Is an Aftermarket Transmission Cooler Needed for Towing with a 2016 Ford F-150 Without Tow Package

Published 12/18/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(876)

$96.60

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(52)

$316.54

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3480)

$118.67

Question:

I own a 2016 F150 XLT 3.5L Ecoboost. I want to buy a travel trailer. Ive never towed anything before. Ive been reading that because I dont have the factory towing package, I need an aftermarket transmission cooler. One forum post said, If you do decide to add a cooler, if aftermarket, make sure you get a plate type cooler, not a tube and fin style. Im not sure on the 15-16 F150, but the 11-14 trucks use 1/2 inch cooler lines. I like Derale products for aftermarket stuff. Check etrailer.com for stuff pertaining to upgrading for towing stuff. Ive also been reading that I need to install airbags. Is that necessary if I purchase a weight distribution hitch? Im not sure what to get or whether its necessary! Thanks for your help.

asked by: Russ T

Expert Reply:

According to a brochure from Ford regarding the trailer tow package for a 2016 Ford F-150 it includes a 4-Way/7-Way connector combination, a Class IV trailer hitch, their Smart Trailer Tow Connector, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, auxiliary transmission cooler, and upgraded front stabilizer bar. I can help you with some of those things but there are things like the Smart Trailer Tow Connector, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and front stabilizer bar that you would need to contact your local Ford dealer about.

You don't necessarily have to have a transmission cooler, but if you plan on towing more towards your max trailer capacity it is definitely beneficial and reduces strain on your engine.

If you do want/need a transmission cooler I recommend going with the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13503 because it is the most efficient cooler available for your 2016 F-150. I am not 100% sure about the size of the transmission line you currently have but this kit does come with the Derale Insta-dapt adapter that fits most F-150s that have 5/16" transmission lines. I am attaching a helpful article on transmission coolers and a photo with the dimensions of this cooler to help you determine the best place to install this kit.

As far as air bag kits go, they are best for when you are using your pickup mainly for payload (truck bed) purposes. If you plan to use it mainly for towing then a weight distribution (WD) system is the best way to go by far and basically negates the use of an air bag kit as a properly rated WD system levels out the towing setup.

To determine that you have a properly rated WD system you first need to add the tongue weight (TW) of your fully loaded trailer with the weight of any cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your F-150. Once you know what this number is simply choose a WD system that has a TW range that your total TW falls in the middle of. If you let me know what your total TW is I can make a recommendation for you.

If you don't already have a trailer hitch or wiring for your F-150 then I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch # C26HR which is the strongest Class IV trailer hitch that we offer and the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 which comes with all of the wiring and connectors to change your 4-Way connector into a 4-Way/7-Way combination connector. The mounting bracket # 18140 lets you mount the ETBC7 connector without drilling into anything as well.

Let me know if you don't already have a brake controller and I'd be happy to make a recommendation for that as well!

Attached are some review and installation videos that you can reference.