Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2007 Chevy Silverado 4x4 with Tow Package and 5.3 Liter

Updated 01/27/2011 | Published 01/26/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(876)

$104.38

Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM

(274)

$16.69

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(876)

$96.60

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient

(876)

$120.43

Question:

This vehicle is rated for 7500# towing capacity 3.73 rear end. In purchasing a boat recently the best deal was a 2665 Regal that with trailer and gear will top the scales around 8500-9000#. The truck pulls it fine and I will only be pulling it on fairly level roads in SC and FL. As I traveled to pick the boat up empty the trans temp ran about 145-155 degrees around Thanksgiving in SC, 60-70 degrees. When pulling the boat back from Charleston to Columbia the trans temp ran 170-175 on the interstate but got up to around 190 in town briefly. I cannot find a maximum in the owners manual but the manual talks about 200 like it may be a desired maximum. I am concerned that in the SC summer 95-105 degrees the transmission temp may go way up. My question is-am I being paranoid or should I look at a larger trans cooler than the factory one, and additional one or a new truck?

asked by: M R

Expert Reply:

The ideal operating temperature for the transmission and fluid is between 160 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Transmission fluid cannot be overcooled, so adding an aftermarket cooler would be a good idea as factory coolers can be inadequate for towing applications.

The Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13502, is one of the recommended coolers for the 2007 Chevy Silverado with the 5.3 liter engine. Since you are towing upwards of 9,000 pounds, I would recommend a higher capacity cooler like # D13503. You will also need hose fitting # D13035.

There are basically 3 places you could install the cooler. The most efficient place is in front of the A/C condenser core. The next best place is between the core and the radiator. And the least efficient place is between the radiator and engine. If a cooler will only fit in this last location, a larger cooler is recommended, like # D13504, to make up for the loss in efficiency. I have included a link to our transmission cooler FAQ and video showing a typical installation for reference.

While adding a cooler will help to keep your transmission fluid in the optimum range, it appears that the boat and trailer could be beyond the towing capacity of the truck. I did some research and found that depending on the trim level of the truck (LTZ, LT1, LT2 and so on) there is a standard towing capacity and a maximum towing capacity. The max towing capacity on the trucks that had a standard of 7,500 was 10,500. I would double check that figure with a Chevy dealer to be certain.