Hi all

Last year I purchased a tear drop camper ( 975 lbs) and towed it from N.C.
to Colorado. I had no problems towing, Temp was maintained and keep my speed between 55-65. I have towed the tear drop three times again no problem.

Now it was suggested by a few members to have a transmission cooler installed. Then I saw a post where it read it raised the temp level, to
possible leaks..

What gives.. any suggestion.?

I need to get by this year. In 2015 going to buy a vehicle to tow my tear drop or other camper I may get.

Thanks
Joe

 

Welcome to the site

I my opinion I would install a trans cooler.

Any time there is a connection you could have a potently have a leak.

It just depends on the quality of the parts and install.

 

Have a shop install it then it should be coved by a warranty for at least 6 months , maybe a year . I would talk to a trans shop . Not hard to due but at least you would have a warranty.

 

Welcome to the site, there are a few selections for a trans cooler, not hard to install and make sure it won't leak! there are several how to's on the site.

 

"Then I saw a post where it read it raised the temp level" ?

The only time I remember anything about that is if you hook it up backwards to the radiator.

 

Personally I would just contiue with what you are doing for this year. You seem to have a handle on the proper towing considerations.

A few things to consider,

1. I would make sure you have slightly more air pressure in your Rear HHR tires and also the vehicle you are towing to Keep the Towing Resistance to a minimum.

2. I would service the transmission at the end of each long trip just to make sure you are not cooking the fluid. Especially if you plan to keep the HHR for some time.

3. Use Synthetic motor oil ie: Mobil 1 while towing.
Make sure you are using Dexos rated oil if you have a 2011 model HHR.

4. Use a higher Octane fuel for these trips unless you have a 2.2L.

5. Properly Check Cooling fluid levels before starting out.

SF

 

I've towed travel trailers for 25 years (with big block Suburbans), and found that the weakest component in the drive train is the transmission. It's best to keep it cool and install a good quality trans cooler. I would assume that it's much more difficult to replace a tranny in these FWD vehicles than with a Suburban.