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westcoastas · 10-02-2014, 01:20 PM

We've taken our loaded 28-foot International for a test spin using our 2012 5.7L Tundra 4wd as the TV. The dealer service guy said as long as I'm planning on only adding two Honda EU2000i generators to the bed, I should be okay without air bags. Can the Tundra owners tell me if you think I need a transmission cooler? I don't have any hills here in Orange County, California and we're planning on exploring full-time the western states on both sides of the Rockies. I don't plan on rushing things once we're on the road so I won't be asking for heavy demands on the Tundra but still was wondering if you think I need a cooler in the long run.

If it comes down to me needing a cooler, and I'm running out of time here, where is a good place out of state to have one installed? Do I go to a Toyota dealer and pay top dollar for the install or is there somewhere else I can go and get it installed at a lesser cost? I don't know how difficult it is to install a cooler.

Thanks,

Jeff

dznf0g · 10-03-2014, 06:31 AM

I would suggest a cooler, if your Tundra did not have the HD towing package from the factory. They are not hard to install at all. I would look for an off road shop or performance shop. Anybody can install, but you generally find more options and perhaps a better quality install at some of these specialty shops.

**Kevin245** · 10-03-2014, 07:03 AM

If your TV did not come equipped with a tow package I would add the cooler if I were in your shoes. Adding a transmission cooler is a DIY project if you have a few basic tools and an hour or two. I added a Hayden unit to our SuperCrew which did not come equipped with a factory tow package. The Hayden unit has served us well and installation was a 30 minute job on our rig once I added mounting brackets; the Hayden plastic mounting doo-hickies did not inspire my confidence.

Amazon.com: Hayden Automotive 405 Ultra-Cool Tube and Fin Transmission Cooler: Automotive

I cut the OEM steel tranny lines and used compression fittings to plumb the new cooler in line. The only issue I had was that I originally used brass compression fittings and they leaked slightly. I switched to steel fittings and the leaks were cured.