Ask an expert

Will I be able to tow a 11 ft (3.3 metre) caravan with a Toyota Ipsum 2L automatic?

Our local Toyota service manager says it should be OK but the automatic specialist say I need to fit a cooler to protect the transmission from overheating costing $280 plus GST.

Would appreciate your advice.

David

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December, 2010

It comes down to a matter of opinion. There are some vehicles which benefit greatly from having an oil cooler fitted. Mostly bigger vehicles which tow much bigger loads than what you are planning.

It also comes down to how the vehicle is being driven when towing.

At times, it is essential the engine revs are keep high to ensure the transmission oil pump (driven off the engine) is supplying adequate pressure to the internal transmission clutch packs.

Having an oil cooler is not going to save the transmission if it is suffering from low oil pressure when the vehicle is under load (travelling up hills etc).

I'm sure the Ipsum has a four speed automatic with an overdrive button, so at times you are better driving with the overdrive in the off position. This will keep the engine revs higher.

A 3.3 meter caravan is not gong to place massive load on the vehicle but an important point to remember is this; the Ipsum was originally designed for the Japan domestic market only where towing of anything let alone a caravan was never taken into consideration.

In overseas markets where towing is considered normal practice, the internals of transmissions can be designed differently to compensate for the potential loads placed on them.

Having an oil cooler will not harm the transmission and may help in keeping the oil temperatures down.

I guess $280 is cheap compared to a transmission overhaul. Good quality oil is also essential to prolonged transmission life.