I know a number of you tow with a van. Mine is a base model. I've had to add my own towing package I've been putting it off, but towing this heavier load (Forest River 2280bhesp) through the steep hills of New England was pushing the van into new levels of stress. Time to add a transmission cooler. This is the install and the results. PopUp Camper: 2019 Forest River Rockwood 2280bhesp Tow Vehicle: 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan OBDii Scanner: https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-... ODBii App: OBD Fusion (Apple Store)
Nice! My DH installed one on our 2012 Grand Caravan this summer too. We also have the "DIY Tow Package" !!
That cooler is huge. I installed one that has a lot of surface area but is about 1/3 the size of yours. One thing I've wondered about it adding additional transmission fluid. I didn't add more to mine, but with that big cooler, do you think the transmission will get enough oil? I'm not a mechanic. Just wondering how that works.
I put one on our old 2007 Grand Caravan. It had a factory cooler but it was small, and it wasn't rated for towing much, so I figured an aftermarket one couldn't hurt. Our current Pacifica has a factory towing package so I didn't bother putting anything additional in.
I’m assuming your TV does not have an automatic transmission fluid dipstick like many newer vehicles don’t. I called the manufacturer of the oil cooler and ask them how much oil to add. The way you check the level on the newer no touch systems is removing the fill plug near the transmission. I believe you fill it until it starts coming out of that hole, Then reinstall the plug. But I wonder if the extra oil from the cooler would drain down and flow out of the fill hole? But then, the OEM cooler would do the same ( unless there was a one way check valve ). Maybe the cooler and lines hold a3 of a quart and the system isn’t affected by that amount less. You could also call one or more tranny shops for the answer. You could tell them the size of your cooler, the dia of the lines in the cooler (if that varies?), approx. length of supply/return lines In the vehicle you’re installing it on. You probably don’t need that info, so just called a few shops and see what they say. Please post back what are you fine so others can learn from your experience.
I know I topped mine off when I installed it. It's been like 5 years ago so I don't remember the specifics... I want to say you just filled it until the level was up to the fill plug, allowing time for air to bubble out, etc.
