Reducing Transmission Heat When Towing with 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid

Question:

I have a 2008 GMC Yukon hybrid that I use to pull a 32 foot travel trailer with a dry weight of 6,700lbs. It does great except I notice the temperature gauge rise when pulling up hills. Is this normal? How hot is to hot?

asked by: Jeremi H

Expert Reply:

I checked the online owner's manual for the 2008 GMC Yukon hybrid and on page 4-22 it notes that the maximum loaded trailer weight this vehicle can tow is 6200-lbs (if 2WD) or 6000-lbs (if 4WD). If your unloaded trailer's dry weight is 6700-lbs then the vehicle may well be heating up from being overloaded. You might check your printed manual just in case it has different information about towing capacity.

It is not possible to add towing capacity to a vehicle by installing aftermarket products but you can reduce thermal stress on the engine and transmission by installing supplementary coolers. These do not let you safely tow more weight but they do reduce the heat stress on these systems.

As an example, Derale transmission cooler # D13503 and Adapter Fitting # D13035 will let you lower the transmission's operating temperature. This installs in front of the AC condenser.

expert reply by: Adam R