RV FEATURE
1 . TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER
Automatic transmissions are more common than manual and can heat up a lot more than usual when towing a heavy trailer . While many modern autos run a transmission cooler , it ’ s often not enough . Many times the factory cooler is incorporated into the radiator assembly , and was never designed to keep transmission temperatures down when towing in our hot climate .
The most important upgrade for a tow vehicle is a seperate oil-to-air transmission cooler . Enquire with a transmission specialist , a transmission cooler supplier or even on a vehicle-specific forum to see what capacity will best suit your vehicle .
2 . ENGINE OIL COOLER
While we ’ re talking about extra oil coolers , some vehicles can improve their towing performance and longevity with an engine oil cooler . Some larger 4WDs already have an oil cooler factory-fitted , so you may not need one – or it might be improved with an aftermarket larger-capacity cooler .
Ask your vehicle ’ s manufacturer if they recommend an oil cooler or do actually factory-fit one as part of an optional towing package .
Otherwise , check out online forums for your vehicle ’ s make / model : you ’ d likely get good advice there if plenty of others also tow with your vehicle model .
3 . BRAKE UPGRADE
Big slotted disc brake rotors and high-performance brake pads sound like the sort of thing that should be used on a race track , but they can also transform your confidence in your tow-tug ’ s brakes when towing .
No doubt a caravan ’ s electric brakes set-up should be the first thing to be sorted out , but when towing – especially a heavy van – there ’ s no such thing as a toogood standard of brakes .
You don ’ t need to go for a reengineered set-up with six-pot calipers and dinner plate-sized rotors , but standard replacementsize slotted / vented rotors and high-performance brake pads can make a huge difference to braking performance .
Transmission oil gets a work out , could be improved with a coolerm our balloon ride
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