Is Transmission Cooler Recommended for 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Within 500 Lbs of Max Capacity

Published 01/17/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Dyno-Cool Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit - Class I - Economy

(114)

$57.86

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

(867)

$100.51

Question:

From what I can find out, my 2019 Nissan Pathfinder can tow a max of 6000 lbs. My camper weighs about 5500 lbs fully loaded. Do I need to use a transmission cooler?

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

You're getting pretty close to the towing capacity of that vehicle, so yes I would without doubt recommend a transmission cooler. A transmission cooler is some super-inexpensive insurance that will do a great job of protecting your transmission.

The best place to install a cooler is right behind the grille, in front of the radiator. You'll want to choose a cooler that fits the available space, and you needn't worry about the cooler blocking the air flow to the radiator. There's enough air flow that will get through that the existing radiator will cool everything just fine.

The # D13502 supplemental transmission cooler from Derale would work perfectly for you. The cooler installs inline on the transmission return line from the radiator back to the transmission as shown in the video and the help articles I've linked.

The # D12901 you'd referenced would work well too, but it isn't as efficient as the # D13502 I recommended and would take up about the same amount of space. I prefer the more efficient cooler.

expert reply by: Mike L