Best Transmission Cooler for Off-Roading in a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser in Year-Round Warm Climate

Updated 07/27/2018 | Published 07/26/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Combination Transmission and Engine Oil Cooler with Multiple Threads

(17)

$244.37

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

(867)

$112.40

Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets - Class V - Extra Efficient

(93)

$111.18

Derale Atomic-Cool Remote Transmission Cooler Kit w/ Fan, -6 AN Inlets - Class V

(8)

$372.05

Question:

I have a 4x4 FJ Cruiser in Puerto Rico which is 80 F year round and will do off road cruising in mountain range and beach with soft sand terrains. question 1, what is the meaning of transmission oil cooler class I through class V? question 2, what models of transmission oil coolers you recommend, I have read model D13503 but probably a higher Class might be warranted?

asked by: Alejandro B

Expert Reply:

The Class rating applied to transmission coolers is to help simplify choosing a cooler for a vehicle. Basically you would think about it in terms of a hitch class rating. So for example if your 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser has a Class III hitch then a transmission cooler shown as a Class III is a good match. But ultimately you can use any cooler that fits in the intended mounting location.

Derale transmission cooler # D13503 is a very popular option. It is a Class III but if you want something that is even more efficient (more cooling capacity) then I recommend looking at # D13614. This is a Class V rated cooler but doesn't take up a whole lot of space. it is 11 inches wide, 11-3/8 inches tall, and 1-1/4 inch deep.

Keep in mind that a standard cooler like this relies on air flow through it in order to cool the transmission fluid. If you are frequently off-roading and low speeds then there won't be as much air flow and not as much cooling. For this type of application I recommend a remote cooler with its own fan, # D13950.

Since the remote cooler has its own fan it will receive the optimum amount of cooling all the time not matter where you mount it. The remote cooler also comes with a thermostat that will turn the fan on if the fluid gets above 180 degrees. I have included some additional links on transmission coolers for you.

expert reply by: Michael H