Rear radiator - good or bad?

[Billieg]

The reason I'm asking is I bought a chip for better fuel millage and while the coach was at the shop I asked them to put it in. When I got the bill they charged me $360 to put in the chip! I went nuts because all you have to do is plug it in... yeh, after you pull out half the dash to get to the computer.

So I started thinking about the rear radiators because I really don't want to hear how much more expensive it is to service the coach every time I take it in. I wish I knew what I know now about motor homes when I bought mine. This site is great and I thank you all for your advice.

[Automobilist]

Let us know how the "chip" works out. Haven't seen one yet that actually INCREASES real fuel economy. Do you need to use premium gas now?

[Lault]

Side radiator, you have to pay to play. All you need is money and if you have that buy a new 500 HP unit and do not worry about working on it.

[Billieg]

Originally Posted by Automobilist

Let us know how the "chip" works out. Haven't seen one yet that actually INCREASES real fuel economy. Do you need to use premium gas now?

Not according to the instructions. We'll see how it works out.

[DRBARBER001]

DIPLOMAT DON is spot on, we have had a rr for 7yrs & have changed the belt once, but do plan on changing the hoses this fall, get the best floor plan for the best price because thats what you see every day

[JimM68]

Don is indeed spot on... ISB's and ISC's are in rear rad coaches, up to 350 or so HP, 33-34,000 lbs.

Side rad is ISL territory, 400 HP plus, 40k lbs and more, just plain bigger buses.

Yes, there are exceptions, but generally you don't havea choice. Most 40 footers are 2 axle rear rad coaches, most 42's are side rads and tag axles. mucho more pricey setup.

[Billieg]

Originally Posted by JimM68

Don is indeed spot on... ISB's and ISC's are in rear rad coaches, up to 350 or so HP, 33-34,000 lbs.

Side rad is ISL territory, 400 HP plus, 40k lbs and more, just plain bigger buses.

Yes, there are exceptions, but generally you don't havea choice. Most 40 footers are 2 axle rear rad coaches, most 42's are side rads and tag axles. mucho more pricey setup.

Here is one I'm considering:
used rv MONACO 2 SLD DIESEL FREE DELIVERY OR WARRANTY | eBay

That's a side radiator right? and look at the price.

[YC1]

I have the rear radiator and just changed my fan out for a more efficient one. I actually did it from the bedroom. My bed did not have to be moved in my configuration. I did have to remove my closet doors and bottom track which takes about ten minutes. Mine has two hatch covers and removing both gave me a lot of room. I am sure I can change a belt from there. Alternator repairs or starter repairs will be from the bottom and with a check book. I'm getting to old to hurt that bad. I have the 400 cummins ISL. The new fan is incredible. More HP, 1/2 the noise, better mpg.

[JimM68]

That windsor looks damned nice for the money.

[Automobilist]

The Windsor looks ok, but I think the price is at the money or a little high. No mention of tire age, so probably needs new ones at $2400. Battery age? Could be another $800 there.

I would have a real hard time getting past the granny color scheme. Pink exterior paint. Faded red awning. Pink carpeting. Pink floral sofa. Pink bath countertop. Pink floral wallpaper. Pink pillows. Pink floral bedspread. I guess if you like pink...
The white leather on the seats & J-lounge looks pretty cracked & worn. Outdated light fixtures, etc. Pretty much, the whole interior looks tired & dated.

Personally, I'm thinking it will take a long time to sell that coach, but maybe not; it does have a side radiator...

[JimM68]

Originally Posted by Automobilist

I would have a real hard time getting past the granny color scheme. Pink exterior paint. Faded red awning. Pink carpeting. Pink floral sofa. Pink bath countertop. Pink floral wallpaper. Pink pillows. Pink floral bedspread. I guess if you like pink...
The white leather on the seats & J-lounge looks pretty cracked & worn. Outdated light fixtures, etc. Pretty much, the whole interior looks tired & dated.

haha, that's what I get for looking at it on my phone while at lunch. Didn't see the granny interior. Pass.

[Billieg]

Well the couch and carpet would have to go but that was just an example of a side radiator going for around the same price as a a rear.

[Dutch Star Don]

You guys are so insensitive......that's not pink....its Rose!

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by JimM68

Don is indeed spot on... ISB's and ISC's are in rear rad coaches, up to 350 or so HP, 33-34,000 lbs.

Side rad is ISL territory, 400 HP plus, 40k lbs and more, just plain bigger buses.

Originally Posted by JimM68

Yes, there are exceptions, but generally you don't havea choice. Most 40 footers are 2 axle rear rad coaches, most 42's are side rads and tag axles. mucho more pricey setup.

Too many generalizations!! Most ISC's I've seen are side radiators. Most 40'ers are single rear axle. Both Dutch Stars we've owned have been single axle rear radiators. The 2000 was a 39', Freightliner chassis, CAT 3126 300hp/860 ft lbs torque with a SIDE radiator.
Out 2002 Dutch Star is a 41' Spartan MM chassis Cummins ISC 350hp/1050 ft lbs torque with a SIDE radiator. Now with Banks and 435hp 1200 ft lbs torque. Our GVWR is 34,600#'s and GCVWR is 44,600#'s
The choice of side vs rear radiator is made by the bean counters at the manufacturers. If they want a higher priced unit then they put more money into it.
But I've only been RV'ing since 1957 so I haven't seen it all, YET!!