kby

I've read the threads on towing. I'm going to pull a 600 lb boat (trailer / motor included) with an 07, 2.2, LT auto - do I need to worry about an external tranny cooler? Can you even put one on a front wheel drive car? Thanks for the help... kby

goetylsd

Well, that's under the 1,000 lbs rating set forth by Chevrolet. I think you'd be fine without one. 600 lbs is not that much, I've think I've towed about 700-800 lbs already with no issues. I have heard of some people installing external transmission coolers on an HHR though, but I think that's typically when they want to tow more than what is recommended. I believe they said that it gets mounted above the radiator... if I remember correctly.

kby

Thanks, I thought it would be OK, but I purchased the car used, with 77K on it and not knowing it's history, was wondering if the cooler would add any protection for the tranny. The car seems to run great and shift fine. Just don't want to mess up a good thing. Again, thanks - kip

AceMan

Some have mentioned trans temp gauges as a good idea when towing. Is this a job best left to the Pros? In the research I've done it seems there are several places to attach the sending unit.(trans line, use of drain plug area, attaching to pan etc.) Has anyone installed one of these gauges on an automatic?

I am towing a Teardrop under 1K and I was thinking that a gauge would be easier than a cooler to install (?)--I could watch the trans temp and pull over if it got too hot. Of course I will have to find out what a safe temp is in the HHR trans.

Any thoughts on the subject would be appreciated.