TOWING A LIGHT LOAD

AV4U2NV · Feb 22, 2004

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum, and I must say, it has really helped me alot! I've just purchased an '04 WBH and absolutely love it!

My only is that after reading a previous thread concerning transmission oil coolers, I realized that I dont think I have one either. I'm really not hauling much weight, though (about 1400lbs including the trailer). I realize that I cant go wrong getting the TOC, but do I really NEED it? Everyone I ask laughs and tells me I'm paranoid, and that the AV wont even know the trailer's there!

So far I've only got 190 miles on my AV and according to the owners manual, I should'nt tow ANYTHING before 500 miles. Does anyone with any trailer towing experience have any advice regarding the TOC issue?

Thanks! :B:

ShapeShifter · Feb 22, 2004

AV4U2NV said:
I'm really not hauling much weight, though (about 1400lbs including the trailer). I realize that I cant go wrong getting the TOC, but do I really NEED it? Everyone I ask laughs and tells me I'm paranoid, and that the AV wont even know the trailer's there!

If it will make you feel better, put it on, it can't hurt if it's done right. But towing such a light trailer, I wouldn't loose any sleep not having it.

And your friends are right, after the first few miles you'll forget you even have that trailer behind you. My trailer is a only a little heavier, and after a few minutes it's easy to forget about it. Then I look behind me, and I'm surprised by that big red thing tailgating me!

-- SS

disneydaddy · Feb 22, 2004

I installed the TOC on my 03 WBH. My trailer is approx 6000# and has the front surface area of a barn.
If money isnt an object or you think you could do the install yourself (run a search for install tips) I would put the factory TOC on your AV. The install is clean and nobody can tell it wasnt factory installed since it uses all OEM parts installed in the same place GM should have put them.
If you need the part # for the GM unit send me a note, I know its in the glovebox of my AV.

AVA_Grandpa · Feb 22, 2004

disneydaddy said:
If money isnt an object or you think you could do the install yourself (run a search for install tips) I would put the factory TOC on your AV.

AV4U2NV, I'd agree with disneydaddy, and shapeshifter, and look towards a TOC. Simply for the 'peace of mind'

Welcome to the Club :B:

disneydaddy said:
If you need the part # for the GM unit send me a note, I know its in the glovebox of my AV.

disneydaddy, when I went into my dealer, they looked and couldn't find a TOC for my 03 Z71. Could you please post that Part Number here? :B:

Thanks

AV4U2NV · Feb 22, 2004

Thanks a bunch for quick replies, guys!

All I'm ever going to pull is my ATV ('04 Bombardier Traxter MAX) which is about 850 lbs on a small utility trailer (approx 400 lbs). I'm also probably never going to haul it more than 8 or 9 miles at a time here in South Florida (flat as can be!). I'm just a little obsessive compulsive when it comes to my truck. :2:

At the risk of sounding completely crazy, should I wait to get my TOC installed at the dealer before pulling this at all? Money is not as much of an issue as time.

Thanks again everyone, and please forgive my hoplessly obsessive compulsive nature! :B:

AVA_Grandpa · Feb 22, 2004

Oh.. Just 8 miles each way on flat terrain. IMO, the TOC wouldn't provide you much, if any, advantage.

My dealer continues to try and convince me I don't need one, and my typical towing would be 40-50 miles, moderate hilly terrain, pulling between 5,000 - 6,000 pounds, boat and trailer ( 03 Z71 ).

As you indicate of yourself, I too take the concept "an ounce of prevention ..."

:B:

Good luck and Happy Towing

disneydaddy · Feb 22, 2004

The part # is 12497071 Mine was for an 03 WBH but I believe it fits any late model GM full size truck with the auto trans and the 5.3L. I think the average price is around $85-$90 plus installation
The instructions are very well written and the whole kit includes everything for the job.
I find it disturbing that any dealer would try to talk someone out of installing a TOC. I think it shows a lack of understanding of the system and the strains placed on them by towing.
It is also my humble opinion that even if I did not tow and live in Florida (lucky dog) I would still install the cooler, many have commented on the lower operating temps without trailers in stop and go traffic. Lower temps is ALWAYS a good thing for a trans.

:B:

cadboy1 · Feb 22, 2004

I get almost 50 degree less according to my Denali cluster trans temp gauge. In fact, that is how I found out I did not have the AUX cooler on my 03 like my 02 did. I did not recall temp going so high even when towing 6500LBS and now it was higher without towing anything :8:

Came to this site, did a search and sure enough others already figured out cooler was no longer included. Small amount of money and time for peace of mind. When you think about all the more expensive mods we do that we dont really "need", this one a no-brainer.

flyer05 · Feb 22, 2004

Weeelll, I have an "04 (TOC

) I just hauled a trailer and 2 snowmobiles 3 hours up north in MI and the tranny never got over 140. I am not too worried. Now when I put an 18 footer on it I will keep a close eye on the temp.

cadboy1 · Feb 22, 2004

flyer05 said:
Weeelll, I have an "04 (TOC ) I just hauled a trailer and 2 snowmobiles 3 hours up north in MI and the tranny never got over 140. I am not too worried. Now when I put an 18 footer on it I will keep a close eye on the temp.

