Is a Transmission Cooler Needed and Do I Need Additional Fluid  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct on both accounts, a transmission cooler would be recommended for your towing situation, and you would also need to add enough transmission fluid to fill both the new transmission cooler and any lines associated with it. Transmission fluid can not be over cooled, but it is critical in extreme cold conditions to allow the vehicle to warm up before driving.

Thank you for supplying information regarding your trailer weight and your vehicle towing capacity please also check with either your owners manual or Honda to see if any additional cooling systems are recommended to be used in conjunction with a transmission cooler. Typically manufacturers recommend the addition of an oil, or power steering cooler.

Transmission coolers are not vehicle specific, but there are coolers that are recommended specific to ideal mounting locations of your vehicle. It is always recommended to use the most efficient mounting location that is possible. Typically this is located between the AC condenser core and the grille. If the ideal and most efficient mounting location is not possible, then it is typically recommended that a larger transmission cooler be selected.

I have included a link to the transmission coolers that are recommended for your 2010 Honda CR-V. Specific to using your 2010 Honda CR-V to tow this trailer I would recommend at the minimum a Class II rated transmission cooler.

My recommendation would be to use the Derale Transmission cooler # D13502. This is a Class III rated, plate-fin style cooler. It is recommended for small to mid sized SUVs. I have included a video link to this part installation very similar vehicle.

I have included links to a couple of our helpful articles about transmission coolers for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H

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