Recommendation For Transmission Cooler On a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Towing a 7,000 Lb Trailer

Updated 10/05/2011 | Published 10/03/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(93)

$120.73

Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM

(272)

$16.69

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

(872)

$120.43

Question:

2010 chevy 1/2 ton 5.3 liter 6 speed tranny pulling 7000# trailer on hot days pulling on flat country temp gets up over 90C what size cooler do I need FORGOT to mention truck was ordered with heavy duty cooling package going into mountains next year do not want tranny failure Thanks for the help

asked by: Claude

Expert Reply:

Ideally you want to keep the temperature of the transmission fluid in the 160 to 200 degree range. You cannot cool transmission fluid too much.

Transmission coolers are universal fit items so you will want to measure the space you have in front of your air conditioning condenser or your radiator to see what size cooler will fit your 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Since you will be towing a 7,000-lb trailer through the mountains with your Silverado I would recommend to use the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, # D13504. This cooler is a Class IV cooler which means it is rated for towing up to 12,000 lbs. It will measure 11 inches wide x 12 inches tall x 7/8-inch deep. You will want to make sure these dimensions of the cooler will fit on your vehicle.

To install the # D13504 cooler on your 2010 Chevrolet Silverado you will need one of the Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM, # D13035. This will snap into the factory transmission coolers output fitting to allow you to run the coolant line from it without having to cut or flare the original fitting on the factory cooler.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on transmission coolers and a link to a video review of a plate-fin transmission cooler.