Skip to main content
Topic: Radiator hose clamps, what's best (Read 849 times) previous topic - next topic

Radiator hose clamps, what's best

I know all hose clamps are not created equal. What are the better or best ones over the standard china stuff?
Happy Fathers day!
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #1
Constant tension ones that you can get at any of the big truck shops.  Don't skimp on them they are not cheap but neither is your big Cummins engine if you overheat it.
2003 U320 4220 42' Tag Axle
"Babe The Big Blue Ox"
Motorcade #18069
🤔Mark and Angela Bumgarner 😎

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #2
Super. I'll get some.
Thanks
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #3
Constant tension ones that you can get at any of the big truck shops.  Don't skimp on them they are not cheap but neither is your big Cummins engine if you overheat it.
Are these considered the "T-bolt" clamps?
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #4

Not always. Some T bolts have springs to add the constant tension function.  The spring in constant tension clamps keeps them tight through a wide range of temperatures. Here is one at Amazon.

Amazon.com: Mishimoto Constant Tension Worm Gear Clamp, 1.26"-2.13" (32mm-54m...

The T bolts types are likely heavier duty. I looked at my coach and that is what is there.

Thanks Brett.

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: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #5
Actually some of the better constant tension clamps are T bolt clamps: T-Bolt Clamps | Fastenal
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: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #6
Found a company called Del City that has them and a good price.
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #7
I have seen clamps fail before. My preference would be the T-bolt clamp. Then I would Safety Wire the clamp as pictured.
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #8
T bolts constant tension with nylock nuts are pretty bomb-proof.
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: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #9
Agreed, T bolts constant tension with nylock nuts are pretty bomb-proof. I have seen the nylon locknuts fail in a high vibration installation and those were re-used unknown number of times. When re-used, they loose their "Prevailing Torque" feature and are susceptible to loosening.  Most mechanics do not have a prevailing torque wrench available to them. So you just typically replace nylon type locknuts. That is why I would safety wire the band if I am going to reuse the locknut.
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #10
Wolf- Master, I like that idea. I'll get the T-bolt with locknut and be done with it
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #11
https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/hose-clamps?autoview=ProductName&SortBy=default&SortOrder=Ascending&cm_mmc=ppc-google-_-search-_-general-terms-_-keyword&gclid=CjwKCAjwrcH3BRApEiwAxjdPTbaAFPReNY9ucOKIb-01wn0l9H02WYggQkOeTA4ZD3G40ttQKDt_uxoCRHQQAvD_BwE
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #12
Been using Summit for years. I like Jegs a bit better for customer service and they will price match.
Thanks. Upon further inspection, as they say, I do have silicone hoses on at least half with t-clamps!!! Why they aren't all that way is a mystery to me
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #13
On the broad subject of clamps...don't forget to check your turbo-to-exhaust 'turbo clamp'.  Mine broke on a climb out of Camp Verde AZ...very loud when it breaks. Very hot too.
2000 U270 36' build #5595
Cummins 8.3 ISC 350hp
Allison MD3060R
780 Watts Solar
Must go Faster...No Sniveling.

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #14
Not all T Bolt clamps are constant tension for wide temperature variations.  Get the ones with the springs and tighten them to a torque spec.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #15
Got it
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

 

Re: Radiator hose clamps, what's best

Reply #16

I have been reading that the latest thing in clamps is a "Floating Bridge" for T-bolts clamps.  They eliminate possible buckling.
Here's an example:  Amazon.com: Mishimoto Stainless Steel Constant Tension T-Bolt Clamp, 3:...

"Constant Tension" seems to be a keyword for clamps with springs under the nuts.  And some use disk washers for the springs.

I also included details on a recommended installation of clamps that I found.  Notice the clamp should be close (but not on top of) the pipe bead.

It's also not a bad idea to install two clamps (rotate 180 degrees apart) on larger hoses (like +2").  They should be positioned close but not touching each other.  This might be particularly relevant if one end moves a little (like the engine on it's mounts) and the other end is fixed to the chassis; the extra clamp keeps the hose end from sliding on the pipe and getting out of position.

My personal experience with radiator clamps is I'll have installed the clamp in summer and tighten the clamp as tight as I can (within reason) but come winter I find maybe a drip here or there.  I tighten them again and then they seem to be good from then on out.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho