i got a 06 liberty (auto) i put a class 3 hitch and wired lights i pull a 6x8 trailer thats about 540 pounds and my scrambler (571) dry and hawkeye (530) dry. i pull at about 65 to 70 mph on highway with rpm a 2000 or a lil over or under engine temp stays the same as when not pulling and i dont even really notice the trailer. My question is should i add a trans oil cooler and when and how should i use the o/d botton. I am new to hauling so please help??

 

The tranny cooler never hurts, and they are fairly inexpensive compared to roasting the tranny. I would probably add one, but you are only pulling an extra 2000lbs with gear and such, so you will probably be fine. As for the o/d, if the tranny is hunting at all or if you have any moderate grades to tackle, use the o/d button. I'm not sure how they have the Jeeps rigged, but my Ram holds gears a lot longer using the button. It certainly hurts fuel mileage some, but decreases the chances of overheating the tranny while giving you more power for hills, takeoffs, and passing.

 

thanks for the info

 

I'd check with a dealer before installing a trans cooler. Maybe they install them and that clears you on warranty issues if a trans fails. You can't do much in the way of mechanical alterations to any new vehicle without voiding the warranty.

 

does anyone know if it has a trans cooler i noticed a cooler of some sort in front of the radiator but havent had a chance to follow the lines

 

Even if it does have an trans cooler, i would replace it with the largest one you can fit. Most stock trans coolers are just enough to keep the trans from overheating when fully loaded ... it's not enough for towing. On my truck after i added an after market cooler, the temps never go above 180 degs ... and i tow a 7000lbs enclosed trailer.

 

I own an 05 Jeep Liberty with the tow package. I believe the tow package includes a trans cooler. I haven't really checked mine yet but I did see something on front of the radiator I suspect to be it. I tow a 12x6 trailer with 2 quads (Rubicon and Grizzly) on it (see my pics). I figure the trailer weighs about 1200-1300 pounds since it has treated lumber for a floor. Each quad is probably around 625lbs with fluids. The Liberty is rated to tow about 5000lbs. I figure at roughly 3500lbs, I'm well within that limit.

I had the transmission serviced at about 20K miles since I tow this load about 3 or 4 times a month in the summertime. So far, no problems. I have about 27K on it now. One thing I try doing, however, is limiting the amount of shifting going uphill on the highway. Generally speaking, it is good practice to force the transmission to hold a steady gear when hillclimbing. If it's a long climb and the transmission keeps shifting between 3rd and 4th gear, it's not a good thing because the trans will build more heat. I lock out overdrive to keep it in 3rd. I usually do this BEFORE I start to climb the hill especially if it's a long hill. I plan to service the transmission again at about 40K miles.

With the load you described, you should really have no problems and it should last awhile.

 

thanks for the reply i am not sure what mine is it looks base to me although it does have power everything but there was no reciver or wiring i did all that my self. there is that cooler of some sort infront of the radi but have not followed the lines to see where they go. i figure i am at no more than 3000lbs the very most and never no hills. so i think i am ok but get back to me if that cooler is a trans cooler.

 

I have an 05 Liberty, no cooler and I have pulled 4800 lbs from Iowa to Florida, and back again. No engine heating issues, no brake issues, crappy gas milage that's about all. The service mech at my dealership stated it pretty plainly. If the vehicle is rated/engineered to pull 5000 lbs you do not need to add anything to it. However if you add the terrain factor to it ie... mountains, snow ect... it would be wise for engine wear to add a cooler. I hope this helps.
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