Do My Own Maintenance

[tomthyme]

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!

[crasster]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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