Towing Issues: Need a transmission cooler to tow?, hyundai santa fe, pop up camper

Question
I am buying a new pop up camper with electric brakes (900 lbs) and would like to know if my 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe (4 cyl; 2.4L automatic) needs a transmission cooler? My owner's manual says I can tow 1,700 max (driver plus one passenger). Thank you. Dee

Answer
IF the camper truly weighs just 900 pounds (are you going to put anything inside?  water in tanks, luggage, chairs, bed clothes etc etc?  And what about all the camping stuff inside the vehicle?  All that adds up in addition to you and one passenger.  Still, you should be within the capacity of the car.

But WHERE will you be towing?  In mountains or very steep hills a lot?  If so, then a small to medium sized accessory tranny cooler is always a good idea.  Keeping transmission fluid cool is key to long life.  So unless your vehicle is specifically designed for towing with an aux cooler already, the small cost of one is good insurance.  the cooler might cost $200 installed (get quotes, it has been a while since I got one) by your dealer, but a new transmission is about $3000 or more!  (if out of warranty, does Hyundai still come with a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty?).

Don