Ro646a
New Boston, MI
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Our 11 year old motor home has 19,000 miles on it. We are planning a trip out west in June and I'm wondering if I should replace the radiator hoses. The heater hoses are very easy to replace, so I'm going to replace them no matter what, and replace the anti freeze.
The radiator hoses look pretty unusual, with a couple of off-shoots that go to the base of the oil filter. It looks like it is pretty difficult to get to the clamps at the radiator. The hoses themselves look just fine. They are firm, but pliable and the clamps are all in good shape.
I'm wondering how long the hoses usually last on a V10? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
* This post was
edited 05/03/12 07:07pm by Ro646a *
2001 Fleetwood Southwind 35R on 2000 Ford F53 Chassis
V10 310HP
Roadmaster Sterling All terrain tow bar
Ready Brake
2002 Chevy Tracker V6 4x4 SUV
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Traveling Langille
Plattsburgh,NY
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I would change all the hoses and belts, Better to be safe
Wilma 1997 Fleetwood Flair
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helperzack
Florida - Tennessee
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I would either change them or make sure to have replacements on board just in case.
And only 19k miles, make sure your tires are OK.
Safe travels!
Coachmen Mirada 310DS
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Ro646a
New Boston, MI
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I'm leaning toward biting the bullet and changing them all. I replaced the tires a month ago, so I'm all set in that regard.
Are the radiator hoses as difficult to get to as it appears? Maybe I should just take it to a shop. 
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John Wayne
Long Beach, Ca
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Make sure you change the hose clamps also there was a problem with the Ford clamps rusting through (the spring type) replace with SS worm type.
John & Carol Life members
01 31'Sea View single slide, F53 V-10
96 Toyota 4-Runner auto 4x4 (Remco, M&G brake system)
Security by Bentley
God Bless
KF6HCH
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topflite51
In The Desert of Nevada
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I would change all the hoses and belts and as suggested the clamps on the hoses. It is easier to do it now than alongside the highway.
 David
Just rolling along enjoying life
w/F53 Southwind towing a 87 Samurai or 01 Grand Vitara looking to golf or fish
Simply Despicable 
Any errors are a result of CRS.
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happy-2
calif
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HI there,I have a 1999 southwind,30,000 miles.This last month I had ALL the rad and heater hoses replaced. The shop had to make up one section of rad hose because its nolonger made by ford. WITH THAT SAID ITS CHEEPER TO HAVE IT DONE AT HOME THAN ON THE ROAD.All hoses,and belt,service and fuel filter,safety check,flush cooling sys.new thrmostat $1300.00.
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jerseyjim
New Jersey
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11 years and 19,000 miles? Mine is also 11 years, with 50 thou. At 30, I replaced the upper and lower radiator hoses, and the serpentine belt. And while I was there...the anti-freeze, too.
As I remember, the upper hose is almost "generic". The lower hose...$164. Looks like an octotpus...I was informed that I really should get a lower hose from Ford because the "aftermarket" products "just don't fit right". Ok by me. Also the belt. From Ford. Same reason. The anti freeze already in there was "green" (in color), so green anti-freeze went back in. No biggie there.
I suggest you have a friend help you. (gotta blame somebody...) After the "dog house" is off, one of you underneath...especially with the belt. Everything is really the same as a car...but bigger.
How are your tires? If original...get 'em changed! (BIG $$$$ there.....) Of course, change the oil and grease the chassis. (How's the transmission fluid? Brake fluid?) Also...change the in-line fuel filter. Cheap...and necessary.
My owners' manual states the spark plugs are good for 100,000. So no worries, there.
* This post was
edited 05/04/12 04:51am by jerseyjim *
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jerseyjim
New Jersey
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HAPPY-2: Seeing you don't take PMs...can you tell me what radiator hose Ford is no longer making? Upper, lower, cross-over?
Altho I think Ford makes the best (fitment) hoses and belts, I wonder if your shop could have ordered an "afermarket" product, from , say, NAPA, rather than make one.
Courious.
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dsbsi
Minnesota
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When we offer advise to someone we tend to answer on the safe conservative side.
What we do ourselves may be different.
Products are being made better today compared to years past. I inspect my belts and hoses very carefully and I keep the engine compartment clean and a little cooler with a 180 thermostat. My belts and hoses look and feel almost new.
My 16 year old Ford Bounder now has 70,000 miles. If I replace the belts and hoses now I should be good for another 50,000 miles (trouble free).
Tire life on a motorhome is not so good.
Dwight
1995 Ford F53 Bounder 35U
Cold Spring Minnesota
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