External Transmission Cooler installed on Non-4K Tow AWD Maverick

[Waffles]

an interesting approach.

I ordered the 4k not because I'm ever going to tow, but for the extra towing (117F is a common august temperature here).

How did the project cost compare to the factory 4k option?

[ok, I'll have to find something to to just because the hitch assist is so shiny!]

Overall it all cost me around $400ish. That’s for the 7 pin, brake controller, hose, cooler, etc. and approximately 10 hours of time.

If comparing to the factory option and not pricing in the cost of AWD which is at the time I think $2k I think that puts the factory option right around $800 which is a no brainer to go the factory route.
I just happened to buy one of the first Mavericks off a lot back in 2022, at the time I had no clue what this truck was and the dealership seemed like they had no interest from buyers in our area. For a Lariat trim with only the 4K tow and moonroof missing it was $29k out the door so I couldn’t say no. But later getting into boating and getting a small camper I wished I had gotten something with better towing. When looking into it the 3 differences between the 4K and non 4K was the 7 pin connector, the transmission cooler and the slightly lower gear ratio.
Adding the first two makes me fairly confident I can tow around a 3,000 with no issues. Especially since they are all shorter distances (less than 70 miles) once a month or so.

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[Tbone289]

When looking into it the 3 differences between the 4K and non 4K was the 7 pin connector, the transmission cooler and the slightly lower gear ratio.

The 4K tow package also included a trailer brake controller, higher capacity radiator and upgraded cooling fan. It was probably the best value of any option available on '22-24 Mavericks.

The supplemental transmission cooler is definitely one of the most important pieces of that package, and you now have that covered.

 

[Waffles]

The 4K tow package also included a trailer brake controller, higher capacity radiator and upgraded cooling fan. It was probably the best value of any option available on '22-24 Mavericks.

The supplemental transmission cooler is definitely one of the most important pieces of that package, and you now have that covered.

Yup sorry, figured mentioning the 7 pin covered the brake controller but yes brake controller as well. I installed the Redarc brake controller and it’s awesome and the proportional braking with the sensor works amazing.
Does the factory brake controller also have a sensor for proportional braking?

 

[Waffles]

You're on the same journey I was on. I installed the basic one, then replaced it with one with the thermo bypass not long after on my Jeep. It definitely works better in the cold of winter. Glad I was of some help! I installed that one years ago and the Hayden still works great.

Motorcraft ULV is fairly cheap on RockAuto if you end up losing too much during the swap.

EDIT: one other thing I learned on that journey... Fuel injection-style hose clamps like these make better, longer-lasting connection than worm-drive style hose clamps:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GFC9RN?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4

Man you’re a true champ man, yes the worm gear clamps I used 2 of them stripped on me, absolute trash.
Ordered the ones you recommended.

Why didn’t you tell me all of this before I started the project? lol

 

[Tbone289]

Does the factory brake controller also have a sensor for proportional braking?

I've read on RV forums that all Ford factory controllers are proportional, but I can't confirm that with personal experience. I believe that they are, considering how common they are in aftermarket solutions.

 

[Jah.]

Haven't towed yet . would add transmission cooler if multiple tows or long distance towing was in my plans . like the fx4 for extra cooling capabilities and extras .

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Added an external transmission cooler to a Non 4K Tow Maverick AWD. Made a video showing my thought process, figured it might be of use to some since I found no information out there of anyone doing this. Yes i ramble at times but wasnt meant to be a “tutorial” lol.

Findings: in 80 degree weather with Splash guard OFF
-Trans temps used to be in the 190-210 range.
-After installing the cooler they bounce between 169-180
-The coolant almost seems to be getting cooled by the trans oil at times.
-Be careful with the hose barb on the heat exchanger, it’s pretty soft metal.
-After a 1 and a half hour drive temps never went past 185 (after doing a few pulls on the highways)
-For some reason when I drained the transmission I had about 5 quarts come out, which seemed excessive . I put 5 back in and then did the side drain thing after getting the trans somehwt up to temp and had about half a quart come out so seemed overfilled from factory, maybe?

UPDATE: (Splash guard ON)

Today I did my usual early morning commute to work with the splash guard back on and there’s a noticeable difference.

Early morning temps: 58 degrees
-Within the first 10 minutes of the drive the trans heated up to 170.
-Within 18 minutes it was at 181.
-Parking at my job which is 13 miles away (45 minutes with traffic) it hovered around 188
-The coolant and the transmission temp seem to be better matched.
-Splashguard definitely makes it get up to temp alot sooner even with the lower ambient temps.
-Before my temps would easily be in the 210 range after my usual drive and with towing it would be in the 230-250 range.

Thanks for posting so we can compare.

The eCVT in the hybrid seems well suited for towing.

In the hybrid, the zero slip no clutch permanently geared transmission is usually 145°F in normal driving on a 90°F day. And no more than about 165 degrees towing 3000 lbs on a 90°F day. So cool, I stopped looking at transmission oil temp. Such a non issue.

Not sure if the hybrid uses different fluid than yours.

Water (coolant) is 185°F not towing and 195-205°F towing 3,000 lbs. at highway speeds.

 

[dochawk]

Overall it all cost me around $400ish.

Thanks.

by comparison, for my 2025 Maverick lariat hybrid, which already has the larger radiator and AWD, the 4k package was only $672 on a custom order. (but on a FWD ecoboost, the difference would be a lot more!).

For the extra $272, I'll take the factory version!

[but to be clear, still a cool project, and when saving $1,600, more attractive! In less sane moments, I consider ordering an F-150 and buying the $2k in parts to add massaging seats myself.]

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