04-18-2014, 11:40 AM
Clarke, thanks for introducing us on this forum. We really did enjoy meeting you and Elaine at that gorgeous spot in Goosenecks SP. You convinced me to join and contribute to this forum.
I’ve been scrolling thru older posts on this and previous Newell Classic forum when we were in the buying process years ago.
I’ve been traveling to and in North America for 35 years and the last 25 with Lydia typically in class A motorhomes. Mostly for one months at a time, but also traveled this great continent for a full year. A few years ago we decided to become extended travelers.
I’ve been following the RV industry, especially the class A segment, for 20 years now. And heard about Newell coaches for the first time in a test article in MotorHome magazine back in 1992.
Radiator CAC issues
We’re on 4th CAC and 3rd radiator now and the radiator drips again where the core meets the vertical header. I’m puzzled and Newell is too.
Two of the CAC’s and one radiator were rebuilt units, the last two sets were brand new from Atlas. Two CAC failures can possibly traced back to poor installation (not at Newell). The last two radiators and one CAC were leak free for only 1 week or 700-1,000 miles of highway driving and no dragging of the rear end.
The last set is mounted differently. The radiator is now sitting on 4 shock absorber type fasteners also used under generators. There’s rubber between the CAC and radiator -as in the new coaches- and the CAC bolts are set in rubber. So, the whole set-up can flex a bit. Unfortunately, to no avail. The radiator lasted a week or 700 miles before dripping again. I now loose about 1 gallon of coolant every 1,000 miles. The last few weeks I also see less maximum turbo boost, however that can be because of warmer ambient temperatures.
What is causing this is still guessing, but I have three theories:
1. Quality issues at Atlas;
2. Too much stress in the rear end of our coach (our 42’6’’ 2 slide weights less than most coaches, although the rear end is the same. So, there’s a different leverage effect than in 45’ coaches);
3. A combination of the two.
I also agree, as some of you suggested, that a more suspended or ‘floating’ mounting is better. I’ve been looking into how other brands mount their radiators and CAC’s. I’ve seen radiators sitting directly on the frame and I’ve seen the more ‘floating’ type. I haven’t had the opportunity to look into the mounting of heavier coaches like Prevost, Setra and VanHool. Maybe some of you know or even better have pictures.
Finally, on two occasions when having work done while on the road. We were advised to switch over to Dura-Lite. I know they make a great CAC, I haven’t heard feed-back on their brass/copper core radiators.
All of the above is discussed with Newell Coach and they have all under review and ‘re doing their best to get this issue solved.
In two 2 weeks we leave the coach at the factory for three months and hopefully when we start our next trip this issue is history.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
I’ve been scrolling thru older posts on this and previous Newell Classic forum when we were in the buying process years ago.
I’ve been traveling to and in North America for 35 years and the last 25 with Lydia typically in class A motorhomes. Mostly for one months at a time, but also traveled this great continent for a full year. A few years ago we decided to become extended travelers.
I’ve been following the RV industry, especially the class A segment, for 20 years now. And heard about Newell coaches for the first time in a test article in MotorHome magazine back in 1992.
Radiator CAC issues
We’re on 4th CAC and 3rd radiator now and the radiator drips again where the core meets the vertical header. I’m puzzled and Newell is too.
Two of the CAC’s and one radiator were rebuilt units, the last two sets were brand new from Atlas. Two CAC failures can possibly traced back to poor installation (not at Newell). The last two radiators and one CAC were leak free for only 1 week or 700-1,000 miles of highway driving and no dragging of the rear end.
The last set is mounted differently. The radiator is now sitting on 4 shock absorber type fasteners also used under generators. There’s rubber between the CAC and radiator -as in the new coaches- and the CAC bolts are set in rubber. So, the whole set-up can flex a bit. Unfortunately, to no avail. The radiator lasted a week or 700 miles before dripping again. I now loose about 1 gallon of coolant every 1,000 miles. The last few weeks I also see less maximum turbo boost, however that can be because of warmer ambient temperatures.
What is causing this is still guessing, but I have three theories:
1. Quality issues at Atlas;
2. Too much stress in the rear end of our coach (our 42’6’’ 2 slide weights less than most coaches, although the rear end is the same. So, there’s a different leverage effect than in 45’ coaches);
3. A combination of the two.
I also agree, as some of you suggested, that a more suspended or ‘floating’ mounting is better. I’ve been looking into how other brands mount their radiators and CAC’s. I’ve seen radiators sitting directly on the frame and I’ve seen the more ‘floating’ type. I haven’t had the opportunity to look into the mounting of heavier coaches like Prevost, Setra and VanHool. Maybe some of you know or even better have pictures.
Finally, on two occasions when having work done while on the road. We were advised to switch over to Dura-Lite. I know they make a great CAC, I haven’t heard feed-back on their brass/copper core radiators.
All of the above is discussed with Newell Coach and they have all under review and ‘re doing their best to get this issue solved.
In two 2 weeks we leave the coach at the factory for three months and hopefully when we start our next trip this issue is history.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Edwin & Lydia
(Previous owners) 2004 Newell #710, 42'6" , 2 slides, steering tag
DD series 60 EGR
1,000 W solar