Community Forums

John Holman · 10-17-2023, 07:02 PM

I love the floorpan of the Itasca horizon and Vectra 36rd (same floorpan). From all of my research and reading, the 36 ft models of the Horizon and the Vectra have a rear radiator. I was hoping to purchase a unit with a side radiator as I hear they are less trouble than a rear radiator. For those owners of the 36RD Vectra or Horizon, what are your thoughts or issues with the rear radiator. I appreciate the good, the bad and the ugly! Thanks.

FIRE UP · 10-20-2023, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Holman

I love the floorpan of the Itasca horizon and Vectra 36rd (same floorpan). From all of my research and reading, the 36 ft models of the Horizon and the Vectra have a rear radiator. I was hoping to purchase a unit with a side radiator as I hear they are less trouble than a rear radiator. For those owners of the 36RD Vectra or Horizon, what are your thoughts or issues with the rear radiator. I appreciate the good, the bad and the ugly! Thanks.

Well Sir,
We have an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD (nor RD) with the CAT C-7 330HP and Allison MH3000 trans. We've owned it now for almost 12 years and we're just shy of 112,000 miles. It's been a darn good coach. The C-7 is no rocket ship but, not many diesel coaches are. It gets us to our destination and back home without issue. Yes, it's a rear radiator. I've been a DIY type since before Christ was a pup and I've done every single bit of work, maintenance, repairs, alterations, modifications and enhancements on this coach since day-1 of ownership.

There's no argument that a rear radiator is a tougher coach to work on when it comes to general or even in-depth engine maintenance and repairs. No doubt about it. But, it's not the end of the world as some would have you believe. I've had my radiator out three times in the 12 years for various reasons. I've got the system down so much now that, start to finish, I can have that radiator completely out and sitting on the floor in right at 2.5 hours.

I'm pretty sure that you will not find a 36' Vectra or Horizon (of my era) with a side radiator. They did put them in the 39-40' versions though. The coaches are built quite well with real wood cabinets, and better interior and exterior enhancements than the step-down models of the Meridian and the Journeys. At around oh, I think 11 years old, I changed out the original Dimensions 2000 watt Inverter/Charger for a Magnum 2000 watt Inverter/Charger due to the Dimensions charging side failure.

I changed out the original Sony boat anchor over-the-dash TV that weighed a whopping 108 lbs for a new Samsung 32" Smart TV and at the same time, I also gutted the make-believe Winne/Itasca so-called "surround sound" system for a REAL surround sound system using a 200 watt Marantz receiver and other upgrade components. I did keep all the original speakers and they sound waaaaaay better than before.

We've changed out the original carpet in the coach for newer and more modern carpet because we LIKE CARPET due to it being warmer, quieter, and has better sound deadening than hardwood or plastic flooring. I yanked all the window valances and built new ones so they could now accept the new double roller shades in place of those pull string day-nighters that I had to re-string on a regular basis.

After several years of great service, I finally had to sh...can the original Norcold RV fridge for a Magic Chef 10.1 cu.ft. residential fridge. It's been in there now for about 3+ years and works outstanding.

If you have any questions, please be sure to ask.
Scott

**Petro** · 10-21-2023, 09:29 AM

John;

I believe Scott has pretty well summed it up for you. My last coach was a 2005 40' Itasca Horizon with the side radiator. In the 7 years I owned it I had very few problems with the coach. I never had a radiator problem. I believe the side radiator was easier to keep clean.

Don