anyone advice for or anyone hear of oil tranny coolers for crv tow pkge?

[madmaxx]

i was looking for a 2" hitch kit and heard i can have oil tranny coolers installed to really make the tow capacity of my awd ex up to 3500lbs. my real thought is if i max out at 1500 those coolers can only help on long rides and hills, etc.

thankx

[2RedV's]

i was looking for a 2" hitch kit and heard i can have oil tranny coolers installed to really make the tow capacity of my awd ex up to 3500lbs. my real thought is if i max out at 1500 those coolers can only help on long rides and hills, etc.

thankxA tranny cooler does not extend the tow capacity one bit. The European CR-V's have a much higher tow rating than the North American ones (provided that the trailer has brakes) and they do not have nor need a trans cooler. Beware that over-cooling the trans fluid is also not a good idea.

The factory auto trans has a built-in cooler that is built into the radiator that maintains the trans fluid to around 180 degrees F by design. You would have to plumb your additional cooler after the factory one in order to gain any extra temp difference. You are also supposed to turn overdrive (OD) off when towing so as to prevent gear hunting which causes extra heat.

[madmaxx]

so really the issue is the actual towing capacity, which i see discussed in other threads.

i see its 1500 lbs in NA, but europe can do 3500 trailer with own braking system, i understand that mechanically v's are the same?, than it seems i can go with a trailer with a braking system even though manual in NA warns of overloading.

as to the tranny cooler, i do know that fluids are cooled already through the radiator but seeing as for years towing pkges included aux lines fittings and coolers for heavy conditions, was looking for what would be heavy.

towing 3500lbs on manual recommended max 1500lbs rating , going up and down grades at highway speeds for 8 hours or more just seemed like it might be heavy.
i'm doing that now but i'm just trying to learn my vehicle, as my towing will get away with a standard towing hitch setup.

[2RedV's]

so really the issue is the actual towing capacity, which i see discussed in other threads.

i see its 1500 lbs in NA, but europe can do 3500 trailer with own braking system, i understand that mechanically v's are the same?, than it seems i can go with a trailer with a braking system even though manual in NA warns of overloading.

as to the tranny cooler, i do know that fluids are cooled already through the radiator but seeing as for years towing pkges included aux lines fittings and coolers for heavy conditions, was looking for what would be heavy.

towing 3500lbs on manual recommended max 1500lbs rating , going up and down grades at highway speeds for 8 hours or more just seemed like it might be heavy.
i'm doing that now but i'm just trying to learn my vehicle, as my towing will get away with a standard towing hitch setup.

Your key to towing more than 1500 (US limit) involves NOT using the factory (US Honda) hitch as well. I would not worry about the engine running high rev's for long periods of time. I would use a tranny cooler, put brakes on the trailer and push the OD button IN, to keep it out of overdrive, as the manual suggests.

[madmaxx]

looking at a curtis hitch from what i read here, also is there a plug in adapter or are people just splicing into the wiring, i guess that hook stays?

regards

[2RedV's]

looking at a curtis hitch from what i read here, also is there a plug in adapter or are people just splicing into the wiring, i guess that hook stays?

regardsYes, there is an adapter. I got mine from etrailer.com for about $14 if I recall correctly, which is MUCH cheaper than the Honda one.
I also got my Curt hitch for the 99 from them.

[RinconVTR]

i was looking for a 2" hitch kit and heard i can have oil tranny coolers installed to really make the tow capacity of my awd ex up to 3500lbs. my real thought is if i max out at 1500 those coolers can only help on long rides and hills, etc.

thankx

Tow capacity can be fudged a little, but you MUST be aware of your Gross Vehical Weight which would include the tongue weight on the CR-V, and the rear axle weight must be known also.

On top of that, enough tongue weight and cargo will take a lot of traction of the front wheels, and you may need a weight distribution system AND trailer brakes to be safe.

I routinely tow 2 ATVs on an aluminum trailer, its loaded weight is 1800lbs. With no cargo in the back, and only one passanger, 300lbs over the tow rating still keeps me VERY safe withing all other weight limits. Even with OD off though, 2,000lbs works the CR-V very hard.

Use a weigh station to get positive weights...dont guess!!!

Any 4 banger towing more than 2,000lbs though is not a good idea. I would advise against it, 100%.

[madmaxx]

thx vtr, was looking to only tow ultra-lite camper in future 800-1000lbs.
yes advise on weight including vehicle occupancy vs vehicle is sound.

again i like to have the higher rated/capacity so if i am utilizing 1/3rd or less i should be better than fine, hey i'm not looking to drive my crv into ground.

also all my hitch gear is 2x2.

moderator may close this thread i'm good