Side or rear radiator diesel pusher

RayChez wrote:
About the only advantage is to get to the engine to change the belts. Other then that there is really not that much of the engine exposed to do anything else.
Side radiators do take some horse power off the engine because they are hydraulic. Also side radiators do take up where a valuable compartment could be (especially)for full timers. And side radiators are right behind the rear wheels where debris will be kicked back and could damage your radiator.

Rear radiators about 15 years ago had a problem with both Cat and Cummins engines with a slobber tube that was not extended long enough and oil condensation or just over filled crank cases would throw the oil out the breather tube and into the radiator causing radiators to plug up and engines would overheat. Problem was solved with the Cat engines by extending the breather tube and cutting the amount of oil from 24 quarts to 19 quarts.
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I bet you have a rear radiator!

The side radiator is so much easier to visibly inspect the engine for coolant leaks, oil seepage, etc. It is so much easier to just pop open the rear engine cover and look for anything unusual in the engine compartment. I doubt very many people open up the hatch in the bedroom to inspect the engine daily like I do with a side radiator.

So many things are easier to replace on a side radiator such as alternator, coolant hoses, belts, exhaust manifold, fuel pump, fuel and coolant filters, etc. on a coach with a side radiator. Ask any mechanic.

As was said in other posts, all the road debris and dirt from the rear wheels is kicked up directly into a rear radiator, not so with a side radiator. Most of the posts you read on here about overheating problems are with a rear radiator for obvious reasons.

One of the reasons is that a side radiator is drawing cool outside air into it. A rear radiator draws hot engine air directly into it.

The extra expense for a side radiator is well worth it and for obvious reasons.
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On the Cummins engine the extension of the tube solved their problem.

Side radiator coaches did not have that problem with oil getting on it.

Side radiator coaches usually cost more because of the hydraulic pumps they have to add.

They both work good once the modifications are made and both have to get a cleaning with a cleaner and water every so often especially if you drive much on dirt roads.