TOC= Transmission oil cooler

2 snowmobiles is not much weight. With enclosed trailer maybe 2000 LBS tops. Plus if your going snomobiling lets assume its cold out

Try 7000 LBS in the heat of July and let me know what your temp reaches. I tow 2500 LBS. ATVs + trailer and in winter my temp gauge never leaves first notch which is 100 degrees, so your already 40 degrees more than me. Its the summer you have to worry about.

disneydaddy · Feb 23, 2004

I dont live to far from Ypsi so I know the ambient air temp has been pretty low lately and even lower "up north"
I agree that winter is not the time to worry.
I towed my travel trailer over 7000 miles in the last 18 months. The AC compressor in my wifes suburban died in Florida (started it death rattle in Virginia) last summer when it was rainy and 95 degrees. Apparently related to heat because the new units are down low on the right side. Towing builds a lot of heat, The water temp never got over 200 degress the whole trip but I know it was pretty hot under the hood.
Just because Chevy didnt put one on doesnt mean you dont need one, they only have to stand behind it for 36,000 miles. It certainly wouldnt be the first time that GM did something cheap and short sighted

Aries · Feb 23, 2004

So, I am planing this summer on towing my dads 28' Bayliner Cabin cruiser for him a few times. She weights in around 6,800lbs give or take a couple hundred pounds of fuel. HEHE >:D

I live in Florida (god help me) I will be pulling it from Daytona to Tampa which is about 200+ miles (I am so precise, LoL) and I don't have a TC... I need one, don't I

cadboy1 · Feb 23, 2004

Aries said:
So, I am planing this summer on towing my dads 28' Bayliner Cabin cruiser for him a few times. She weights in around 6,800lbs give or take a couple hundred pounds of fuel. HEHE

I live in Florida (god help me) I will be pulling it from Daytona to Tampa which is about 200+ miles (I am so precise, LoL) and I don't have a TC... I need one, don't I

All you could do Aries, is read through these posts and then you have to make your own decision if you need one or not. I think you/I do but that is only my opinion, others may disagree but many others agree. Heat kills transmissions. This is a realatively cheap mod for peace of mind. We spend thousands of dollars on mods, what is $80 for 50 degrees less tranny temp? Especially if you plan on keeping your ride past 36K warranty that Disneydaddy just pointed out is all GM gives you.

Mike

Aries · Feb 24, 2004

If its only $80 for TC I will put one in just for the piece of mind. Also, I got a 50,000 mile bumper to bumper/power train warrenty for only $700 from my dealer!!!

RichUF · Feb 24, 2004

Aries said:
If its only $80 for TC I will put one in just for the piece of mind. Also, I got a 50,000 mile bumper to bumper/power train warrenty for only $700 from my dealer!!!

is that 50k miles starting at the 36k point for a total of a 86k mile warranty? Same as 36k bumper to bumper?

I'm considering starting to look for an extended warranty. I never have felt the need to purchase one, but have managed to rack up 22k miles in 10 months

and know that I'll keep the truck at least 8 years, maybe 10.

Doug ZREX · Feb 24, 2004

RichUF said:
is that 50k miles starting at the 36k point for a total of a 86k mile warranty? Same as 36k bumper to bumper?

My Chevy dealer told me if I got the 50k warranty, it was a total of 50k not, 36 + 50. I'm at 25k in 11 months so I need the 4yr 100k mile type of waranty, but I'm just a bit leary of all the warranty companies not honoring their contracts.

Doug

Doug

bonedog · Feb 24, 2004

Just so everyone knows... here is GM Parts Direct:

GM PART # 12497071
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $91.00
OUR PRICE: $63.70
DESCRIPTION: COOLER

thats not a bad price for everything and like someone said earlier it worth the money considering the money we spend on unnecessary mods to our rigs.

Aries · Feb 24, 2004

It is a 3year 50,000mile instead of a 3year 36,000 mile warrenty. Sure it's only 14,000 extra miles for $700 but, that covers all the 4x4 parts too! Well worth it to me considering the cost of a transfer case. I too will purchase some kind of extended warrenty towards the end.

I love my truck and will take care of her regaurdless of warrenty or no warrenty.

disneydaddy · Feb 24, 2004

Nobody loves you like your truck ! (except maybe Mom)

ShapeShifter · Feb 24, 2004

bonedog said:
Just so everyone knows... here is GM Parts Direct:

GM PART # 12497071
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $91.00
OUR PRICE: $63.70
DESCRIPTION: COOLER

thats not a bad price for everything...

Before ordering, make sure you find out the shipping costs. GM Parts Direct is known for low-balling the parts price, and making it up in shipping. Check other sources, including the two sponsoring dealers, and make sure you compare the full delivered price. You might be surprised at the result.

Still, I agree with your assesment that it is not expensive, and is cheap insurance. Especially considering what some of the purly cosmetic mods can cost.

-- SS