04-16-2014, 06:50 AM
They were at the factory when Rhonda and I were there, but I did not get a chance to meet them. I did observe the radiator replacement closely. Add that to the radiator leaks Tom and Ron have reported, plus the radiator cores in the alley at Newell, and I am thinking this is a generic issue.
Here is what I was able to gather from the grapevine. The radiator is hard mounted to the frame so that it will be stressed, twisted, or racked if the frame flexes. Normally radiators in cars and even big trucks are free to float. That being said, in my opinion towing heavy loads, twisting the frame during leveling, and dragging the skid plates at an angle could all contribute to potential radiator problems. In other words any loading applied to the rear of the coach behind the wheels adds up to flex potentially applied to the radiator.
If I remember accurately, Newell modified his radiator mounting to put some isolators between the radiator and the frame.
Just my .02, and worth what just that.
Here is what I was able to gather from the grapevine. The radiator is hard mounted to the frame so that it will be stressed, twisted, or racked if the frame flexes. Normally radiators in cars and even big trucks are free to float. That being said, in my opinion towing heavy loads, twisting the frame during leveling, and dragging the skid plates at an angle could all contribute to potential radiator problems. In other words any loading applied to the rear of the coach behind the wheels adds up to flex potentially applied to the radiator.
If I remember accurately, Newell modified his radiator mounting to put some isolators between the radiator and the frame.
Just my .02, and worth what just that.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
99 Newell, 512
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
)