Towing with/without transmission cooler

Post by **Fish'n Technish'n** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 10:50 pm

Bought an 08 Ford Escape recently and put a Class III hitch on it and paid the dealer to install the hitch plus a transmission cooler.
Took it in for 1st oil change and lo & behold...no oil cooler. Now the dealer says that the 08 has upgraded cooler built in and an add on cooler is not necessary. Says they will add the cooler if I insist or give me some $$ back if not.
Boat package weighs in at 2200 lbs with out all the gear.Any experience/opinions?
My 1st thought is that you can NOT have too much cooling while towing. Last thing I need is to blow the tranny on my way to the cottage.

Thanks for any/all replies

FT

Post by **CNs** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:45 pm

FnT,

The towing package (factory) is a class II hitch and according to Ford a transmission cooler.

You are correct a transmission cooler will protect the transmission better. 2200 lbs is not very heavy if that is the toal weight. My boat trailer motor weighs in @ 3200 (gas included) and I am running an 08 escape. I would get the dealer to install it as you paid for it.

I recently had the tranny service done and it was given a clean bill. I also have the extended warranty on it.

Good luckl

Post by **beachburger** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:46 pm

I've never owned a Ford but the car companies usually put upgraded tranny coolers as part of the "towing package". I'm guessing you do not have the towing package because you had the dealer install a hitch. If you plan on regularly towing a boat full of stuff and a vehicle full of people, an add-on tranny cooler is a good idea.

Post by **Peppino** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:59 pm

I don't mean to hijack this tread, but if you get a tranny cooler, does that mean you could dive with the OD on?

Post by **g unis** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:49 am

definately get some coin back. as for oil coolers , they are worth there weight in gold. as for pulling in od peppino. that depends on the weight and torque your vehicle has. one thing gents. a forgotten maintenence. change your tranny fluid when towing. dont get it done at a lube it shop. you need a complete fluid change and filter.. i have pulled up to 20.000lbs and never had a tranny failure with the proper tranny maintenence.

Post by **orrsey** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 8:30 am

I have been told by my mechanic that adding a tranny cooler is nothing but a good idea regaurdless of how much weight your towing. It wont hurt your vehicle and its definitely going to add protection against damage and prolong transmission life.

orrsey

Post by **Erie-Eyes** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 8:57 am

Peppino wrote:I don't mean to hijack this tread, but if you get a tranny cooler, does that mean you could dive with the OD on?

As g unis stated, it depends on your tow vehicle. I have a Jeep Liberty (factory installed towing package with a cooler system) to tow my rig (estimated 3/3500 pounds). When I first bought the Jeep, I could not get a concrete answer about towing in O/D from anyone including Chrysler. One day I was discussing this matter with my service manager and one of their top mechanics overheard our conversation and came over to join in the conversation. His advice was DO NOT TOW IN O/D - may cost a bit more in gas, but will not hurt the tranny. I tow 4/5000 km including an annual trip to Windsor area every year, and to date have had no problems - touch wood !!!

Post by **Muskie4L** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:09 am

Joe leave it in drive, unless you want a new van;) overdrive is a weak link in a tranny and yours is old :p

Post by **gorfman007** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 4:28 pm

I agree not driving in o.d. and the tranny flush and filter is a very good idea.