A couple years ago I bought 3 and 4 of most of the filter part numbers on our coach. Over time I've used one and two here and there. I've got a couple odd names and sizes left and would like to contact Filter Barn for another supply.
Is there going to be a couple brands to stay away from due to just being cheap and also a couple 2 or 3 that might be better brands if I can get them in the sizes I need....or even some to avoid at all cost?
Also, Now that I've got a mix of different filters, is there a method in my owners manual to find what really went on the coach with numbers provided?
That way I can use the oem numbers to cross for what ever filters I can purchase from the filter barn.
Thoughts and ideas needed please.
Thank you all as well for every helpful comment you share.
Carl,
We all have favorite brands. But I want to point out that filters, like most everything else degrade with age. I would NOT buy several years worth of filters at one time and store them. And when you buy them, put a date on them so you use oldest first.
With that said, it is a good idea to carry 2 sets of fuel filters and an oil filter. Air filters are large unlikely to go instantly from good to bad, and being paper degrade with time, so I would not buy ahead.
For final fuel filter and engine oil filter, I suggest sticking with your engine manufacturer's filters.
Brett
I have debated with the coach "voices" about the need to carry spare filters on board. I guess the collective wisdom around this is for peace of mind while on the road, but in reality, the odds of "saving the day" with a spare filter seems remote. One spare alternator belt is all I was planning to carry.
What am I missing??
Algae in fuel will stop you in tracks. Spare fuel filters get you going. Spoken from experience.
We have been saved by carrying spare filters. Fuel filters gelled up in South Texas last year and could barely get out of 2nd gear until we pulled over and changed them. Would not be without spares of filters/belts! Edit: And the tools to change them....
Dean
Old Hippie,
Extra filter can really save the day. I started selling diesels back in the '70s and can't tell you how many times I have had to bail out customers (and myself). A large part of the price of fuel in Europe is tax. Part of it pays for inspectors to constantly go from fueling station to fueling station to dip the tanks and check for contaminants. Not so here. Drive long enough and you will get a bad load. You can easily go through a couple of filter sets plus if you don't get rid of the water interface, more algae will grow. Moral of the story is to have at least a couple of sets and write the part numbers down for easy access. Same goes if you have a hydraulic pump running the radiator fans. Good to have a changing kit with hand cleaner, old towel, a few gallon or larger freezer bags to catch the drips. That also works for the tools to change the pump belt. Ez to make a cell call but harder to find a tow guy that knows what he is doing. And you know what it costs to drop the driveshaft for a tow plus the damage they may do.
Unless overheated, I'll bet 99 percent of the other times you see a diesel RV stopped by the side of the road, it's because of fuel problems.
Pierce
Carl,
Just go online and do a Google search using the filter you know fits. You should shortly come up with a chart listing all the cross reference numbers. I like Wix (NAPA Gold) and Baldwin best, Fram least. If they are not sealed in their box, seal them in a freezer bag and they should last a very long time. I also use Filter Barn.
For Detroit and Cummins owners, Detroits use the tall Racor for the primary filter with a 30 micron spec. Cummins uses a look alike for the secondary with a 2 (or is it 5?) micron rating. Close but different part number. Important to know if you need one at a truck stop.
Pierce
Thanks for the comments and thoughts. I will take the advice and not stock up, but will have a couple replacements for those mentioned.
Much appreciated
I you look around, there are optional filters with either extended drain interval, partial glass or 100% glass if worried about the paper lifespan. They generally have a letter or two after the same part number and don't cost much more.
If buying locally, trucking companies usually sell NAPA Gold filters for just over half the price you would pay at a NAPA store. Example from yesterday in our town was a NAPA Gold #1970 for $32 at the store and $18 at the trucking co. Same box, same filter.
Pierce
I've got 2 local NAPA stores in my area. One I bought from in Ft Myers , Fla area sold me one with a requested number....but wouldn't fit because it was slightly rounder than the filter I took off...hmmm, didn't see how that worked out, but didn't get back that way to return it so now I may own it. Don't know if another NAPA would take one from another store. Will check and if not...forward it to a friend on the forum.
More to come on that.
A quick snap with the iPhone/Droid is worth it's weight in gold the next time you buy filters. Same with a lot of replacement parts. If the number is hard to read on the part, the box in came in is next best.
Pierce
If you only carry one filter ---it had better be the (fuel filter) ,been there done that, more than once .I agree that I am a slow learner, but This was learned the hard expensive way . Brad Metzger