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Topic ClosedChevy Colorado Tow Vehicle
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ehughes3 View Drop Down
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Posts: 10 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Chevy Colorado Tow Vehicle
    Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 9:02am
These are very long vehicles with the double cab and long bed!
Ed Hughes
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 9:53am
From my experience towing an RP172 with a Pilot 3.6L engine: The engine will be working climbing 6+ % grades in the Rockies, but it will get you there. Be sure to add a transmission temperature gauge such as ScanGauge or similar ODB II monitor and take your time. These little engines are not your father's V8s. Long grades will heat the transmission so watch the fluid temperature and change the fluid often. The large frontal cross sectional area of the full sized campers is a bigger strain on the engine than weight alone. That, coupled with grade and altitude really tax these small engines. IMO the 7000# rating is only the smaller part of the story. That tells you physical structure and braking capacity, not road and climbing performance or engine longevity.
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 2016 at 10:39pm
I recommend adding an extra transmission cooler.  I don't need to watch my Sub's tranny temps on long pulls anymore even when it is 100+ outside.  Stick it in front of the "stack" of coolers in front of the radiator.

I also recommend an extra oil cooler plumbed through a spin-on adapter on the oil filter connection, one with its own fan so you can mount it away from the "stack" of coolers, which are all already heat-soaked on the big pulls.

I double Charlie's recommendation to get an OBDII gauge of some type.  I use the Aeroforce Interceptor and monitor oil temp, tranny slip, coolant temp (which is the radiator temp and is different from the dash gauge which shows internal engine temp), and several other things.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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ehughes3 View Drop Down
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Posts: 10 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 2016 at 11:15pm
Originally posted by CharlieM


From my experience towing an RP172 with a Pilot 3.6L engine: The engine will be working climbing 6+ % grades in the Rockies, but it will get you there. Be sure to add a transmission temperature gauge such as ScanGauge or similar ODB II monitor and take your time. These little engines are not your father's V8s. Long grades will heat the transmission so watch the fluid temperature and change the fluid often. The large frontal cross sectional area of the full sized campers is a bigger strain on the engine than weight alone. That, coupled with grade and altitude really tax these small engines. IMO the 7000# rating is only the smaller part of the story. That tells you physical structure and braking capacity, not road and climbing performance or engine longevity.




I had a Ridgeline. The Honda V6 was anemic compared to the Colorado's. Substantially down on both Tq and HP.
Ed Hughes
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ehughes3 View Drop Down
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Posts: 10 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 2016 at 11:17pm
Originally posted by techntrek

I recommend adding an extra transmission cooler.  I don't need to watch my Sub's tranny temps on long pulls anymore even when it is 100+ outside.  Stick it in front of the "stack" of coolers in front of the radiator.
I also recommend an extra oil cooler plumbed through a spin-on adapter on the oil filter connection, one with its own fan so you can mount it away from the "stack" of coolers, which are all already heat-soaked on the big pulls.
I double Charlie's recommendation to get an OBDII gauge of some type.  I use the Aeroforce Interceptor and monitor oil temp, tranny slip, coolant temp (which is the radiator temp and is different from the dash gauge which shows internal engine temp), and several other things.


The Colrado 7000lb tow package has a cooler, and a remap for the trans that is pushbutton activated.
Ed Hughes
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socrdude View Drop Down
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Posts: 2 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 2016 at 9:38pm
not to hijack the thread but a 2015 LB 4WD V6 Tacoma.. no issues there with a Tow Package?
we are just starting to look for a used R-pod or Scamp for the light weight aspects.
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Aug 2016 at 10:18pm
Originally posted by ehughes3



The Colrado 7000lb tow package has a cooler, and a remap for the trans that is pushbutton activated.

Yes, the same as the full-sized trucks.  You'll still want to add the extras.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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