Question Thoughts on easy access to the engine accessories?

[Joe Hogan]

One of the many criteria we (I) used to evaluate the purchase of a new RV was access to the engine, specifically the accessory end of the engine. In the Newmar line up the DutchStar is the least expensive model with a Side Radiator which allows access to the accessory end of the engine. (see pic)

Many folks do not look at the engine, rather leave it to the Tech, which is understandable.

I like to diagnose issues on my own to determine what needs to happen at the Shop. Having easy access to the engine therefor is important to me.

So the Question, do most people want a clear view of the engine I.e. side radiator, or don't care one way or the other.

 

[AbdRahim]

If Iwere buying a DP, side radiator would be a biiiggg selling point. Iwas impressed when I saw the engine compartment of the DS.

 

[Jim]

So the Question, do most people want a clear view of the engine I.e. side radiator, or don't care one way or the other.

View attachment 19651

I like to look inside, but to be honest, my diesel engine skills cover checking the fluids and looking for frayed belts. That's about it!

 

[Neal]

This is one of those Ford/Chevy passion debates but my $.02:

1. I don't care, I'm not doing the maintenance. I had upper (head gasket) and lower engine maintenance done under warranty, neither were a problem to do by Cummins
2. Side radiator takes up basement space, I have two basements on left rear because I have a rear radiator
3. It's more moving parts, quite the discussion on FB recently about some drive shaft failure on the side radiator fan or something, I didn't pay that close attention but it was quite the saga
4. It can use up some of your HP, it has a price to pay. I've heard 20-30 HP, I have no idea and it's all speculation
5. Pick your coach based on floor plan and other reasons, the side radiator IMHO is not a reason to select a coach

 

[Joe Hogan]

This is one of those Ford/Chevy passion debates but my $.02:

1. I don't care, I'm not doing the maintenance. I had upper (head gasket) and lower engine maintenance done under warranty, neither were a problem to do by Cummins
2. Side radiator takes up basement space, I have two basements on left rear because I have a rear radiator
3. It's more moving parts, quite the discussion on FB recently about some drive shaft failure on the side radiator fan or something, I didn't pay that close attention but it was quite the saga
4. It can use up some of your HP, it has a price to pay. I've heard 20-30 HP, I have no idea and it's all speculation
5. Pick your coach based on floor plan and other reasons, the side radiator IMHO is not a reason to select a coach

Interesting points.
Hadn't thought of the basement space the side radiators takes up.

The Rube Goldberg differential/transmission/driveshafts used to power the radiator fan has hopefully graduated to electric power in the newer models.

I also understand your point regarding leave the maintenance to the Techs.

However, the side radiator makes the Techs job much easier. Think about how easy it would have been to recharge your A/C if the radiator was not in the way.

But that said, I completely understand your thoughts on this.

 

[Neal]

I get it. But they know how to access items. The A/C is recharged up front above the GEN.

 

[Neal]

You have a dream coach on the way, like you I would certainly want to learn everything I could about anything I could access and keep it well maintained as I'm sure you will and I hope you'll share for others to learn.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Don't have, won't have!!!

But I have an opinion!

When someone asks me for help. I want to see what I'm getting into. I'm retired and I like that status, and when I can't see beyond many things in the way, I know I'm not looking at what should only be a one hour job.

That favor is going to take hours!

So how does that translate at the shop??? Guess that depends on how deep your pockets are!!!

 

[Joe Hogan]

I get it. But they know how to access items. The A/C is recharged up front above the GEN.

I guess I have a lot to learn. I thought you’d have to get to get compressor. Thanks for the insight.

 

[NWIP]

I saw the access differences when between side radiator and rear rad when researching our first DP. I then focused only on side rad only.
One difference between Spartan is how they drive the fan on side radiator, FL is mechanical ie belt driving driveshaft, u-joints and gear box. Spartan is driven hydraulically eliminating a lot of failure point IMHO, I’ve had both

 

[Bigblockyeti]

I'm not in the market and probably wouldn't be for 20-30 years if ever but side radiator(s) would be a must. I have to be able to fix something if need be, I am my first line of defense in finding something wrong and preventing it from getting worse/more $$. Right angle gear boxes, if properly maintained, can easily outlast the engine @ 20K+ running hours. The power defict between a direct belt drive and a bevel gearbox drive would be very low, on the order of 3hp or less difference given the speeds these engines run at. I used to work on class 8 trucks so I may be a bit biased but if I owned a DP coach, I would first be prepared to pay whatever was required to maintain it before buying and then taking it to the dealer for as little as possible for as long as I was able/comfortable taking care of it myself. I hate with a passion systems that are poorly packaged thus making maintenance and repair unnecessarily complicated and expensive for those dependent on dealers for service.

 

[Joe Hogan]

I saw the access differences when between side radiator and rear rad when researching our first DP. I then focused only on side rad only.
One difference between Spartan is how they drive the fan on side radiator, FL is mechanical ie belt driving driveshaft, u-joints and gear box. Spartan is driven hydraulically eliminating a lot of failure point IMHO, I’ve had both

Thank you, I knew there was another reason we went with Spartan chassis

 

[purring along]

I do all my own maintenance, so a side radiator is a must.

 

[Wemustrv]

One of the many criteria we (I) used to evaluate the purchase of a new RV was access to the engine, specifically the accessory end of the engine. In the Newmar line up the DutchStar is the least expensive model with a Side Radiator which allows access to the accessory end of the engine. (see pic)

Many folks do not look at the engine, rather leave it to the Tech, which is understandable.

I like to diagnose issues on my own to determine what needs to happen at the Shop. Having easy access to the engine therefor is important to me.

So the Question, do most people want a clear view of the engine I.e. side radiator, or don't care one way or the other.

View attachment 19651

I like you would prefer easy access to the engine as I also do most of the maintenance and upkeep on my rig.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Glad to see I am not alone in wanting easy access to the engine. Over the last five years I have been dealing with a front engine gasser that we Sold in May of 2022.
Thankfully, no maintenance requirement or failure had required access to the accessory end (front) of the engine. This however is the kind of thing that keeps me up at night when you hear an odd engine noise during a trip. Thankfully no issues ... also would prefer not to have Tech walking through living area during greasy engine repairs.

Here is what I looked at everytime the engine cover was raised on the front of my gasser. Unable to even see an engine in there. The oil dipstick was about 3-4' long. Hence my preference of a side radiator on my new RV, DSDP.