Forum Discussion

tomthyme's avatar
tomthyme
Explorer
Apr 21, 2017

Do My Own Maintenance

Hi Folks!
Our consideration of moving to a class A diesel continues. We have looked extensively at the Newmar products (Ventana and Dutch Star) and we really like them. One thing I was a bit disappointed in was the Freightliner ISL400 chassis with the radiator position. It seems it would be almost impossible to complete the simplest of maintenance tasks myself (oil changes, oil & fuel filter changes, etc.). I prefer to get comfortable with my rig.

Clearly I can't do transmission work or big jobs, but I really like typical maintenance.

The question is this: Do I have to get a side radiator chassis to change my own oil, or perform other simple tasks?

Thanks guys!

Safe travels!
Class A
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2017
    Of course you can. The access is just barely any more difficult... Do your own maintenance if you can. You'll save money and know the job was done right.
  • ncrowley's avatar
    ncrowley
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2017
    Check the access to the engine compartment from the trap door in the reared bedroom. In my coach, opening that door gives you good access to everything. You do not need to open that door to do oil and filter changes, and other fluid changes.
  • Bruce_Brown's avatar
    Bruce_Brown
    Moderator
    Apr 22, 2017
    If it's a Dutch Star it will be a side radiator.

    With that said, our last one was a rear radiator, our current one is a side unit. The side unit is easier for sure, the rear isn't bad. On a DP you also have excellent access from inside the coach as well. There is an access door and panel the opens the engine bay up a bunch.
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2017
    Placement of a radiator does not change the location of the Drain plug or the oil filter.

    Getting at it fro the bottom should be as easy on one as the other.
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2017
    A good shop can drop the rear rad within an hour for engine access if necessary. The side rads have their bene's but they are also more complex with additional hydraulics and fan control circuitry. I've only owned two rear rad vehicles and I think I have a handle on things, but I'd sure like to try a side rad someday.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Apr 22, 2017
    No but it's a lot easier with the side. You still have to get under there to change the oil/filter. Now changing the serpentine belt is a lot easier with the side radiator.
  • PCarnathan's avatar
    PCarnathan
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2017
    Do you have to? No. Do you want to? Yes. I pay a local shop to do my regular maintenance. I'm looking at a serious motorcycle lift for my 2013 Honda Goldwing, so for me, the side radiator is the bomb.

    I've been told the side radiator is best for routine maintenance, but I'm not able to back that up with empirical evidence.

    I know for a fact the rear of the rig isn't very dirty.

    Pat in Menifee, CA

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