Transmission Cooler Recommendation for 2016 Chevy Traverse

Updated 08/13/2019 | Published 08/12/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(1796)

$164.56

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

(874)

$103.83

Question:

I am interested in buying a pop up camper that weighs around 2600-2800 pounds and installing the hitch, etc myself on my 2016 chevy traverse. I just realized today that my 2016 Traverse doesn’t have the “coveted” V92 tow package, thus it’s rating is only 2,000 pounds for towing. At least I don’t think it does as I do not see the V92 code in the glovebox, though I clearly found the pre-wiring under the rear tire to plug into for the hitch wiring. I know anything above the amount of 2k would be above the warranty regardless of what myself or a dealer does, but Is there anything you sell on your website that would beef up the cooling for my traverse? I’m not looking to tow more than 3k and I fully understand the warranty issues, just curious if there is something I can add such as beefed up cooling that will safely let me tow 3k, regardless of warranty. Thoughts?

asked by: Kevin M

Expert Reply:

The big thing you need to keep cool when towing a heavy trailer is the transmission fluid. Modern radiators do an excellent job cooling the engine coolant especially when combined with the electric fans vehicles are using as well, but what the still haven't mastered is the transmission fluid cooler from the factory which if the fluid gets too hot takes you end up taking 10's of thousands of miles off of it's life.

So if I was to turn a blind eye to you trying to tow beyond your capacity but offer you something to keep anything cool it would be with a transmission cooler like the part # D13503 which is a fit and will keep the fluid very cool so as to preserve the life of the transmission. This is a larger cooler in the plate fin style which is very efficient so it will be a really great option for you.

expert reply by: Jameson C