So my 2001 Country Coach Allure's radiator fan just gave up the ghost and I'm kinda stuck on where to even start looking for a replacement. I know these aren't your typical RV parts you can grab at Camping World, but I'm not sure if I should be hitting up truck stops, RV dealers, or what.
Anyone know the best places to source these fans? I'm guessing it depends on what chassis and engine I've got under there, but honestly not sure what info I need to gather before I start calling around. Also wondering if this is something I can tackle myself or if I should just bite the bullet and pay someone to handle it.
Country Coach radiator fan depends on chassis and engine type. Source from heavy truck dealers like FleetPride, Beaver Coach Sales, or engine OEM. Get VIN and engine info before ordering. Consider professional installation.
For your 2001 Country Coach Allure, you'll need to identify whether you need the engine cooling fan or the radiator cooling fan, as these coaches typically have multiple cooling fans. The main radiator fan for your Allure is most likely a Horton DM Advantage series fan clutch assembly, which was standard on most Caterpillar and Cummins engines in Country Coach units from that era. You can find replacement fans through Country Coach parts dealers like Monaco Parts Center or Bradd & Hall, with prices typically ranging from $800-1200 for a complete assembly. You'll need the correct part for your model (verify with dealer), as specifications vary between Caterpillar 3126 and Cummins ISM engines.
Country Coach used high-quality OEM components, so you'll want to stick with genuine Horton or equivalent parts rather than generic aftermarket fans. The fan assembly includes the fan blade, clutch mechanism, and mounting hardware. Your local Caterpillar or Cummins dealer can also cross-reference the exact part number using your coach's engine serial number, which will ensure you get the correct cooling capacity and mounting configuration for your specific setup.
Radiator fan failures in 2001 Country Coach Allures commonly occur due to the fan clutch wearing out after 20+ years of operation. The viscous coupling inside the fan clutch gradually loses its silicone fluid, causing the fan to either run constantly or not engage at all when cooling is needed. You'll notice symptoms like engine overheating in traffic or at idle, unusual fan noise, or the fan spinning freely by hand when the engine is off.
Common contributing factors include the harsh operating environment of RV travel - constant vibration from road travel, exposure to debris and road salt, and the stop-and-go driving patterns common in RV use all stress the fan clutch mechanism. Additionally, Country Coach units from this era often have high-performance engines that generate significant heat, putting extra demand on the cooling system components. Age-related deterioration of rubber seals and metal fatigue in the clutch assembly are also frequent causes after two decades of service.
Before ordering parts, locate your engine serial number and take photos of the current fan assembly from multiple angles. This documentation will help parts suppliers ensure you receive the correct replacement. Also check if your coach has engine documentation in the glove box or maintenance compartment that lists original part numbers.
WARNING: Cooling systems operate under pressure and can contain extremely hot coolant. Allow engine to cool completely (several hours) before beginning work. Hot coolant can cause severe burns. Never remove cooling system components when engine is warm.
Start by ensuring the engine is completely cool. Remove the engine cover or access panels to reach the radiator fan assembly. The fan is typically mounted to the water pump pulley with a large threaded coupling. Use your fan blade holding tool to prevent the fan from rotating while you loosen the main mounting nut - note that some fan clutches have reverse threads, so they loosen by turning counterclockwise (opposite of normal threads).
Once the main nut is loose, carefully lift the fan assembly straight up and out of the engine compartment. The assembly is heavy (usually 15-20 pounds), so have a helper assist you. Clean the water pump hub thoroughly before installing the new fan. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the hub threads to prevent future seizure. Install the new fan assembly by reversing the removal process, ensuring proper alignment and torque to manufacturer specifications (see manufacturer specifications in your specific engine manual, as torque requirements vary by application).
After installation, reconnect the battery and start the engine. Allow it to reach normal operating temperature while monitoring for proper fan engagement. The fan should engage based on your specific thermostat rating and fan clutch design - consult your engine manual for exact engagement temperatures. Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or interference with surrounding components. Take a test drive and verify that engine temperatures remain normal under various operating conditions.
This repair requires working in tight quarters around hot engine components and dealing with heavy assemblies that can cause injury if dropped. If you're not comfortable working with large, threaded connections under significant torque loads, or if you lack the proper tools, consider having this work performed by a qualified RV service center or heavy-duty truck repair shop. The consequences of improper installation include engine overheating, fan blade failure, or damage to the water pump.
Additionally, if your cooling system has other issues like leaking radiator, failing water pump, or thermostat problems, simply replacing the fan may not solve your overheating concerns. A professional diagnosis can identify multiple cooling system problems that should be addressed together. Country Coach systems are complex, and troubleshooting cooling issues often requires specialized diagnostic equipment and experience with luxury motorhome systems that many general mechanics lack.
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