brand new Toyota 4Runner Towing a m101a1 with a rtt

[amoya1986]

Hello everyone,
I'm new to the scene of overlanding and basically have one question or rather requesting opinions.
Do I need a transmission cooler? I already swapped the old axle for a new dexter with electronic brakes and parking brake option too on the m101.
so I know I dropped some weight right there. I am estimating my total weight with gear to be in the vicinity of 2200 lbs. The 4runner is rated at 5000 lbs.
Any advice is greatly appreciated thanks.

 

[jacobconroy]

If you plan to keep the vehicle long-term, I would recommend a transmission cooler. If you plan to keep the rig for a couple-three years...I wouldn't worry about it unless you wind up towing heavier trailers on hilly terrain.

Just my opinion. That said, I did opt to spend the time and money to put an auxiliary transmission cooler in my rig.

 

[Sedonut]

It should be fine without a trans cooler. You are towing half the rated weight. I think Toyota knew what they were doing when they rated it.

 

[amoya1986]

thanks i feel way more comfortable now. im just glad also read the manual, apparently i have to put 500 miles on 4runner before i can tow anything

 

[andrew61987]

The thought of needing a transmission cooler wouldn't even cross my mind towing 2200 with that beast.

You'd need to know: what is normal transmission temperature, how much does it change when towing heavy loads, how much deviation from normal can the transmission take without significantly hurting its lifespan, and if it does how well does any random cooler actually bring those temps back to safe range if they even deviate at all. It'd take some rigorous studies to figure all that out. Toyota most likely did those studies and they put hitches on every modern 4Runner I've seen on the lot, with a 5000 lb rating, without a cooler.