Help--Towing upgrade dilemma cx9 grand touring.

[Doonkin]

Has anyone had a post sale TOWING package upgrade to a cx9

I have a 2008 cx9 grand touring Fwd --WITHOUT towing package. Max towing is a measly 2000lbs.
I understand the upgrade is possible (enough space)on the grand touring.
I wanted to upgrade it at the dealership so I can tow 3500lbs.
The dealership are not into it, I can tell.

I've come into a brand new travel trailer that is 2500 lbs. it's max loaded would be 3000-3200lbs.

Has anyone had this done. I understand the major fix is a bulkier automatic transmission cooler, but I don't know what part (stock)I have now, and what i need/will fit. Neither does the dealership.
Do I really need a bigger radiator?
The dealer will reprogram the engine computer, so they say.

I'm getting the wiring/hitch done at an RV shop as the dealer isn't really interested.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[table5511]

Think of the number of vehicles you see with u-haul hitches put on, or aftermarket hitches..... and they work just fine. I don't think the larger radiator is a big deal, just watch your temps. I don't think your vehicle comes with a transmission cooler at all. Towing prep = you have one and no towing prep = you don't have one. It is simply a metal tube that runs in front of the a/c condensor and makes a u-turn, the fresh air hits the metal tube and "cools" the trans fluid. Not sure how much this actually cools the fluid.

By the way, the oem hitch that came with my CX-9 is rated for class II, so if you are looking to tow class III weights, you might be pushing it. For one, CX-9 brakes don't like towing at all.

 

[drchuck]

I tend to agree with the above post. I have towed plenty with mine, and I just learned somewhere down the line to keep it out of overdrive in hilly country. As regards brakes, I use the transmission's manual feature as a "pre-braking" assist - but I do that with or without a trailer. (It's an authorized use of the transmission in vehicles with Zoom Zoom.) My '10 is a 2 WD Sport with no cooler. I did go to a major league class III hitch, and a Curt brand wiring kit that required a lead directly off the battery. If you want to see more on that look up the thread "Cargo Carrier" which I think is over on page 3 now. If I had it to do again, I would find the Mazda wiring loom - which wasn't available when I installed mine. Just remember the OEM wiring system does not get sufficient current to power trailer lighting spliced into the stock wiring (like we've all done for a lifetime)

 

[Scott91370]

Honestly I wouldn't try towing it without a trans cooler. You might be lucky for a while, but once the fluid overheats in the hills it's going to cost you a few grand.
I don't even think I would use mine, equipped with the towing package, to tow upwards of 3000# on a consistent basis.

 

[ceric]

For transmission, there is ATF temp sensor watching the temp for you.
When it detects overheating, the AT will go into limp mode, and you will have to pull over and let it cool down.
This is more likely in the hills.