I'm looking for recommendations for a "beefier" radiator for my Roadtrek camper built on a 99 Ram Van 3500 with the 318 engine. The stock radiator is copper/brass, and I'm not sure if switching to aluminum would cause any problems. Thoughts? I'm open to recommendations on material, brand, or anything else relevant.

The van runs great, but the engine gets hot when driving up long, steep hills--especially when it's hot outside. I've been very careful not to let it get TOO hot, which has meant some very uncomfortable driving with the heater on full blast while it's 105 degrees outside. Hence my desire to upgrade the radiator.

Because of the camper conversion, this van is HEAVY, and I can't help thinking the stock radiator just isn't up to the task. Anybody have some lessons learned from doing this job on their own van?

 

I have a '91 Roadtrek B250 with 318 and does the same thing. Previous owner had a second cooling fan installed behind the radiator to pull more air through when chugging up hills. Has just a toggle switch on the dash to turn on when needed and definitely helps. I also added a tyranny oil cooler which helps the engine run a little cooler too.

 

I picked up a 3 Roll Aluminum Radiator from Summit Racing. Com and added another 2 12" Electric Fans that Pull Air into the Engine.. The Fans are 1440 CFM's compared to those cheap Chinese Made 600 CFM Fans that aren't even worth looking at in the first place... Also, I went on to install a DelAir Trans Fans Cooler from Summit Racing. Com too.. I know that it's certainly going over board with the Upgrades.. But, this was peace of mind for my Van...

 

I like "overboard", I also like "overkill".

 

Aluminum is 25% more efficient at dissipating heat than a copper brass radiator is.

https://www.griffinrad.com/general_f...copper%20brass.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've read that replacing a copper radiator with aluminum can cause electrolysis issues, but I think this van has aluminum engine parts anyway (pretty sure the water pump housing is aluminum, now that I think of it).

So, am I correct in thinking that I don't need to worry about dissimilar metals if I go with an aluminum radiator?

 

Nope. Simply not an issue. It is when dissimilar metals are in contact that you run into problems.

 

Thanks for the replying inregards from Overkill.. I know this is True and often said from friends, neighbors, and the Wife.. But, I would like very much to know that it's certainly working out well for me and also that it's awesome to look at too. After installing many of these upgrades, I did managed to include 2 Electric Fans behind the Radiator to help further improve Air flow and increase the A/C Cooling capacity. But my A/C Cooling capacity trick is subject for another Thread and not here.Plus, many of the parts in my engine are certainly made of aluminum items.. I do have already have installed a fairly new set of Aluminum Intake Heads, on this 5.9L Magnum V-8 360.. Please don't let me forget about having installed a Hughes Upgraded option Aluminum Intake.. But, I would like to level up with many of you folks. After having installed these simple devices including a simple but still a great mildly CAM.. With having had my Van DYNO Tuned at my local area shop. I have to admit my wife isn't or still sometimes upset about me having to purchase a New set Rear Tirea from doing Street Burn-Outs... This all made me a very happy camper...

 

That's one of the drawbacks of adding more power, you want to PLAY with it.

 

I have the same van, but mine has the 360 engine. How hot is too hot? When I'm pulling a trailer in Texas heat, the temperature easily gets to about 225° F. Is that too hot?
What brand of fans are people using? I never thought of an additional fan, but if it helps, I'm all for it!