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Filling Coolant - How To?

The coolant overflow bottle on our 34' is high up on the right side of he engine compartment. Too high for a std funnel. I've been using the type with the long clear plastic tube but still not long enough to avoid having coolant or distilled spilling.

A better way?
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #1
I use an piece of hose from the funnel into the reservoir. I stand on a short ladder and am able to top of the reservoir without spilling.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #2
If I am just adding a small amount I use a little red solo cup. It will clear the overhead.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #3
Roland...guess I could change out the hose I've been using for a longer one and get higher.

Chuck...simple idea. As long as I don't get my drink solo cup confused!
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #4
Gary O made one from several pieces of pvc pipe with a swivel in the middle made by using 2 elbows and then a 90 degree elbow to go into to of coolant bottle. It works very well.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #5
I do like Roland does. A 2' length of hose with a funnel on one end. I stand on a step stool and pour. If I'm using a new gallon of coolant I'll have Jo Ann come out, too, and hold the hose and funnel while I use two hands to handle the coolant.

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #6
Ron, would love to see a picture. Maybe when I go over to visit I can get a look.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #7
I just use an empty 16oz water bottle.  I pour the coolant into the empty water bottle and then I pour the coolant in the water bottle into the coolant overflow tank. No drips or accidents.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #8
If I am just adding a small amount I use a little red solo cup. It will clear the overhead.

That is what I do-- little bit at a time.  Make sure to put/hold a sheet of plastic or grocery bag on the "roof" so dirt will not get in when you open and pour in the reservoir.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #9
I do what John M does.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #10
The end cap on our coach has a large empty space above the coolant overflow bottle, where we can look all the way up to the top curved crown of the end cap, even can see the backside wiring of marker lights.

We fill our coolant overflow container using a screw-on inexpensive spout that has a shutoff.  We  screw the spout on our coolant gallon container, turn spout off, turn gallon container upside down and stick the bottom up in the open end cap space, stick spout into overflow container, open spout valve to fill, and turn off when we feel the overflow level is where we want it.

All coaches do not have the open end cap space.


Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #11

I have one of these manual siphon pumps. Works great.  About $10.

Amazon.com: Koehler Enterprises RA990 Multi-Use Siphon Fuel Transfer Pump...

Works great for the AH as well.


As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

 

Re: Filling Coolant - How To?

Reply #12
I bought a garden watering pitcher. It has a very long small diameter spout that enables me to reach the end in just under the door frame and yet tip the pitcher enough to empty it into the radiator.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD