Adding engine and trans oil cooler to my truck

Hi all,

When I bought my truck, I tried to save money and did not get the towing package. Mine is an TRD sport 4x2 auto. 2016

But now my job circumstances have changed and I need to tow a small trailer, but about 3500~4000 lbs twice a week up and down to a work site.

I bought the receiver hitch, mounting ball etc. But I also desire to add the transmission and engine oil coolers and power steering cooler. Thats among few things the tow package include if you buy it. Is there better aftermarket engine and trans oil cooler (better or OEM parts for cheaper) I could buy to add that anyone here would recommend/ advise me?

My priority is Engine oil cooler > Trans oil cooler > power steering cooler in that order.

May I seek advice from you all which coolers I could buy to add to my truck? I appreciate very much. Also please tips on ties of lines, to add, as well. and any other parts needed.

From Tacoma product manual (what I am missing):


Thank-you very much in advance.

 

I'd hit up ETrailer.com

 

My suggestion would be to add some type of temp gauge first and see if you even need a cooler for what you are doing. Cooler oil isn't always better.

 

Priorities are wrong.

Brakes first, preferably on trailer. Got those?

Trans first, engine oil 2nd (maybe) and PS last (if ever)

It's very unusual to overheat engine oil if the coolant system is all up to snuff. So it's doubtful you'll have an issue there. And if the Toyota oil cooler is similar to the ones I've tinkered with on Mazdas and Hondas, it's not too big a deal anyway.

You don't mention the year model. Some have trans temp out puts, but it takes a ScanGuage or some other fairly smart real time ECU reader to see them. That's where I'd start; an item like that will always serve you well and is transferable across vehicles should you change.

 

I agree with Bill. Transmission cooler is going to be a bigger issue. Even with the factory tow package cooler, mine gets up around 200° pulling a 3000 lb trailer up hills. The tow pack cooler is fairly small in comparison to aftermarket coolers.

Don't have an engine oil temp readout, but my coolant temp stays right around 190° no matter what I'm doing.

 

Thanks for your comment @Clearwater Bill : My truck is new 2016 model. My trailer has brakes too, needs to be hooked up to my truck.

 

Also, you should watch out because no matter what you do your truck has a factory tow capacity of 3500 pounds since it did not come from factory with the tow package.. Can it easily tow more? Yes of course, but you're legally limited. I have been pulled over by state troopers and they scaled me, so it can happen.

 

3.5 lite? Touche! (on lowest right quadrant of table)

 

Not sure what that means . 3500 to 4000lbs is the very maximum estimate of the equipments, tools. I will keep it below 3500lbs, thanks for that advice @taco206 .

So still not sure what I have got from all of you.. I need some advice. What parts should I buy? I heard Bill say Scanguage 2. It's $169. Ok. I can buy that if you advise me so. what does it do? looks like a computer of sort. Where is the cooler? Guys, can you please explain to me like a 5 yr old. It's a new truck, 2016 tacoma 4x2, and it's mine. The company is willing to pay whatever add-ons and the gas to tow the trailer + tools twice a week. Up on Mondays, bring back on Fridays. What should I upgrade truck to besides the ball i already bought. I'm about to take the truck back to Toyota dealership and have them upgrade /add the two package if I get no where.

 

From what I've read, it sounds like you need to hook up a scan gauge, install a transmission cooler, and hook up your trailer electronics to your truck, since your trailer already has breaks. If it's just 40 miles on relatively flat roads I'd give it a try and just take it easy the first couple of trips. Also, watch your scan gauge for transmission overheating. Good luck.

 

Any suggestions on transmission cooler? I just placed the order for the scan guage.

 

PM crashnburn80 with your question. That should give you a pretty good start, at least.

 

Well if I had to explain the joke it wouldn't be funny

 

@crashnburn80: May i seek your advice?

 

I'm pretty sure the only reason for the lower towing rating on trucks without the tow package are because of the coolers. So if your adding them it'll be ok. However, your better off getting this done at the dealer because if you ever have an issue in the future they can say the truck from the factory is only able to tow 3500 lbs, and at their discretion could "void" your warranty. This is going cost quite a bit to add now


Also like the others have said. If your not doing all the coolers at one time, the best bet is the trans cooler first. That's probably the most important for towing