Side Radiator or Rear.

[lrsses]

What are the Pros and Cons. Thinking of buying a used pusher if I can find one at reasonable price and good condition 2000 year model 340HP/450HP Cummins.

[robertkathy]

Side is preferred due to getting less dirt in it glogging the cooling fin has a better cooling fan system robbing less power from the engine but has more parts that could fail.

Both work fine go with what ever you get the best deal on

[dave&ginny]

if you do any maintenance yourself, stick with the side radiator. so much easier for even the smaller maintenance items

[lrsses]

Originally Posted by robertkathy

Side is preferred due to getting less dirt in it glogging the cooling fin has a better cooling fan system robbing less power from the engine but has more parts that could fail.

Both work fine go with what ever you get the best deal on

Thank You That helps a lot and Maintinance of the engine with the side radiator would be easier.

[jacwjames]

Better long term performance with a side radiator as it is easier to keep clean plus the added benefit of easier access to engine for maintenance. If you have to pay for someone else to maintain the rig it will probably cost more for a rear radiator due to access and most of it will have to be done from inside the coach.

[153stars]

Generally speaking the side radiators are on top end of line of coaches. So " may " also have things like hydronic heating, motors with power ,next level cabinet quality,slide basement trays and other higher amenities .

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by lrsses

What are the Pros and Cons. Thinking of buying a used pusher if I can find one at reasonable price and good condition 2000 year model 340HP/450HP Cummins.

Simple - only one option if you have a Choice - SIDE

Think about it - just Plain Smart and makes life SOooooo Much Easier.

JMHO,

[schad]

If you're looking at two coaches that are identical in every way except one has a side radiator and the other has a rear radiator, then go with the side radiator. The only disadvantage it would have in this scenario is that you lose one or two storage bays.

But that's a hypothetical that doesn't exist in reality. In reality, you don't get to decide where the radiator goes (even when buying new). And while there's pretty much a universal consensus that side radiator is better, I think most people will also agree that you shouldn't make your choice based purely on the location of the radiator. Start with a coach you can afford, then find one with the right floorplan. Most of the time, that will make the decision of radiator placement for you.

[Old Scout]

….rear radiators are a more simple design....only the mechanical fan on the engine is in play....oil/vapors [slobber tube] from the engine on older coaches was an issue for dirty radiator stacks--not as big an issue with newer engines....side radiators are a definite plus for even the most routine engine maintenance....hydraulic or belt/gear driven fans are more complex and can have mechanical or electronic controller related issues--$$$$. As stated, rear radiators are a lower price-point factor for manufacturers so unlikely you will find comparable coaches to choose from.

[Mr_D]

Some side radiators units are easier to work on, others, like mine, are not. The two belts are easy to change, takes me longer to find my tools than do the job. But anything else is pretty much blocked.

[zmotorsports]

Keep in mind also that the radiator position is going to have more to do with model of coach you're looking at as far as hierarchy in the lineup and price point. Most models are not available in either a rear or side radiator option so depending on what your budget is, what make and model you are looking to purchase will be more of a deciding factor on radiator location.

[MSHappyCampers]

I would definitely look for a side radiator! Aside from it staying much cleaner, it's great to be able to get to the engine for routine service, belts, etc.

[BillJinOR]

Years ago while looking I was told the side radiators went in any Large engine diesel coach due to better cooling.The primary reason why the side radiator is used.. By default the Large engine coaches with side radiators are going to be the more expensive ones. There are a few exceptions but generally with the side radiator comes the "higher" end extras.
I've had both and both have pluses ,and minuses. Most of the items "behind" that radiator on the rear aren't items in the 50,000 miles?+/- you'll own the coach that you'll ever need to service and No regular maint items. The only exception ... Belts can be accessed generally but Belts on a modern diesel can go Thousands of miles/many years without service and judging from the used coaches I've looked at without any belt change and 10 years old I doubt you'll need to. If you do , it will involve a bit more labor.
The side Radiator stays cleaner but is more complex and can be very costly to repair the hydraulic fan components (Personal experience). I spent 0 as a result of my rear radiator.and considerably more on the side one.
I would pick the coach I want and could afford, Since my taste is in higher end lately ,that probably means side radiator as I really like the tag-axle/500+hp coaches for handling and size comfort. What do you want in the "living" part of the coach?

[BOOZE TRAVEL]

I think it depends on accessibility either way. Our current coach has a rear radiator and it is easy to work on because it is very accessible. The head of the bed is against the rear wall and hinges up. I can throw a mat on top of the engine and lay on it to change a belt or grease the fan hub. Every falI I spray the rear of the rad with simple green and lift the bed and spray that side too. I then drag a hose in the bedroom and hose down from the inside and then the outside.
We look to go to 45' in about a year so it will have a side rad that will probably involve a little more attention. As stated before, some of the side ones are still difficult to access.
Picking the Floorplan you want would be more important in my opinion.