler is but the 8 inch fan part # D16618 should work well and then you could use the thermostatic control part # D16769 so that you can program it to come on at a certain temperature.

expert reply by: Jameson C