Transmission Cooler for 2011 Chevy Traverse

Updated 08/30/2012 | Published 08/28/2012

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(415)

$31.25

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$13.31

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1362)

$14.13

Ball Mount 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 12-5/8" Long

(3914)

$34.30

Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM

(274)

$16.69

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

(875)

$104.38

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Stainless Steel

(1325)

$41.96

Question:

2011 Chev Traverse LT w/1LT I plan to install your product on the 2011 I just purchased yesterday. I do not plan to tow with it on any kind of a regular basis but more as a backup in case my 2500 hd were to break down for some reason. The Bassboat I would be towings dry weight is approx 1800. Adding on a max of another 1200. for motor and trailer I would think I would be around 4000 lbs. I would trailer with minimal fuel so as not to be too heavy. Since it wont have the factory installed towing package that includes a larger trans cooler I was curious if there were any precautions I should be aware of? I believe there also is no trailering/overdrive off mode. As I said this would more be in an emmergancy kind of thing and other than that the only thing the reciever would see would be a fishing or cargo cart. I realize manufactures tow ratings are always conservative and I may be just fine but figure it might not be a bad idea to ask you people your thoughts?

asked by: Dan M

Expert Reply:

I would start by determining the towing capacity of the vehicle. I did some research, and saw a range of 2000-5200 lbs depending on how the vehicle was equipped. If you phone your Chevy dealer, they should be able to tell you the towing capacity of your Traverse based on its VIN.

If you find that the fully loaded and ready to tow weight of the boat and trailer does not exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle, the only other thing I would consider essential would be an aftermarket transmission cooler. A transmission cooler is cheap insurance that will protect your transmission from excessive heat that can occur when towing heavier loads. The Derale # D13502 would be an excellent choice. You would also need a fitting, part # D13035.

Keep in mind that if you ever plan on towing this boat on other than an emergency basis, you will want to look into a weight distribution system. A 4000 lb boat is going to cause a certain amount of squat on the rear end, which will lighten the downward force on the front axle. Since the Traverse is a front wheel drive vehicle, this can cause traction problems.

You might need the following parts to complete your towing system:

Trailer Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Connector, part # 118450
Ball Mount, part # D-26
2-5/16 Inch Trailer Ball, part # 63847
2 Inch Trailer Ball, part # 19247
1-7/8 Inch Trailer Ball, part # 19260
Locking Hitch Pin, part # e98882