How to Check Transmission Fluid After Transmission Cooler Install

Question

Question:

Happy New Year. I'd like to get some advice regarding hitch height. We intend to be on the road at least 30 times this year on highway trips 250+ miles each so getting this right is important. Our trailer is a Haulmark 5x8 Transport : The curb weight is 880lb I used these instructions to determine that my *empty* trailer has a tongue weight of 130lb https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-determine-trailer-tongue-weight.aspx I won't load any more than 800lb of equipment, luggage, instruments, etc.. in the trailer with the weight primarily over the axle and the rest of the weight balanced. We're consistent in what we travel with and I intend to spend some time making this correct so we shouldn't have much more than 150lb on the tongue fully loaded for a 1 month trip out west - most trips are shorter and less gear. I'll keep it at 10% of the trailer weight. The factory ball mount was 2" rise and was noticeably high. I turned it over (not recommended by the mfgr.) for a 3" drop which was way too low. I have a 3/4" rise hitch which is better than the 2" that I had before with the factory hitch, but I wonder if my trailer is still too high? Using the aluminum rails at the bottom of the trailer, the front is about 2 1/2" higher than the rear of the trailer. How big of a deal is this? Should I flip the ball mount and get a +1" ball so that total is -1" ? Airbags for the van? When I measured the 'drop' at the rear wheel well of my van, I recorded 3/4" drop or squat - do I need airbags or is this acceptable since we should be consistently around 130-150lb on the tongue? Thanks much!

asked by: Eric

0

Expert Reply:

The best way to check the vehicle's transmission fluid levels is while the vehicle is warmed up and running. Once you have flushed and installed the new fluid you will want to remain stationary and run back and forth through the gears a few times.

The Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets part # D13503 will probably add about 1/4 of a quart to the fluid capacity of your transmission's cooling system. You will want to account for this while adding fluid to the recommended fill level on your transmission's dipstick. The vehicle will indeed need to be on a level surface in order to receive a proper reading.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Eric

1/4/2018

Happy New Year. I'd like to get some advice regarding hitch height. We intend to be on the road at least 30 times this year on highway trips 250+ miles each so getting this right is important. Our trailer is a Haulmark 5x8 Transport : The curb weight is 880lb I used these instructions to determine that my *empty* trailer has a tongue weight of 130lb https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-determine-trailer-tongue-weight.aspx I won't load any more than 800lb of equipment, luggage, instruments, etc.. in the trailer with the weight primarily over the axle and the rest of the weight balanced. We're consistent in what we travel with and I intend to spend some time making this correct so we shouldn't have much more than 150lb on the tongue fully loaded for a 1 month trip out west - most trips are shorter and less gear. I'll keep it at 10% of the trailer weight. The factory ball mount was 2" rise and was noticeably high. I turned it over (not recommended by the mfgr.) for a 3" drop which was way too low. I have a 3/4" rise hitch which is better than the 2" that I had before with the factory hitch, but I wonder if my trailer is still too high? Using the aluminum rails at the bottom of the trailer, the front is about 2 1/2" higher than the rear of the trailer. How big of a deal is this? Should I flip the ball mount and get a +1" ball so that total is -1" ? Airbags for the van? When I measured the 'drop' at the rear wheel well of my van, I recorded 3/4" drop or squat - do I need airbags or is this acceptable since we should be consistently around 130-150lb on the tongue? Thanks much!

Reply

Conner L.

1/4/2018

In order to determine the correct rise/drop you will want to look for in a ball mount, you will need to do a bit of measuring. The best way to do this would involve first placing a leveling tool over the fender on either the driver's or passenger's side of your trailer. Once the leveling tool is in position you can then lower/raise the tongue jack until the the trailer is completely level. After the trailer has been leveled you can then measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler. Once the trailer height is measured you will then need to move onto the vehicle side. To find the correct height of the vehicle's hitch you will want to measure from the ground to the top of the inside edge on your vehicle's trailer hitch. The difference between the above two measurements will give you the correct rise/drop you will want to look for in a ball mount. Please note that all of these measurements need to also be taken on a level ground. I have attached our ball mount help article which explains this whole process in addition to a selection of our ball mounts for you. The 130-150 lbs of tongue weight which is causing about a 3/4" drop in the rear of your van is not really a problem as far as towing performance goes. However, since you mentioned you will be towing the trailer frequently, I recommend taking a look at some of our suspension enhancements as the consistent load placed on your vehicle will in turn wear the existing suspension components down much quicker as opposed to unloaded everyday use. For your Odyssey, I recommend using the AirLift 1000 Air Helper Springs part # AL60815. The airbags will be perfect for you because they will do an excellent job of handing the light load you have on your van's suspension in addition to not sacrificing ride quality as the airbags are adjustable meaning the level of support/comfort can be adjusted. I have attached a review, test course, and installation video of the airbags installed on a 2014 Honda Odyssey for you as well.

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