Hi,

Newbie when it comes to towing. Our family just went on our 1st camping with our 2008 Suburban pulling a lite hybrid trailer (est. 5,000 lbs loaded). We live in Central California (near Fresno, CA) and we drove into the Sierra National Forest on Highway 168. This spot is a favorite of our family and we camp there 2-3 times a year.

Anyway, Highway 168 has a steep climb for about 2-3 miles and I was paying attention to the transmission temperature all the way up since i knew it was the steepest part of the drive. I had tranny temperatures near 240 degrees for during this stretch only. I was very concerned about the tranny temperature but not knowing if it would cause immediate or long term damage.

I'd like to know when it makes sense to install a transmission cooler for towing. What's the max. temperature should i know when to pull over and let it cool? Is 240 degrees for a couple of miles OK or WAY too hot for the tranny? Also, what's my towing max?

We plan on taking a trip in June 2013 to Mt. Rushmore and to the Grand Canyon later this fall and i want to make sure i'm prepared for our trips and that our suburban can handle it.

Thanks........


P.S.......here's my VIN: 1GNFC16J18J219568 if that helps out.

 

anyone?

 

I would say that it will do more good than harm to add one.

 

I'm wondering if the high transmission heat was more related to how i was driving up the hill. I had shifted in 3rd gear with "tow/haul" mode on as was going up around 35 mph. Would shifting to a lower gear and slowing down would have lowered the tranny heat?

 

Here is a helpful chart about Tranny temps. Transmission temperature/failure chart.

I own a 08 Suburban also. We are getting a pontoon boat this coming spring so I will be installing a larger tranny cooler. The oem ones are pretty small. Here is the one I will be buying. Automatic Transmission Super Cooler – 9,800 BTU rated – 11″x5-3/4″x3/4″ | B&M Racing and Performance Products

Good luck

 

It appears that i over estimated my GWR on the trailer (i can't find that' sticker anywhere. i looked in all the cabinet doors). It's probably no more that 3,500 lbs (dry weight is 2,760 lbs)

With it being this light, i wouldn't think it would get that hot unless i'm not driving it correctly.