Fall Rally in Cherokee, NC Oct 21 - 24, 2010

[Kip in Ga.]

...Concerning auto transmision cooling.

(Most on this forum already understand all this, but some may not.)

Most automatic's fluids flow through passages in the radiator for cooling purposes. When the vehicle is worked hard, the engine and tranny tend to produce more heat.

Generally, auto trannys have radiators large enough to cool both the engine and tranny if the weight of vehicle and/or the load it deals with are kept at or below specified limits.

Example: An Owners Manual may state the vehicle can carry a certain amount of weight. (Let's say 600#). It may also say the vehicle can tow 1500#. The 600# references safe limits for the suspension, tires, brakes, etc. of the vehicle. The 1500# indicates how much weight the frame, suspension, cooling, brakes, rear tires, and so forth can safely handle.

NOTE: Something to watch for is a disclamer stating that the tow weight is assuming there are no more than the driver, or maybe the driver and one passenger. And any additional weight should be subtracted from the weight of the trailer. Seems like one of our recent vehicle's owners manuals said that.

A vehicle we recently traded was good to tow 1000# "as is". Anything over 1000# required brakes on the trailer and a tow package on the vehicle. The tow package consisted of wiring, hitch receiver, and auxiliary cooling for the Tranny and the Power Steering. Then it was good to tow 4500# or so. Depending on the weight inside the vehicle's cabin.

Auxiliary transmission cooling is usually, but not always, an additional smallish radiator for the tranny fluids to flow through. It can be seen in front of the radiator. Some vehicles already have the 2nd radiator and their tow package is simply a hitch and wiring. Some vehicles have an oversize radiator as part of their tow package from the factory.

Obviously a full size half ton Pick Up or SUV V8, that is not loaded to it's limits, can likely tow a 1000# trailer with ease and without auxiliary cooling. But it is good to check with the mfg to be sure. On the other hand that same vehicle towing a 5000# trailer would likely require some help with the cooling. A 3500 series Dually with diesel engine is probably already set up for heavy loads and heavy trailers.

Because we are dealing with light weight trailers and, often, light duty TVs, it be a good idea to know for sure if auxiliary cooling is required.

A happy auto transmission's fluid will be pink in color. If it is brownish, it is either over due for changing from normal wear, or it is being over heated from lack of proper cooling.

Kip

[Ian-Vicki]

Gee, the old guy label will really make you stand out .. . . . . . NOT.
cheers
Ian

[Sheryl M]

Kip -- There should be close to 15 campers in Cherokee. We are good about showing off our "egg-streme" makeovers, so come on up and join us. You'll see all brands and lengths, -- quite a few of our camper owners are incredibly creative with their modifications. Make sure you bring a camera.

[Kip in Ga.]

Yep, I expect there might be a few mature adults there besides myself.

Gotten to where I carry a camera quite a lot, so as to be able to remember what I did or saw!

"Where did you go Saturday?"...

"Uh not sure but the tripometer in the Ridgeline indicates about 400 miles of driving!"

"Let's check the camera, might be some clues there!"

On a more serious note. The problem I'm having is trying to get off of work that Saturday.

Kip

[CindyJ]

Originally Posted by Sheryl McDonald

Kip -- There should be close to 15 campers in Cherokee. We are good about showing off our "egg-streme" makeovers, so come on up and join us. You'll see all brands and lengths, -- quite a few of our camper owners are incredibly creative with their modifications. Make sure you bring a camera.

Sheryl as of today there are 18 campers reserved this should be a good gathering. more details to come.

[Kip in Ga.]

I got off work and Ann has nothing else planned for Saturday 10/23, so looks like we will be there. Taking pictures and askin questions.

Looks to be about 175 miles or so. Going to leave home around 8AM, so with stopping a couple of times to eat and whatever, we hope to be there before noon.

Kip

[Kip in Ga.]

We made it to the rally!

When we got out of the Ridgeline, we started walking toward a group of people that were gathered near one camper. A voice said "Hello" from the side of us. It came from a couple sitting under their awning. We walked over to them, and told them why we were there.
They were extremely gracious and explained every detail and why they had selected their particular brand and equipment, and the modifications they had made to personalize it. They also showed us how they keep the toilet area dry when taking a shower.

Then another person walked over and offered to show us his smaller camper, with his modifications.

They were all extremely nice and helpful with details of the campers and their tow vehicles.

As my wife, Ann, was finishing up a conversation with the lady, I spotted two ladies at a picnic table. Went over and introduced myself and told them why we were there. We chatted for just a minute and Ann joined us.
The ladies campers were side by side and they both offered and showed us inside and out and the differences in a 16 foot and a 17 foot, why they liked the showers, and the mods they had made.

Last but certainly not least was the oldest camper of the 5 we looked at. I believe she said it was an a 2001 model. It was in remarkably good condition and full of mods. Like the others, she was a delight to talk to.

We saw madels from pretty much brand new to near 10 years old. When we asked each person about their "Eggs", it was kind of like asking them about their grandchildren. They were ready and willing to talk!!
Not only about their particular camper, but why they were now camping in an EGG and the other types of camping they had done.

We had left the house at 7:15 am and got to the campground around noon. We left there at 2PM because we wanted to get home before dark. Ann wanted to stop at at least one flea market and we would stop for lunch also. Got home about 7:20 pm. The drive both ways was beautiful.

What a wonderful day it was.

Thanks to all,

Kip

[Ian-Vicki]

Fun, fun, fun. That you all, each and every one, for the welcome we long-wandering Canadians and our Burro, not to mention the two cats, received at the rally. Great, great fun. Thanks Cindy and Ray.

[Sheryl M]

Originally Posted by Ian-Vicki

Fun, fun, fun. That you all, each and every one, for the welcome we long-wandering Canadians and our Burro, not to mention the two cats, received at the rally. Great, great fun. Thanks Cindy and Ray.

It's y'all in southern speak. :-)
It was a blast!
Hopefully you're not getting rained on too much this week.

[theresa p]

sounds like a great time...and the park looks like one we might investigate this coming spring.

[CindyJ]

Originally Posted by theresa p

sounds like a great time...and the park looks like one we might investigate this coming spring.

Theresa we had a blast the weather was great we are going to have another one next year you need to join us.

[Ian-Vicki]

We found out "Size does matter." Check out our blog at On Burroed Time
And thanks for the great time.
Vicki and Ian
hot, hot, hot in Savannah, Ga. last night and Charleston, S.C. now

[Sheryl M]

Vicki --

This is the south, and it's not summer any more. Give it a few days. You'll get either rain, or cooler weather. But then again, you're on the coast, so that rule may not apply.