Engine hangs down.... Vulnerable!

[cavie]

time for a welding shop

[Savage1]

Originally Posted by journeyman

My engine oil pan on my 36 intrigue (2002) hangs down and is the lowest point back of the axle.

It is completely beat up from hitting the ground...
This is not good!


Anyone have any sort of solution for this?
I was thinking of a skid plate of sorts, but maybe someone has a better solution???

I would pay better attention to where I am driving. My 05 Endeavor 40DST ISL400 pan does not have a mark on it. Yes, I do boondock in the desert and I pull a 20' trailer with my Rubicon on it.

[phil8656]

Definitely a design flaw. Check with the manufacturer to see if they have a solution. Look at newer versions. I had a small pickup that a rock knocked a hole in the pan on. It dumped all the oil quick. Could have burned up the engine.

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by phil8656

Definitely a design flaw. Check with the manufacturer to see if they have a solution.

Good luck with that they are long gone.

[LargeMarge]

Geez, buddy, I feel for you!

One point in our Requirements Statement is ground clearance.

For the remote forests and Baja beaches we prefer, we went with a 1997 Ford CF8000 commercial truck for converting to our concept of an ExpeditionVehicle.
I just came in from taping under our rig, and our ground clearance is sixteen inches (16"), but the dips sit six inches (6") higher.

If you are banging parts on the routes/places you prefer -- and are concerned about getting stranded with a 'heart-attack' level repair fee -- perhaps a different rig?
Traveling is supposed to be fun...

[journeyman]

Originally Posted by cavie

time for a welding shop

This is my plan. Probably weld it myself.


At the same time I can incorporate stiffener gussets going to the hitch receiver. It will make the whole system stronger

[phil8656]

You might look into air shocks that can be adjusted from inside. That way you can raise it up when needed and let it back down to normal while cruising on good pavement. They do make them for smaller vehicles.

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by phil8656

You might look into air shocks that can be adjusted from inside. That way you can raise it up when needed and let it back down to normal while cruising on good pavement. They do make them for smaller vehicles.

Country Coaches have air leveling and can be raised.

[dmarrs8585]

Originally Posted by journeyman

I just bought the coach in July of this year.
The previous owner had Cummins replace the pan in 2018.
Unfortunately I do not have a close up of the damage, but it is pretty wrinkly!

I have just been on the highway so far, but I plan to drive a lot on dirt and gravel roads. I am a desert guy.

Dirt roads? You won't believe the amount of dust your side radiator diesel pusher will kick up, it will fill up your battery compartment and air filter, I live 3 miles down a gravel road, don't leave or come home till right after it rains... fan blows dust out in front of rear wheels it's crazy

[journeyman]

Originally Posted by dmarrs8585

Dirt roads? You won't believe the amount of dust your side radiator diesel pusher will kick up, it will fill up your battery compartment and air filter, I live 3 miles down a gravel road, don't leave or come home till right after it rains... fan blows dust out in front of rear wheels it's crazy

That makes sense.
Actually, it would make a lot of sense to have a "fan disable" switch for shorter jaunts on dirt/dusty roads. I wonder if that is even possible?

[dmarrs8585]

Hydraulic fan, not saying it can't be done just looked too complicated for me, I fold a terry cloth towel over the air intake and remove it when I get to the road. Doesn't help the well ventilated battery compartment with all the electrical connections or the toad. Good luck