Availability of an Auxiliary Electric Fan That Will Provide Efficient Cooling on a Class C Coach

Question:

I have a 2001 Ford E450 26 foot Class C with a Triton V10 engine and I pull a boat. How many CFM do I need going thru the radiator to properly cool the engine,AC,trans,etc? Is it possible to have one of your electric cooling fans supply enough air flow with out taking advantage of the air flow from driving down the road?

asked by: Ray

Expert Reply:

The actual CFM rating that you will need to properly cool you radiator, engine, and other cooling components is relative to your driving situations and habits. The general answer is the higher the CFM then more air will be pushed through the system. Typically, a big block V8 will need 3,400 to 4,500 CFMs to operate efficiently. However, this could be higher depending towing and driving situations.

Since your Ford has a V10 engine, I suggest looking at fans with 5,000 CFM and higher to make sure that you will be cooling efficiently. The Flex-a-lite Dual 15 Inch Fan, # FLX293, has a 6,000 CFM output. The fan uses a dual fan and shroud set-up to maximize the air flow through your radiator. The fan has an universal design that will allow it to fit many applications. However, you will need to measure to see if a fan like this will fit your motor home.

The # FLX293 measures 31-7/8 in wide x 17 in tall x 4-1/2 in deep. When deciding if a fan assembly will fit, the size of the radiator, the location of the A/C condenser, if the you have a transmission and/or an engine oil cooler installed and how much room you have to install a fan are all factors that need to be considered. If you have the clearance you should be able to install a fan on your coach.

The fan can be wired to be switched on or off by a switch. Using a manual switch can give you the ability to decide when to use the fan. If your normal highway travel seems to be cooling your coach, then you may not use the fan. However, if you begin to travel on hilly roads or in the mountains and cooling becomes an issue, then you will have the ability to turn on the fan to help cool your coach.

I have attached a couple FAQ articles the will provide with some general information on electric auxiliary fans for you to review. I also attached a link to all of the pusher or puller fans available for you to also review.

expert reply by: Jared P