Valentine said:
I’d stick with WS fluid—it’s about $10 per quart, so not bad.
Also, I’d install a cooler before the heat exchanger to help control temps.
Just picked up WS from the dealership—thank you for all the advice!
Not towing heavy, maybe 4,000 lbs max, just around town. Should be good to go!
Had an ‘07, now a ‘21. The original cooler was a separate radiator-style up front. Then they switched to one built into the HVAC condenser. In 2019, they removed it because the new refrigerant (R1234a) needed the full condenser.
The puck has always been there—it used to be called a ‘warmer,’ then became a ‘cooler’ in 2019. It’s useless as a cooler.
On long grades, my ‘21 would hit 250°F and stay there, while my ‘07 (pulling the same 6K camper) would be at 215-220°F and cool back down to 200°F in 10 minutes. I added my own cooler using mostly OEM parts, and now my ‘21 acts just like my ‘07 did.
FYI: I’m in Northern CA, so it’s all steep grades.
@Daryn
Thanks! Sounds like a beautiful place to drive.
Get a ScanGauge 2 and monitor transmission temps. That data will tell you if you need a bigger cooler or not.
If you’re just doing a single drain and fill, I’d stick with OEM fluid. If you plan on doing 3-4 drain and fills over time, then switching to Amsoil wouldn’t be a bad idea. I personally run Amsoil.