Nissan X-Trail 2006: Transmission oil cooler

I've started towing a caravan with my 2006 automatic Nissan X- trail and was wondering if I should have a transmission oil cooler fitted. The X-trail has a braked towing capacity of 2000 kg and my caravan weighs 1300 kg and has brakes. So far I've only done small trips of around 300 km, but next year I want to go from Brisbane to Victoria to see the Great Ocean Road. Previously I have been told that if I was going to tow heavy stuff I should get an aftermarket cooler to cool the transmission fluid. Do you think it is necessary?

Answered by CarsGuide

27 October 2011

Graham Smith

It depends on the weight you're going to tow and the terrain you'll be traveling over. Your caravan is well within the X- Trail's weight limits, but remember the weight the fully loaded weight, not just the weight of the caravan. If the caravan weighs 1300 kg fully loaded, and if the roads you will be traveling on are relatively flat then you should be able to get away without a cooler. But a cooler is good insurance against overheating the transmission, and overheating it is a good way to kill it.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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