[SoCalSweetie]

Has anyone had any issues with towing or hauling heavy loads. Is there any modifications to fix the problems. I've heard the transmissions over heat fairly easy. I've never had a problem until yesterday. I have a 2011 Titan SV with about 73,000 miles. I do not have the tow package so I max out at around 7500 lbs. The transmission got hot when I was hauling up a mile long grade. It was at the line on the hot side. It went right back down as soon as I hit the top. It definitely didn't seem like it was working hard. I had the truck in tow mode and approx 700lbs in the bed. I have a trailer I tow that is about 5000 lbs. Fully loaded. I've never taken it up any grades just flat so far. My older Titan I had never had an issue towing up grades but it had the tow package. Any suggestions?

 

[agnostic x]

I believe the guys that tow on here upgrade the Transmission Cooler but I'm not sure which one is the favorite. I'm going to subscribe to this thread so I can upgrade mine too.

 

[JLG7820]

I don't have big tow gears but when I tow heavy I use 3rd gear and 4th if it is not too big of a grade with the tow mode on to keep the tranny from over working. Tow mode only changes the shift points and you have to drop to a lower gear not to damage your tranny

 

[FishnAlaska]

Yes, going up steep hills or long grades tow in 3rd or 4th. It will keep the RPM's up and running transmission fluid into the radiator quicker and keep it cooler.

 

[Shee Nut]

If I'm reading correctly, you weren't towing anything, just 700lbs in the bed? What speed were you traveling and how steep of grade?

At hwy speeds up a 6-7% grade for a mile, your gauge shouldn't budge. I would be concerned. Maybe a dealer you trust can check it out and replace the fluid. That's not normal to me.

Tru cool trans cooler works well for me. I think it's the 4588, whichever one everyone uses on here.

Yup, have to use 3rd and 4th gear. I use 2nd for some stretches of 6% hwy at 45 mph pulling my toy hauler.

 

[Nick Name]

Coolers are gauged by their BTU's. More is better. You can't over cool your fluid...however...in cold weather with a high BTU cooler it's a good idea to let the engine warm up to the point that the water temp is high enough to allow a measure of heat to transfer to the ATF. ATF lives a relatively comfortable life at 200 degrees and below.

According to The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association life expectancy of the tranny based on temps maintained and fluid changed according to recommended intervals:
175 Degrees: 100,000+ miles (Normal is typically 179 to 195 degrees)
200 Degrees: 90,000 miles
225 Degrees: 55,000 miles (Pressure Drops)
250 Degrees: 25,000 miles (Valves Stick)
275 Degrees: 17,000 miles (Varnish Forms)
300 Degrees: 4,000 miles (Seals & Clutches Burn)
325 Degrees: TRANSMISSION FAILURE

They also recommend changing the fluid at 24-36K miles. Towing...do it sooner rather than later even if you maintain ideal temps.