Truck radiators are generally larger and more robust than those in passenger cars because:
- Truck engines produce more heat (due to higher power and longer operation times).
- They require heavier-duty cooling systems to handle steep grades, towing loads, and extreme weather.
Radiators for trucks remove excess heat from the engine through three main heat transfer mechanisms:
Conduction:
- Heat is transferred from the engine coolant (usually a mix of water and antifreeze) to the metal tubes of the radiator.
- This happens because the engine generates a lot of heat due to combustion and friction.
Convection:
- Heat moves from the metal of the radiator to the air passing through the radiator fins.
- This is often aided by fans (either mechanical or electric) and the movement of the truck itself.
Radiation:
- A small amount of heat is radiated from the radiator surface, but this plays a lesser role compared to conduction and convection.
Aftermarket Truck Radiators
Dura-Liteā¢ aftermarket truck radiators are engineered for durability and performance, catering to heavy-duty applications such as long-haul trucks, vocational trucks, buses, motorhomes, and industrial equipment.
You can access Dura-Lite's comprehensive catalog of aftermarket truck radiators through our online platform. The catalog offers over 375 heavy-duty radiator configurations suitable for a large selection of vehicle makes, models, and years.
Commercial Truck Radiators
The quality of commercial truck radiators can vary significantly depending on materials, design, construction techniques, and brand standards. Here's a breakdown of what affects radiator quality and why Dura-Lite truck radiators are considered one of the best:
Dura-Lite Radiators:
- Premium grade aluminium cores.
- Thick gauge metals that resist corrosion and physical damage.
- Fiber-reinforced plastic tanks.
Lower-Quality Radiators:
- Thin poor-grade aluminium.
- Weak braze joints.
- Brittle plastic tanks that are prone to cracking under heat and vibration.
Dura-Lite High-Quality Construction:
- Extra header-stiffening plate, eliminates common leaks.
- Reinforcements made to known stress points such as headers, corners, and mounting brackets.
Lower-Quality Construction:
- Inconsistent braze joints.
- Loose or uneven fins (reduces cooling efficiency and durability).
- Poor fit and sealing between the tank and core.
Cooling Performance:
- Dura-Lite radiators handle high heat loads efficiently under full loads, long hauls, and in hot climates.
- Cheaper radiators will overheat more easily under stress and fail prematurely.
Durability and Longevity:
- Dura-Lite radiators can last for many years with proper care, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Economy radiators can fail in a short period of time, especially in heavy-use conditions or poor climates (salt, dirt, etc.).
Heavy Duty Truck Radiator Replacement
Heavy-Duty plastic tank/ aluminium core replacement radiators from Dura-Lite are designed to achieve a balance between weight and performance and include the following features:
- Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Tanks: Offer enhanced strength and resistance to cracking.
- Reinforced Headers with Stiffening Plates: Improve structural stability under pressure and vibration.
- High-Efficiency Core Design with Heavy-Gauge Tubes: Ensure optimal heat transfer and durability.
Dura-Lite truck radiators are direct OE replacements engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications for fit and performance.
Semi Truck Radiator
Dura-Lite provides an online catalog where customers can search for semi truck radiators by Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part number, or by selecting the make, model, and year of their vehicle. This user-friendly interface ensures that customers can find the correct radiator replacement for their specific truck model.
For direct access to the catalog and to explore available products, visit the Dura-Lite Semi Truck Radiator Catalog.
Search Options:
By OEM Part Number:
Utilize our Cross Reference search tool by entering your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part number to find the corresponding Dura-Lite radiator.
By Vehicle Details:
If the OEM part number is unavailable, you can search by selecting your vehicle's make, model, and year.
This method helps narrow down the appropriate radiator options for your specific vehicle; however, each application has different requirements (such as an oil cooler, PTO Hole, etc.) and it is strongly recommended to use the OEM part number to prevent ordering the incorrect radiator.
