Auto Cooler

[Dogz]

Read the spec on the holden site under towing for a crewman I see

Holden approved towing package available. Towing capacity is 1600kg for V6 manual and V8 manual Crewman models. 2100kg for V6 automatic Crewman models. 2500kg for V8 automatic Crewman models.
(external oil cooler required)


At what point does a External oil cooler need to be fitted if your towing?, If you have the factory tow ball fitted do they fit the cooler?

Would seem preety stupid to fit a tow ball without a cooler especialy in the case when you have a towing capicity tag inside the front door....but it is Holden.

[80shovelead]

the external oil cooler would be needed for the auto towing package. it all depends on as to whether you get a heavy duty one fitted or a light duty one fitted, the more weight you tow the more stress is put on the auto transmission so the trans oil gets hotter and in turn wears out components faster but with a oil cooler the oil gets cooled more efficently since its not part of the radiator. hope that makes sense.

[Dogz]

Thanks 80shovelead I do understand it's only the auto tranny, It's just that I had this same problem with my Ford and blew the tranny, The only difference is Ford write if you are towing anything over I think it was 750kg's a cooler had to be fitted

The Holden spec doesn’t say anything like if you are towing item's OVER 750kg fit a cooler. Or is at all ready fitted in the factory tow kit


I have a boat I tow regularly that’s at about 1400 to 1500 kgs up some step hilly areas

I just (here is that word) assumed that since I have a Holden sticker inside my front door that says Rated towing capacity is 2500kg and 250kg tow ball down force I can throw 2 ½ ton on the back and drive around all day

[naf33n]

i say just pop ur head under the car and have a look... if there is one under there u will see it or at least pipes leading to one or something like that

[80shovelead]

if you have had a look and dont see anything that looks like a oil cooler youd probably be better going to your local holden dealer and asking them if you have one fitted, if you dont its most likely that you'll have to buy one and get it fitted, but that depends on if your able to buy one, you should be able to.

[jNINE]

It depends on what towing pack you have fitted as to whether an oil cooler will be fitted. 1250 or 1600kg packs may not have one, whereas a 2100kg pack will most likely have one fitted from factory. It really depends on what and where you are towing as to whether you need one. If you have a 1250 pack which can only really tow a box trailer of rubbish a few times a year then you can probably get away without one.

[9C1pack]

The 1250kg pack comes with trans cooler mounted in front of the radiator.
The heavy duty one comes with a bigger trans cooler and also a cooler for the power steering fluid, as the power steering pump is mounted close to the exhaust manifold and the manifolds can glow red hot under a sustained load and cook the power steering pump. I think there is also a heat shield for the tailshaft centre bearing and possibly the catalytic converter so that the floor does not get too hot.
If you tow anything large or for a long distance get a cooler, it will cost you money if you don't.
When I am buying a car, as soon as I see one of those square hole heavy duty towbars I look no further. If you are going to tow big things like caravans/floats/boats, buy a truck or a landcruiser/patrol.