2002 LX470. Don't know much about my new to me SUV.
Looking for a Travel Trailer.
Do I need to install a Transmission Cooler?
Looking for a Travel Trailer.
Do I need to install a Transmission Cooler?
Towing an RV - do I need a Transmsission Cooler?
- Thread starter cwmoser
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I tow around 5K with the stock set up and the only time the trans got hot was 50-55mph in OD. Keep it out of OD unless you are flat ground and at higher speeds and should never be a problem
You have a cooler from factory bigger than any aftermarket one I've seen.
I have the factory cooler I have towed our boat with both a 99 LC and an 06 LX470
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for the tip about OD. I'm not only a newbie with the LX but I've never owned a Travel Trailer.
Gonna be an adventure for me
Gonna be an adventure for me
Thanks for the tip about OD. I'm not only a newbie with the LX but I've never owned a Travel Trailer.
Gonna be an adventure for me
Your biggest challenge pulling a travel trailer is finding mirror extensions. The only ones I have found are across the pond, they were very nice but also costly.
- Thread starter
- #7
Thanks. I had not given too much thought about Mirrors.
Aren't there some stick on Mirrors?
Regarding the "across the pond" mirrors, do you have a picture?
Run in 4th gear, keep it around 60mph and add a electric brake controller.
I've used these mirrors and they work just dandy - https://www.amazon.com/JR-Products-...Products+2912+Grand+Aero+Towing+Mirror+-+Pair
He has a 4spd. Don't you mean run in 3rd?
- Thread starter
- #11
jemsec
Mach lll Club
You need a cooler but might want to check to see if you already have one.
I just towed my parents 23' Jayco hybrid trailer which weighed around 5k almost 2200 miles from Utah to Oregon and back. The LX searched for gears but handled the weight okay. I used these mirrors a buddy lent me and they worked really well.
I learned on this trip that I don't want an RV and that I'll never borrow their trailer again. Although I didn't have any issues towing it I felt like it was too big for the trailer, not just weight but also physical size compared to the LX. Wind drag was bad which I feel helped contribute to my terrible mileage.
If I felt the need to buy a trailer I'd seriously look at a pop up as opposed to a hard sided trailer. Something that has a smaller footprint and is lighter.
I learned on this trip that I don't want an RV and that I'll never borrow their trailer again. Although I didn't have any issues towing it I felt like it was too big for the trailer, not just weight but also physical size compared to the LX. Wind drag was bad which I feel helped contribute to my terrible mileage.
If I felt the need to buy a trailer I'd seriously look at a pop up as opposed to a hard sided trailer. Something that has a smaller footprint and is lighter.
- Thread starter
- #14
That is what I am afraid of -- not liking an RV.
I'm trying to keep the length to under 21' and weight under 3500#.
I'll have to consider pop ups too.
- Thread starter
- #15
No, it will actually be better for it. Stressing it would be towing to much weight and especially towing in the wrong gear.
Towing in to high a gear with extra weight will make the transmission "gear hunt", that means shifting from 4th to 3rd and back to often, that causes the transmission to overheat.
Plus towing in a lower gear keeps the engine rpm up so you stay in the power band so climbing hills is easier and you all have the added advantage of engine braking when you let off the throttle.
When slowing down you want the engine to do most of the work not the brakes. Once you overheat the brakes you're done, stopping will be near impossible.
So 3rd gear, 55-60mph, don't be afraid to use the cruise unless it's really hilly.
jemsec
Mach lll Club
In front of the radiator. Looks like a small radiator with lines running to the transmission. Also look for fluid lines running from the transmission to the radiator. I will bet they're there.
If you have a scan gauge it will give you the transmission temperature and can be set to constantly monitor the actual temperature when pulling a trailer. Mine usually runs about 180 degrees when pulling a 6,200# camper.
Last edited:
Pop ups are a great match for the 100 IMO. Pulled a pop up 1000,s miles with an 100.
I have towed our boat (5K) over the last few years with our 99 and 06 and they do OK. I pulled one boat season with our 06 CTD 1 ton 4.11 6 speed Bright daylight to No moon night difference. I cant stress enough the difference. If you plan on any long time or distance pulling a RV with an 100, dont.
I pull a 16 foot 3500 lb Livin Lite Camplite RV and the 100 does fine. I use an Andersen weight distribution hitch for sway control, electric brakes on both trailer axles controlled by a Tekonsha P3, and I stay in 4th gear which keeps the torque converter locked up almost all the time (Heat is generated when the torque converter unlocks, which happens a lot in 5th.) I also tow at 55-60 mph and get just over 10 mpg consistently. The trailer is 7 foot wide, which means I don't need towing mirrors because the OEM mirrors work fine for that width. Wide mirrors are needed for the 8 foot wide trailers, IMHO. If my RV were any longer, wider, heavier, or had any more tongue weight, I'd be towing with an appropriately setup pickup truck.
If you've never used one do yourself a favor and borrow one or rent one for a weekend. I know there are a few different outfits in my area that rent the whole range of camp trailers from pop ups to 5th wheels. I'm sure that if you decide a camp trailer will work for you guys you'll be able to find the right one but I'd be bummed to find one you liked but then decided it was too much for your trailer.
I had considered getting a trailer for a while because my wife doesn't like to camp. I thought that if I picked one up she'd enjoy it and would be interested in coming out more. This long trip I just got back from was about as "not camping" as it could have been with most nights having full hookups and warm showers at every site. In the end she just doesn't care about being outside and it seems would just rather stay home. This bugged me in the past but I'm finally okay with it and honestly would just assume to continue to camp like I like to with my club buddies and extended family. I ordered an RTT the day after we got home and spent my first night in it last night and it was awesome. I have a 10 month old who is going to be my camping buddy and we'll go play while mom relaxes at home.
Good luck finding something that works for you. I'm glad that I was able to make my decision before I bought something I'd later grow to regret and was able to borrow a trailer to help me get to that point.
