DP-Dumb Questions!

[Maritimer]

Originally Posted by flaggship1

Look at the pictures - the "grill" is a dead giveaway.

Good question wyorancher!

So grill on the side always means side radiator?

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by Maritimer

Good question wyorancher!

So grill on the side always means side radiator?

Always and never are two very special words. Having not seen everything under the sun I retract my previous reply and defer to those who may have seen more.

[flaggship1]

Somebody want to straighten this out. My belief is that if the grill is on the side the radiator is routed to the side as well. The reason is better air flow and it doesn't get quite as dirty. It's debatable I guess. Anyone ever see side vents (grill) and a rear radiator? Would seem counter productive to me but anything is possible.

Anyone spay your radiator down with Simple Green and strong hose wash. Seems to work well as a general clean - never really had an issue other than dust and dirt. Just curious.

[Mr_D]

Had our DSDP for over 10 years now. The only reason I've had to open the bedroom hatch was to install the Banks kit. Everything else has been from below, even the air dryer cartridge although it would have been easier from above.

[HotMech]

One thing I don't see addressed here is, the exhaust.
While I don't own a DP, I have some friends who do.
The biggest complaint I have heard, is the soot on the towed items, i.e. boat, car, trailer, etc.
I can attest to this, as My Brother-in-law, has a 2000 Country Coach Intrigue, with the Cummins, ISB 8.3L. Man What a mess it makes of his boat and cover. We are trying to come up with a fix for this, but so far, short of going back to Gas, it's a crapshoot. We think maybe a tall stack up the back over the top may be the answer. But, and this is a big but, hehe, how does one mount it all up so as not to shake itself appart and fall off the back? Even thought of a center exit on the coach, going into a funnel on the trailer, into a pipe exiting at the rear of the trailer.
K.

[bluepill]

Originally Posted by HotMech

One thing I don't see addressed here is, the exhaust.
While I don't own a DP, I have some friends who do.
The biggest complaint I have heard, is the soot on the towed items, i.e. boat, car, trailer, etc.
K.

2008 and up models with a Particulate Filter Exhaust do not create any visable soot. My toad does get very dirty if I pass over dusty roads, because of the rear radiator confuguration.

[Sohapi]

We have never seen soot on our new toad either. I would have noticed too.

[AFChap]

how do you tell which MHs are rear radiators and which are side radiators when shopping on the internet? Can you tell by engine manufacturer?

No ...nor by chassis mfger. It depends on what the RV mfger ordered. And if you look for a side grill be sure to look on the DRIVER'S side. My Winnebago has a very similar "grill" on the passenger side that has the basement ac/heat pump behind it.

[tuffr2]

For the side radiator I found the more upscale DP had the radiator on the side. Lower end models had it in the back. This is just a general rule. That being said...probably if the engine is 8.9 litre 400 to 425hp there is a good chance it will have a side radiator.

[SteveLevin]

Usually, grill on the LEFT side of the coach means it's a side radiator. Grill on the right rear can indicate basement air, especially on Winnebagos.

And, of course, in the picture, if you can see engine through the rear grill... there's no such thing as far as I know as a 'half height' rear radiator.

Steve

[thrushl]

Originally Posted by Maritimer

In considering a switch to a DP I have a few dumb questions to throw out there:

1) I assume that access to the engine for servicing is typically under the bed, or at least is in the bedroom?

2) How often would you need to access the engine through the bedroom for servicing? I'm assuming that oil changes and routine maintenance can be done without going inside?

3) Have you ever been able to detect the odour of diesel fuel in the bedroom?

I always cringe having service techs walking through my gas coach to access the engine compartment and it's only 5 or 6 feet from the door. Even with plastic on the floor and cautious technicians there is always a grease spot somewhere. Can't imagine having them tramp back and forth through the entire coach with tools and parts!

I know you have answers already but I have to add my thoughts:

1. Yes, we have an access panel in the bedroom, but I have not needed to use it in two years. Everything that needs to be done is through the back or under the coach.

2. Already answered. No techs in my coach. At least not yet....

3. If the seals around the compartment is serviceable, you should never smell anything.

Best of luck
Leo

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Maritimer

Thanks for all the great info! I was kind of hoping the responses would help cure my wanting a DP but unfortunately not!

IMO there are may good reasons not to buy a DP, than there are reasons to.
However, none of your questions addressed any of the real reasons.
Buy one and you will know most of them in a few years.
Mel
'96 Safari Sahara
130k miles, 101k mine in 11 years

[Poptop]

In my DP the only fumes I smelled in the bedroom are the ones I made.

As for buying a DP the only reasons for me are I like the power/torque, smooth ride, air brakes, on board air supply, it doesn't get bullyed by the wind like the gassers, sound of the engine when I'm outside the coach, and the lack of engine sound inside especially when going up hills. The down side is it does costs more for maintenance.

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by Poptop

In my DP the only fumes I smelled in the bedroom are the ones I made.

I presume you you mean bacon wafting in from the kitchen. Lol.