I suspect this topic has been discussed in the past but a quick search didn't find anything. We are shopping for our first Class A pusher. Our budget puts us in the 2000-2006 year model range. My question is related to side vs rear mount radiators. It looks to me that the side mount radiator would be highly desirable relative to engine access and would be my preference. That said, is a rear mount radiator a show stopper? In other words, if I found a coach that met all or most of our criteria but had a rear mount radiator, how much decision weight should I put into that one issue.

Mine is a rear mount on my Bounder. I've never had anything else, and it doesn't seem to bother me...….maybe I just don't know any better.lol

Rear mounted should be cleaned more often.the older diesels have a slobber tube that puts oil residue in the radiator which collects dust till it chokes off airflow.keep it clean no problem.

We've had both, I prefer the side radiator for the access.With that said, with what you're looking to do, I wouldn't be afraid of rear radiator at all.

You are correct in thinking the side radiator is more desirable however the rear radiator coaches should not be something you need to avoid as a whole. What I would recommend to avoid is a rear radiator coach where the radiator and charge air cooler are sandwiched together. I had a coach like that and all kind of debris gets between the radiator and CAC and it is almost impossible to get them clean without removing them from the coach. As long as the radiator and CAC are mounted separate from each other you will have no problem.

I definitely would recommend a side radiator. I’ve had one in my 40 foot pusher for 15 years I would never go back to a rear radiator. They stay cleaner and also give you easier access to the engine.Jerry Parr

Diesel Pusher, side vs rear mount radiator | Good Sam Community

bdpreece
Explorer II
Aug 07, 2019
You are correct in thinking the side radiator is more desirable however the rear radiator coaches should not be something you need to avoid as a whole. What I would recommend to avoid is a rear radiator coach where the radiator and charge air cooler are sandwiched together. I had a coach like that and all kind of debris gets between the radiator and CAC and it is almost impossible to get them clean without removing them from the coach. As long as the radiator and CAC are mounted separate from each other you will have no problem.
Bruce_Brown
Moderator
Aug 07, 2019
We've had both, I prefer the side radiator for the access.

With that said, with what you're looking to do, I wouldn't be afraid of rear radiator at all.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Aug 07, 2019
Rear mounted should be cleaned more often.
the older diesels have a slobber tube that puts oil residue in the radiator which collects dust till it chokes off airflow.
keep it clean no problem.
malexander
Explorer
Aug 07, 2019
Mine is a rear mount on my Bounder. I've never had anything else, and it doesn't seem to bother me...….maybe I just don't know any better.lol

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Diesel Pusher, side vs rear mount radiator

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