Aridon
SE Florida
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Joined: 06/06/2007
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All things equal a side radiator is slightly better than a rear one. That I would say is a fact.
Now its up to you to decide what other factors are important because all things are not always equal.
We prefer the side radiators, just about every coach with a tag has one. Many of the non tag coaches tend to have rear although some do have side, lower cost coaches on average tend to have rear.
Obviously people are going to defend what they have because heaven forbid something else might be a little better.
Either way you are either in the price range of a side radiator coach or you are not. Pretty simple IMO.
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2008 Newmar 4330 (Modified)
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Latitude
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 08/16/2007
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Biggest Issue with the Side vs Rear is Not Cooling or cleaning BUT
Engine access for service,
I have a rear rad and am getting the work done BUT it would be a Whole Lot easier on the rear rad!!!
Rick
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SCHARLEY
Atlanta, GA
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Joined: 02/20/2005
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It almost sounds like the first decision a body should make when buying is between a side radiator or rear. LOL Once that is decided everything else is built around that.
I.e. I want a rear radiator so I’ll go with a smaller engine or on the other hand, I want a side radiator so I’ll also go with a larger engine.
Pick the rig you like at the price point that fits within your budget and the engineers will make the decision regarding which radiator you will have.
I only wish folks would do half as much due diligent on decisions that will have far more impact on their lives. 
SCHARLEY
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pfunk
Shelby Township, MI
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Joined: 08/12/2008
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If I let radiator placement decide what coach I should buy, then their is something wrong.
Optimal cooling 100% of the time would be in the front (not rear or side). I think an engine drivin clutched fan would use less HP also then hydrolics
I would not let that be a deciding factor in purchasing
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2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor
300 Cat 6spd Ally
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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Don Don wrote:
The better Coaches have side Radiators! I don't think so.
Which of the coaches considered either top of THEIR line...OR..typically thought of as HIGH LINE ..DONT have a side radiator???
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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SCHARLEY wrote:It almost sounds like the first decision a body should make when buying is between a side radiator or rear. LOL Once that is decided everything else is built around that.
I.e. I want a rear radiator so I’ll go with a smaller engine or on the other hand, I want a side radiator so I’ll also go with a larger engine.
I only wish folks would do half as much due diligent on decisions that will have far more impact on their lives.
There are coaches made today with the 400 HP Cummins and a rear radiator!!
I consider the radiator "placement" just ONE of the particular mechanicals I desired.
1) I wanted a Cummins engine and not a CAT ( wish I could have bought larger but it wasnt even available)
2) I wanted IFS
3) I did NOT want a coach that required a tag axle
4) I did NOT want "aqua or Hydro hot" heating
And a few other smaller items.
Thinking a coach out totally prior to purchase is the only way to stay happy with it over the long haul....either that or you trade coaches every 3 years.
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SteveRankin
Sequim, WA
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A side radiator was one a mandatory item for us. Ease of engine access, fewer radiator problems and better handling because of a longer wheel base and better weight distribution were all more important than the loss of one partial storage compartment.
Steve & C. J.
"Gracie" the Rough Collie & "Bo'sun" the Bichon Frise
2009 Arctic Fox 29V
2005 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 4X4 Crewcab
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pfunk
Shelby Township, MI
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SteveRankin wrote: better handling because of a longer wheel base and better weight distribution
Curious, could you explain those
weight distribution? that make absolutly no sence to me in the difference between styles, youd think that a rear would be more balanced (centered in vehical and storage on both sides for ease of properly loading)
Longer wheel base? Per foot, Id like to see some data, if it pushes the rear cap out 4 inches because of a radiator do you honestly think that would make any diference in handling on a 36 plus foot vehical
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RoyaleD
Montana
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Joined: 10/15/2005
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Side is better. You can get to the engine, so it is some thing someone can work on. If you have deep pockets and some one else does the work then who cares. Rear will have to be cleaned more oftern see above. Rear one will leak more often see above.
1990 Monaco Crown Royale Signature
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toolttime
Morinville Ab Canada
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Joined: 07/15/2008
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I pesonnaly think the side rad makes it cheaper to build the coach by not haveing to have access from under the bed. Also the bed can now go sideways instead of front to back with a side rad and bedroom slide outs. Be hard to have a slide out with the hump for the acesss compartment under the bed.
07 Mandalay 40F
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