Is a Transmission Cooler Necessary on a 2011 Honda CR-V
Updated 08/19/2013 | Published 08/15/2013
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Have a 2011 Honda CR-V. Have heard they have transmission cooling built in and it may not be necessary to add an after market cooler. I occasionally pull a lightweight trailer of about 400# loaded. Also have a tear trailer that goes around 980#. Tear has 14inch wheels. You provided some good advice on a trailer plug have not started on that yet. Thanks for your help.
asked by: Bob G
Helpful Expert Reply:
According to my research, the towing capacity of the 2011 CR-V is 1500 lbs. It appears that at most, you will not exceed 2/3 of this capacity, even when you are towing your heavier trailer.
Even though you have plenty of remaining capacity, and even with the OEM cooler (probably incorporated into the radiator), a transmission cooler is really inexpensive insurance for your transmission. A supplemental cooler will do an excellent job of providing extra protection to your transmission, especially when traveling in hilly terrain that makes the engine and transmission work much harder. If it were my vehicle, I would install a cooler if I were planning on towing.
A plate-fin cooler like the # D13502 would be more efficient for its size, and would best be mounted directly behind the grille, in front of the radiator and AC condenser.
I have linked you to some FAQ articles about transmission coolers as well as an install video that you might find helpful. When we installed a cooler on the 2009 CR-V, we found that some extra hose, part # D13003 was needed.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Dyno-Cool Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit - Class I - Economy
- Transmission Coolers
- Tube-Fin Cooler
- Car
- Standard Mount
- 15-1/4W x 5T x 3/4D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2021 Honda Pilot AWD
- Q&A: Can T-Fitting Be Added to Main Brake Line When Adding Brakes to Second Axle
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Is There a Replacement Mounting Hardware Kit for a Westin Grille Guard on a 2019 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Best Brake Controller Option For 2010 Toyota Tundra With Factory Tow package
- Q&A: Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2004 Lincoln Town Car
- Q&A: Transmission Cooler for a 2015 Toyota 4Runner Towing a Pop-up Camper
- Q&A: Should Fuse or Circuit Breaker Be Used When Installing Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: RV Sway Control, Stabilization, and Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness