Is a Supplemental Transmission Cooler Required for a 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Question

Question:

I will be towing a double axle camping trailer that weighs about 1500 lbs well within the rated 5000 lb towing capacity of the 4runner and I am wondering if an aftermarket transmission cooler is needed. AFAIK a transmission cooler is standard OEM I dont know enough to visually verify that, but what I believe from reading the 4runner forums. In the past 3rd gen 4runners there was an issue pink milkshake of death due to mixing of transmission and radiator fluid - but no one reports this happening with 5gen 4runners. What benefit would an aftermarket transmission cooler provide me?

asked by: James V

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Expert Reply:

The only way to prevent the possibility of the vehicle's transmission fluid mixing with the vehicle's radiator fluid would involve routing the transmission fluid away from the radiator to an aftermarket cooler. Usually the manufacturer will state whether or not a supplemental transmission cooler is required for towing.

With that being said it is certainly never a bad idea to install a supplemental transmission cooler for towing purposes nor will it harm the vehicle. Although your 2016 Toyota Tacoma is towing within the manufacturer's gross trailer weight (GTW) rating, I recommend installing a supplemental transmission cooler such as the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit part # D13504 as this will not only improve the performance of your vehicle's transmission but will also help to extend the wear life of the transmission's internal components.

If you choose reroute the transmission cooler lines away from the factory radiator, I recommend installing a remote mounted transmission cooler like the Derale Hyper-Cool Extreme Remote Cooler Assembly w/ Fan part # D15876 as this transmission cooler will be sufficient for standalone usage.

I have attached a review video of the Flex-a-lite cooler for you.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

The Jayco Jay Feather X213's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the most it can weigh when loaded, is indeed 5500-lbs. According to the online owner's manual for the 2015 4Runner the vehicle's maximum allowable trailer weight is 5000-lbs…

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Answer 2

The Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, item #D13501, is a Class II efficient transmission cooler and would definitely help the transmission on your JK, but since you are towing 2,000 pounds I would recommend a bit larger Class III…

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Answer 3

The best transmission cooler for your 2021 Toyota 4Runner is going to be the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient item #D13503. The radiator-style, plate-and-fin heat exchanger provides increased…

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Answer 4

When adding a transmission cooler like the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Kit, #D13503, to your 2008 Toyota 4Runner, the amount of fluid that you will lose is going to depend on the location of your return line. If the return line is located where…

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Answer 5

The main benefit a Remote Cooler with Fan #D12743 has over the Derale #D13503 is constant airflow being pulled through the fan. This helps if you spend a lot of time is more stop and go traffic or driving at slow speeds. Being able to pull the air…

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Answer 6

The difference between the plate and fin style, #D13504, and the tube and fin style cooler, #D12904, is that the plate and fin models can cool better than the tube and fin models. You will notice that plate and fin coolers with the same rating as…

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Answer 7

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 8

Hi Ethan; I'm sorry to say the Locking Endcaps for Vortex Aero Crossbars #RRVA-LEC4 do not fit the Sportz bars. Rhino-Rack does not have an option for locks that fit these crossbars at this time.

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Answer 9

Hey Rick, I wish I could say yes a Thule locking hitch pin would work with your Rhino Rack T-Load part #RTL002 but they are different sizes. The good news is the T-Load comes with a lock for the hitch pin so you won't need anything else.

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