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I have a question about trans temp. My normal temp is averaging around 115-130 empty and around 140 towing my boat(4000lbs). This seems low compared to what most of these guys are saying theirs run at. Is this bad?
Trans temp.
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Normal for light duty. Mine only runs hot when I tow over 10k.
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Ok yea mine never sees more than my 4k boat on the back of it.
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Idk maybe mine came with the super tranny cooler option when I got it
Same here.
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Same here. It has me concerned really. My 2010 normally ran 140ish empty. I can't ever recall seeing anything over 160 even when towing. This new '12 runs mid 160's, empty, with the dual coolers, and 30-50 degree weather. What temps am I going to see when pulling our 13k+ lb 5er in 80 degree weather?
The other difference I notice is the engine temp runs higher on the '12, usually running 200-203 degrees with spikes to 208, while the '10 ran around 195-197 with short spikes to 203 degrees and then back down.
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Ok have been watching the temp more closely today and it never goes past 115 mostly stays at 113 114.
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On the dual cooler package, the added cooler is a water-to-oil cooler that transfers heat to or from the engine coolant (whereas the standard cooler is an air-to-oil cooler). This means that, with the dual coolers, you may actually run hotter than you would with the single cooler (since heat from the engine coolant can actually get transferred TO the trans oil).
Now before you start thinking that the single cooler is better than the dual cooler setup, let me explain. The dual cooler setup is for max tow, and is aimed specifically at trucks which will be doing heavy towing. The big problem you have with heavy towing (from a trans standpoint) is poor cooling at low speeds. When you tow a trailer up a mountain road full of switchbacks, running 15-25 mph with lots of converter slip, there is not enough airflow (through the standard air-to-oil cooler) to keep the trans cool. The added water-to-oil cooler is there because it can remove that heat, even at low vehicle speeds.
By the way, even with the dual coolers, it is still a good idea to use the LOWEST possible gear (yes, FIRST gear if you're running ~20 mph or less) when towing a trailer up a steep grade at low speeds. This will help keep your trans and converter a LOT cooler than if you let it upshift.
Now before you start thinking that the single cooler is better than the dual cooler setup, let me explain. The dual cooler setup is for max tow, and is aimed specifically at trucks which will be doing heavy towing. The big problem you have with heavy towing (from a trans standpoint) is poor cooling at low speeds. When you tow a trailer up a mountain road full of switchbacks, running 15-25 mph with lots of converter slip, there is not enough airflow (through the standard air-to-oil cooler) to keep the trans cool. The added water-to-oil cooler is there because it can remove that heat, even at low vehicle speeds.
By the way, even with the dual coolers, it is still a good idea to use the LOWEST possible gear (yes, FIRST gear if you're running ~20 mph or less) when towing a trailer up a steep grade at low speeds. This will help keep your trans and converter a LOT cooler than if you let it upshift.
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This has what to do with my truck?
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Smart man giving you some insight since you clearly stated
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Mine runs in the 160 to high 180 range unloaded, with the max tow package. I have noticed though that while towing around 14K lbs. that the temps never go beyond the 180s. My truck is a Sept. 2012 build, so I can only assume it has the temp activated check valve. Hope this helps out - I was concerned at how high the temps were unloaded but received info from a few members that it was OK given the late 2012 build date and how the max tow package works.
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