I have a 2007 tahoe lt3 with a build date of 12/05. I did the vin look up I found on this forum. I had always thought I had the towing package but now I am not sure. The vin said something about a hitch package(don't remember exact verbiage). I have the digital temp gauge and prewired brake control hookup(I installed a brake controller). It also has a 3.73 gear. Anyway when I was changing my trans fluid today I noticed all it had was a powersteering cooler and not a trans cooler, wtf? Do I have the tow package? I was towing a 6000 pd trailer in arizona about a year ago and the temp got up to about 235, lol. The manual states 170 to 200 is average so I guess thats not to bad. I have been using royal purple as fluids lately b/c it runs cooler but when I read the back of there atf it states that it will void the warranty of gm dexron 6 transmissions. So I just ran valvoline dexron 6 full syn instead that is recommended for gm vehicles.
tow Package?
- Thread starter 2007tahoe
- Start date
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ChevyFreak
Full Access Member
Yeah, that's the misconception with these vehicles. Dealers will often advertise the SUV as having a tow package, and people often think that they will be all set when they want to tow their 3000-7000 pound boat (or whatever) and trailer. Just because the vehicle has a hitch receiver and trailer light plug, does not mean that it has a "towing package" as you are thinking. Yes your Tahoe has the hook-ups for the trailer, but quite often there is no factory trans cooler built in. If I'm correct you have to have the HD towing package that is often hard to find?
I would start by adding a trans cooler to your Tahoe. You have to be careful when reaching temperatures that high when towing a heavy trailer. That, and the fact that it's putting a lot of stress on your SUV. Another thing to consider is the gear ratio. The highest GM offers (I believe) is the 4.10. You are lucky and have the 3.73 (which is good), but that's always something else to consider when pulling heavy loads.
These vehicle should have no problem pulling your trailer, but there are a few things you can do to make that experience better. Definitely consider the trans cooler if you going to be towing a lot. The gear ratios are not as important if you don't notice any issues with the shifting and pulling aspect of your 3.73's.
It is all up to you, but these are a few things I notice that should help you tow that 6000 pound trailer of yours around a little easier.
One other thing I just remembered - I am sure you did, but putting your Tahoe in "tow-hual" mode will also help when pulling a trailer. I always use "tow-haul" mode when pulling any trailer. It helps with the shifting.
I would start by adding a trans cooler to your Tahoe. You have to be careful when reaching temperatures that high when towing a heavy trailer. That, and the fact that it's putting a lot of stress on your SUV. Another thing to consider is the gear ratio. The highest GM offers (I believe) is the 4.10. You are lucky and have the 3.73 (which is good), but that's always something else to consider when pulling heavy loads.
These vehicle should have no problem pulling your trailer, but there are a few things you can do to make that experience better. Definitely consider the trans cooler if you going to be towing a lot. The gear ratios are not as important if you don't notice any issues with the shifting and pulling aspect of your 3.73's.
It is all up to you, but these are a few things I notice that should help you tow that 6000 pound trailer of yours around a little easier.
One other thing I just remembered - I am sure you did, but putting your Tahoe in "tow-hual" mode will also help when pulling a trailer. I always use "tow-haul" mode when pulling any trailer. It helps with the shifting.
Last edited:
domin8
Just Plinking
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I've done a little research for you. You can find a transmission cooler through GM Accessories. Only problem I'm coming up with is there are 2 different part numbers and both claim to be for the 2009 Tahoe with the same transmissions.
At GMPD the part number 19244188, with a price of $59.88, plus shipping.
At GMParts Giant the part number is 19171483, with a price of $73.10, plus shipping.
At GMPD the part number 19244188, with a price of $59.88, plus shipping.
At GMParts Giant the part number is 19171483, with a price of $73.10, plus shipping.
GM Customer Service
Full Access Member
2007Tahoe,
If you provide me with your VIN, I can see if your vehicle has the towing package or not.
Thank you,
Elizabeth, GM Customer Service
If you provide me with your VIN, I can see if your vehicle has the towing package or not.
Thank you,
Elizabeth, GM Customer Service
Punisher66
Full Access Member
Can you check mine as well? Thanks
1GNFK13007J368146
1GNFK13007J368146
ChevyFreak
Full Access Member
Thanks for the additional input! I am just confirming that either one of those part numbers will work. The former is the newer number that replaced the latter as written in your post.
I will provide a link HERE for some more information. It refers to yet another forum (I know, sorry), but it includes good installation instructions if you want to tackle this yourself.
InTruckDesign
Full Access Member
I'd skip the GM cooler and go with an aftermarket cooler like the Long TruCool series. The factory cooler is way undersized for these trucks. I tow more than most and upgraded my cooler from the stock GM 14-16k cooler to a Long TruCool 30k and noticed a drop of 40 degrees over what my trans would run with the stock cooler and thats even with a 26-2800rpm stall torque converter.
GM Customer Service
Full Access Member
Punisher66,
I do not show your vehicle having a tow package installed from the factory.
Thank you,
Elizabeth, GM Customer Service
I do not show your vehicle having a tow package installed from the factory.
Thank you,
Elizabeth, GM Customer Service
Punisher66
Full Access Member
Can anyone tell me exactly what the trailer button does? I will be towing a small jet ski this weekend, I don't need the break controller for that, just wondering if using the trailer button is necessary. Thanks, sorry to Thread Jack.
Zed 71
Full Access Member
^ Changes tranny shift parameters. Holds upper gears longer and at higher rpm, also down shifts sooner.
